Below is a description of each class that NRV Academy of Dance offers, as well as the level progressions. Please read over them to see what class would be the best fit for you and/or your child. If you have any questions, contact us directly and we will be happy to assist you with this!
NRVAD Class Level Progression
*The first two sets of classes are based on age, but following those each class is skill-based. This ensures that each student is placed in the class that best matches their needs.
- Duckpond (ages 3-5)*
- Pandapas (ages 5-7)*
- Cascades
- Claytor
- Bisset
- Huckleberry
- Cambria
- Beginning Acrobatic Movement (starts at age 5)
- Beginning Hip-Hop (starts at age 8)
- Musical Theater (starts at age 8)
- Acrobatic Movement (starts at age 5): In this class, dancers will learn to use their flexibility to tell a story through the rhythm of music. This class incorporates both dance and gymnastic elements.
- Ballet: Ballet is the epitome of grace and elegance. It is the most exacting of all dance forms as it involves mastering a rich catalogue of techniques and steps that have been developed and perfected for hundreds of years. It is the foundation for all dance styles. It is far from old and stuffy; however, as today’s ballet performances often use modern and even pop music you hear on the radio! Ballet uses your body to make beautiful lines punctuated by amazing turns and leaps.
- Combination Classes- Duckpond, Pandapas, & Cascades (starts at age 3): These classes are a combo of tap and ballet, where our littlest students begin learning the basics of each style. Each class is 25 minutes of ballet, followed by 25 minutes of tap, and accompanied by other movement activities such as freeze dance, or using the parachute and hula-hoops.
- Hip-Hop (starts at age 8): In this class, dancers will learn the different levels of street dance and movements to beats within the rhythm of music.
- Jazz: Jazz dance may have originated in the jazz era, but today it includes pop music as well as jazz standards. Leaps, turns, and kicks combine to make this style of dance just as much fun to watch as perform.
- Because this style builds upon classical ballet technique, Claytor-level ballet is a required prerequisite for all jazz classes.
- Lyrical: Lyrical dance tends to be more emotional and often interprets the feeling and lyrics of the song. Pulling techniques from ballet and incorporating more unconventional movements from modern dance masters such as Martha Graham, lyrical is often about what feels right in the moment.
- Because this style builds upon classical ballet technique, Claytor-level ballet is a required prerequisite for all lyrical classes.
- Musical Theater (starts at age 8): Musical theater is a blend of music, acting and dancing. This class will focus on teaching these performers basic steps and choreography that they can take to the stage!
- Pointe: Pointe technique is a major component of classical ballet in which the dancer appears graceful and poised, by putting their weight onto the tips of their toes using a special type of dance shoe.
- To enroll in either pre-pointe or pointe, a dancer needs an instructor recommendation.
- Tap: Tap dancing is all about making sounds with your feet. Once you master some basic steps, these noises get strung together into intricate rhythms. This style of the dance could be Broadway, more informal “street style,” or even with no music at all.