Classes for Ages 1-6
Class Placement
The appropriate class and level for each student is entirely determined by the Footnotes staff. Correct placement for each dancer is individualistic and specific to that dancer’s needs and abilities.
Please remember that all students do not learn at the same rate. Students who start in the same class together will not always progress in the same way and therefore may be placed in different levels based upon the evaluation of their progress.
New students with no or little dance experience will be placed in beginner classes of the appropriate age group in the subject of their choice.
New students with prior dance instruction may have to try a few different classes and levels to find the appropriate fit at Footnotes.
Returning students are generally kept with their group for the new dance season. However, each student is evaluated at the end of each year and may therefore be placed in a different level in accordance with their progress.
Twinkle Baby (ages 18 months to 3 years)
The Twinkle Baby class is the perfect introduction to music and movement for the very young child not ready to separate but ready to explore a nurturing learning environment. The basic elements of dance are introduced in a positive and loving way using props such as scarves, stuffed animals, musical instruments, and costume effects. Caregivers (in comfortable clothing) and children participate together throughout the class until children are willing and able to dance alone.
This is a 30 minute class structured to stimulate coordination skill, listening skills, balance, music interpretation, creative movement and motor development in the youngest dancers. This program is an excellent introduction to the world of dance and lots of fun for the youngest dancer!
Children in Twinkle Baby perform in our end of year recital.
Princess Ballerina (age 3)
All children ages 2.5 through 3 will be placed in a Princess Ballerina class. Activities are aimed at cultivating body awareness, such as the ability to identify and isolate body parts. There will be singing and clapping exercises to help develop the musical side and movement skills such as shaking, kicking, walking on different levels, etc. Other activities will focus on using imagination to cultivate creativity. This is a 30 minute class designed to introduce our younger dancers to the basics of ballet and the joy or moving to music. Dancers will learn the basics of ballet and explore creative movement. This class is designed for both beginning and those with some experience. It is a natural follow-up to Twinkle Baby.
COMBINATION CLASSES
Twinkle Stars, Super Stars and Tiny Dancers are Combo Classes for students 4 to 6 years old. These classes teach the fundamentals of tap, ballet and jazz. Students will begin class with tap and finish with ballet.
Twinkle Stars (age 4)
Students age 4 will be placed in a Twinkle Stars class. Activities emphasize the development of physical coordination and students will begin to learn proper dance terminology as well as the basics of alignment, tempo and patterns. Students will learn basic technique in ballet and tap with the presentation of materials changing each month. Instruction will be informal yet structured. Because the young body is still developing there will be no stress on bones or muscular structure. This is a 30 minute class.
Super Stars (Age 5)
Super Stars is for the 5 year old that wants to do more than just ballet and tap. Ballet and tap are taught in combination because each offers something important that will help each student be more well-rounded and grow as a dancer. More emphasis is placed on technique, precision and building the muscular strength needed to hold correct placement. Jazz/Hip Hop is also added to this class. Students will stretch and learn jazz and hip hop technique. Ballet helps strengthen muscles and align the body while tap introduces the mathematics of musicality and rhythm. For this reason dancers are strongly encouraged to take ballet and tap in addition to jazz/hip hop. This is a 45 minute class.
Tiny Dancers (Age 6)
Students who are 6 years old progress on to Tiny Dancers or start in this class based on their age and experience. Ballet and tap are taught in combination because each offers something important that will help each student be more well-rounded and grow as a dancer. More emphasis is placed on technique, precision and building the muscular strength needed to hold correct placement. This is a 45 minute class. Students who were in Super Stars and want to continue with Jazz, can add Junior Jazz class.
Cheer
Cheer is open to students 6 to 12 years old. This cheer class will be a basic cheer emphasizing on fundamentals and skills associated with cheerleading and cheer dance. Cheer dance is a vigorous form of modern day cheerleading which incorporates dance movements and develops discipline, body posture and stamina. Dancers will learn arm positions, jumps, voice, cheers, chants, cheer dance and will develop skills in cheer and chant choreography. Emphasis is placed on the class performing sharp, precise movements to strong, energetic music. It will be fun, interactive and very peppy!!! Dancers will learn fun cheers and age appropriate cheerleading style dance routines to upbeat "tween-type" music.
All cheer classes will be held in 8 week sessions you may register for as many or as few sessions as you want. Each session is $70 due upon registration. There will be no registration fee and no dress code. Students should dress in comfortable shirts and shorts. No jeans or jean shorts.
