Dance & Tumbling Classes
Online registration for RSD Season 30 opens on August 1, 2023!
If you have any questions regarding your child's class placement(s) for the upcoming season, feel free to call or email the studio to speak directly with an instructor, ensuring that your dancer is placed in a class that suits him/her well.
When viewing the 2023-24 class schedule, you will see that classes are simply labeled with age ranges. These ranges are used as initial guidelines. When compared to age, ability is often the more salient deciding factor in class placement.
That said, please keep in mind that the composition of dancers in a particular class and the speed at which they learn can and will heavily impact their acceleration in the curriculum. Because of this, we do not focus on "levels." We keep the interests of each dancer in mind while placing them in the class we think best fits their needs.
Pre-Dance
This initial dance class is designed specifically for 3 and 4-year-old students. It introduces them to the basic positions and technical elements of both ballet and tumbling in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Students are given the opportunity to express their individuality through creative movement activities as well as singing and dancing.
Combination Classes (I & II)
Combination classes continue to focus and elaborate on the basics of dance. In addition, students will learn how to count music, enter and exit the stage, and perform. Further, we combine ballet and tap with our combination classes, acquainting students with new styles and developing their minds and bodies for grace, poise, and coordination. We provide an environment that is developmentally appropriate and rich with musical props and stimulation. Additionally, dancers are introduced to foundational tenets such as straight legs, turn-out, and stretched feet. Combination classes are offered for dancers ages 5-8.
Jazz
Jazz is the ultimate combination of ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, and modern styles! Jazz technique is taken from ballet and is coupled with showmanship and precision. Students aged 7 and older will build great strength and performance ability through extensive progressions and combinations. Our jazz classes are very unique and the perfect fit for those wanting to stay toned and move with style.
Hip Hop
Hip hop is a high-energy, funky style of dance! Our hip hop students gain great coordination, precision, and style. Hip-hop is very aerobic and is a great outlet for self-expression.
Musical Theater
Musical theater combines dance with intensive characterization of movement, ultimately creating a “Broadway” style of dance and storytelling. This class will typically follow a jazz warm-up and will feature progressions and routines that combine acting with all styles of dance.
Tumbling
Our tumbling classes are perfect for those wanting to hone their floor-based gymnastics and acrobatics skills! Instruction is focused primarily on strengthening/conditioning, flexibility, and the mastery of basic tumbling skills.
Coaches will give focused instruction, allowing students to feel comfortable as they progress properly in an enthusiastic, safe, and positive atmosphere.
Ballet
Ballet is of the utmost importance, as it serves as the basis for all other styles of dance and teaches correct physical placement while disciplining both the mind and body. Ballet class typically begins at the barre, where dancers learn exercises meant to develop the muscles and technique needed for center floor work and beyond.
Pre-Pointe
This class explores what it takes to dance en pointe. Our pre-pointe classes do not perform at the recital, but rather work on strength and conditioning in preparation for future pointe work. Students will spend time wearing "demi-pointe" shoes, as well as learning how to sew ribbons, tie laces, and break-in pointe shoes. This foundation allows for great progress upon advancement to intermediate-level point classes and beyond.
Pointe
A solid base of intermediate to advanced ballet technique is required for pointe work. Students typically begin taking such classes around age 12 with proper preparation. The first several months of pointe class will be spent at the barre doing exercises to strengthen the feet, ankles, and legs. Pointe dancers that are in a hurry to do too much can be injured, so it is very important that pointe students are focused, driven dancers who are patient enough to learn correctly.
Tap
The American folkdance! This class teaches timing, balance, and rhythm with unique combinations and choreography that "breaks the mold" of routine tap classes. Students at RSD learn a variety of tap styles, including traditional tap, funky rhythm tap, Irish clogging, and musical theater tap. Available for ages 5 and older.
Modern
This class introduces dancers to a variety of modern dance techniques, including Graham, Horton, Cunningham, and release. Emphasis will be placed on controlling one's breath, creating shapes with the body, and developing acute body awareness. Dancers will also have the opportunity to hone their performance, improvisation, and choreographic skills.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance is a style of expressive movement that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements, all while telling a story and/or conveying a deeper, more abstract message.