CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Acrobatics & Aerial Arts
Acrobatics and Aerial Arts (silks, hammock, lyra) classes focus on ground acrobatics skills & mobility and aerial silks training. These skills are taught in progression and are coupled with conditioning and stretching. Our program is safe, controlled, and our instructors and our studio is insured.
Ballet
Ballet is the basis of all dance styles. Classes focus on ballet technique, body alignment and musicality through movement. Ballet Technique classes are the foundation for training and focus on developing a solid ballet technique with emphasis on understanding correct body placement, proper use of turn out, coordination of the upper body (epaulement), and use of arms (port de bras). The faculty combines a working knowledge of the Cecchetti, Vaganova and RAD methods to create well-balanced and cohesive classes.
Hip Hop
Hip-hop dance refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music or that have evolved as part of hip-hop culture. It includes a wide range of styles where each student develops a unique movement all their own. Dancers will learn how to isolate their bodies, build their rhythm, and free style tactics. Hip hop encompasses a wide range of street styles including breaking, locking and popping. This class for young beginners specifically focuses on developing rhythm and coordination while encouraging individual style.
Jazz
Jazz dance is a classification shared by a broad range of dance styles. Jazz dance is a form of dance that combines both African and European dance styles. Jazz will teach students balance, flexibility, strength, and creative expression. This high-energy dance has a liveliness that sets it apart from traditional dance forms, such as classical ballet. Like jazz music, jazz dance features improvisation.
Lyrical / Contemporary
Contemporary dance is a dance performance genre that developed during the mid twentieth century and has since grown to become one of the dominant genres for formally trained dancers. Lyrical dance is a fluid movement, teaching students to use musicality and listen to the lyrics of the music in order to express a story or an emotion.
Tap
Tap classes incorporate mixing super-charged energy with tossed-off charm. From beginner to advanced dancer, the program is structured to increase the skill set of each dancer in each and every class. Students are taught rhythms, timing, and leg/foot coordination done to various types of music.
Danceletics
“Game-On” Danceletics is a combination class of sports conditioning, aerial arts, and hip-hop dance. It is about improving overall fitness, endurance, flexibility, quickness, balance and athletic ability while having a blast learning the latest dance moves. This class is geared to grade-school kids of all genders between 4-10.
Jazz Funk & Pom
An expressive and innovative form of dance that combines hip hop soul and groove with jazz technique. A movement based class that focuses on sharp arm movements, execution of choreographic visuals and dance team/cheer skills. Dancers will learn fundamentals of Pom positions, performance skills and expand on their high energy, entertainment skills.
Acro-Tumbling
Acro is a style of training that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. It is very athletic and seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics/tumbling techniques.
Acro gives dancers a solid foundation to build strength, flexibility, coordination and control of their body.
CLASS LEVELS
BABY & ME - AGES 2-5
We have developed a program that challenges their little dancing feet while simultaneously nurturing their imagination with the use of storytelling, characters, and props. The program consists of 45 minutes of ballet and exploratory movement, and 30 minutes of acro aerial arts and has been the cornerstone of MNRDF.
PETITE - AGES 5-8
Classes for our petite dance classes are designed as an introduction to dance. Body coordination, rhythmic awareness and listening skills are worked on in a fun, creative way specific to young dancers. Styles taught to this age group include Ballet, Hip Hop, and Aerial/Acro.
JUNIORS - AGES 9-12
Junior Technique classes offer students a deeper look into the specifics of each dance form. Whether it is Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Tap, or Aerial/Acro arts, dancers will learn the detailed technical skills, choreography and history needed to excel in each form. As students progress from beginner to advanced in each style, they will focus on taking a fundamental knowledge of dance and developing it into proficient technical skill. Advanced juniors are allowed to take level 3 senior classes after an assessment of their technique if they choose!
SENIORS - AGES 13 +
We’ve created a space for teens of all levels, from beginner to advanced, to learn in a mature class environment. Senior level classes are offered at an intermediate level (level 3) and advanced level (level 4). These classes give students a deeper look into the specifics into dance forms such as Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz Funk/Pom, and Aerial/Acro. Dancers will learn the detailed skills, choreography and history needed to excel in each form and focus on taking a fundamental knowledge of dance and developing it into proficient technical skill. Whether they are hoping to enter the professional dance world after high school- or just looking for a fun way to exercise, all teens can thrive at MNRDF!