When choosing a dance class for children, please remember that all dancers are different.  Each child brings a unique perspective to dance class.  Some are shy, some are outgoing.  Some dancers focus very well, others are like pixies, exploring the classroom around them.  Some dancers laugh and chatter, some are more studious and quiet.  Some like the beauty and grace of Ballet and others like the rockin’ noise of tap.

So to help you get an idea of how we describe our class levels, please read on!  We suggest your dancer try a class before making a commitment and remember, that we use the information below as a guideline, not as a hard and fast rule.  Thank you for the opportunity to work with your dancer and make sure that learning this art is fun, exciting and full of possibilities.

Creative Dance is a great introductory class for your youngest dancers who watch Barbie Ballet and High School Musical.  For youngsters ages 3, 4 and 5, Creative Dancers are introduced to classroom rules and how to work as a group.  The youngsters work on gross motor skills including jumps, skips and hops, turns as well as rhythm and coordination to a variety of music.  Props include scarves, hoops, jump sticks, “balance beam,” tunnels, mats, bean bags, balls and a parachute.

Pre Dance, generally for children ages 4, 5 and 6, usually includes Ballet, Tap and Jazz that start your little ones learning dance terms, a class structure (warm up, barre and floor exercises, across the floor, choreography sequences) for specific classes.  Pre dance classes keeps the fun in learning the fundamentals of dance!

Kids dance classes for dancers age 5, 6, 7 and sometimes 8 include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Irish, Hip Hop, Modern.  These half-hour classes are beginning in nature and the dancers begin to build basic skill sets and add on more artistic dance elements like proper arm use, pointed (or flexed!) feet, head positions, posture and turnout.  These classes are upbeat and fun with weekly challenges that include combinations, movement sequences and choreography.

Junior dance programs for dancers 8, 9, 10 and older with no dance experience run for about 45 minutes for each class and offer a unique transition from Kids dance classes to the pre-teen and teen levels.  These classes include Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap and Hip-Hop.  These classes are ideal for younger dancers with confidence and experience as well as slightly older dancers just starting out.  Staff use the extra time to work on body positioning and placement, proper dance terminology, technique and more challenging choreography in an atmosphere designed to inspire confidence and success.

Level A classes are for experienced dancers over the age of 10 or beginning teen dancers.  Again, these classes include Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz and Hip-Hop.  They are great for dancers refining/learning basic technique, proper body placement and stronger performance skills.  These classes are generally an hour long and build strength, coordination and knowledge of dance terms so that these dancers can work toward more advanced classes and performance choreography. Level A classes are a great introductory class for adults and teens – some adults use these as “refresher” classes or jump into them if they wish to try a new kind of dance class and do not have experience.

Level B/C classes are the intermediate/advanced classes ideal for young teens with experience, teens and adults.  These classes move at a faster pace, as most dancers already know the basics.  Dance skills are strengthened, combinations become more challenging and a dancer’s artistic expression and interpretation of the movement become part of the more advanced classes.  These classes are usually 90 minutes or longer so that dancers can maintain their technique through class work, but then develop choreography and performance skills that make them a joy to watch on stage.

Teen/adult dance classes include a mixed group of teens and adults, most of who have some experience.  Most of the teens have some athletic, dance, cheerleading or gymnastics background and the adults want a challenging, energetic class.  Our instructors craft a class that is fun, fast moving and challenging.

Adult dance classes are generally non-performance classes designed for the more mature dancer who uses dance to enhance fitness, strength and stamina.  Our teachers enjoy working with the adults and the studio has a pay-as-you-go policy.  These classes are also ideal for dancers who may have missed a class and need to make it up.  Dancers who enjoy the fun and exercise without a commitment to performing enjoy these classes.

Sub contract classes include Belly Dance and Jujitsu in regular time slots.  Sunday Skool Tap with Miss Kristin, African Dance with Janet Peck and Ballroom dance are some of the other sessions offered periodically throughout the year.  SSDC is also home to several adult and youth dance companies that perform throughout the area to share the art of dance and support community causes that are near and dear to all of us.

Silver Spring Dance Conservatory Performance Groups:

Star Dance is our children’s performance group for young dancers age 7-10.  Dana Shelley uses this class time to teach and rehearse choreography for upcoming performances.  The style of dance can vary but is chosen based on the strengths of the dancers.  Dancers need instructor permission to join and are encouraged to take several technique classes but are required to take at least one.  Dancers and their families need to be committed to attending rehearsals and performing in the community.

Dancers Anonymous is our pre-teen/young teen dance group run by Lizzie Martin.  Tap, Jazz and Lyrical performance pieces are crafted to the strengths of the dancers and this year, the dancers are required to take Broadway Jazz A in order to participate.  Dancers are encouraged to take additional dance classes and make a firm commitment to practice and perform.

Jennifer Cowan is offering a Dance Performance Preparation class that will teach dancers performance basics so they can jump in for cheerleading, dance team, musical and dance theater performances.  After the Christmas break, depending on dancer interest, Jen will consider reviving Dance Spirit, the original teen dance troupe of the studio.

Jewels of the Nile is Xena’s belly dance troupe that performs at area events including several haflas each year.  These experienced belly dancers purchase/design and/or make all of their own exquisite costumes and add an exotic flair to any performance.

PK Project founded by Joanne Trusz-Weaver also calls SSDC home.  This dance troupe celebrates the diversity of women.  Through Modern Dance, Jazz and Lyrical styles, these women of all ages, shapes, backgrounds and life stages come together to celebrate the art of dance and the community in which they live. PK Project dancers give back to the community by performing at area benefits and community concerts.

NetCo Dance Company, founded by Jennifer Cowan (soon to be Berlet!) has been presenting full, non-community funded dance concerts here in Lancaster for the past 7 years.  Each year NetCo crafts a diverse set of dances around a theme and brings it to a local venue.  Contemporary Modern, Acro-Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet and Tap showcase the skill of these adult dancers.  Along with the concerts, they organize and host benefit concerts and dance at many local community concerts.  ###