CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

CURRICULUM

STUDENTS SHOULD EXPECT TO ATTEND EACH LEVEL FOR A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS .

WEE DANCE! (Ages 1 – 2)

This class will bring parents and children together to build mobility and foster creativity using developmentally appropriate songs and games. We will use creative dance as a springboard into exploration and discovery— expressing stories, ideas, and dreams— all while learning the ins and outs of being in a classroom/dance studio setting. Tuition is for one child/adult pair.

LITTLE MOVERS (Ages 3 – kindergarten)

Through exploration and play, students in these classes improve motor skills and self-control, and gain confidence.

BALLET, BOYS BALLET, TEEN BALLET, POINTE (1st grade & up)

Beginning with Intro to Ballet, School of Dance students follow a sequential program in which each level is designed to encourage greater awareness of musicality and coordination as well as increased flexibility and strength. Classes consist of comprehensive training in classical ballet, taught by highly trained professionals. Enrollment requirements per class:

Intro to Ballet: 1 class per week

Ballet I-II: 1 class per week

Ballet III-IV: 2 classes per week

Ballet V-VII: 3 classes per week

Pointe: 2 classes per week in addition to 3 Ballet technique classes.

MODERN

Teaching the fundamentals of modern dance as well as various other contemporary forms including floor work, Hamilton’s release technique, and Afrocentric influences, these classes explore circular and grounded movements through an array of contemporary and modern dance methods. Prior dance experience required.

CONTEMPORARY MOVEMENT

Based on the philosophy that every person can and should dance, these classes teach movement exploration and encourage play, structured improvisation, balance, and body conditioning within a social peer group.

JAZZ

The jazz program includes various styles of jazz such as classic, Broadway, and contemporary. Beginning students focus on building rhythm, coordination, and character skills until they are ready for syncopation movements, body isolations, dynamic leaps, suspended turns, and stylized choreography.

TAP

These classes combine rhythm, musicality, and coordination into a fun percussive movement session for your feet. Starting with Level I, students remain in each level until they’ve mastered the required material to progress to the next level.

HIP HOP

Designed to be fun and energetic, hip-hop combines stylized movements and complex body rhythm with witty, compelling choreography. Students explore various styles of hip-hop including intricate percussive movements, pop, lock, break and lyrical hip-hop

CHINESE CLASSICAL DANCE (2nd grade & up)

These classes teach the fundamentals of the graceful, fluid, and breath-based movements of Chinese Classical Dance.

IRISH DANCE (2nd grade & up)

These classes are upbeat and involve choreographed traditional and non-traditional classes. Beginning-level students will learn the basic Jig and reel steps. Intermediate level students will include more complicated steps and preparations for hard shoe. All are welcome to join the Irish Step Dance program and enjoy this cultural dance form.

WELLNESS & CONDITIONING (6th grade & up)

These classes are designed to strengthen your core and balance your muscle development in order to create a strong and flexible body.

MASTER CLASSES & SEMINARS

The School of Dance hosts classes with distinguished master teachers throughout the year to give students exposure to the highest levels of dance.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Private lessons with the dance faculty are available depending on studio and instructor availability. Cost varies based on instructor and type of class. A $10/hr fee is charged in addition to the instructor fee. To schedule a private lesson, contact the School of Dance Director by emailing hanan@lawrenceartscenter.org. Payment for individual private lessons should be received prior to each lesson through the front desk. Students may not pay for more than one lesson at once.

LAWRENCE DANCE INTENSIVE: SUMMER BALLET

Since 2016, the Lawrence Dance Intensive has provided the regional dancer with quality artistic and development opportunities with accomplished faculty, guest artists, and choreographers. This summer, it returns to host a series of 1-week summer programs for ballet dancers ages 10-18yrs. Based on a diverse & well-balanced curriculum, this program strives to develop the artists of tomorrow.

No pre-screening or audition required to attend. New participants will be requested to provide information and material to assess level placement. More information on financial aid and the intensive can be found on the Lawrence Arts Center website.

Dancers must be between 10-18yrs years of age by the start of the intensive and dancing at an Intermediate/Advanced level