Dance Styles & Classes

Performing Classes

Ballet

Want to be as graceful as a swan? Then ballet is for you!  When learning ballet, students will learn ballet terms in French.  Ballet dancers learn light, graceful and fluid movements.  Ballet is good for musicality, flexibility and grace. Most ballet classes learn ballet steps at the barre, center and across the floor. It is simply beautiful to watch!  Each class is run based on what is developmentally appropriate for that specific age level!

Pre-Pointe

This is a non-performing class for dancers in MS/HS and is used to prepare dancers to go on pointe through stretching and strengthening exercises. This class is required for at least a year before dancers can go on pointe. The pointe dancer will continue taking this class throughout their pointe training.  Dancers are required to purchase certain equipment/clothing to use in this class.

Pointe

Pointe Work is for intermediate ballet dancers 13 years of age or older with at least 4 years of ballet training. Pointe requires extensive training and special shoes to dance on the tip of your toes.  You must have taken two years of ballet technique and a pre-pointe class. Pointe work can be very hard on a dancer’s body as well as demanding mentally. It is up to the teacher (Chelsea’s discretion) if a dancer is ready for pointe.

Jazz

Jazz dancing is shared by a large range of different styles.  Jazz steps or moves help students learn routines and perform them to different popular music.  Students love to hear their favorite song being played as they learn new moves and put them together in pieces called choreography. Jazz dancers also work on flexibility and strength as well as endurance as they dance.

Contemporary

Contemporary is a class in which dancers stretch & break the traditional rules of Ballet and Jazz. Dancers are instructed to use emotions to tell stories through their movements. Dancers will explore creating their own choreography (with guidance). Level II Contemporary will include learning simple acro as well as partnering skills. Enrollment in a ballet class is required.

Hip Hop

Hip-Hop refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music.  It is important for hip-hop dancers to have a basis in jazz, because it makes the steps easier to learn.  In hip-hop we will work on strength, endurance and choreography.

Broadway Tap

NEW TO TPD and TAUGHT by Broadway Dancer, Meredith Anderson. Broadway Tap is the form of tap dancing immortalized in movie musicals by stars like Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, The Nicholas Brothers, Gene Kelly, & Ann Miller. It typically incorporates more arm movements, artistic body movements, and movements across the dance floor. This energetic class teaches the student about sound, rhythm, syncopation as well as full body dancing. If you have taken any form of tap before, or are completely new to tap dancing, you will absolutely love these classes and learning this great American art form!

Toddler Dance

This introductory class is for children ages 2- 4 years old. Parents do not take this class with their child. Throughout the year we will work on gross and fine motor movements, and explore several dance styles: ballet, jazz and hip-hop. This is a high energy class that incorporates dance games and props! Students will perform one piece in the spring recital in the class’ favorite dance style with their class student assistant.

Preschool Dance

This class is for 3-5 year olds. Dancers will learn basic ballet, jazz and hip-hop steps as well as basic choreography. Dancers will learn these styles in a fun and age appropriate way.  Students will perform in the spring dance recital with a class student assistant.

Tumbling/Dance Class

Does your child move and dance around the house and use your furniture for gymnastics? Then this class is for you!  Your dancer will learn basic tumbling like somersaults, handstands, cartwheels, & backbends. Students also learn to use some gymnastic apparatuses (mats, bars, beam, etc).  In addition, they will learn basic dance skills to incorporate with their tumbling skills.  

TPD Company I and II

See Company handout for more info.

Dancers with Special Needs

Here at Turning Pointe Dance, we believe sincerely that dance should be accessible to ALL, regardless of ability or skill.  If your student has special needs that may be better suited for a smaller class with the ability to have more individualized attention, Chelsea would love to accommodate you and your dancer.  Again, we want you to know that being a dancer with special needs does NOT mean you can’t join a regular class with all the other kids.  We are all about being inclusive!  However, TPD wants to make sure to offer classes for anyone who may desire a class specifically designed for dancers with special needs. Come one, come all!!

Adults

Who says dance classes are only for kids?!  At Turning Pointe Dance, we believe it is never too late to learn how to dance!  Whether you have a specific style in mind or just want to get or stay in shape, we offer many different classes to fit your needs.  Whether you prefer to dance by yourself or you want to bring a partner, we have a class for you! 

Non-Performing/Recreational Classes

Parent and Me Music and Movement (NP)

Does your little one struggle to sit still when they hear music? This is a great opportunity for kids who are active and love to sing and dance!  This class is for you (a parent) and your child ages 1-4 years old!  Parents will help their dancers follow the teacher’s directions as well as use props to dance and sing to age appropriate songs.  This is a great way to start your child’s dance experience and meet other families!

Parent and Me Tumbling and Dance (NP)

This class is for you (a parent) and your child ages 1-4 years old! You will help your dancer complete obstacle courses that teach gross motor skills and basic tumbling skills (trampoline, beam, bar, etc). Students will also learn basic dance skills through dance games. What a great way to burn off energy and have fun with your little one while preparing them for future dance and tumbling classes!

Toddler (2-3 year olds) & Preschool (4-5 year olds) Educational Dance Class (NP): This class is taught by Chelsea Speer, a certified elementary and special education teacher (see website for her bio)

The Toddler Educational Dance Class is great for parents who want their 2-3 year olds to learn in a fun and active environment. In this class, we complete thematic units that are enjoyable and very hands-on!  The Preschool Educational Dance Class is very similar except we incorporate more developmentally appropriate academic skills  (colors, shapes, numbers, letters) that will help them be prepared for kindergarten!  The tuition includes everything students will need for the class; no extra supplies required!   These classes are great if you want your child to have a preschool experience but don’t want to commit more than one day a week!

Adult Dance Class (NP):  NEW TO TURNING POINTE DANCE AND TAUGHT BY BROADWAY DANCER, Meredith Patterson (see website for her bio)

Whether you are returning to dance or starting dance for the first time, you will love this adult dance class designed to help increase flexibility, while maintaining and increasing overall strength. Meredith will begin with a warm up and teach a variety of basic dance techniques – simple turns, walks, pivots, and classic dance moves that you can use anywhere! Gain mobility, strength and flexibility, while having a great time improving memory, balance and sharpening reflexes. This class is just a month to month commitment but does require minimum enrollment each month for the class to run.

Adult Ballroom (NP): This class is taught by Chelsea and Ryan Speer (see website for their bio)

Want to learn a new skill and enjoy time with your partner?  Preparing for an upcoming event or wedding and want to learn basic ballroom dances? Need something new and fun for you and your partner to do? Just want to get away from the kids and have a date night? This class is for anyone at any ability level. We will focus on one ballroom dance style each month (two step, fox trot, waltz, cha-cha and swing). This class is just a month to month commitment but does require minimum enrollment each month for the class to run.

Wedding/Special Event Classes

Preparing for your big day…?  Let us choreograph a dance that is tailored to you and your partner! We can teach you to dance in as little as 4 classes or make you look like a pro in 12 private lessons. We can even do father/daughter, mother/son, and wedding party dances as well!  For more info and to register, go to our website and click on Private Dance Lesson Registration.

Private Dance Classes

We can do any of the above classes in a private or semi-private setting. Go to our website and fill out our Private Dance Lesson Registration Form or contact the studio directly to set this up!

Pop-Up Weekend Dance Classes (4-6 week sessions)

Coming Fall 2023…All ages and dance styles!

Pop-Up Broadway Master Classes

Coming Fall 2023…Sharpen your dance skills and learn new ones with professional Broadway dancer, Meredith Patterson!