Learning to dance has a unique, elegant and special way of increasing your child’s self-esteem and self-image.
Chi-CDT offers a full schedule of classes from ages 2 to adults.
BALLET
Ballet is considered to be a foundational element of all serious dance student’s training. Students in ballet class at Chi-CDT will learn skills to enhance their quality of movement, posture, alignment, strength, flexibility, balance, poise, and ability to memorize combinations. In addition, they will learn basic through advanced dance vocabulary which will be vital for their ongoing success. All of these elements will not only make them strong ballet dancers, but will give them the tools they need to excel in many other forms of dance as well, such as modern and contemporary.
BALLET/TAP COMBO (Future Stars)
Ages 2-6
Future Stars – Previously Creative Movement
Tap/Ballet
Classes present opportunities for experimentation and growth. Dancers should feel free to experiment without worrying about the end product. But freedom should not be confused with creativity; freedom alone does not promote creativity. Freedom within structure does.
These classes focus on particular movement elements. An element is introduced verbally and then improvisations are provided to lead dancers to make their own discoveries. There is no right or wrong in class- dancers are successful if they experience involvement in the activity and growth in their ability to understand and use movement.
The main goal is to learn the language of movement. Our instruction focuses primarily on helping young ones learn how to work with other children, follow directions, use essential dance terms and listen to music like a dancer.
PRE-POINTE
This class is for those students who are considering learning the art of dancing en pointe and who have received permission from the pre-pointe teacher to join this class. The class will consist of exercises for strengthening feet, toes, and ankles, as well as learning and honing proper alignment so that students will be fully ready to go on pointe. No pointe shoes are to be bought for pre-pointe class until specifically instructed to do so by the teacher. Due to risk of injury, this rule will be strictly enforced. Each student will be considered on an individual basis as to when they may move to pointe class. Additional questions should be directed to the Chi-CDT staff.
POINTE
This class is for those students who have been placed on pointe by the pointe instructor. This class will consist of everything from learning how buy, sew, tie, and break in pointe shoes, to how to dance full-length ballet numbers en pointe. Emphasis will be placed on proper alignment and proper placement of the dancer’s body over her shoes. Dancers will progress from barre work through to jumps, turns, and across the floor combinations en pointe.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary dance draws on both classical ballet and modern dance. In terms of the focus of its technique, contemporary dance tends to utilize both the strong and controlled legwork of ballet. Unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction are often used, as well.
COMPANY/Competition Team
By audition and/or Teacher Approval. Company is a performance-based class/team. Classes consist of stretching, strengthening, modern, ballet, and jazz techniques. Dancers may compete at both a regional and national level and make guest appearances at outside functions as well as perform in the annual recital.
Hip Hop
HIP HOP
The goal of this class is to introduce our students to the basic moves of hip hop and give them a proper dance foundation. Classes will cover the fundamentals of hip hop dance • street dance • jazz • funk Each class starts with warm up exercises. A different set of moves will be taught every week and broken down step by step then practiced with music.
JAZZ
Jazz is sharp and fluid movements to create a visually technical dance and style. It is usually done to popular music. Body isolations, stretch, turning, leaping and technical steps are taught in this class. Jazz is a technique based style with a strong ballet background. There are many types of styles of jazz ranging from: Broadway Jazz, Modern Jazz, African Jazz and many more. This class consists of structure and discipline along with fun and sass.
LYRICAL
Class will emphasis developing a dance vocabulary, increasing stamina, control, speed, and musicality. Students will also focus on isolations of the body, coordination, syncopated movements, turns, leaps and kicks. A lyrical dancer’s movements attempt to show the meaning of the music. Moreover, the dancer must be well aware of facial expressions, essentially acting, to properly perform a lyrical dance piece.
MODERN
Class will address exercise concepts such as changing levels, rhythmic movement, shape and tempo while stretching and strengthening with control. Dancers will focus on a freer use of the body for a deeper exploration of movement expression and musicality.
Musical Theatre
MUSICAL THEATER
Classes consist of basic warm-ups, stage movement and basic dance skills incorporated into different musicals. Classes also include exercises to enhance acting skills, confidence on stage and characterization.
PRE-BALLET/TAP (Rising Stars & Shining Stars)
Ages 5-7 Dances will increase there knowledge of basic ballet and tap skills. Terminology, rhythm, and coordination are taught, practiced, and developed through creative movement, music, and mime in a supportive and supervised environment
TAP
A uniquely American dance form evolved from African-American and Irish-American folkdances, is an important component of contemporary American musical theater. Classes are designed to develop rhythm, style and sound. Students will learn a variety of tap styles from Broadway to Rhythm tap. Exercises focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement. The class emphasis is on developing proper tap technique, producing clear tap sounds, and having fun. As students’ progress through each level curriculum will become increasingly more complex and intricate.