CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Class schedule & info below is for our 2023-2024 dance season.
Schedule posted is tentative & subject to enrollment.
Class placement is based on the dancer's age on Nov 1st and owner/instructor discretion.
Tuition is based on total weekly class hours. Visit our "policies" page for monthly tuition rates & dress codes.
PRESCHOOL MOVEMENT CLASSES
(offered for dancers ages 18 months - 3yrs old)
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CLASSROOM SETTING THROUGH THE WORLD OF DANCE…
From 18 months-3yrs old, we recognize that not all children have experienced the classroom atmosphere, where they get to meet new friends and discover their individuality while learning to follow directions and reach new goals. Although some have been in structured settings, not everyone has had the opportunity where taking turns and following directions is so much fun!
MK Dance Center’s Preschool Movement Program takes pride in catering to each specific age group, offering separate classes for dancers based on their age & developmental level. In class, we talk about our “listening ears,” making sure that we brought our “watching eyes,” and sometimes picking up that “button” that fell off our lips, keeping our smiles in place. Use of the “freeze dance” is an essential part of keeping all the dancers aware of controlling their own bodies. Taking turns across the floor gives each child a chance to be in the spotlight and helps to establish a sense of patience. While use of dance games & props encourages creativity and expression, children are also introduced to the foundation of a structured dance setting.
“Dance With Me” - a specialized class for our littlest dancers (ages 18months-2yrs) & their caregiver!
Saturday 9:15-9:45
Wednesday 10:00-10:30
30min weekly "Drop-In" class (Come when you can!)
$10/class or purchase a 6 class card for $55
An interactive dance class for our littlest dancers ages 18months-2yrs and one caregiver. Dancers & their grown ups start in a circle with a greeting dance, and then follow along as we explore movement using props such as scarves, wands, and hula hoops, as well as dance games!
*While this class is a "DROP-IN" class, we ask that you create an account using the link on our home page & register prior to attending your first class! After your first class, simply "drop-in" the next time you wish to attend! You can then make a payment in person, or we will post the class fee to your account.
This class does not perform in the June recital.
“Teeny Dancers” - ages 2-3yrs
Saturday 9:45-10:15
Wednesday 10:30-11:00
30min weekly "Drop-In" class (Come when you can!)
$10/class or purchase a 6 class card for $55
The perfect class for your little mover! This class is open to dancers ages 2-3 who are ready to take class independently. We start with a greeting dance, then follow along as we explore dance movement using props such as scarves, wands, and hula hoops, as well as dance games!
*While this class is a "DROP-IN" class, we ask that you create an account using the link on our homepage & register prior to attending your first class! After your first class, simply "drop-in" the next time you wish to attend! You can then make a payment in person, or we will post the class fee to your account.
This class does not perform in the June recital.
“Dream Dancers” - age 3 by November 1st
Saturday 10:15-11:00
Wednesday 11:00-11:45
Thursday 4:30-5:15
45min weekly class
This basic ballet movement class is an introduction to classroom structure. Each class incorporates stretching, locomotive progressions and creative dancing. Props are used as teaching aides, creating a playful, yet educational atmosphere. This class works towards improving listening skills and developing classroom etiquette.
This class performs Ballet in the June recital.
KID COMBO CLASSES
(offered for dancers ages 4-8)
These classes are a natural continuation from our pre-school movement classes and also a wonderful introduction to dance for new dancers ages 4-8. At these ages, we aim to instill dance terminology & technique for several styles of dance while still incorporating props, dance games & creative movement to keep learning fun!
“Star Dancers”- Ballet/Tap Combo (age 4 by November 1st)
Saturday 11:15-12:15
Monday 4:30-5:30
Tuesday 5:30-6:30
1hr weekly class
This class is a continuation of Dream Dancers for returning dancers and also a perfect introduction to movement for new four year old dancers. This one-hour class begins with tap & finishes the last half of the class with ballet. The addition of tap dance is a new approach to movement and coordination while discovering the joys of making music with your feet!
This class performs Tap in the June recital.
*NEW* “Acro Kids”- Acro/Dance Combo (ages 4-5, must be 4 by Nov 1st)
Wednesday 4:30-5:30
1hr weekly class
A fun tumble/dance class for the young dancer. Basic acrobatics skills combined with stretching, strengthening and locomotor movement. A great complement to Star Dancers or Dance Kids 1 for families looking for additional classes.
“Dance Kids 1”- Ballet/Tap Combo (ages 5-6, must be 5 by Nov 1st)
Saturday 9:30-10:45
Tuesday 4:15-5:30
Thursday 5:15-6:30
1hr 15min weekly class
One half of class works on rhythm, musicality, and the basics of the tap alphabet. The other half of class, Ballet, works on simple barre work and classical positions, introducing steps that will then be combined into fun combinations. This class incorporates stretching, locomotive progressions, creative dancing, props, and partner work.
Ballet or Tap is performed in the June recital.
“Dance Kids 2”- Ballet/Tap/Jazz Combo (ages 7-8, must be 7 by Nov 1st)
Saturday 11:00-12:30
Monday 4:30-6:00
1.5hr weekly class
This class is a continuation of the Ballet/Tap Combo. Dancers will continue to progress in ballet and tap, while the introduction of jazz adds a more dynamic approach to movement. Isolation elements are the focus in the jazz class, along with more progression work and simple combinations.
This class performs TWO routines in the June recital (Tap along with Ballet or Jazz)
“Hip Hop Hooray”- (Level 1 ages 5-6, must be 5 by Nov 1st / Level 2 ages 7-8, must be 7 by Nov 1st)
Saturday- Level 1 (ages 5-6) 11:00-11:45
Saturday- Level 2 (ages 7-8) 10:00-11:00
Monday- Level 1 (ages 5-6) 5:00-5:45
Monday- Level 2 (ages 7-8) 6:00-7:00
Tuesday Levels 1 & 2 combined (ages 5-8) 4:30-5:30
Level 1 45min weekly class / Level 2 1hr weekly class
Hooray! An upbeat and fun class designed to fulfill the younger dancer’s desire to bop and groove to the latest pop music. Kids will have a blast in this fast paced, high-energy class, and parents will appreciate the age-appropriate music and dance moves. A short warm up starts the class, then students move across the floor & on to dance combinations. The class ends with a “Freestyle Circle” or game & promises tons of fun! This class is a great addition for dancers also taking our Dance Kids 1 and Dance Kids 2 classes!
DANCE TECHNIQUE CLASSES
(offered for dancers age 9 and older)
BALLET
Ballet 1 (ages 9-12) / Ballet levels 2-4 (ages 9+, class placement based on experience level)
Ballet is the subject most encouraged to any student, as the technique learned in class translates to all other forms of dance. Barre work emphasizes alignment, poise, and proper execution of all steps. Center work emphasizes carriage of body, grace and fluidity, along with performance skills. Across the floor work incorporates jumps, leaps and turns.
JAZZ
Jazz 1 (ages 9-12) / Jazz levels 2-4 (ages 9+, class placement based on experience level)
This class will begin with a full stretch, focusing on personal awareness of body movements and abilities. Use of isolation work and locomotive progressions include turns, kicks and leaps. Memorization skills will be improved while learning short combinations. Different movement themes will be explored through the introduction of various music styles such as blues, lyrical, fast and funky, and classical jazz.
TAP
Tap 1 (ages 9-12) / Tap levels 2-4 (ages 9+, class placement based on experience level)
The focus of this class is on the development of musicality and rhythm. Students will study the tap alphabet, and be able to tell the difference between such movements as a step, a stamp and a stomp, and a hop, a leap and jump. “Letters” of the alphabet will be combined to form steps and various combinations. Class work will begin at the barre and transition over to center work once proper weight placement is understood.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary 1 (ages 9-12) / Contemporary levels 2-4 (ages 9+, class placement based on experience level)
A combination of ballet, jazz, and modern dance techniques, this is a stylized form of dance focusing on abstract and contrasting movement, improvisational dancing, and emotional expression. The basis of this class will be exploration of choreography.
*Since this is a choreography based class, an additional ballet or jazz technique class is recommended as well.
BREAKDANCING/HIP HOP/ACRO CLASSES
BREAKDANCING
Breaking 1 (ages 4-6) / Breaking 2 (Ages 7-10) / Breaking 3 (11+) / Breaking 4 (placement based on experience)
Breaking, also known as “Breakdancing,” is the original style of Hip-Hop dance, and one of the four elements of Hip-Hop Culture. The B-Boy(Break boy), B-Girl(break girl), or “Breaker” dances to the break in the music, the part of the song when all instruments are silent and only the percussion is heard. Funk, Soul, Jazz, Disco, Hip-Hop, and Breakbeats are the genres of music to which “Breakers” groove.
Each level of Breaking will cover foundational movement such as Top Rock, Drops, and Footwork. Conceptual drills, a connection between mind and body, and a variety of physical exercise will help students learn Power moves and Freezes. In a safe and supportive environment students will be encouraged to express their knowledge, imagination, and individuality all while learning a sense of unity and respect for themselves and others.
HIP HOP
Hip Hop 1 (ages 9-12) / Hip Hop 2 (ages 13+)
This class starts with a full warm-up working body isolations and stretching, and continues with a high energy dance combination set to popular Hip Hop and R&B music. Students will be able to share their own moves and improvise in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
ACRO
Acro 1 (ages 6-9) / Acro 2* (ages 10+) / Acro 3 (ages 13+)
With a focus on safe skill development, this class will build on the foundation of gymnastics. Students will focus on flexibility, muscle control, concentration, and balance skills, with an emphasis on the fundamentals of acrobatics that enhance other dance techniques!
*Pre-requisite skills for advancing to Acro 2:
-Cartwheel- a full cartwheel on Right and/or Left side- working towards perfecting the opposite side and one-handed cartwheels
-Standing Backbend- from a standing position, student can bend and place hands on floor while fully supporting their weight. Working towards a back walkover.