Our Class Schedule

Academy Calendar: Academic Year 2012-2013 (August 20, 2012 to June 6, 2013) To view our 2012-2013 Academic Year class schedule as a .pdf file, go to our classes in hip-hop, jazz, ballet, pre-school creative dance, and more page To view our brochure with 2013 Summer Dance Camps (June 17-20) and Summer Term dance classes (July 1-24), go to our SUMMER dance classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and pre-school dance page To print and complete our registration form, go to our dance class registration form Fall 2012 term: August 20-November 19 No class on Labor Day--Monday, September 3rd. Makeup day will be Monday, November 19th. Winter 2012-2013 term: November 26-March 9 No class from December 23rd-January 6th. Spring 2013 term: March 11 - June 6 No class on Memorial Day--Monday, May 27th. Makeup day to be chosen by each student. We welcome new students and their families to share in the fun of learning to dance! Please contact the Academy to schedule a trial/evaluation class.

Class Descriptions:

Family Dance (Mom/Dad + toddler): A fun dance exercise experience that parents share with their 1½ to 3 year old child, similar to Mommy ‘n’ Me. 45 minute classes focus on gentle stretches, balance, rhythm, coordination and more.

Creative Dance I: Your pre-schooler’s introduction to the joy of dance! This ballet-based class is perfect for children ages 3-4 who are potty-trained and ready to dance without Mom or Dad. All structures of a traditional dance class are introduced, including etiquette, warm-up, skills practice, movement through space and levels, terminology, and creative expression. Dance stories and activities reinforce learning, and students may participate in the annual recital.

Creative Dance II: Designed for 4-year-olds with previous dance training and 5-year-olds who are relatively new to dance, this 1 hour class follows the same structure as Creative Dance I but adds more challenging elements, terminology and patterns and includes jazz/hip-hop and tap dance components. Tap shoes are required for Winter Term.

Jazz/Hip Hop: This fusion of classical jazz movement with styles found today in musical theater, lyrical dance, and especially hip-hop, is a fun opportunity to build coordination, rhythm, and strength in movement to popular music.

Ballet: As the foundation for other dance forms and a proven complement to sports training, ballet develops quality of movement, emphasizing grace, posture, flexibility and fluidity of movement. Ballet is a very joy-filled art form and is highly recommended for those studying other forms of dance.

Tap: This class builds confidence in movement, rhythm, coordination, and musicality utilizing different styles of music.

Ballet for Athletes (Skaters, Gymnasts, Dance Team, etc): A focused class for those who need ballet to enhance their athletic performance. Proper placement of head, arms and upper body while doing leaps, turns, and extensions is emphasized, as is flexibility and fluidity of movement.

Dance class levels:

Level I: For students ages 6-10 with less than 1 year (3 terms) of study at Contempo or less than 3 years of other training in the specific discipline.
Level I/II: For students ages 7-11 with at least 1 year (3 terms) of study at Contempo or instructor approval.
Level II: For students ages 9-13 with at least 3 years of dance training in the specific discipline and instructor approval. A minimum of 2 classes per week is recommended for best progress at this level.
Level II/III: For students ages 12+ with at least 4 years of dance training in the specific discipline and instructor approval. Level II/III students who take at least 3 ballet classes per week may also take pointe classes with instructor approval.
Level III: For students ages 14+ with at least 5 years of recent training in the specific discipline.

*Ballet is the foundation of all dance training and is highly recommended for all students, especially those who want to progress most quickly in any other type of dance.

Performance Calendar:
We encourage performance as a valuable part of the learning experience, but participation in performances is not required. We have two formal school performance opportunities during the academic year. Our performing troupe, Contempo Dance Company, is designed for dancers who are serious about their training and commit to multiple classes per week for the entire year. The Contempo Dance Company offers these dancers ages 8 and up additional opportunities to perform at community events, scholarship opportunities, and other fun activities designed to enhance their learning.

The Contempo Dance Company 2013-2014 season will begin in Summer 2013. Participation is by invitation only for current students, or by audition for new students. Contact the studio office for details.