OUR PROGRAM
Creative Movement
Before introducing the traditional structure of a classical ballet class, it is important to cultivate the natural abilities of a child. Assisting young dancers in identifying basic forms of movement through imaginative games, songs, and rhythmical patterns, Creative Movement is designed to encourage freedom of expression while giving an introduction to traditional ballet steps and terminology. Students will begin to experience the concepts of body, energy, space, and time as well as being encouraged to follow directions and dance as part of a group. Promoting concentration, observation, and self-confidence - this class for the young dancer is designed to address each child’s developmental needs while stimulating their imagination.
Ballet
The foundation of most modern-day dance forms, ballet requires strong technique, athleticism, and grace. This beautiful and demanding technique is a necessity for all young aspiring dancers. Classes focus on posture, balance, coordination, rhythm, and flow of physical energy while emphasizing traditional ballet structure, terminology, and etiquette. As dancers learn and grow as technicians they will be exposed not only to classical ballet, but neo-classical and contemporary styles, creating well-rounded performers. Developing musical awareness, strength, flexibility, and confidence - the time-honored discipline of ballet can feel both empowering and ethereal for the dancer.
Pointe
One of the most iconic elements of ballet… pointe technique is what allows a ballet dancer to feel and appear weightless and graceful. Pointe work is both artistic and mechanical, allowing dancers to take the discipline of ballet to another level. Creating a continuous and elegant line along the entire leg and allowing for agility and lightness during steps, the dancer’s technique is expanded through pointe, enabling one to create the illusion of incredible lightness and to project an increased sense of daring. Often thought of as the epitome of ballet, dancing en pointe is a dramatic and technical feat as well as an extension of artistic expression.
Partnering
The relationship between dance partners is like none other — there must be strength, support, and trust. The importance of each nuance is never undervalued here — it is the unspoken language of movement between dancers. Captivating and inspiring, the graceful ease of the pas de deux is what many young dancers aspire to achieve. To learn how to partner is to truly understand how much work goes into creating the illusion of effortlessness. The art of partnering is achieved through refining ballet technique, increasing core strength, learning weight transfer with balance, coordinated movement, and embracing that magical connection between dancers.
Jazz
Ever-evolving, jazz dance is a rhythmic and dynamic experience. With a thorough grounding in jazz terminology and technique, classes give dancers endless opportunities to grow as performers. Musicality, athleticism, alignment, and style are inherent to this exciting discipline — all are present as a dancer explores the vast array of jazz styles, including classical, musical theater, jazz funk, and lyrical/contemporary. Mastering the body as an instrument, jazz ranges from percussive syncopation to fluid, graceful movement and combines many elements to create an art form steeped in history while never failing to reinvent itself among changing influences.
Tap
Sound producing, syncopated, rhythmic steps in motion - Tap is a lively, challenging discipline that fosters a dancer’s musicality as much as their technical skills. Dancers gain a wide range of skills including style and balance through the study of Tap dance. Incorporating both rhythm and theatre tap, classes focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, sound clarity, and speed of movement. Developing their own personal style, tapping turns the performer into not just a dancer, but also a percussive musician.
Modern
An expressive style of dance that abandons the rigid, centered aspect of classical forms of dance - modern utilizes unconventional steps from styles around the world. With an emphasis on movement quality, classes focus on alignment, line, musicality, and interpretation - where dancers are encouraged to explore their individual dance style as they move freely and naturally through space. Modern dance involves the whole body and is not just an intellectual and physical endeavor — it is a creative one as well. Incorporating suspension and release, fall and recovery, the use of momentum, and connecting breath with body, to be a modern dancer is to create movement that matches one’s feeling and purpose.
Hip Hop
A high-energy discipline that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. Hip Hop encourages students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual funk and personality to their movement. Focusing on rhythm, coordination, and musicality, dancers are challenged to think on their feet while enjoying a lively, spirited class environment. Freestyle movement is encouraged, as each Hip Hop dancer needs only a natural sense of rhythm and practice to become skilled in the style. Cultivating strength and stamina, Hip Hop dancers develop focus, endurance, and agility while having fun.
Musical Theater
Theatrical dancing that combines the songs of Broadway musicals with the movement of classic jazz styles. These upbeat classes teach Broadway-style jazz choreography and show-stopping stage presence with a focus on learning song-and-dance numbers from a variety of musical productions - past and present. With emphasis placed on learning performance skills such as connecting with the audience and telling a story through dance, musical theatre dancing is less of a particular style, and more of a description of dancing that is rooted in the diverse history of Broadway. Relying heavily on a knowledge of ballet, tap, and jazz, musical theater dancers are actors as well — stage presence and confidence in one’s performance is highlighted here.
SUMMER CAMPS
For All Ages & Levels
Our Summer Programs are perfect for students who are eager to continue their training via tailored offerings or private lessons designed around required technique per each age/level. Ranging from casual weekly classes to intensive all-day camps, we offer options for all ages and levels. Summer is also the ideal time for new students who are interested in learning more about our Program.
MASTER CLASSES
Professional Guests
We are looking forward to offering our students an even broader dance education by providing this additional exposure to numerous styles and techniques. Master Classes will be offered throughout the course of the year.
Please check back for ongoing updates!
ADULT CLASSES
Dance For Everyone
Westport Academy of Dance instructors are now offering Dance classes for adults! Classes will be added on an ongoing basis with offerings in various disciplines across all levels.
For more information please contact caitlin@westportdance.com.
OVERVIEW AND TUITION
Westport’s Academy of Dance uses a system of levels in placing students within each class. Students are placed based on age and years of dance experience, as well as level of technique shown, musicality, coordination, and their ability to focus and accept corrections in class. Therefore, each class will meet the needs of the majority. It is important for students and their parents to understand that dancers may not change levels every year. At the end of the year, based on teachers evaluations, student placements are determined. It is our sincere intent to place each student in a class level which will provide the most positive learning experience.
Below please find our tuition/class fees: All fees are for one academic year, and are non-refundable
3 and 4 Years of Age/Kindergarten (34 week program)
1 class per week: $900
2 classes per week: $1,725
1st through 12th Grade (34 week program)
1 classes per week: $950
2 classes per week: $1,825
3 classes per week: $2,650
4 classes per week: $3,425
5 classes per week: $4,150
6 classes per week: $4,825
7 classes per week: $5,450
8 classes per week: $6,025
Unlimited Classes: $6,550
A 5% discount on total tuition will be applied for families enrolling 2 or more students (not applicable to costume fees)
Recital costume fee/per class: $110
Digital video edit fee/per class: $10 (not to exceed $50 per student)
If paying by credit card, a 3.5% processing fee will be added
New to The Academy?
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