class descriptions

ballet

Ballet is the foundation of many dance forms and will maximize technique and longevity in a career of dance. It provides grace, poise, and technique needed to be proficient in all other areas of dance. Ballet classes will help dancers with posture, flexibility, fitness, balance, self-discipline, and self-confidence.
**Dancers should expect to remain in certain levels for more than one session to acquire proper technique, alignment and understanding of ballet fundamentals. Instructors will give recommendations based on class performance.
For beginner dancers ready to learn the basics of ballet (recommended for ages 5+). Students will build off of the five positions, master plié variations and tendus, among other level-appropriate skills. Dancers will use both barre and centre floor. Dancers will work to master Ballet I curriculum to move on to Ballet II with the instructor’s recommendation.
This class will take the skills learned in Ballet I and build upon them to strengthen the dancer's precision and ability. Students will advance on to more difficult skills and utilize both barre and centre floor work to improve their technique. Dancers must show proficiency and receive recommendation to progress to Ballet II.
For advanced ballet dancers looking to challenge their previous knowledge and training. Students will learn more difficult combinations and skills, while developing finesse and classic style. Dancers must master all Ballet I and II skills and technique to enroll in Ballet III with instructor’s recommendation.
Black leotard
Pink tights
Hair in a bun
Pink ballet shoes

contemporary

Contemporary combines ballet and modern techniques with musical and emotional expression with a strong focus on modern techniques (contractions and release, off-center balances and suspension) as well as musicality and self-expression. Contemporary explores style with introductory level technique and focus on interpreting music and choreography. Students will work on ability to pick up stylized choreography and movements. Recommended for dancers age 10+ with some prior dance experience.
Athletic wear (shorts/leggings, t-shirt/tank top etc.)
No shoes or socks

hip hop

Hip Hop incorporates a variety of old and new urban, street and pop dance styles. The dancing represents body movements that go with the beat and rhythm of hip hop music. Hip hop dancing is very dynamic and helps the dancers improve flexibility develop body balance, and coordination.
Athletic wear (shorts/leggings, t-shirt/tank top etc.)
Tennis shoes

jazz

Jazz dance is an exploration of style and presentation. Classes emphasize musicality and body alignment, conditioning, stretch and strengthening, rhythm and stylization as well as fun and innovative choreography.
Athletic wear (shorts/leggings, t-shirt/tank top etc.)
Nude jazz shoes or pirouette shoes

lyrical

This class is a combination of ballet and jazz that challenges dancers to use choreography and movement to interpret music and express emotion. Dancers learn to express emotions derived from lyrics to convey the dance’s meaning. Lyrical introduces students to the styles of both genres and the method in which they are combined, while understanding the performance aspects of lyrical.
Athletic wear (shorts/leggings, t-shirt/tank top etc.)
Pirouette shoes

tap

This class is designed for those with little to no experience with tap dance. The core of the class will focus on the development of basic technical skills (shuffles, paradiddles, flaps, pickups, cramp-rolls, etc.), as well as the ear, or ability to understand music. A small portion of the course will be dedicated to learning about and honoring historical tap figures to gain a holistic understanding of the art form.
This course will be fast-paced and exciting. It is designed for those with prior experience in tap, and will focus on further developing both technical skills and the ear. Other course objectives include the ability to quickly learn combinations without vocal instruction, a deep understanding of tap history, and an ability to improvise comfortably.
Athletic wear (shorts/leggings, t-shirt/tank top etc.)
Tap shoes

technique fundamentals

this is for young dancers ages 5+ to learn and experience the foundation and basics of dance technique. Students should master connecting basic technique skills to progress to Beginner.
Appropriate for beginner dancers, or those looking to work on the basic technical skills. This class focuses on the breakdown of connecting foundational skills such as splits, single pirouettes, chaine and pique turns, jetes and extensions. Recommended for ages 7+
This intermediate level is for dancers who have learned the basic technical skills already, and wish to perfect those as well as work on new progressions. Dancers will learn the proper technique for more difficult skills, such as calypsos, center leaps, double pirouettes, may begin working on turns in second and skill progressions across the floor. Students should master beginner skills to progress to intermediate.
For advanced dancers with previous technical training. This class will build off of prior knowledge and ability to develop precision and accuracy in technical skills. Students will work on proper alignment, strength, flexibility, understanding of body awareness and mobility to help improve their execution of leaps, turns, jumps and other dance skills/tricks. Class will incorporate drills, exercises, across the floor combinations, floor work and more to really train and develop further in technical skills and ability.
Athletic wear (shorts/leggings, t-shirt/tank top etc.)
Nude jazz shoes or pirouette shoes

strength & stretch

For dancers looking to improve overall strength to help with dance skills such as leaps, jumps and more. Dancers will learn proper stretching techniques, conditioning exercises and incorporate strengthening movements to help build proper muscle strength and coordination needed for dance. Recommended for ages 8+
Athletic wear (shorts/leggings, t-shirt/tank top etc.)
No shoes or tennis shoes

combo classes & fundamentals

Combo classes are an age specific, 45-60 minute class. This class will spend portions of the time working on two or more different styles, giving the children a fantastic base and exposure to different types of dance. We have found that this “combination” technique helps to keep the kids excited, interested, and focused for the entire 45-60 minute period.
Form-fitting dancewear is required for all other classes. This includes dance sets, sports bras, briefs, leggings, shorts, or a dance leotard with attached skirt. No baggy pants or t-shirts are allowed with the exception of contemporary, hip hop, and tap.
All Fundamentals: Pink ballet shoes, tan jazz shoes, black tap shoes
Ballet/Jazz: Pink ballet shoes, tan jazz shoes
Jazz/Lyrical: tan jazz shoes

acro

Acro (acrobatics/tumbling) is centered on fundamental acrobatic technique to increase flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, timing, body awareness, self-discipline, and confidence. Classes focus on proper hand placement and body alignment with emphasis on the muscles and flexibility required to perform proper technique. Class levels have required skill lists that ensure dancer's safety.
* Students will be evaluated on a continual basis in acro classes and be invited to move to the next level with invitation from the instructor.
Introductory level class that will build acro skills and knowledge of the basics. No requirements to enroll in this level, recommended for ages 5+
Required skills for enrollment include backwards roll, standing down to bridge, bridge to standing, bridge kick-over to standing, front limber (handstand to bridge to standing), one-handed cartwheel, able to walk on feet in bridge, both right and left side cartwheels, flexibility - working on splits (right, left and center).
Required skills for enrollment include both front and back walkovers, side aerial, can hold handstand for 10+ seconds unassisted and 40+ seconds on wall/support, able to hold bridge for 40+ seconds, handstand to chest roll out, flexibility - splits (right, left and center) 2 inches or less off of ground.
Athletic wear (shorts/leggings, t-shirt/tank top etc.)
No shoes

improv

Dance improvisation (commonly known as improv) is the process of creating movement without pre-planning any steps or choreography. Free movement is a great way to have fun, relieve any stress and explore new ways to move and the best part is there are absolutely no rules!
Athletic wear (shorts/leggings, t-shirt/tank top etc.)
No shoes, nude jazz shoes, pirouette shoes, socks

private lessons

One-on-one private lessons with a qualified SAOD faculty member to focus on technique and skills. Paired with group classes, private lessons are a great way to encourage growth and development to further a dancers training (group classes are not required, only encouraged). Available for dancers ages 5-19.
Private lesson rates available on our “Tuition” page. Email sparksacademydc@gmail.com to set-up private lessons.