The answer is that ballet is the foundation for all other forms of dance. It gives a student control, strength, poise, coordination, flexibility, expression, technique, terminology, and grace that is used in learning tap, jazz, lyrical, and modern dance. Ballet is not only for the body; it also exercises the mind.
All of the above reasons are important, but more than anything else, ballet gives you discipline. This discipline will spill over into other areas of your life, as you grow older. In ballet you must go through all forms of exercise in a specific order to teach you how to use and develop the muscles in your body properly. Every exercise has a beginning, middle, and an end; just like projects and learning situations one faces in life.
Last, but not least, ballet is something you can take with you all your life. You can always do stretches, plies and releve, even in the smallest of rooms. It's the best way to stay in shape, physically and mentally.
We recommend ballet training for all students studying other forms of dance. This will enhance their progress and allow them to receive the most benefits from each style.
Dance training will never be wasted, for it nurtures good breathing action, coordination, poise, discipline, quick reaction, memory, stamina, and an air of self-confidence and presence. All these qualities are of importance to young people setting out in life, as well as those already on the journey.
What does it mean to dance "Sur les Pointe"?
Students who are at least 11 years old (or entering 6th grade) who wish to train "sur les pointe" must have been trained in ballet classes for at least 1 year to be considered for this very demanding course of work. This class is very strenuous on a dancer's legs and body.
Students must be dedicated to lessons and must continue to exhibit excellent classroom etiquette, grooming and dedication to the art of ballet. Final decision as to who will be placed "en pointe" will be made accordingly.
Why take kids combination classes?
The primary objectives for this class are to build a love for dance, discover how to use movement as a form of self-expression, master basic developmental skills, become comfortable with standard classroom etiquette and introduce musical awareness skills. Little dancers love to move and pretend.
Toe 2 Toe utilizes these natural tendencies to gently introduce them to the dance world. Young dancers need to work in their own body space, wait their turn, and learn to respect the studio and the teacher. Children will be introduced to the basic ballet positions, age appropriate stretching exercises, correct posture and very basic tap skills in a positive and creative environment.
Consistency in class structure provides an atmosphere that will give dancers a feeling of control and accomplishment as they will clearly understand expectations and be able to anticipate the next activity. Their imaginations will be stimulated and coordination skills will improve as rhythm, beat and time, opposites, directions and elementary ballet positions are taught. Other areas that will be worked on include body & spatial awareness, large & fine motor skills, coordination & balance skills and group participation.
Educators know that training young children in the concepts of movement, sequencing, patterning and spatial relationships lay a strong foundation for the later development of reading, mathematics and other educational skills. Children at Toe 2 Toe work actively in all of these areas.
Why take Jazz?
Jazz dance is a combination of several dance forms and is usually expressed through popular music. Although considered more free than ballet, jazz is also a structured dance form. Jazz lessons include warm up exercises specifically designed to increase flexibility and strength, barre work, isolations, center floor combinations and progressions across the floor (turning, jumping, kicking).
Toe 2 Toe Dance feels strongly that jazz dances should remain age appropriate and that our choreography, costume and music selections reflect this commitment to our students.
Classes in ballet are highly encouraged for those who recognize that a classical background is a necessary ingredient to becoming an accomplished jazz, tap or theatrical dancer.
Why take Tap?
Tap is taught in a traditional Broadway and rhythm style. Most classes begin at the barre for perfecting tap techniques, followed by across the floor activities and end with learning, practicing and perfecting small combinations. Tap lessons are designed to develop rhythm, coordination, flexibility of the knees and ankles, speed and finesse.
Why take Hip Hop?
This class is designed for High School and Middle School girls and boys to dance the latest dance moves to their favorite hip hop songs.
This class is unlike any class taught at Toe 2 Toe.
The class will not be taught on a classic style of dance.
Anything goes in Hip Hop.
Sassy dance steps in a conservative style will bring the students dance moves to a whole new level.
Why take Master Classes?
(6th-12th Grades) Master classes are for the more serious students who are ready to spend extra time on technique and perfecting dance skills. Master class is a serious and intense program that is not for all students. This class is for students who make dance a priority. If you are serious enough to take Master Classes you should be dancing more than one day a week. Therefore, you must enroll in a regular dance class as well.
What is Mommy & Me?
Mommy and me classes are designed for moms and their two year old (This can also include grandma, an aunt, or daddies that are mommies too).
What better way to get your toddler ready for the big stage?
The mothers work with their child on basic dance steps.
You will learn a short dance that will be performed for your family on the last day of class in the studio.
Check out the Photo Gallery to see pictures from different classes!
