Tutu Toddlers: This class is designed for the 3-year-old who loves music and wants to dance. Participants will concentrate on creative movement using large- motor skills choreographed to all their favorite songs. No dancers in diapers.
Budding Ballerinas: Four- and five-year-olds will learn ballet fundamentals in this class, which is similar to Tutu Toddlers.
Tiny Tappers: Toe, heel, step. Four- and five-year-olds will learn their first tap steps in this class. Children will improve their coordination and rhythms as they learn first tap steps. Classes include dance combinations designed especially for this level. No previous dance experience is necessary. Dancers must be at least 5 years old.
Beginning Levels: The class structure includes isolation and flexibility warm-ups for Jazz, barre and centre work for Ballet and Tap. Students will build on the terminology and technique learned in the Basic Level. Dancers must have completed the Basic Level to the satisfaction of the instructor and have permission to enroll.
Levels I-VI: These levels build on skills learned in the previous level. Students will clarify technique to become stronger dancers. Each level will introduce more complicated technique and combination work. As students advance, a more disciplined atmosphere is enforced and highly technical steps will be performed. Dancers must have completed the previous level to the satisfaction of the instructor and have permission to enroll.
Pre- and Beginning Pointe: Dancers who are enrolled in Ballet Level II may register for Pre-Pointe. Dancers enrolled in Ballet III or higher may register for Beginning Pointe. Dancers will not start out in pointe shoes. Dancers will work on strengthening their bodies and correct technique.
Pointe I and Pointe II: Dancers who are enrolled in Ballet Levels IV-VI and have completed Beginning Pointe to the satisfaction of the instructor and supervisor may register for Pointe I. Dancers who have completed Pointe I to the satisfaction of the instructor may enroll in Pointe II. Pointe shoes are required for both classes.
Modern: In this class, combinations will be taught designed toward introducing expressive dance rhythm and a freer more natural form of dance. Dancers must be enrolled in Ballet III or higher.
Lyrical I-III: A combination of ballet and jazz will be taught in this class designed toward lyric expression. Choreography will develop expressive dance rhythm. Dancers must be enrolled in Ballet Level II or higher to attend. Permission must be given to enroll in Pre-Lyrical, Lyrical II or III.
Hip Hop Level I-II: Students will learn a mixture of street moves and jazz. Hip Hop Levels I to II dancers must complete each level to the satisfaction of the instructor and supervisor to advance. Permission must be given to enroll in Levels I to II.
A-Factor Dance Company: Members are selected through an audition process held each May. Participants must be at least 7 years old, had at least one year experience in the last year in ballet and registered year-round in ballet and jazz classes. Previous jazz and tap experience highly recommended. Members are taught proper technique, body placement and flexibility exercises. The Dance Company represents the Park District in the community shows and competitions.
Samantha Gaul
