Our Curriculum

TINY FEET: For children ages 18-36 months with a caregiver; an introduction to rhythm and movement exploration.

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.

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.

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 6-8. 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 8-9.  Students are introduced to more complex barre and centre work. Students at this level are strongly encouraged to take 1-2 classes per week.
• Ballet C – For ages 9-12.  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 encouraged to take 2-3 classes per week.
• Ballet D – For ages 10 and up, or by invitation. 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 3 ballet classes per week and are encouraged to participate in other technique classes.
• Ballet E – For ages 13 and up, or by invitation.  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 3 ballet classes per week and are encouraged to participate in other technique classes.

POINTE AND (PRE)POINTE:  For ages 10 and up, by invitation. Students are introduced to training for pointework at the barre and in the centre. Students at this level are required to take at least 3 ballet classes a 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 11-12.
• Jazz IV – For ages 12 and up.  Students at this level must be taking at least one other technique class focused upon a centre barre (ballet or modern).

 

THEATRE JAZZ I, II, III:  For ages 7 and up.  A musical theatre-based jazz class emphasizing the narrative aspect of dance.

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 10-12. 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 12 and up or by invitation.  Students at this level must be taking at least one other technique class focused upon a centre barre (ballet or jazz).

 

HIP HOP I, II, III: For ages 9 and up, or by invitation.  Class begins with a cardio warm-up followed by combinations that focus on rhythm, energy, individual style, and dynamic versatility.

TAP: Dancers study tap vocabulary and techniques that emphasize the development of musicality and exploration of a full range of rhythmic styles.

• Tap I – For ages 7-8.
• Tap II – For ages 8-10.
• Tap III – For ages 10-12.
• Tap IV – For ages 12 and up.
• Family Tap – Family tap welcomes adults, their partners, and/or their children who wish to explore tap dance together.

TEEN TECHNIQUE: For ages 12 and up. Students are led through numerous techniques throughout the year including ballet, floor barre, conditioning, and contemporary. This curriculum is designed to allow students to explore different aspects of classical technique.

PERFORMING ENSEMBLES: Designed for dancers who wish to enhance their training, develop their individual artistry and skill, learn original and/or repertory choreography from faculty and guest artists, and work collaboratively within a cohesive and supportive group of peers.

• Teen Repertory – Youth students ages 10 and up, by audition only. Requirements include two ballet classes and two additional technique classes per week.
• Youth Repertory – Youth students ages 10 and up, by audition only. Requirements include two ballet classes and two additional technique classes per week.
• Tap Workshop – Youth and adult students, Tap level II+, by audition only. Requirements include one tap class and one technique class per week.
• Ballet Repertory – Youth students, Ballet E level only. Requirements include three ballet classes per week.
• Modern Lab – Youth students, Modern IV level and Modern III level by invitation. Requirements include two ballet classes and one modern class per week.
• Adult Jazz Ensemble – Adult students only. Requirements include attending jazz class prior to the Ensemble rehearsal.
• Adult Ballet Ensemble – Adult students only. Requirements include attending ballet class prior to the Ensemble rehearsal.