Dance Styles Offered at Danceworx:
Pre-Dance
This extensive program offers our little ones a basic introduction to creative movement and age appropriate dance steps. An exploration of the fundamental elements of dance including concepts such a rhythm, time, energy, balance and off balance, size, focus etc. are an important part of the structured creative process. Structured improvisation based on the concept of the day reinforces and builds a strong cognitive understanding. Social skills including co-operation, appropriate behavior, and leadership is an integrated component of the class. These classes are all about fun! (3yrs and 4-5yrs).
What do they wear?
Pink , white or black gymnastic slippers, a body suit and tights (any colour), and we also allow the little ones to wear a ballet skirt of their choice.
Boys may dance in bare feet, a T-shirt or tank, comfortable pants or shorts.
Jazz
Jazz is a very up-beat, high energy class that uses pop music favorites from the 70’s to present. Sharp, direct, funky and strong is the best way to describe this movement style. This class begins with a vigorous warm-up using lots of isometrics, isolations and stretching. Fundamental dance technique improves alignment, co-ordination and strength to accomplish the dance steps learned across the floor and in the combinations. (all ages).
What to wear?
Stretchy jazz pants or leggings. Jazz shoes split sole booties (Intensive) or black gymnastic slippers (Recreational).
Breakdance
Breakdance is an excellent cardio work out and builds upper body strength, balance and coordination. Popping, locking and building on your own personal style in a fun and funky atmosphere.
What to wear?
Baggy sweat pants and tops!! Please have specific indoor runners to wear!
Hip Hop
It is all the rage in music videos today. This funky style of dance incorporates lots of footwork and change of directions, plus body isolations including locking and popping techniques. It is definitely all about personal style. The more bounce and sway, the better you can get the groove. It is fun, athletic, and a great cardio work out.
What to wear?
Baggy sweat pants and tops!! Please have specific indoor runners to wear!
Tap
Tap requires the use of fine motor skills in the feet, plus co-ordination and rhythm. Understanding of music beats and how they break down is an integral part of the learning process in tap. The fun challenge is getting your feet to relate to these musical dynamics while learning the steps. Discover rhythm and body awareness through tap technique and choreography (all ages).
What to wear?
It is especially important to purchase a good quality tap shoe. We recommend the oxford style tap shoe. For the very young students you may purchase the patent leather, ribbon tie shoe. Clothing should be comfortable including stretchy tops and jazz pants.
Stage
This is a great class for those Broadway musical lovers. Students incorporate acting and performance skills with dance technique recreating parts of the best of musicals.
What to wear?
Same as in jazz.
Ballet - R.A.D. (Royal Academy of Dance)
Instructors offer an open style class of the traditional classical ballet curriculum. Classical music is used throughout the class. The barre work and center work builds strength and flexibility, poise and grace. (5yrs - 18yrs)
What to wear?
All ballet students are required to wear their hair in a bun. Pink ballet tights, and a pink for younger students or a black body suit. Pink leather ballet slippers are necessary.
Lyrical
This class offers the same technique and class structure as jazz but the style is smooth and continuous. The dancers should use this movement and emotion to tell a story through their dance.
What to wear?
Ballet attire with any added skirts or shorts so legs are visable.
Theatre
This class builds self confiedence in a fun and welcoming way. Students explore role playing and focus on the essential elements of theatre encouraging a wonderful outlet for dramatic expression.
What to wear?
Comfy clothes that you can move in, recommend black clothing.
Contemporary
This class involves more free flow movement and emphasizes the use of the floor for centering and grounding oneself in movement. This class focuses on the breath (inhale/exhale), which brings quality to one’s movement. Concepts of overcurve/undercurve, contraction/release, musicality and rhythm are explored.
What to wear?
Same as in jazz.
We would love to share with you more information on any of our classes.
Please feel free to call 604-853-3620 or email us at
Tap