Dance

  Spiritual or liturgical dance is a Christian form of worship involving a variety of free form steps taken from ballet, modern, and jazz. Each step encourages the movement of energy and conveys a special message to God, our creator. At our school, we use the praise dance method to teach spiritual/liturgical dance.  

  Ballet is an artistic dance form performed to music using precise and highly formalized set of steps and gestures. Known as one of the oldest forms of dance, ballet evolved during he 1600s and has been refined throughout the ages. Though French in its origin, ballet is an Italian word that means to dance. Thus, this form of dance trains and develops the body to move gracefully. At our school, we use the French Method of ballet, which stresses cleanness, fluidity, and elegance. Our ballet combination class combines ballet and tap to give our young students exposure to two very important dance forms.  

  Ballet is an artistic dance form performed to music using precise and highly formalized set of steps and gestures. Known as one of the oldest forms of dance, ballet evolved during he 1600s and has been refined throughout the ages. Though French in its origin, ballet is an Italian word that means to dance. Thus, this form of dance trains and develops the body to move gracefully. At our school, we use the French Method of ballet, which stresses cleanness, fluidity, and elegance. Classical Ballet, which was introduced during the renaissance is categorized by beautiful movement of the feet on pointe shoes and the arms gliding with grace.  

  Jazz is a form of dance that showcases a dancer’s individual style and originality. Energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps, and quick turns, this form of dance allow each dancer to interpret the movements in their own way. At our school, we use the “Jack Cole” method.  

  Tap is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. They create rhythmic pattern. At our school, we use the “Broadway style.” This style uses the arms and upper body, blended with feet to create the rhythmic routine. This style helps the dancer develop tenacity, style, and creativity.   

  Modern is a broad genre of western concert or theatrical dance. Relative young, modern dance is said to have emerged out of dancers rejection of, or rebellion against classical ballet or traditional dance styles. The movements in modern dance is very emotional and is the dancer’s interpretation of what they hear and feel as the music plays. At our school, we use the Hawthorne technique which is more modern and contemporary.     

MUSIC/VOICE

Music is vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotions. Written or printed signs represent vocal or instrumental sound. Our music program trains students in both how to play musical instruments and how to sing. Our instrumental music classes offers students lessons in piano, guitar, violin, and drums.  

The piano is a large keyboard musical instrument with a wooden case enclosing a soundboard and strings which are struck by hammers when the keys are pressed. Our piano instruction teaches students both how to read and play musical notes.  

Guitar is a stringed musical instrument with a fretted fingerboard, typically in curved sides, and six or twelve strings, played by plucking or strumming with the fingers or a plectrum.  

A violin is a stringed instrument of treble pitch, played with a horsehair bow and used to create some of the world’s most beautiful music. 

Drums is a percussion instrument sounded by being struck with sticks or hands, typically cylindrical, barrel-shaped, or bowl shaped with a taut membrane over one or both ends. 

Voice Training class teaches students about sounds produced in the larynx, uttered through the mouth. Students start at the very beginning, learning the basic sounds and notes involved in singing. We provide both whole group and private lessons. 

**Piano, guitar, and drums can all be taught either whole group or through private lessons. Should a student desire private lessons, please see a staff member for details.