Classes

 

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.

Happy Feet,

Age 1-2

This 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 25 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!

Happy Feet, Age 3-4

This class designed for dancers age 3-4 is a fun introduction to various styles of dance. The 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 45 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, jazz, and tumbling while exploring creative movement.

Happy Feet, Age 5-6

Dancers will continue to learn ballet terminology and movements in the 5-6 year old class. We encourage creativity and fun in class as well learning new dance skills. There’s also a focus on teaching day to day skills like knowing shapes, colors, counting and knowing right from left. This is a 45 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, jazz, and tumbling while exploring creative movement.

Ballet

Ballet (levels 1-3 for ages 7+) is the foundation of dance. Body placement flexibility, balance, alignment, strength and technique are achieved through barre and center floor work.  More focus will be placed on technique, strengthening muscles and appreciating the aesthetics of good dance. Students will learn to express themselves when performing and present themselves with a positive self image in all areas of life. Ballet classes range from 30-45 minutes in length.

Pre Pointe

Pre-Pointe (age 10+) is a ballet class for the more experienced ballet students. This class meets twice a week and will prepare students to go en pointe by building the strength required for pointe work. Dancers may choose to not go en pointe but will still enjoy the more frequent classes and challenges that Pre-Pointe brings. This class meets for 60 minutes, twice a week.

Pointe

Pointe (age 11+ with instructor approval) is a class where the ballet dancer supports all their body weight on the tips of fully extended feet. Dancing en pointe makes the dancer appear weightless; this is done by wearing special box toed pointe shoes. Dancers will continue working on their ballet technique in flat shoes as well. Students are recommended for pointe based on age and ability. Pointe is a 60 minute class that meets twice a week.

Lyrical

Lyrical dance (for ages 7+) is a modern dance form which fuses modern dance, jazz, and ballet. Lyrical dance has similarities to contemporary dance. Lyrical dance uses dramatic motion to interpret music and express emotion. We currently offer 3 lyrical classes (level 1-2, 3, and 4) that range from 30-45 minutes.

Jazz

Jazz class (levels 1-5 for ages 7+) feature a concentration in jazz technique. Through proper warm up, effective stretching, body isolation and floor work incorporating center floor and across the floor combination, each level builds on the previous one and leads to greater understand and proper execution of the many styles of jazz dance. Jazz is a style of dance that is structured in technique while taking many shapes and forms. It can be performed to a vast variety of music styles from Broadway to pop. Our jazz classes range from 30-45 minutes in length.

Tap

Tap (for ages 5+) is an exciting dance style that is fun to watch and hear. It’s a great way to increase the coordination and develop musicality. Tap classes range from 30-45 minutes in length. We also offer an adult tap class that is great for beginners and adults with some experience.

Acro

Acro Dance (Levels 1-5, for age 7+) is a fusion of the artistic movement of dance and the athleticism of acrobatics. It focuses on the fundamental elements of strength, flexibility, balancing, limbering, and tumbling. All dancers entering a level two acro class or higher must be evaluated by the instructor for safe and proper placement. Levels 1-3 are 45 minutes and levels 4 & 5 are 1 hour.

Dance Cirque

Dance Cirque (for ages 7+) class follows the Dance Cirque and Aerial Acrobatics syllabuses and will include lessons in aerial silks, lyra, aerial hammock, hula hoops, juggling, and more to come. Dance Cirque is a 45 minute class currently split into two levels.

Musical Theater

Musical Theater (for ages 7+) is a fun energetic class that combines jazz technique with other genres of dance to create a "Broadway" style of dance. Musical Theater will be a combination of original and sometimes zany choreography; often combining ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance.  Music of all genres will be used and interpreted providing a truly theatrical experience.  Be ready to have some fun!  This class is a great workshop for students wishing to develop their musical theatre skills for fun and self expression. Musical Theater is a 45 minute class.

Performance Teams

Performance Team (for ages 5+) is a class for dancers who love to be on stage.

It gives dancers extra opportunities to perform in our various productions throughout the year. Performance team is taken in addition to one of the following classes: Ballet, Jazz, or Lyrical. Performance team operates in two sessions (Aug-Dec & Jan-May), you can sign up for one or both sessions. Talk to a studio director for class times and placement. 

Performance Team Session 1 : The Nutcracker

The first session of our performance team runs from August 2024 - December 2024 with all dancers being featured in our Christmas production of The Nutcracker on December 13 and 14, 2024.

Performance Team Session 2 : Aladdin

The second session of our performance team runs from January 2025 - May 2025 with all dancers being featured in a special dance in our spring production of Aladdin on May 24, 2025.

Adult Classes

Adult Tap

 

The adult program at Footnotes offers an adult Tap class.  The classes are available for students ages 18 & older and catered to adult learning.  It’s a fun and exciting way to exercise and learn how to dance.  Adult tap will be held in 8 week sessions.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT:  Parents of currently registered students receive a 50% discount off tuition for all adult classes.