Class Descriptions 
Class Descriptions
APA is proud and excited to introduce the “Triple Threat” class to the area. In the performance industry a Triple Threat is someone who “can do it all”! They can act, they can sing, and they can dance! Students who can enhance and perfect all three are the most sought after performers in the industry and this class is designed to help its participants do just that. In this innovative new class, students will be given voice lessons, they will work with an acting coach and they will be taught Broadway dance combinations every week! The acting portion of the class will focus on body language, stage presence, vocal projection, facial expression and breathing techniques. Students will explore emotions as expressed through body movement, facial expression and vocal tone. Exercises will include improvisation, structured scenes and much more. This class greatly benefits all performers regardless of their levels. This class is ideal for anyone interested in performing – from school plays to local repertory shows to Broadway – the Triple Threat class is sure to create well rounded and successful performers. (For those students looking to improve their dance technique, Ballet and Jazz are recommended in addition to the Triple Threat class.)
Being the foundation of all other dance styles, Ballet is highly recommended for all students. The discipline of ballet will improve posture, coordination, learning ability, self discipline, dance etiquette, and self confidence. These things are learned through barre work, center work, and across the floor progressions. Ballet classes will enhance a dancer’s abilities in all other classes they may take.
Once a student has developed and mastered strong and proper technique and the student is developmentally fit, she will be advanced to pointe classes. Most students will start with pre - pointe in addition to their regular ballet classes. This class will consist of exercises to help develop the foot and ankle muscles in preparation for pointe shoes. Once the student’s muscles and abilities are sufficiently developed she will graduate to beginner exercises wearing pointe shoes. Most advanced Ballet classes will consist of Pointe work for either a portion or all of their classes.
Our PreDance program, designed for preschool / kindergarten age children, offers 3 progressive levels designed for preschool / kindergarten age children. The focus is on fun for our youngest dancers who will learn the joy of dance through age appropriate activities designed to develop and enhance fine and gross motor skills, socialization skills, spatial awareness, physical fitness, imaginative play and musical awareness. This program helps children develop their self confidence through the positive and encouraging guidance of our qualified staff. Our monthly themes (such as Princess Play, Under the Sea, Jungle Jam, plus many more!) are especially fun for our young dancers.
New to our program in 2008, we designed this class specifically for area 1/2 day kindergarteners who go to school in the morning session for the first half of the year and then switch to afternoons for the second half of the year. We realize how hard it is to plan activities with this type of schedule so we developed this class to make it possible for these children to enjoy dance class as well. The class itself is designed just like our PreDance classes. The only difference is that we offer it on Thursday mornings and Thursday afternoons. Both classes are taught by the same teacher to ensure consistency. The way it works is, if your child will be in morning kindergarten for the first half of the year, he/she will take the 2:00 PreDance class. All children in afternoon kindergarten for the first half of the year will take the 10:15 PreDance class. When the kindergarten schedule switches, all of the kids will switch! That way, they get to stay with the same kids they've been dancing with since September and will be with the same teacher as well! It's as simple as that!
Jazz is typically more upbeat and we include many styles in our classes, including classic and L.A. styles. The class consists of three parts: warm up – which includes strength training, flexibility, core placement; across the floor progressions – where jumps, turns and leaps are executed and perfected; combinations – this is where students take all they are learning and working on and put it all together for a fun performance style dance. Jazz focuses heavily on technique, yet is fun for students of all ages!
Lyrical combines ballet and jazz dancing to create a beautiful expressionistic class. With the style of jazz combined with the fluency of ballet, this class explores dance through emotion. Poise, grace, strength, and style are developed through warm up, progressions, and combinations typically set to popular ballads.
At a young age, tap is wonderful to help promote rhythm and musicality. In older and more advanced students quick footwork, coordination and precision are emphasized while still perfecting rhythmic skills. Class consists of barre or center work, across the floor progressions, and combinations.
Modern dance is designed to expand ones perceptions of dance. Teachers encourage students to experiment with choreography in a unique and non-conventional way. Modern explores dance through shapes, lines and creative choreography.
This class is designed for the “performer”! This class will teach stage presence, expression, acting and stylistic dance from Broadway musicals. Because the emphasis is mainly on performance in this class, ballet and/or jazz is recommended to help the student with their dance technique.
Fun for both boys and girls, hip – hop is an enjoyable and challenging class designed to teach hip dance moves while improving strength and coordination. Hip – hop, which is the type of dance most commonly seen in music videos, is very upbeat and provides a great workout!
Geared toward our Competitive Company Dancers, this class is to work on strength, flexibility, endurance and skill building.
In this class which is offered as part of our exciting "Triple Threat" class or for those interested in private vocal lessons, students will learn how to use their voice as their own instrument. They will learn vocal projection, pitch and breathing techniques. Starting from the basic fundamentals of music an continuing on to more advanced levels, this class offer individual as well as group instruction.
This fun class is ideal for 4 - 5 year olds who are who have had previous dance class and/or preschool experience. This class is designed for the more serious younger dancer who is not quite ready for a Beginner Level class, but more advanced that the typical Pre Dance Class. This class will focus on the basic fundamentals of Ballet and Tap. It will move at a quick and energetic pace, but will still include some fun movement games to keep the younger dancer's interest. This is a great class to help these dancers transition to our beginner levels the following year.
For our youngest students (age 20 months and up) this parent/child style class is sure to please. Through song, dance, imaginative play, tumbling, games and much more, children will have a great time with Mom or Dad and develop physical and social skills in a happy, encouraging and fun environment.
