CHILDREN'S CLASSES

At Pineapple Dance we offer many styles and levels of dance for children of all ages.

SEE OUR SCHEDULE & TUITION FOR TIMING & COST OF CLASSES

Ballet

This technique is the basis from which many other dance forms have evolved; it is the solid base upon which a strong, flexible and versatile dancer builds.  We highly recommend that any dancer, who wishes to achieve major improvement and possibly go professional, include ballet in their schedule. The syllabus we follow here at Pineapple Dance is a cross of RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and Balanchine (his version of Vaganova).  We believe that the dancer who is exposed to more than one syllabus will excel further.

Children’s classes build towards the upper level by establishing class etiquette.  We teach how to work in a group, with a partner, and to gain self confidence by being valued, learning new material, and competing only against oneself. Very young children’s classes will introduce these concepts through games and other fun variations, while being active and creative.

Classes for students ages 16 and up will follow the standard format of barre and center work.  Our focus in all classes is correct alignment, broad vocabulary, performance quality and personal growth. Above all, the sheer joy of dance is paramount.

Contemporary Dance

A combination of modern, ballet, jazz and many other styles, Contemporary dance is what’s happening now – what’s popular.  These classes start with a solid modern warm up, with attention paid to correct alignment for each body type. We aim to build strength and flexibility in the upper body as well as the legs.  In this style, finding one’s creative voice is encouraged via games that playfully challenge the student to create. Choreographic concepts, partnering, and acting skills will be explored.

At the children’s and the beginner level, these concepts are introduced and students are gently guided to become more comfortable.

In the upper level,  we explore in more depth, helping each student to grow further.

Hip Hop

Hip Hop refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music and that have evolved as part of hip-hop culture.

Originally, neighborhood groups used dance to battle for territory, prominence and social status.  Hip hop developed from several cultures, including jazz, rock, tap and American and Latino cultures; it also evolves constantly, adopting fresh influences from our world.  Hip hop is a very energetic form of dancing. It is unique in that it allows the dancers the freedom of choice in movement, adding in their own personalities, or swagger.

This category includes a wide range of styles notably breaking, locking, popping and freestyling.  While breakdancing consists primarily of moves executed close to the ground, "down-rock", other hip hop moves called "top-rock" are done standing up, and include lots of jumps and acrobatics.

Jazz

A truly American style, jazz is also a solid technique that is important to the growth of the aspiring artist.   If you are aspiring to make musical theatre your main focus or even to go all the way to Broadway, knowing Jazz dance is a must!   Actors and professional dancers alike should be fluent in jazz technique. Both the Broadway and Street styles are taught here at Pineapple Dance.   Along with proper alignment, emphasis on style and performance quality give the student strong technique, confidence and individuality.

Beginner levels introduce the technique and vocabulary.   Intermediate and advanced levels will build upon those skills and develop the show qualities of the performer as well as the strength and clarity of the style.   History of the great teachers and choreographers, such as Bob Fosse, Luigi and Lester Horton, as well as today's greats such as Mia Michaels are introduced and referenced to complete the Jazz dancer's education.

Tap

Tap is a unique entity in that the performer is both a dancer and a musician; the body is the instrument!   The rhythms and music that we make with our feet cause the dance. Tap has a set vocabulary of basic sounds that when combined create a musical dance.   These sounds are introduced at the primary level, and built upon as the age and level increase.  Both Broadway and Hoofer styles are encompassed in all tap classes, so students get a thorough education and history of this form.  Any student who plans a career in musical theatre or on Broadway should take tap lessons.