227 Gateway Drive, Bel Air, MD 21014
dancewithme@dwmsod.com 410-836-3963

Classes by Day of the Week

Ballet

This class introduces students to the basics of ballet dancing. During this program, dancers will learn about the ballet terminologies and concepts.

Tap

The movement and rhythm of a tap performance transform the dancer into a percussive musician. Tap dance emphasizes the flow of movement. In our tap lessons, we teach students to find beats and rhythms not only in music but also in their bodies.

Jazz

Jazz dance combines techniques of modern dance and classical ballet, as well as current styles of popular dance. In addition, jazz has its own unique movement vocabulary, ranging from the movement of the entire body to the isolation of certain body parts.

Jazz dance can take on various styles and characteristics, including Broadway, street jazz, percussive, lyrical, and contemporary. Jazz classes can be patterned in any of these styles, or make a combination of existing jazz disciplines.

Jazz emphasizes the importance of energy, style, and rhythmical accuracy. Each level of jazz, which increases in difficulty, is a continuation of the previous level.

Pointe

This advanced program challenges students with more complex combinations in the center and at the barre. Students will work on balance, fluidity of movement, and movement combinations.

Dancing on pointe involves performing steps from ballet while standing on the tips of the toes. Also referred to as pointe work, it is performed using stiff-shanked and hard-toed pointe shoes.

Dancing on pointe requires skill and strength, so permission from an instructor is required before students can begin taking pointe classes.

Requirements
2 to 3 Years of Ballet Training
By Instructor Placement Only

Jazz/Hip-Hop

This class combines jazz steps with hip-hop routines to develop the students’ coordination. The program also helps dancers gain a better understanding of jazz and hip-hop concepts.

Dance With Me

This class is an introduction to dance for 18 mo to 3 years of age.

Ballroom

Youth and Adult classes 

Ballet I

This class is the students’ first introduction to a formal ballet class structure. Musicality continues to be emphasized, together with coordination and balance through the strengthening of the body core. In addition, center floor work is introduced, focusing on the positions of the feet, legs, and arms using classical ballet vocabulary.

Ballet II / III

During this stage, advanced strengthening and stretching exercises are given. Barre work is continued, with a greater emphasis on French terminology and vocabulary.

Pre-Pointe

During this class, pointe fundamentals are taught to students of the appropriate technical age and ability. Students must be physically ready because of the risk of injury. For students to advance to pointe class, they must complete one dance year of pre-pointe, as well as pass an evaluation.

The evaluation process provides teachers with the opportunity to see where the student needs work in order to prepare for pointe. The evaluation focuses on the legs (strength and straightness), feet (strength, flexibility, shape, and alignment), ankles (straightness and strength), and overall body alignment.

Hip-Hop

This class introduces students to the basic style and vocabulary of hip-hop movement. Hip-hop is about expression and personal style. This high-energy class can be taught to anyone who loves to move, so no prior dance experience is required.