Danspace

Introduction: Children are welcome at Danspace. Danspace offers dance for children beginning at age 3. Creative movement is recommended for the youngest children, who may then progress to ballet and/or modern dance or jazz. Children may study for enjoyment or in preparation for a professional career. Classes are small, gently structured, musically oriented, and age appropriate. Formal dance training begins at 8. Danspace instructors draw from extensive backgrounds in dance education and performance, and they are especially gifted in working with children. All instructors have studied at fine academic institutions. Serendipity is designed to introduce young children to the creativity and artistry of dance. Classes include work on basic motor skills, coordination, flexibility, rhythm, spacial awareness and design. Stories, games, props, and music of all kinds are used to inspire the imagination. Self-expression is fostered and self-discipline is encouraged. Class size is limited. It includes the following: * Serendipity 1: ages 3 - 4 (must be 4 to join spring semester) * Serendipity 2: ages 4 - 6 (must be 5 to join spring semester) Pre-ballet combines the free spirit of serendipity with a gentle introduction to the fundamentals of ballet. It is usually designed for ages 6 to 8. Ballet begins at age 8. Classes emphasize careful training of the young body and a solid foundation for further study. Students move through the levels according to maturity and technical ability. Pointe students are evaluated for pointe at about 11 years of age and must have attended two classes/week for 1 year in preparation. In intermediate and advanced ballet, three classes are required and four for advanced pointe work. Modern dance continues in the vein of serendipity, encouraging coordination, flexibility, rhythm and spacial awareness. The basics of modern dance technique, choreographic tools, and performing skills are introduced, accompanied by eclectic musical styles, rhythms and meters. Choreography 1/2 students are introduced to basic dance composition. We will learn tools and choreographic devices to turn our movements into phrases and dances. Choreography 3/4 students build upon their composition skills by working with sophisticated choreographic tools and devices. We also bring elements outside of the dance field such as music, text, objects, and the environment into our compositions. Modern jazz class emphasizes strength, coordination and style. A jazz movement vocabulary, including jumps, turns, leaps and progressions across the floor is developed into dance combinations. Students sample a wide range of styles, from Broadway to classical jazz and funk-inspired choreography. We also host ballerina birthday parties for groups (up to 15 children). You can use our space for your party!