Learning to dance broadens the mind and challenges the body. Our staff wants you and your child to love the art of dance as well as the discipline that it offers. Poise, posture, confidence, self-respect and respecting others are developed in our classes. We’re dedicated to providing quality instruction at age appropriate levels. Our classes are always fun yet structured. We guide our students to use their imaginations, creativity and to explore their talents. We want every student to reach his or her full potential. DANCE IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST LEARNING STEPS!
To achieve this, we also teach proper technique and correct terminology.
BALLET is the basis of all forms of dance, characterized by grace and precision of movement through studying specific exercises. Beautiful body alignment and poise are developed. Our ballet program blends the French, Russian and Italian (Cecchetti) methods as well as contemporary styles of Ballet. POINTE can begin only after the age of 10-11 & only after several years of ballet training. Proper alignment is crucial for correct muscular development and for protecting the joints from injury. Proper fitting shoes are mandatory for pointework. Blisters & other discomforts are preventable by wearing properly fitted pointe shoes. Pointe students must also take a ballet class each week.
JAZZ / HIP-HOP program allows the student to take both of these popular form of dance in one class. We integrate jazz technique and elements of *hip-hop moves.
What is the difference between jazz and hip-hop? Good question! Jazz style of dance is what is seen in many familiar Broadway shows such as “Mama Mia”, Movin’ Out”, “A Chorus Line” or in the movies “Chicago” and “Centerstage.” Technique, which is strength, body alignment, flexibility and balance, are all components of jazz. Hip-hop* basically is street- style dance made popular by TV videos. This funky free style of dance has less emphasis on technique. *The Marietta Dance Academy does not use immodest costumes, movements or inappropriate music.
LYRICAL is a graceful combination of jazz and ballet for intermediate-advanced students. This contemporary style combines the fluid style of contemporary ballet with turns, jumps, leaps from jazz. It interprets and expresses the emotions of the music. The lyrical dancer feels a connection to the song and can tell the story to the audience. Lyrical students must also take a ballet class each week.
TAP is rhythms of sounds made by the feet in tap shoes. Coordination, balance and musicality are acquired. Tap shoes are mandatory.
TUMBLING / ACROBATICS for ages 5+ combines learning power stunts and flexibility tricks. These two styles compliment each other. Strength & flexibility is required.
MOMMY & ME (45 minute) for 2-2.5 year olds as of Sept. 1st with an adult. Creative movement, pre-ballet and tumbling basics along with other parent/child activities. 6 week courses.
INTRO TO DANCE 1 (45 minute) for 3 yr. olds as of Sept. 1st. Ballet and basic tumbling fundamentals (no tap). Group activities help build confidence and social skills. Learning to stand in line, listen to the teacher and follow directions, take turns and hold hands with a partner is accomplished at this age, while learning to basic dance.
INTRO TO DANCE 2 (45 minute) for 4 yr. olds as of Sept. 1st. Ballet, tumbling and tap. Ballet terminology, tap basics, tumbling skills. Teachers introduce sequencing patterns of dance steps at this level.
COMBO CLASSES LEVEL 3, 4, 5 (45 minute) for kinder-6th grade. These entry level combo classes are for beginner students. Age appropriate material will be taught to (Level 3) K-1st, (Level 4) 2nd-3rd, (Level 5) 4th-6th grade dancers.
"Second Saturday Class" (one hour) Free to kindergarten - adult students of the Dance Academy. This stretch/flex, turns/leaps class is on the second Saturday of each month starting in October.