Tiny Tots –This class introduces children ages 3-4 to the basic steps of beginner ballet and tap. These little ones will learn invaluable social skills, a sense of discipline, and how to control their bodies in motion through music.
Ballet –The Dance Studio’s ballet method follows a structured sequence of training stages intended to increase students’ technical skills, stamina, and discipline in accordance with their age and physical development. We work hard to emphasize correct placement to prevent injury. Our curriculum embraces traditional ballet principles and incorporates elements of the Italian and Russian training systems.
Pointe – This specialized program is designed for advanced ballet students to learn ballet techniques associated with body alignment, feet placement, and body strength while also learning how to dance gracefully on the tips of fully extended feet. This class is offered to students ages 13+ by teacher approval.
Tap –Tap is an invigorating form of dance in which dancers create rhythmic patterns and beats with their feet. Dancers will learn the fundamentals of rhythm and musicality through basic tap steps and floor work. It is great cardiovascular exercise and enjoyable at all ages!
Jazz –Performed to popular music, this high energy class teaches technique and encourages dancers to dance beyond the steps! Doing so will enable them to bring strength, personality, pop, and pizazz to their performance!
Leaps and Turns –This is a technique class designed to assist students in focusing on the leaps, jumps and turns that dancers perform in ballet, jazz and hip hop. This specialized class is a way to better your technique when executing basic leaps, center leaps, turns, and fouetté.
Combo Dance –Dancers will enjoy this interactive class that builds on basic movements from ballet, tap, and jazz. All classes are divided into two portions: new steps/technique and choreography. Ballet classes include an introduction to ballet barre as well as new floor work patterns. Tap classes concentrate on building confidence through mastering more challenging steps. Jazz classes include an introduction to proper warm-ups and stretches for the body, combined with across-the-floor progressions. This combination class is appropriate for first-time dancers.
Hip Hop -This program is a high-energy dance experience that is fun for dancers of all ages! TDS’s hip hop teachers cover the newest hip hop and street moves including popping, locking, and L.A.-style hip hop.
Lyrical -Lyrical combines the beauty and grace of ballet with the style and strength of classical jazz. Its core focus is to interpret the music through movement using expression and emotions while maintaining proper form and technique. Balance, extension, and control are developed throughout this genre. We recommend this class to dancers with experience in ballet.
Contemporary –Contemporary is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers aim to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements.
Rhythmic Gymnastics –Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance, and apparatus manipulation. Students will learn how to manipulate ribbons while executing jumps, leaps, pivots, and balances.
Acro –“Acro” is a dance style that combines classical dance technique with precise acrobatic elements. Acro dance is featured in productions like Cirque du Soleil and in various shows on Broadway. Our acro classes aim to teach students to become capable in both dance and acrobatic skills. Students will build their capacities for physical strength, endurance, and flexibility. All students will be encouraged to demonstrate excellent body awareness and posture as well as learn how to move their bodies safely.
Adults –Adult ballet helps improve strength, posture, flexibility and balance. Participants will build on their classical ballet vocabulary and work to coordinate “port de bras” (movement of the arms and head) with movements of the legs and feet. This class begins at the barre where students work on the foundations of ballet technique. The barre is followed by centre floor work where participants work on simple turns and travelling sequences to develop grace and musicality.
Performance Team
- Must be enrolled in the weekly Performance Company class.
- Must be invited by a teacher or staff member or set up an audition with Performance Company Teachers.
- Will participate in 5+ performances in the Windsor/Essex community, as well as TDS Holiday Show, and TDS Recital.
Faculty
We only secure instructors with extensive experience and who have a passion for teaching and sharing their love of dance. These methods help to provide a healthy and enjoyable learning environment and allow the students to experience a feeling of mastery in each level. It is a style that readily adapts to meet the demands of any choreographer, any company, and any style of movement.
Teacher Training
The Dance Studio offers Cecchetti Ballet Teacher Training with Andrea Stafford, who holds an Advanced Certified Fellowship with the Cecchetti Council of America. Andrea’s choreography has won numerous awards, and her students have gone on to dance with the National Ballet of Canada and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Contact The Dance Studio regarding registration requirements and start dates.
Student Exams
Our Ballet program is under the direction of Mrs. Andrea Stafford and is guided by the standards set forth by the Cecchetti Council of America. By ages 5 (by invitation) or 6 children will begin Ballet Level 1 classes. All ballet dancers will begin to study Primary I syllabus, followed by Primary II and III. Once these levels are completed the dancer will move into classical ballet training. When studying the Cecchetti syllabus, a minimum of 3 ballet classes per week are recommended in order for the dancer to become a candidate for exams. Ballet is the basis of all forms of dance. It can encourage lifelong physical activity, coordination, balance, confidence, and excellent posture and body awareness in your children and teens.