This guide is meant as a reference for families selecting which classes are right for their dancers. Age range is a guideline and may vary between individual dancers. Please contact the RDA Office to confirm level placement and schedule any trial classes.

​EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSES

TINY FEET: For children ages 18 - 36 months with a caregiver; an introduction to rhythm and movement exploration.
* Only one parent/guardian is permitted to join their dancer each week as part of class. We ask that any additional parent/guardians or obesrvers who wish to join reach out to the RDA Office in advance.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT:  For ages 3 - 4, this class focuses on engaging the imagination of young dancers, introducing group dynamics, developing rhythmic patterns and exploring the diversity of movement.
* Dancers are strongly recommended to be potty trained by this level. For families with dancers not yet potty trained, please be aware that RDA faculty & staff cannot be responsible for changing diapers or pull ups. It is recommended that parents/guardians stay on site in case of any accidents. 
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ELEMENTARY DANCE:  For ages 5 - 6, an introduction to basic movement and a classical dance vocabulary in a creative setting; building on the dancer’s growing concentration span and physical dexterity. Classes include developmental work on shapes, spatial pathways, coordination, rhythm, dance vocabulary, fine motor skills, balance, and more.

YOUTH AND TEEN CLASSES

BALLET A - E:  In five graduated levels of instruction, training in barre and centre work develops students’ dance vocabulary, alignment, coordination, core strength, and musicality.

• Ballet A – For ages 7 - 9. Students experience a natural transition from movement in a creative setting to a focused study of ballet technique in their first level of pre-professional training.
• Ballet B – For ages 9 - 11.  Students are introduced to more complex barre and centre work. Students at this level are encouraged to take 2 classes per week.
• Ballet C – For ages 12 - 13.  This class builds on the previous ballet levels with longer combinations and more intricate footwork in order to build a pre-professional student’s stamina, agility, and focus. Students at this level are strongly encouraged to take 2 classes per week.
• Ballet D – For ages 14 and up. Ballet D focuses on fine-tuning the skills learned in the previous ballet levels. Pointe work may be introduced. Students at this level are required to take at least 2 ballet classes per week and are encouraged to participate in other technique classes.
• Ballet E – For ages 16 and up.  For RDA's most advanced students, Ballet E emphasizes precision, style, and artistry.  Pointe work is increased and students learn complex variations. Students at this level are required to take at least 2 ballet classes per week and are encouraged to participate in other technique classes.
• Teen Ballet - For ages 12 and up who are new or returning to ballet work. Class will focus on ballet fundamentals and building technical ballet skills.

POINTE AND (PRE)POINTE:  Students are introduced to training for (pre)pointe work at the barre and in the centre. 

• Pre-Pointe – For dancers in Ballet C  and up. Students at this level are required to take at least 1 ballet class a week.
• Pointe – For ages 9 - 11. Students at this level are required to take at least 2 ballet classes per week.

 JAZZ I, II, III, IV:  Students are exposed to technique-based, concert jazz classes  consisting of a centre barre, progressions, and a combination based in any of the various jazz styles.  Progressive levels build dancers’ awareness of body rhythms, coordination, performance quality, and the ability to master increasingly complex and intricate choreography.

• Jazz I – For ages 7 - 9
• Jazz II – For ages 9 - 11
• Jazz III – For ages 12 - 14. Students at this level must be taking at least one other technique class focused upon a centre barre (ballet or modern).
• Jazz IV – For ages 14 and up. Students at this level must be taking at least one other technique class focused upon a centre barre (ballet or modern).

MODERN I, II, III, IV:  Dancers are introduced to the modern classical techniques of Graham, Horton, Limon, and contemporary movement forms. Classes consist of a centre barre, progressions, and a combination as dancers explore movement through various shapes, levels, and pathways.

• Modern I – For ages 7 - 9
• Modern II – For ages 9 - 11
• Modern III  – For ages 12 - 13. Students at this level are expected to take at least one other technique class focused upon a centre barre (ballet or jazz).
• Modern IV - For ages 14 and up.  Students at this level must be taking at least one other technique class focused upon a centre barre (ballet or jazz).

THEATRE JAZZ I, II, III, IV:  A musical theatre-based jazz class emphasizing the narrative aspect of dance. Suitable for dancers who wish to enhance their technical training and improve on their performance quality.

• Tap I – For ages 7 - 9
• Tap II – For ages 9 - 11
• Tap III – For ages 12 - 13
• Tap IV - For ages 14 and up

CONTEMPORARY I, II, III: Dancers incorporate the technicality of classical ballet dance with the free form movement of other breakout styles, such as modern and jazz. Contemporary encourages flow, energy, breath, and technicality. Common styles include the use of floor work, improvisation, and finding an emotional connection with movement.

• Contemporary I – For ages 7 - 9
• Contemporary II - For ages 10 - 13
• Contemporary III – For ages 14 - 18

HIP HOP I, II, III: Hip Hop has taken the world by storm in recent years, catapulting to new heights with the rise of social media. Class begins with a cardio warm-up followed by combinations that focus on rhythm, energy, individual style, and dynamic versatility. 

• Hip Hop I – For ages 7 - 9
• Hip Hop II – For ages 10 - 13
• Hip Hop III – For ages 14 - 18

TAP I, II, III, IV: Dancers master tap vocabulary and techniques that emphasize the development of musicality and exploration of a full range of rhythmic styles. Dancers will learn the rich history of this American dance form all while wearing shoes adorned with metal taps.

• Tap I – For ages 7 - 9
• Tap II – For ages 9 - 11
• Tap III – For ages 12 - 14
• Tap IV – For ages 14 and up
• Family Tap – Family Tap welcomes adults, their partners, family members, and/or their children who wish to explore tap dance together.

CONDITIONING FOR DANCERS: Conditioning work that targets the muscles and specificity needed to excel in all forms of dance and movement. Specific focus will be given promoting stability through the core. ​​

ADULT CLASSES

ADULT BALLET: Training in barre and centre work develops students’ dance vocabulary, alignment, coordination, core strength, and musicality.

ADULT JAZZ: Technique-based, concert jazz classes consisting of a center barre, progressions, and a combination based in any of the various jazz styles. Progressive levels build dancers’ awareness of body rhythms, coordination, performance quality, and the ability to master increasingly complex and intricate choreography.

ADULT MODERN: Progressive instruction introduces dancers to the techniques of Graham, Horton, Limon, and contemporary movement forms. Classes consist of a center barre, progressions, and a combination as dancers explore movement through various shapes of the body, levels, directions through space, and weight transference.
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ADULT TAP: Dancers master tap vocabulary and techniques in classes that emphasize the development of musicality and exploration of a full range of rhythmic styles. Dancers will learn the rich history of this American dance form all while wearing shoes adorned with metal taps.

ADULT THEATRE JAZZ: A musical theatre-based jazz class emphasizing the narrative aspect of dance. Suitable for dancers who wish to enhance their technical training and improve on their performance quality.
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ADULT HIP HOP: Class begins with a cardio warm-up followed by combinations that focus on rhythm, energy, individual style, and dynamic versatility. Dancers will find self expression as they grow in confidence and skill.

CONDITIONING FOR DANCERS: Conditioning work that targets the muscles and specificity needed to excel in all forms of dance and movement. Specific focus will be given promoting stability through the core.