Class Options

Step Levels

Step Level is a group of required classes and subjects that must be taken in their entirety to be able to progress and keep up with that level. Technique & progress is priority. Students compete with themselves, not others. They are encouraged to participate in performance opportunities for maximum growth. Students average two years in a level.

Beginner Step Level Classes in Ballet & Jazz for students age 10 & up. We offer Beginner classes for those who are starting their dance training at an older age. Or if they have not danced in awhile they can brush up on the fundamentals before entering a Step Level and teachers may start them in a Step Level but also ask them to take a Beginner class to help get caught up.

Step Tiny Tot Ballet & Mommy and Me (3 & 4 year olds)
Any age can learn if they are old enough to listen, and understand how to following along. Even at age 3 they can begin to learn ballet technique and classroom structure that will be foundational to build on. Their favorite thing at the end is when we dance for Jesus!

Step 1 Ballet and Jazz (5 & 6 year olds)
Ballet is the foundation for all dance but second in line is Jazz. When Jazz is started alongside Ballet, children are able to pick up the different styles and excel in them. Most other forms of dance can be taught with these two as a foundation.

Step 2 Ballet and Jazz (7-9 year olds) Students begin to emerge from having fun and learning to enjoying the discipline and technique of Ballet and Jazz. Their class time increases to 45min classes.

Step 3 Ballet/Jazz/Repertoire Students class time is increased and they add a 2nd Ballet to their schedule. This allows teachers to begin a more structured and demanding curriculum. A Repertoire class extension is also added for upcoming performance opportunities so that class time remains working on just technique.

Upper Levels - Step 4–7 Ballet/Jazz/Repertoire/Turns & Jumps  75 - 90min classes are introduced to students' class requirements each year. This encourages them to grow in strength, stamina and skill. If a student is keeping up they usually move to the next level within two years with their entire class.

Pointe work is usually introduced sometime during these upper levels. Muscle structure, technique and strength as well as fortitude and attitude are examined on an individual basis. This varies greatly from student to student.  Students may be anxious to reach this goal but they need to work hard and patiently wait for their teacher to prepare them and decide that they are ready.

Promotion or Holding Back - Instructors are constantly evaluating students to make sure they are in the correct level. Their ability may be at the top of their class or at the bottom but if they are progressing they usually stay in their age level. Many things are considered when a class level is moving up. Most are ready at the same time. Students are rarely held back but if a teacher feels that it is best for the student the parent will be notified.  Factors that may cause this are: not taking all the required classes in their level, poor attendance, listening and learning abilities, physical challenges, stopping and starting throughout the year and not dancing during the 3 month summer break.

There are exceptions when a student is moved up a level based solely on ability but only after the joint approval of the teacher, parent and student. A good option to help a student progress faster is to add an additional ballet class to their schedule by taking a class in the next level up. However, the student must be ready for this and it would need the approval of the teachers involved.

Ala Carte Classes

Class Descriptions

Ballet
Classical ballet technique is taught at a progressive rate according to age and ability.  Students must have correct body placement in order to move to more advanced levels. Ballet terminology is added as students move into the upper levels. Good ballet training strengthens and shapes the body. It is the foundation for all dance styles.

Acro

Acrobatics, Acro is considered a sport but at A.R.T.S. we love to combine and use it with dance. Acro is a fairly new and very unique blend of tumbling and balancing tricks that take great strenth and agility. Rather then apparatus, athletes use partners to perorm with.  The partnering requires all ages and heights, male and female, to work together.  It is a great and fun team work out and adds excitement when added to dance performances.

Pointe
Students begin pointe work only when they have achieved correct body placement and strength. They should know all the fundamental steps and movements which takes years to learn. Students  must be dedicated, show good work habits and be ready to move into advanced training.  

Jazz
Is a modern American style of dance. The music and technique go together and change accordingly.  A good well rounded dancer needs to learn this style even if they are wanting to pursue only Ballet.

Technique Turns/Jumps

This class focuses on improving the dancers' ability to execute proper turns without losing balance as well as increasing to multiple turns. Jumps and leaps are also mastered working on  proper take off placement, controlled landing and the ability to reach greater heights.  Correct Repetitious practice with professional guidance will make the execution of these skills appear effortless.

Repertoire
A class time incorporated into the upper level Step students schedule. Teachers work with students, teaching and perfecting  production numbers for upcoming performances and events.

Tap
Students learn traditional tap technique producing rhythmic sounds that co-ordinate with the music. Tap styles explored will range from Broadway to street, stomp, soft shoe and vaudeville.

Tumbling
Our classes teach basic to intermediate tumbling skills.  Today dance and tumbling tricks are incorporated into most dance styles and production numbers. We feel that it is an important asset for dancers as well as those who wish to go into cheer leading, pom, college mascots or competitive gymnastics.

Drama

Is offered for children ages 8 & up. Our drama classes are designed to produce confident, articulate children on stage and in life. Students will be given the opportunity to explore the dramatic arts and to become better communicators through enthusiastic participation in a wide range of creative activities including: creative movement, improvisation, games, structured theater speech/monologues and a special year-end performance. 

Hip Hop
A fun and exciting way to get your body moving.  Dance to fun, funky, yet appropriated Christian music in a fusion of jazz and street dancing.  Learn tricks, floor work and tasteful steps taken from the hip hop culture.

Modern/Contemporary 

Modern dance was the name given to a new style of theatrical dance in the early 20th century.  There are many different techniques that fall under the category of Modern Dance, and most are based on ballet.  It has a technique that is very broad but mainly uses physical expression to reveal an abstract story with emotional impact. Modern/Contemporary styles are always discovering new ways of using music and sound in relation to movement.

Swing (Partner 50's Style)

Learn the fun, partner-style dancing that was popularized in the 1950's. High, nonstop energy is what continues to make this dance style fun and to keeps it popular with all ages. They will learn dance styles like the Lindy Hop, Charleston, Eastern Swing, Jive and Rock 'n Roll.

Lyrical (Free Form)

Is a fusion of ballet, jazz, modern, & Contemporary. It is a great place for intermediate to advanced students to begin to grow in their artistry and use the other techniques as a spring board to let go and just dance. It will also give them an abandonment in worshipping freely to the Lord with challenging choreography to contemporary Christian music.

Boys (Dance Movement)

Dancing is a wonderful form of expression. Boys are full of energy and masculinity. This class combines these two natural instincts into a fun, choreographed and energetic expression that boys will enjoy and excel in!

Boys Rep

Beginning Teen/Adult Classes
You are never too old to start learning how to dance.  We have a splendid group of ladies who will accept you right where you are and encourage you along the way.  We work hard and laugh often.  Come join us, you will like it.

Musical Theater Dance (Broadway Style)

In this class, using dance and drama, we will work on blending character with the basic elements of many forms of theater dance  and Acting as we bring to life numbers from some of Americas most beloved Musicals.

Pas de Deux (Partner & Lifts)

Meaning dance for two, Pas de Deux is a duet in which dance steps are performed together. It usually consists of dancers assisting one another with lifts and balancing steps that require strength and confidence in your partner.

Integrated (Special Needs)

ARTS welcomes special needs students and works at a level that is comprehensible and enjoyable for students with special mental and physical needs. We would like to expand this program as the Lord brings in different age groups with different hindrances that can be overcome with our Creative God. All can be taught to express themselves and worship with “their whole body” in their own way.

Adult Exercise Classes - Yoga, Pilates, Stretch & Shape

Utilizes Latin and International “family friendly” music to create a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system. you will receive a full 60mins of energetic instruction with easy-to-follow aerobic moves that will get your heart & soul dancing!

Aerial Dance
Technique using aerial fabric and dance choreography. Classes encourage dance on the floor, in the air and all the spaces between. The ability to incorporate vertical as well as horizontal movement pathways allow for innovations in choreography and movement.

Production Dept
Join the team and find out what takes place from conception through lights out at the final curtain call!  You'll learn about the stage, sets, scenery and props; costumes; public relations, promotion, and programs; along with technical aspects of producing a show.

Art
Working on expression of the 'hands', our Art class focuses on combining colors, shapes and different mediums to produce works of art that will glorify our Lord and will transfer a student's thoughts and dreams from their minds to a canvas.

Worship Dance

Uses appropriate dance forms to interpret  music that has spiritual meaning. 

Private Instruction (In all Subjects)

Private instruction is the best way to improve your skills and insure conceptual retention as well as confidence! Private classes can catapult a student into new levels much faster than taking group lessons.

Learning the classical technique of Singing. Proper technique in Voice helps all other vocal styles of performance - from Pop to Country to Musical Theater. Topics include: Resonance, breath control, relaxation and free breath flow, articulation and style. Students who choose to do a solo will receive a professional evaluation of their voice.