CLASSES & PROGRAMS
CHILDREN'S DIVISION
Children’s Division classes introduce children to music and movement through a progression that stresses creativity and group interaction. All classes feature classical music. PreLevel students participate in the annual spring performance, “Year End Performance,” in June. No audition is required for enrollment in Children’s Division classes.
3 - 4YRS | CLASS LEOTARD COLOR: PINK
This is the start of dance education for most. PreLevel is where little ones learn the fundamentals of movement, music and dance steps. A fun and inviting class for the first time dancer. Students will learn positions and correct stretching, play games that emphasize ballet movement and terminology.
STUDENT DIVISION
Children must be ages 5-18 enter the Student Division. If accepted, the student is placed in one of five curriculum levels. Students learn progressive levels of dance technique following the School syllabus for each age-appropriate level. Yearly advancement is based on faculty evaluations of the individual student’s technical ability, physical aptitude, strength, classroom effort and attendance. Girls in Level IV must meet the minimum standards required for beginning pointe work. Contemporary classes are an integral part of the core curriculum for upper levels and are offered in accordance with instructors’ professional teachings. In addition to Contemporary classes, students in Levels I-V may also have the opportunity to explore other dance forms such as Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap and Strength, Stretch & Skills. Classes in other dance forms are also scheduled around the instructors’ schedules and will be offered in accordance with their availability.
LEVELS
5-7 YRS | CLASS LEOTARD COLOR: LIGHT BLUE
Level I students are introduced to full Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, and Hip Hop classes. These classes are for beginners ages 5-7 years and generally, follow 1-2 years of PreBallet. Students will learn barre and center exercises, traveling movements and proper terminology. Students will build on previous learning and continue to learn new steps. Each class will consist of some choreography based on the current skill level. This is also a great way for students to try multiple styles of dance.
7 YRS+ | CLASS LEOTARD COLOR: LAVENDER
Level II classes are the next step in our program. As well as Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, and Hip Hop. We encourage all students to learn fundamentals of body positioning, technique and strength and flexibility exercises. We will focus on barre and center exercise, traveling movement and learning choreography.
9 YRS+ | CLASS LEOTARD COLOR: TEAL
Is for the dancers with at least three years dance experience and requires teacher permission. Level III students are also open to Pre-Pointe class. Students who join this level, must be a dedicated and involved dancer.
12 YRS+ | CLASS LEOTARD COLOR: BURGUNDY & NAVY BLUE
Is for the dancers with at least four years ballet experience and requires teacher permission. Our upper level students represent our studio and are set the standards at PSNW. Students in level IV or V must be our most dedicated and model dancer. Students are also invited to join Pointe class.
CLASS GENRES
PREBALLET & LEVEL I - V
Ballet is an artistic dance form performed to music using precise and highly formalized set steps and gestures. Classical ballet, which originated in Renaissance Italy and established its present form during the 19th century, is characterized by light, graceful, and fluid movements.
Class Dress Code
Pink tights, pink leather ballet slippers (criss-crossed elastics, no single elastics), leotard (color appropriate for the Level), and hair in a bun.
PRETAP & LEVEL I - V
Is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special shoes with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats. This class will build on itself with steps, terms, and choreography.
Class Dress Code
Black dance shorts or leggings, black tap shoes, Leotard (color appropriate for the Level), and hair out of the face.
LEVEL II+
Is a jazz-based class filled with Broadway style dancing and music. Classes incorporate the style of dance one would typically see on a Broadway stage! This form of dancing emphasizes learning performance skills such as connecting with the audience and facial expressions.
Class Dress Code
Black dance shorts or leggings, black character shoes, Leotard (color appropriate for the Level), and hair out of the face.
LEVEL III - V
Incorporates a variety of moves, steps, leaps and quick turns. You will need a strong background in ballet as it encourages grace and balance. Jazz class includes a warm up, accompanied by stretching exercises, isolation moves and combinations and will cover a wide range of music styles, from show tunes to hip hop.
Class Dress Code
Black dance shorts or leggings, black or nude jazz shoes, leotard (color appropriate for the Level), and hair out of the face.
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LEVEL I & II
Incorporates elements of Jazz and Hip Hop. This a great way to get two genres of dance in one class. A perfect class for beginners to be introduced to Jazz and Hip Hop.
Class Dress Code
Black dance shorts or leggings, black or nude jazz shoes, dance sneakers, leotard (color appropriate for the Level) and hair out of the face.
LEVEL III - V
Is generally uses pop music to incorporate breaking, locking and popping. This popular style of dance can incorporate other movements from all styles of dance. A strong background in ballet technique or conditioning will help the dancer excel in this style.
Class Dress Code
Loose sweat pants and t-shirt, dance sneakers (for studio use only), and hair out of the face.
PREACRO & LEVEL I - V
Acro is a style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. It is defined by its athletic character and unique choreography, which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics, and its use of acrobatics in a dance context.
Class Dress Code
Black dance shorts or leggings, leotard (color appropriate for the Level), and hair out of the face.
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LEVEL III+
Is for the dancers with at least four years of Ballet experience and requires teacher permission. Students who join the pointe class must also be enrolled in Ballet IV classes or higher.
Class Dress Code
Pink tights, pink pointe shoes, leotard (color appropriate for the Level), and hair in a bun.
LEVEL II+
Turns & Leaps class is just that; building skills such as turns and leaps. This class is required for Lyrical and Contemporary.
Class Dress Code
Black dance shorts or leggings, nude half shoes, leotard (color appropriate for the Level), and hair out of the face.
LEVEL II+
Conditioning class is the chance for dancers to obtain strengthening exercises to improve in any genre. This is the perfect add on class for those looking for an extra push!
Class Dress Code
Comfortable clothing like workout gear and hair out of the face.
LEVEL IV+
Contemporary is a style that combines elements of several dance genres including Modern, Jazz, Lyrical and Ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. The movement is based on ballet and can incorporate contemporary elements.
Class Dress Code
Black dance shorts or leggings, nude half shoes, leotard (color appropriate for the Level), and hair out of the face.
To enroll in Contemporary classes, students must also take ballet at their level and Turns & Leaps concurrently.
LEVEL II+
Lyrical is stylistic movement to music where the choreography reflects the lyrics of songs. The movement is based on ballet and can incorporate contemporary elements. To enroll in Contemporary classes, students must also take Ballet at their level and Turns & Leaps, concurrently. Students will learn more contemporary movement that is less strict than classical ballet movement.
Class Dress Code
Black dance shorts or leggings, nude half shoes, leotard (color appropriate for the Level), and hair out of the face.
To enroll in Lyrical classes, students must also take ballet at their level and Turns & Leaps concurrently.
The PSNW Performing Company lays the foundation for a professional career. Participation in the Summer Dance Intensive is required to be considered for admission into the Company program. Summer Dance Intensive students receive application materials for the Company program following the Summer Dance Intensive. Students interested in applying for the program must submit the necessary paperwork to our director. Admission to the program is by invitation only, and students are notified of acceptance to the program before the beginning of the new season.
PSNW Performing Company members concentrate on perfecting technique and sportsmanship skills through an inviting, supportive program. The program's curriculum includes Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, Hip Hop, choreography, repertory, Pilates, Yoga, strength training, and life skills. This program is designed to help students transition from student to pre-professional dancer. We strieve to create well rounded, forward thinking individuals that we are proud of.
Auditions are held once a year, at the end of May just before the Summer Session begins.
The PSNW Competition Team is the highest level of dificulty and dedication in our studio. Participation in the Summer Dance Intensive and in the Performing Company is required to be considered for admission into the Competition Team. Students interested in auditioning for the team must submit the necessary paperwork to our director. Admission to the program is by invitation only, and students are notified of acceptance to the program before the beginning of the new season.
PSNW Competition Team concentrate on perfecting choreography and developing artistry through an intensive, comprehensive program. The program's curriculum includes Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, Hip Hop, choreography, repertory, Pilates, Yoga, strength training, and life skills. This program is designed to take our dancers to the next step; dance competitions. We strieve to create well rounded, forward thinking individuals that we are proud of.
Auditions are held once a year, at the end of May just before the Summer Session begins.
