Pre – Ballet/Tap (ages 3 – 4, 4 – 5)
Our youngest dancers will learn that dance is fun. Basic coordination, steps and classroom etiquette will be taught in both ballet and tap. Teachers incorporate activities involving creative movement and imagery as they introduce beginning dance concepts.
Ballet/Tap (ages 5 – 7)
Students will begin to learn the structure of a traditional ballet class. Basic barre and center work will be introduced. Students will learn stage terms that are used not only in class, but also in performance. They will be introduced to more complex tap steps and will learn to put them into combinations. This class will prepare students for straight ballet and straight tap classes.
Jazz/Tap (ages 6 – 8)
A great introduction to jazz and tap classes. Students will be taught basic jazz style stretching, steps and technique. In tap, students will focus on rhythm and counting.
Jazz/Hip Hop (ages 6 – 8)
A fun introduction to jazz and hip hop. Students work on basic jazz style stretching, steps and technique. Students learn basic hip hop movements and groove to fun dance music.
Ballet (ages 6 and up Levels IA, IB, IIA, IIB, IIC, III, IV)
Ballet is the core of all dancing. South Bay Dance Center’s program has a strong ballet focus. Every student is encouraged to take a ballet class to maintain proper classical ballet technique. Beginning students will learn standard movements and progress to combinations throughout the year. Students will learn correct body placement. Intermediate and advanced students will be expected to apply the basics to their barre and center work. All classes will use classical movement for their exercises and center work. Many classes have live piano accompaniment. Students will be taught the correlation between music and movement. Proper ballet class etiquette will be taught and will be expected of all students at all times. Intermediate and advanced dancers will be required to attend multiple classes per week.
Pre-Pointe (Ballet Level IIA or higher)
Students start preparing their feet and bodies for pointe shoes. They will concentrate on strengthening their feet and ankles. They will do the same steps and combinations as pointe students in their flat shoes to make the transition to pointe work easier.
Pointe (Ballet Level IIA or higher)
Pointe students will continue to strengthen and stretch their feet to extend the look of their legs. Beginning students will work at the barre to maintain proper technique. Once they are ready, they will begin to do simple movements in the center that test their balance and strength. Intermediate and advanced students will incorporate pointe work in a variety of combinations and variations.
Jazz (ages 8 and up, Levels IA, IB, IIA, IIB, III, IV)
Students will practice stretching and learn important warm-ups to ready their bodies for dance movement. Beginning jazz students will learn movements and progressions done in place and across the floor to put into short routines along with simple transitions. Intermediate and advanced students will add more complex stretches into their warm up. They will be taught to perfect basic movements along with more advanced steps, turns, jumps and leaps.
Tap (ages 8 and up, Levels IA, IB, IIA, IIB, III, IV)
Beginning tap students will learn basic tap steps and the concepts of rhythm and footwork. More advanced students will begin to incorporate more complex rhythms and speed into their routines. They will also add turns and additional sounds to build on concepts they have mastered.
Hip Hop (ages 8 and up, Levels I, II, III)
Hip Hop focuses on a current “street style” of dance. Dancers learn high-energy routines demonstrating rhythm and style.
Pilates (ages 11 and up)
Reformer and mat classes are available. The Pilates method of exercise improves posture and alignment by increasing abdominal and lower back strength. All movements are combined with deep breathing to make this program energizing yet relaxing. Pilates is a great class for dancers and non-dancers, alike.
Modern (ages 11 and up, Levels II, III, IV)
Modern dance includes the study of various techniques to further expand rhythmic, coordination and creative skills.
Adult classes
South Bay Dance Center offers a variety of our popular Adult classes. Adult Tap participates in our annual June Showcase and is always well received by the audience! Adult Ballet Workout and Jazz Workout classes are also available. These classes do not perform in the Showcase. Adults interested in studying dance at an intermediate or advanced level should speak with an instructor.
