Class Descriptions
Below are just the class descriptions for JMSD. All levels/placements are done from teacher evaluations. For more information on placements, please contact our office. For more information regarding dress code, please click here.
Pre-Ballet: Basic ballet skills, terminology, rhythm, and coordination are taught, practiced, and developed through creative movement, music, and mime in a supportive and supervised environment.
Ballet: All of our ballet classes begin with level 1 (even when a dancer moves up grade levels), and are required to follow the ballet dress code.
Level 1: For dancers ready to learn the basics of ballet while refining their understanding of musicality. Students will build off of the five positions, master plié variations and tendus, among other level-appropriate skills. Dancers will use both barre and centre floor. Dancers will work to master level I curriculum to move on to level II with the instructor’s recommendation.
Level 2: These classes will take the skills learned in level I and build upon them to strengthen the dancer in regards to precision and ability. Students will work on skills and utilize both barre and centre floor work to improve their technique. Dancers must show proficiency and receive placement to progress to this level.
Level 3: For advanced ballet dancers looking to challenge their previous knowledge and training. Students will learn more difficult combinations and skills, while developing finesse and classic style. Dancers must master all level I and II skills and technique to enroll in this level with instructor’s placement.
Hip Hop: Hip Hop incorporates a variety of old and new urban dance styles. The dancing represents body movements that go with the beat and rhythm of hip hop music. Hip hop dancing is very dynamic and helps the dancers improve flexibility develop body balance, and coordination. These classes are offered in Levels 1 and 2.
Jazz: Jazz dance is an exploration of style and presentation. Classes emphasize musicality and body alignment, conditioning, stretch and strengthening, rhythm and stylization as well as fun and innovative choreography.
Level 1: Introduces dancers to Jazz and the basic technical skills (i.e. isolations, jazz walks, chaînés turns, single pirouettes, jetés, and battements). Builds dancers' style and confidence while working on musicality and the ability to pick up choreography and connect steps and skills together with fun, upbeat music.
Level 2: An introduction to Jazz, these classes focus on upbeat tempo choreography and developing technique. Dancers will utilize basic jazz technique while also developing the ability to pick up movements while staying in control of them. Dancers must master level 1 technique and must be placed in this class by their teacher.
Level 3: Builds on understanding more intricate choreography and fast-paced movement with a focus on developing style and strong technique. Dancers must master all level I and II skills and technique to enroll in this level with instructor’s placement.
Jazz/Funk: As an introductory course to Hip Hop, this class fusions basic jazz movement with the upbeat rhythm and funk of Hip Hop.
Contemporary/Modern: An overview of modern dance techniques, styles and variations. Utilizing the full body and incorporating the use of body imagery in floor work, across the floor, and combinations.
Musical Theater: Classes that teach Broadway-style choreography, stage presence, and acting, with a focus on learning dance numbers from a variety of musical productions.
Tap: Tap classes are designed to develop rhythm, style and sound. Students will learn a variety of tap styles from Broadway to Rhythm Tap. Exercises focus on building coordination, speed of movement, and sound. The class emphasis is on developing proper tap technique and producing clear tap sounds. Tap Technique Classes are leveled.
Lyrical: Lyrical classes combine the styles and techniques of Ballet, Jazz and Modern, focusing on interpreting the lyrics of a song or the lyrical quality of music through choreography.
Ballet: All of our ballet classes begin with level 1 (even when a dancer moves up grade levels), and are required to follow the ballet dress code.
Level 1: For dancers ready to learn the basics of ballet while refining their understanding of musicality. Students will build off of the five positions, master plié variations and tendus, among other level-appropriate skills. Dancers will use both barre and centre floor. Dancers will work to master level I curriculum to move on to level II with the instructor’s recommendation.
Level 2: These classes will take the skills learned in level I and build upon them to strengthen the dancer in regards to precision and ability. Students will work on skills and utilize both barre and centre floor work to improve their technique. Dancers must show proficiency and receive placement to progress to this level.
Level 3: For advanced ballet dancers looking to challenge their previous knowledge and training. Students will learn more difficult combinations and skills, while developing finesse and classic style. Dancers must master all level I and II skills and technique to enroll in this level with instructor’s placement.
Hip Hop: Hip Hop incorporates a variety of old and new urban dance styles. The dancing represents body movements that go with the beat and rhythm of hip hop music. Hip hop dancing is very dynamic and helps the dancers improve flexibility develop body balance, and coordination. These classes are offered in Levels 1 and 2.
Jazz: Jazz dance is an exploration of style and presentation. Classes emphasize musicality and body alignment, conditioning, stretch and strengthening, rhythm and stylization as well as fun and innovative choreography.
Level 1: Introduces dancers to Jazz and the basic technical skills (i.e. isolations, jazz walks, chaînés turns, single pirouettes, jetés, and battements). Builds dancers' style and confidence while working on musicality and the ability to pick up choreography and connect steps and skills together with fun, upbeat music.
Level 2: An introduction to Jazz, these classes focus on upbeat tempo choreography and developing technique. Dancers will utilize basic jazz technique while also developing the ability to pick up movements while staying in control of them. Dancers must master level 1 technique and must be placed in this class by their teacher.
Level 3: Builds on understanding more intricate choreography and fast-paced movement with a focus on developing style and strong technique. Dancers must master all level I and II skills and technique to enroll in this level with instructor’s placement.
Jazz/Funk: As an introductory course to Hip Hop, this class fusions basic jazz movement with the upbeat rhythm and funk of Hip Hop.
Contemporary/Modern: An overview of modern dance techniques, styles and variations. Utilizing the full body and incorporating the use of body imagery in floor work, across the floor, and combinations.
Musical Theater: Classes that teach Broadway-style choreography, stage presence, and acting, with a focus on learning dance numbers from a variety of musical productions.
Tap: Tap classes are designed to develop rhythm, style and sound. Students will learn a variety of tap styles from Broadway to Rhythm Tap. Exercises focus on building coordination, speed of movement, and sound. The class emphasis is on developing proper tap technique and producing clear tap sounds. Tap Technique Classes are leveled.
Lyrical: Lyrical classes combine the styles and techniques of Ballet, Jazz and Modern, focusing on interpreting the lyrics of a song or the lyrical quality of music through choreography.