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Guide for Choosing a Dance Class

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 and 4, 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.

Tumble Tots is also for our youngest dancers, but focuses more on the tumbler than the ballet dancer.  Ages 3, 4 and 5 will enjoy a fun full body warm up, learn basic tumbling skills and experience a new obstacle course each week.  The goal of this class is to teach your little "monkey" how to tumble properly and safely.

Pre Dance, generally for children ages 4 and 5 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 class keeps the fun in learning the fundamentals of dance!

Kids dance classes for dancers age 6, 7 and 8 include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern Cheer dance, Stretch and Tumble.  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 45 minutes and offer a unique transition from Kids dance classes to the pre-teen and teen levels.  These classes include Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Cheer Dance, Stretch and Tumble  They are ideal for younger dancers with confidence and experience as well as slightly older dancers just starting out.  Teachers 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 9 or beginning teen dancers with instructor permission.  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, with 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 are looking for fun and exercise, without a commitment to performing, enjoy these classes.

Family Zumba also new to the summer 2010 schedule.  This class has great music and high energy cardio that will get parents and kids sweating.  A fun way to spend family time, dancing to latin grooves.

Belly Dance and Jujitsu are our sub contractor classes that have regular time slots.  African Dance with Janet Peck and Break 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.  Each teacher 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.  Tap, Jazz and Lyrical performance pieces are crafted to the strengths of the dancers.  The dancers are required to take any A level class in order to participate.  Dancers are encouraged to take additional dance classes and make a firm commitment to practice and perform.

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.  This group does not meet over the summer.

PK Project founded by Joanne 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.  PK Project has a technique class once during the week and then rehearses from 2-5pm on Sundays.