2013 Fall Term begins on September 9th and ends on December 21st.
For questions please call 919-797-2871 or email studios@americandancefestival.org.
** Early Bird Special: Register by August 1st for $15 off youth tuition! **
BEGINNING BALLET (AGES 6-12) WITH REBECCA ELVIN
Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00pm
Strength, flexibility, and focus are not the only benefits of this introductory ballet class. Students will be introduced to classical ballet technique and vocabulary with an emphasis on confidence and enjoyment. Ballet shoes required.
BEGINNING Modern (AGES 12-16) WITH Gaspard Louis
Mondays, 6:00-7:00pm
This beginner level modern technique is open to students with no prior dance training but will also be fun for those with previous dance experience. Focus will be on anatomical intelligence and spatial awareness. This class begins with a warm-up of exercises to develop a strong core and flexibility that will enable students to maintain a stronger and healthier body. Some concepts of partnering will be introduced to students. Ultimately, this class is about the joy of moving and being creative.
CAPOEIRA (AGES 9-13) WITH KATYA WESOLOWSKI
Thursdays, 5:00-6:00pm
Capoeira is an afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, self-defense and acrobatics. It is an ideal activity for kids of all ages as it builds coordination, balance, flexibility and strength in a non-competitive and playful environment. Along with the movement, students learn to play percussive music and to sing in Portuguese.
Creative Movement 1 (Ages 4-5)
Saturdays, 9:00-9:50am (with Kate Parlato)
Saturdays, 10:00-10:50am (with Dana Lossing)
Creative Movement provides a basis for a child’s future study of dance. It is important that the class be physically and mentally stimulating, while also being a ton of fun! This class will focus on developing basic coordination skills such as balancing, rolling, skipping, and jumping, as well as some basic dance technique. We will explore the idea of using movement for expression and storytelling, as well as how to relate movement to music. We will stretch and strengthen our bodies through games, dances, and the use of fun props.
CREATIVE MOVEMENT 2 (AGES 6-7) WITH KATE PARLATO
Saturdays, 10:00-10:50am
This class will also focus on the development of basic coordination, strength, flexibility, and musicality, but will incorporate more dance technique. We will begin to explore the idea of choreography and the memorization of movement. Children will also become familiar with the structure and etiquette of a dance class, starting with center exercises and stretching, then going across the floor, and finishing with a fun dance. Most importantly, your child will learn how to move in new, exciting ways in a loving, supportive, and fun environment!
Dancing with Your Little One (birth-3 years) with Jody Cassell
Tuesdays, 10:00-10:45am
Dancing with your child can be fun, bonding, and educational. Dip, swirl, bounce, twist, twirl, and soar into exploring the ways of moving that you can also do at home. This creative movement class includes skill building movements, music and rhythms which add to the fun and learning. All caregivers are welcome.
Check out this blog review of Jody’s class from Stir Crazy Moms of Durham!
DANSTORY (AGES 5-7) WITH MARSHA THOMAS
Thursdays, 4:00-5:00pm
Danstory is making connections between dance and the real or imaginary world. We will invent movement, learn technique, and explore actions in picture books or imagined stories – eventually creating and communicating our own stories through dance.
Developmental Movement for Young Children (Ages 2-3) with Rebecca Elvin
Wednesdays, 4:00-4:30pm
Saturdays, 8:30-9:00am
In this fun and nurturing creative movement class, children will explore dance concepts using multi-sensory props and instruments. Through movement stories, nursery rhymes, and a wide variety of music, children will strengthen and gain greater control of their bodies as well as increase their understanding of how they can move in their own space, through general space and in relation to other dancers. These concepts are particularly important as young children navigate their shared classroom and outdoor spaces with others and discover the strength, abilities and limitations of their growing bodies. Developmental Movement supports healthy brain development as well as positive social and emotional skills.
Hip Hop (Ages 8-13) with Ron West
Saturdayss, 12:00-1:00pm
This hip hop class aims to make dancers aware of their bodies by focusing on weight shifting, dancer synchronization and beat recognition within the most current music styles. As the class continues it will give dancers an opportunity to be exposed to increasingly more complex and fluid movement. Get ready for a fast paced and bumping class!
Introduction to Dance (Ages 4-5) with Rebecca Elvin
Wednesdays, 4:40-5:30pm
In Intro to Dance we will use multi-sensory props and a wide selection of music to explore various dance concepts such as space, rhythm and balance. Students will also be introduced to patterns and combinations that incorporate dance technique and specific dance elements such as leaps, jumps and turns. In addition to directed instruction, students will use self expression and improvisation to further develop their skills. Most importantly, we will be learning and having fun in a safe and supportive environment.
Kid’s Jazz (Ages 8-11) with Dana Lossing
Saturdays, 9:00-10:00am
This class will introduce students to a variety of jazz techniques, giving them the basic movement vocabulary needed to conquer more advanced jazz classes to come. Upbeat stretching and warmups will be followed by across the floor turns and leaps. We will also work on building a new jazz combination every 3-4 weeks, and of course review the previously learned material each week so drop-in students are always welcome!
Modern Dance (ages 8-12) with stephanie leathers
Wednesdays, 6:30-6:30pm
This class aims to encourage creative expression through movement, investigation and development of artistic ideas through improvisation and understanding of dance technique, and performance regardless of previous experience. Students will use whole body movements, strength, flexibility, endurance, and proper alignment to understand and develop dance technique. Utilizing time, space, weight, and flow, momentum and breath, students will learn how to move safely and naturally. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to establish a community in dance and safe place to explore new or familiar ideas.
Pre-Ballet (Ages 4-5) with Rebecca Elvin
Tuesdays, 4:00-4:45pm
This class offers a fun and stimulating introduction to ballet. Students will explore ballet technique and learn dance vocabulary in an imaginative and supportive learning environment. Focus, body awareness, self expression and musicality round out this age appropriate dance experience. Ballet shoes required.