Dance Classes
Choose a style to learn more:
Mini-Movers / Ballet / Jazz / Tap / Lyrical/Contemporary / Hip-Hop / Acro / Other
Ballet Classes
As a ballet focused dance school, we offer classes in a variety of styles but also require ballet for all our classes except those who take Hip-Hop only. We have found this to aid all our dancers in proper technique and in overall performance. Also, many who have been resistant to try ballet have found they enjoy it once they have they have had classes at DPAC.
With proper ballet training, our students are more successful in other dance styles, and develop a strong, technically-sound, dancer body. Classical ballet is an important part of our competitive and recreational curriculum, as it is the foundation of the other styles of dance offered. We also teach pre-pointe and pointe and select dancers may audition for our Ballet Intensive program.
Dancers in our primary levels and above participate in our beloved annual winter Nutcracker production. This is also available to dancers in Hip-Hop and KinderCombo. Our Nutcracker is a family-favorite and dancers perform in our two shows in December. Auditions are typically in October and are also open to the public (non-DPAC members). Contact us with any questions at Dreamworkspac@gmail.com
At DPAC, we also provide our dancers with progress reports in the spring. We provide positive and constructive feedback as well as recommendations for summer and next season classes. Regular feedback helps our dancers progress in their dance journey. We also invite current dancers to our Ensemble & Ballet Intensive programs (auditions in May/June).
Our ballet classes are typically mixed ages and skill based. We have the following levels for our ballet classes:
Pre-ballet, KinderCombo, Primary 1, Primary 2, Upper 1/2, Upper 3
Ballet Intensive 1, Ballet Intensive 2/3 (for those invited to our Ballet Intensive program)
This is a continuation and expansion of KinderCombo for ballet and tap and introduces jazz dance for the first time.
Primary 1 includes more independence through shoe changing, asking questions, learning and performing dances independently. The use of the ballet barre is incorporated, and students are challenged with longer phrases of movement in all three genres.
It is intended for children ages 6-8 in their third year of dance, or newer dancers ages 9-10. This class participates in our annual Nutcracker and Spring Showcase.
Each style is offered for 30 mins. each and runs continuously
Some dancers at this level may also be eligible for Lyrical 1
Dancers who are new to us, we can schedule an assessment for best placement of ballet level.
The Primary 2 level is the first where all core styles (ballet, jazz, tap) are divided into their own classes. Lyrical 1 is also introduced at this level.
The Primary 2 level explores all parts of ballet class- barre work, center, leaps, turns, and classical repertoire. These classes provide dancers the opportunity to build up and then refine their foundational skills, develop more fluidity and grace, and quick feet and a faster paced class, in preparation for the Upper School. With the continuation of proper ballet technique, eligible students at least 9-years-old have the opportunity to take part in more rigorous Ballet training, with the option of joining Ballet Intensive as an Apprentice.
Dancers also acquire a greater knowledge of Tap and Jazz technique, with more complex combinations, floor work, new rhythms and ways to interpret the music. All 3 dance styles have a choreographed piece in the Showcase. All Primary 2 students also participate in our annual Nutcracker with the opportunity of multiple roles.
Dancers who are new to us, we can schedule an assessment for best placement of ballet level.
For dancers fulfilling their ballet requirement after an average of two years in the Primary levels or older dancers with minimal experience. This ballet is a core ballet, which can be taken alone, or as a part of fulfilling requirements for dancers who are part of our Ballet Intensive program. This level is structured to benefit advanced-beginner through Intermediate dancers, covering all parts of ballet class. Students will continue to build strength, stamina, balance and receive exposure to additional repertoire.
Upper 1/2 Moves faster through barre work, fusing one isolated step into single exercises, and emphasizes usage of the whole floor, more complex traveling, turns and leaps, and a stronger understanding of spatial awareness. Dancers should have a good foundation of proper technique and alignment. All Upper 1/2 Ballet students also participate in our annual Nutcracker with the opportunity of multiple roles, and perform one dance in our Spring Showcase.
Dancers new to DPAC will be assessed for best ballet level placement
Some dancers take multiple level ballet classes
For upper middle/high school students that may dance once per week to fulfill their ballet requirement, or for dancers at the most advanced level, in conjunction with Intensive class(es).
At this level, students should have established strong muscle memory, and be able to execute the different parts of class with little to no demonstration, with a near full understanding of terminology. Corrections should be primarily for progression of steps, rather than body placement, and the general pattern of a typical ballet class should be well understood.
Dancers who are not part of the Intensive Program, need at least three years of ballet, with a minimum of two years in the Upper 1/2 level, and must be at least 14-years-old to participate in Upper 3. Students at an Advanced/Intermediate-Advanced level benefit from this class. This level continues to expand upon Upper ½. All Upper 3 Ballet students also participate in our annual Nutcracker with the opportunity of multiple roles, and have one dance piece in our Spring Showcase.
Prerequisite: 2 years of ballet, part of our Ballet Intensive 1 or 2/3 and at least 9-years-old
Pre-Pointe and Pointe are an extension of our Ballet Intensive program and therefore are by invitation-only.
Pre-Pointe is the transitional period where a student prepares their body for the challenge of dancing en pointe. This includes a strong core, ankles and feet, stability and balance, proper execution of plié and relevé, and a demi pointe that is suitable to rise onto the platform of a pointe shoe when that time comes. Students are expected to take Pre-Pointe seriously, and agree to participate in the class for as long as it takes them to achieve the necessary requirements to dance en pointe safely. Evaluations are held 1-2x a season to assess dancers on their readiness for this continuation of dance training.
Pointe is offered to older children through adults, with permission from the teacher. No dancer is allowed en pointe until the age of at least 11, or bone structure, development, and technique are satisfactory for training. Pointe work is an extension of classical ballet.
An average of at least three years of continuous classical training, at least two ballet classes per week, and taking part in our Ballet Intensive program are needed to reach the required level. A willingness to be patient with the process is extremely important, as placement in pointe class is on an individual basis. Parents assume responsibility for ensuring their child doesn’t purchase pointe shoes prior to teacher authorization, and for the financial commitment associated with pointe work. Dancers may be removed from the Pre-Pointe or Pointe class if absences become too frequent, or if the student or parent cannot fulfill the requirements or if the teacher feels its not safe.
Dancers en pointe who have moved to center work will have opportunities to perform in our Nutcracker as well as our Spring Showcase in their pointe shoes.
We also offer training for adults who wish to go en pointe have current or former experience, see also our Adult Ballet sessions.
Our Adult Ballet sessions are open to those who are beginner-intermediate with some or little prior experience. We also welcome those who are true beginners and can assist with your ballet journey as well as those who are more experienced. We will offer modifications for different skill levels. Please reach out with any questions. We are eager to help and are a very welcoming and encouraging environment!
Adults are also welcome to audition for our beloved annual Nutcracker. We have auditions in October typically and the rehearsal schedule is finalized after casting. Reach out anytime before October, if you are interested and we would love to chat - Dreamworkspac@gmail.com
We limited our class sizes for the best overall experience. Check out schedule or FB page for future classes. They are scheduled as available and we plan them typically 1 session at at time with the next one planned when the current one is offered based on interest and teacher availability.
We also offer private lessons in all our dance styles that can be scheduled based on interest and availability of our teachers.