Elementary

Elementary is designed for dancers ages five to nine who are ready for a more committed training environment and increased performance opportunities. Dancers train three days each week in ballet, modern, technique, jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop while developing the discipline, versatility, and artistic awareness that come with company-style training. Dancers also have the option to expand their training through additional classes in Progressing Ballet Technique and Acro.

At this stage, dancers begin developing greater technical consistency, musicality, movement quality, and performance presence. They learn how to rehearse with focus, apply corrections thoughtfully, support their teammates, and engage more deeply in the creative process.

Throughout the season, dancers may participate in performances, workshops, rehearsals, and optional competitive company choreography depending on their individual goals and level of involvement. Faculty work closely with each dancer not only on technical development, but also on the qualities that support long-term growth as both dancers and people: discipline, resilience, collaboration, artistry, and a genuine love for the work.

Ballet

Elementary Ballet uses center barre and age-appropriate ballet exercises to help dancers develop strong muscles, proper alignment, straight knees, pointed feet, balance, and control. This class builds the strength, coordination, and foundational technique dancers need before progressing into a more traditional ballet class.

Attire

• Red 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

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

Footwork & Progressions

This class helps dancers build coordination, speed, strength, and confidence through beginner-friendly footwork, across-the-floor exercises, and movement progressions. Dancers will practice weight shifts, directional changes, turns, jumps, and traveling steps while developing the control and technique needed for more advanced dance skills.

Elementary Technique

Elementary Technique focuses on building the physical foundation dancers need for safe, confident movement. Through age-appropriate stretching, flexibility exercises, strength training, and alignment work, dancers will improve posture, control, balance, and body awareness while developing healthy technique habits.

Jazz & Lyrical

This class focuses on jazz and lyrical progressions, including leaps, turns, and traveling skills, or an age-appropriate combination. Dancers will build coordination, musicality, control, and performance quality while applying the technique developed in ballet. Dancers must also be enrolled in the Elementary Ballet class immediately before this class.

Modern & Contemporary

This beginner-friendly class introduces dancers to the foundations of Horton modern technique, floorwork, body awareness, and fluid movement. Dancers will build strength, coordination, alignment, and control while learning how to move confidently through space and connect movements with ease.

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

Elementary Tap introduces dancers to rhythm, musicality, and clear tap technique in a fun, beginner-friendly setting. Dancers will learn basic steps, weight shifts, timing, and short combinations while building coordination, confidence, and an understanding of how to create sound with intention.

Attire

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

Shoes

• Black tap shoes

Hip Hop

Elementary Hip Hop introduces dancers to foundational grooves, rhythm, footwork, and age-appropriate choreography in a fun, high-energy class. Dancers will build coordination, musicality, confidence, and performance quality while learning to move with style, personality, and control.

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.

Latin Ballroom

Elementary Latin Ballroom introduces dancers to the rhythm, footwork, posture, and expressive style of Latin dance. Through age-appropriate combinations and partner-inspired movement, dancers will build coordination, musicality, confidence, and performance quality while learning the foundations of styles such as cha-cha, salsa, and samba.