Dance Pathways at Backstage

dance pathways

dance pat We teach dance to not only create strong, passionate dancers, but to support and nurture amazing, well-rounded human beings with life skills taught through the art and discipline of dance.

While promoting teamwork and community, we expect and encourage accountability, and a strong work ethic; contributing to growing confident, creative individuals that are sure to succeed throughout life. Working together with their classmates, regular attendance, and practicing at home will assure success in these classes. Every child's dance journey is personal, and our instructors are adept at pushing and challenging the students who are ready to take on more responsibility within the class.

The assessments within the Parent Portal or the personal email sent to you are meant for your benefit, to see how your child is progressing within their dance class, as well as to assist in future class placement decisions. Please call or email if you have questions.

As our teachers share your child's progress this past year, please take a moment to look over the "Dance Pathways" information on the following pages. We offer classes for every age and ability and love having our dancers with us for growth, life lessons, learning and fun for many, many years. This guide should help in your decisions regarding your child's continued involvement with dance.

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thways Basics ProgramPrimarily geared toward developmental and social expectations and encompasses: Terrific Twos, Ages 2-3 Creative Movement, Ages 3-4 Pre-Ballet, Ages 4-5 Pre-Ballet/Tap, Ages 4-5 Hip Hop, Ages 4-5 Ballet Basics, Ages 5-6 Ballet/Tap, Ages 5-6 Ballet/Jazz, Ages 5-6 Hip Hop/Flip Flop, Ages 5-6 Hip Hop Basics, Ages 5-6 Broadway Bound, Ages 6-8

Graded ProgramGeared toward skill developmental and social/emotional growth.

Most of our students can expect to stay in a level for a minimum of 2-3 years. It is helpful to understand that even professionals do the SAME exercises and drills that our dancers are doing, but the level of execution is at a greater proficiency. Our Graded Program encompasses Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro, Cirque and Contemporary for ages 7 and up, and levels 1-4.

Ballet Levels 1-4, Ages 7-18 Tap Levels 1-4, Ages 7-18 Jazz Levels 1-4, Ages 7-18 Hip Hop Levels 1-4, Ages 7-18 Acro Levels 1-4, Ages 7-18 C o n t e m p o r a r y L e v e l s 1 - 4 , A g e s 7 -1 8 Cirque Levels 1-4, Ages 10-18

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dance pat Intensive ProgramDesigned specifically for students that have chosen to take their dance training to a higher level. While still promoting teamwork and community, we expect a proficiency in skill growth and development, specific to the extended hours our dancers are committing to their practice. Focus, determination and a strong drive to excel will assure success in these classes. Most of our students can expect to stay in a level for a minimum of 2 years. It is helpful to understand that even professionals do the SAME exercises and drills that our dancers are doing, but the level of execution is at a greater proficiency. Our Intensive Program encompasses Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop for ages 5 and up.

B a l l e t L e v e l s 1 0 1 - 1 0 4 , 2 0 2 - 2 0 8 , A g e s 5 -1 8 T a p L e v e l s 1 0 1 - 1 0 3 , 2 0 2 - 2 0 8 , A g e s 5 -1 8 J a z z L e v e l s 1 0 1 - 1 0 4 , 2 0 2 - 2 0 8 , A g e s 5 -1 8 H i p H o p L e v e l s 1 0 1 - 1 0 3 , 2 0 2 -2 0 8 , A g e s 5 -1 8

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thways Quick Reference Dance Genres Take TAP if you like music, rhythms and sounds -

Tap develops a strong sense of musicality, coordination and agility by creating sounds with the feet.

Take BALLET if you like feeling elegant and poised -

Ballet develops discipline and technique that is essential to ALL forms of dance, as well as proper posture, placement, and alignment.

Take JAZZ if you like to move and groove -

Jazz is stylized dancing that is energetic and fun. It focuses on developing proper t e c h n i q u e , f l e x i b i l i t y , l e a p s a n d t u r n s, a n d o f t e n i n c o r p o r a t e s B r o a d w a y st y l e choreography.

Take CONTEMPORARY if you like to dance from your soul -

Contemporary combines the technical elements of ballet and jazz with feelings and emotions. It tells a story through smooth movement.

Take ACRO if you like to flip and tumble -

Acro focuses on stretching, strength, flexibility, balance and agility, and you are quite often upside down!

Take HIP HOP if you like current music and dances -

Hip Hop is a freestyle form of dance that stems from the roots of jazz, but incorporates modern urban movements a n d i s p e r f o r m e d t o c u r r e n t m u si c .

Take CIRQUE & SILKS if you like twirling in space -

Cirque & Silks builds incredible strength and flexibility. Students a c q u i r e s k i l l s o n t h e l y r a , h o o p a n d si l k s that incorporates spins, flips, and excitement!

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Grow wi

Basics Pr Ages

Pre-Ballet Pre-Ballet/Tap Pre-Hip Hop (age 4/5)

Creative Movement (age 3/4)

Terrific Twos (age 2/3) 7

ith Us!

rogram2-8

Broadway Bound (age 6/7/8) Ballet Basics Ballet/Tap Ballet/Jazz HipHop/FlipFlop Hip Hop Basics (age 5/6)

Geared toward developmental and social expectations.

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Graded ProgramBallet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro, Contemporary, Cirque Levels 1-4 Ages 7-18

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Intensive ProgramBallet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Pointe, Progressive Ballet Technique Levels 101-208 Ages 5-18

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Raising Leaders Through the Arts