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Classes & Descriptions

 

The Altoona Dance Theatre strives to train, inspire and nurture young
dancers towards artistic excellence, perform, as everyone is given the
opportunity to perform, and to bring the art of dance to many audiences. We
provide many opportunities for our students to perform and work with world
renowned teachers, guest artists, and master choreographers.

 

 
Ballet
Description:

 

 

  
Pre-School Dance(pink leotards and pink tights, pink leather ballet shoes)
Ages 3 to 5 - A fun introduction to dance designed to stimulate creativity and imagination while encouraging a love of dance. Along with teaching pre-ballet technique, the class will focus on rhythm, basic motor skills, coordination activities and creative movement.

Ballet - Beginning Levels(White leotards, pink tights, pink leather ballet shoes)
Children are taught the fundamentals and language of ballet in an atmosphere of encouragement, discipline and warmth. Emphasis is on correct body placement, musicality, proper turnout, and developing a love of dance.

Ballet-Intermediate/Advanced Levels(black leotards, pink tights, pink leather ballet sheos)
Classical ballet training is continued in the tradition of the Russian School. This program offers excellent training for the serious student as well as those interested in developing an appreciation of the art .

Ballet - Pre-Professional (ADTC Company Levels)
Instruction at this level concentrates on perfecting previous skills, alignment of the body, articulation of the feet, speed of execution, cleanliness of lines, proper usage of turnout, ability to memorize, extension, stamina, multiple pirouettes and preparation on a professional level.

 

  
Attire:  

Please have hair in a neat bun, securely bobby pinned so it does not fall out.  (older students fake hair scrunchy around bun is preferred, and no bangs.) Pink Tights (older students preferably with the line down the back of the leg- just keep this in mind when buying a new pair), Assigned color leotard, and Pink leather ballet shoes!!
 
Pointe
Description:   Training on pointe begins only after a strong, comprehensive basic technique has been achieved and the feet, back and legs are sufficiently strong. Pointe is taught after years of preparation in ballet classes, concurrent registration in ballet, and invitation of the instructor are required.
 
Attire:

 

   Same as ballet, but must have Pointe shoes.
 
 
Jazz
Description:   We teach all styles of jazz in this class, Luigi style jazz, styles of classic and funk, and some dance for the theater are taught.
 
Attire:

 

   Hair pulled out of face in a pony tail or a tight up do, Black Leotard, black tights on outside of leotard preferred (I know this seems odd by this is how professional dance companies wear black tights for jazz etc.), and black jazz shoes that lace.
 
Hip Hop
Description:  
Hip hop is a form that evolved out of street and break dancing moves, and is characterized by its vigorous athletics and bouncy style. Hip Hop is danced primarily to Hip Hop, Pop & R & B music and we make careful music and choreography selections. We feature the diversity of several different styles, so that students can incorporate many different "looks" into their own movement vocabulary. Jazz class is required.
  
Attire:

 

   Hair pull back in a pony tail or a tight up do.  Same attire as Jazz with a black low-top dance sneaker, but you may wear a Jazz pant (Capri or long), and a tight fitting tank top or sport shirts are permitted.

 
Tap
Description:   Dancers explore rhythm and coordinated movement through basic tap exercises and combinations. We focus on terminology and techniques of the tap sounds.
 
Attire:   (same attire as ballet with white taps, tan buckle taps or Black oxford taps)
Modern / Lyrical and Contemporary
Description:   Modern is based on the Martha Graham technique and encourages expression and freedom of movement. Lyrical is using our ballet technique and adding emotion and feeling to tell or portray a story. Contemporary is a combination of both modern and lyrical. We also Include basic floor gymnastics into this class. Ballet class is required  
Attire:   Hair pulled back in a low pony tail, dance paws, any colored leotard and pink convertible tights .

 
Mommy & Me
Description:  
This class is for dancers 18 months to age 3 and is a pre-movement musicality class where we encourage basic
Motor skills and coordination. We also include simple ballet, tap, jazz to prepare them for their pre-school dance classes.
  
Attire:   Pink leotards, pink tights, pink leather ballet shoes will be needed for performances.
 
 
Musical Theater
Description:  
This Class is an introduction to basic acting and theater dance using Broadway Theater repertoire. Concurrent registration in ballet is recommended. We also include vocal training and acting to this class.
  
Attire:   (any color leotard, black tights worn over leotard, character shoes)

 
 
 
Acting Class
Description:  
Teaching the importance of character and the ability to create and portray many different roles on the stage and how to express emotions to an audience.

 
Attire:   (Street Clothes)

Zumba
Description:  
Zumba Fitness® is the only Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a "fitness-party" that is downright addictive. Are you ready to party yourself into shape? That’s exactly what the Zumba® program is all about. It’s an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health.
Attire:   (any attire)

**All class attire is required.
We ask that parents tuck ballet strings in the front of the shoes, and tie shoes very tightly. We ask that no undergarments are sticking of leotards. Hair for classes is a nice tight bun, for Jazz and Hip-hop we allow a pony tail. Please also use the restrooms prior to class beginning.