Classes for Children
Classical Ballet
Classical Ballet is the base of our children's program. Mark Morris said that Ballet is "sort of wonderful Latin for dancers." The idea being that proficiency at ballet strengthens the ability of a dancer to learn and perform other styles of dance at a faster pace. At CMA we guide children through Creative Movement classes and Steps I and II before they begin traditional study of ballet. Classes for children are available in introductory through intermediate levels. Techniques are drawn from English, Danish and Russian schools of ballet. Classes are taught in a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Children reaching appropriate ability and maturity can elect to study beginning pointe.
Creative Movement
Classes for ages 4 to 5 let children discover pleasure in developing phyical skills in a safe and fun environment. Basic skills in dance and music, movement games and body awareness are emphasized.
Steps
Steps is a series of movement exploration classes including basic skills in ballet, modern and jazz. The class is geared for children ages 5 through 9. In Steps III and above, tap dance is introduced along with other dance forms. Steps III thru V can only be taken if the child also takes ballet. Past Steps II, a child can elect to begin studying classical ballet exclusively or they can take an additional class where modern and jazz training continue.
The Dance Workshop class is for dancers who have reached the upper levels of study at CMA. Adding to a strong base of classical ballet training, the Workshop class endeavors to create dancers who are versatile, open-minded and fearless. Acting as the pinnacle of our Steps series, students in Dance Workshop study a variety of techniques including various styles of Modern, Jazz and Hip-Hop, Ballroom Dance, Applied Pilates, Flamenco, African and other ethnic dance styles.
