3 YEAR OLD PROGRAM
The 45-minute class is specially designed for three-year-olds, introducing young dancers to the joy of movement in a fun, nurturing environment. Students will explore stretching, basic ballet positions, jumping, skipping, creative movement, and simple song-and-dance activities while developing coordination, balance, rhythm, and confidence.
Through engaging age-appropriate instruction, dancers will build essential skills such as listening, concentration, following directions, and classroom participation—all of which provide a strong foundation for future ballet training.
This class is offered from September through late February. Please note that
students enrolled in 3 Year Old Class do not participate in the annual recital.
COMBINATION PRE-BALLET & TAP
Combination Pre-Ballet & Tap (Ages 4 – 7)
Our Combination Ballet & Tap classes are designed for boys and girls ages 4–7
and provide a well-rounded introduction to dance in a positive, age-appropriate
environment. The curriculum is carefully structured to support each child’s
physical, emotional, and artistic development while building a strong technical
foundation.
Each class includes fundamental ballet instruction with a brief introductory barre,
basic center exercises, and movements that promote proper alignment,
coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength. Exercises are thoughtfully
designed to encourage steady progress while respecting the needs of growing
bodies.
The final 15 minutes of each class are dedicated to tap, where students develop
rhythm, musicality, coordination, and timing in a fun and engaging setting.
CLASSICAL BALLET
Classical Ballet is the foundation of all dance training and is recommended for students ages 8 through adult. Our curriculum draws from the finest elements of the Cecchetti Method, Russian Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance, and Dance Masters of America syllabi, providing students with a comprehensive and well-rounded classical education.
Classes are thoughtfully organized by age and ability and include barre work, center practice, adagio, allegro, and across-the-floor combinations. Emphasis is placed on proper alignment, musicality, artistry, strength, technique, and the correct execution of movements appropriate to each student’s stage of
development.
Because ballet provides the technical foundation for all dance disciplines, ballet
training is required for all students enrolled in our program.
TAP
Our Tap classes develop rhythm, musicality, coordination, and precision while introducing students to the exciting art of percussive dance. Dancers will learn proper tap technique, terminology, timing, and a variety of age-appropriate steps and combinations in a fun, energetic, and encouraging environment. As students progress, they will build speed, clarity of sound, confidence, and performance quality while exploring a wide range of musical styles. Tap is an excellent complement to all forms of dance and helps strengthen balance, coordination, and overall musical awareness.
JAZZ
Our Classical Jazz class introduces dancers to the timeless techniques and style of traditional jazz dance while building a strong technical foundation. Students will develop proper body alignment, flexibility, strength, coordination, musicality, and performance quality through center work, progressions across the floor, turns, jumps, and dynamic combinations. Emphasis is placed on clean technique, precision, rhythm, and expressive movement in a positive and encouraging environment. This energetic class helps dancers build confidence, artistry, and versatility while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the art of
jazz dance.
POINTE
Pointe is open to students 10 years of age and older who have had at least two years of classical ballet technique and have achieved fundamental control of movement and strength. Students must have the consent of the director/teacher to participate in pointe classes. All beginning students who register will receive an email to schedule an appointment on one of the Open House days for evaluation. When evaluating a dancer for a beginner pointe class, a teacher is looking for the physical strength, foot articulation, core stability, technical foundation, and maturity needed to dance safely on pointe. Rather than focusing on age, the decision is based on whether the dancer is ready. If it is decided that your daughter is not ready for pointe, the registration fee will be transferred to other classes.
Pointe classes are designed for dedicated ballet students who have developed the strength, technique, and alignment necessary to begin or continue pointe work. Placement in pointe is by instructor recommendation only. Classes focus on strengthening the feet and ankles, proper body alignment, balance, artistry, and the technical precision required for safe and successful dancing on pointe. Dancers will continue to build confidence, grace, and endurance while refining classical ballet technique in a disciplined and encouraging environment.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary dance is open to students in 5th grade and older. This expressive dance style blends elements of ballet, modern, and lyrical dance to create movement that is both technically grounded and artistically inspired. Students are encouraged to develop a deeper connection between mind, body,
and movement while exploring musicality, creativity, and emotional expression.
Building on a strong technical foundation, dancers learn to communicate through movement with authenticity, artistry, and intention. Classes incorporate contemporary techniques including contraction and release, fall and recovery, floor work, improvisation, and partnering and lifts (when appropriate). Through guided instruction and creative exploration, students develop versatility, strength, fluidity, and confidence as expressive performers.
MUSICAL THEATRE
NEW CLASS THIS SEASON!
We are thrilled to offer a new Musical Theatre class, where dance, performance, and storytelling come together. Designed for high school students (9th – 12th grades), this energetic class explores the exciting world of Broadway through choreography inspired by classic and contemporary musicals spanning eras. Students will develop versatility by studying a wide range of dance styles, including jazz, character, contemporary, and Broadway-inspired movement.
Emphasis is placed on performance quality, musicality, stage presence, acting through movement, and ensemble work while building confidence and strong technical skills. This class offers a fun, challenging, and inspiring experience for every dancer.
This class will perform in the show at the end of the season.
SKILLS CLASSES
Our Skills classes are offered in three progressive levels for students in 3rd grade and older. Designed for the dedicated dancer, this class focuses on refining technique and developing the strength, control, and confidence needed to excel in all styles of dance.
The curriculum emphasizes a strong ballet foundation while enhancing flexibility, core strength, body alignment, balance, and overall conditioning. Students also receive focused instruction in turns, leaps, jumps, and age-appropriate skills and tricks, with an emphasis on proper technique and safe execution. This class challenges dancers to think critically, set personal goals, and strive for continuous improvement, helping them become stronger, more versatile, and well-rounded performers. Skills is a required class for all Company members.
HIP HOP
Hip Hop is a high-energy dance style rooted in the street dance traditions of breaking, popping, and locking. Today, it continues to evolve and is one of the most popular and versatile dance styles, appealing to dancers of all ages. Our Hip Hop classes provide an exciting and supportive environment where students build coordination, musicality, strength, confidence, and performance skills. Dancers will also gain an appreciation for the culture and history of Hip Hop while exploring creativity, individuality, and self expression through movement.
Each class includes a warm-up, across-the-floor combinations, choreography, and opportunities for freestyle improvisation, encouraging students to develop both technical skills and personal style.
Students should wear comfortable athletic clothing, such as sweatpants, shorts,
T-shirts, and clean sneakers appropriate for dance. Hats may be worn if desired.
ADULT JAZZ
Our Adult Jazz class is designed for women of all experience levels—from complete beginners to those returning to dance after time away. This welcoming and supportive class offers a fun way to stay active while improving coordination, flexibility, strength, and confidence.
Each class includes a cardio dance warm-up, stretching, technique progressions, and an upbeat jazz combination, providing a balanced workout in an encouraging and enjoyable atmosphere. No prior dance experience is required—just come ready to move and have fun!
Dress Code: Comfortable dance or fitness attire, such as jazz pants, yoga pants, leggings, or T-shirts. Leotards are not required. Black jazz shoes are required.
TUMBLING
New this year… we are now offering tumbling for PK4 students!
Our 45-minute Tumbling class focuses on developing strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, power, and agility through progressive, age-appropriate instruction. Rooted in floor-based gymnastics, this class teaches proper technique and body awareness while building a strong foundation for tumbling skills.
Each class includes a warm-up followed by skill stations, drills, and instructor-guided progressions with spotting as needed. As students advance, they will learn and refine skills such as handstands, rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, walkovers, handsprings, aerials, and other forward and backward tumbling combinations. Consistent practice and proper technique help students gain confidence while progressing safely at their individual pace.
Please note: Tumbling classes do not participate in the annual recital.
Dress Code for Tumbling Classes
• Girls: Leotard with dance shorts or athletic shorts. Leggings are optional. Leotards must provide full coverage (no bare midriff).
• Boys: Plain black athletic shorts and a plain white T-shirt tucked in (no oversized or baggy shirts).
Footwear: Bare feet are required.
Hair: Hair must be secured in a ponytail or otherwise pulled back away from the face and shoulders. Please do not wear hair beads, bows, or other accessories that may cause discomfort during activity.
Jewelry: Small stud earrings with secure backs are permitted. All other jewelry should be removed.
• No chewing gum is permitted in class.
The Meredith Gravely School of Dance 