Middle School

Middle School is designed for dancers ages ten to thirteen who are ready for a more serious and consistent training commitment. Dancers train four days each week in ballet, modern, technique, jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop, with the option to expand their training through additional classes in Progressing Ballet Technique and Acro. Pointe training is introduced when appropriate based on strength, alignment, and readiness.

Throughout the season, dancers deepen their technical foundation, versatility, artistry, and performance quality through focused classes, rehearsals, and performance opportunities. Select dancers may choose to participate in competitive company choreography, while others may participate solely in the training program. Dancers also receive mentorship in rehearsal etiquette, audition preparation, creative process, and the professionalism expected of serious dancers in training.

Middle School is designed for dancers who want to be both challenged and supported. Expectations are high, the environment is focused and collaborative, and growth, both technical and artistic, remains at the center of the process.

Ballet & Pre-Pointe

Middle School Ballet & Pre-Pointe builds strength, alignment, flexibility, and control through traditional ballet technique at the barre and in the center. Dancers will also begin pre-pointe exercises focused on ankle and foot strength, balance, posture, and proper placement to prepare safely for future pointe work.

Attire

• Burgundy/maroon leotard (camisole or tank)
• Pink tights (prefer backseamed but either is okay)
• Matching ballet skirts optional

Shoes

• Pink canvas split sole ballet shoes

Jazz & Technique

Middle School Technique & Jazz develops flexibility, strength, alignment, control, and coordination while building a strong foundation in jazz technique. Dancers will work through stretching, conditioning, progressions, turns, leaps, and combinations with an emphasis on clean execution, musicality, and performance quality.

Attire

• Any color fitted dancewear or yoga wear — leotards, matching sets, unitards, or fitted tops with shorts/leggings
• Clothing must allow instructors to clearly see waist alignment, knees, and ankles

Shoes

• No shoes required

Modern & Contemporary

This class builds a strong foundation in Horton modern technique while developing floorwork, body awareness, fluidity, and control. Dancers will work on alignment, strength, transitions, and dynamic movement quality through progressions and combinations designed for beginner to intermediate dancers.

Attire

• Black leotard (any sleeve style)
• Black footless tights (not leggings)
• Dancers may bring additional layers for contemporary classes if desired — fitted track pants, shorts, tank tops, or fitted shirts

Shoes

• No shoes required

Tap

Middle School Tap develops clear sounds, strong rhythm, musicality, and precise footwork. Dancers will build speed, coordination, weight changes, and control through across-the-floor exercises and combinations while growing their tap vocabulary and confidence.

Attire

• Black leotard (any sleeve style)
• Shorts or pants over leotard optional
• Tank top or fitted shirt optional

Shoes

• Black tap shoes

Hip Hop

Middle School Hip Hop develops grooves, rhythm, footwork, musicality, and performance quality through foundational technique and age-appropriate choreography. Dancers will build coordination, control, confidence, and personal style while learning to move with precision, energy, and intention.

Attire

• Loose, draped clothing required — track pants, sweatpants, oversized tees or layers encouraged

Shoes

• Sneakers required

Acro

Elementary/Middle School Acro builds strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and body control through age-appropriate acrobatic training. Dancers will work on foundational skills such as bridges, handstands, cartwheels, rolls, and progressions while learning safe technique and how to connect acro skills smoothly into dance movement.

Middle School/High School Acro develops strength, flexibility, balance, control, and confidence through more advanced acrobatic training. Dancers will work on skills such as walkovers, aerial progressions, hand balancing, limbers, and connected tumbling passes, with an emphasis on safe technique, clean execution, and smoothly incorporating acro into choreography.

Levels offered

• Elementary/Middle School Acro (Ages 5 to 13)
• Middle School/High School Acro (Ages 10+)

Latin Ballroom

Middle School Latin Ballroom develops rhythm, coordination, posture, footwork, and performance quality through styles such as cha-cha, salsa, samba, and rumba. Dancers will learn more detailed combinations, partner-inspired movement, and expressive styling while building confidence, musicality, and control.