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As for other dance schools, we can’t comment on the teachers or procedures, but we do have some distinct differences from many other privately owned and operated dance schools. Our teachers are professionally certified dance instructors. We also have small class sizes with ages 3-6 limited to 8 per class, and the rest limited to 12 per class. Although at the professional level competition for employment is a fact of life, we don't believe it is conducive to our students' development of self esteem to foster a competitive attitude. Therefore, our classes are noncompetitive and we do not take our students to "dance competitions." We have a progressive offering of classes, including Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, and Yoga.
We
understand the desire of parents to observe what their children are doing in
class. We
have class observation day once during the fall term.
Otherwise, nobody is permitted in the studio to watch class.
We find that the students are easily distracted
by observers. When too many
authority figures are present, the children’s focus is distracted looking for
Mom and Dad’s approval, or students act out seeking a reaction or attention.
We encourage parents of younger children to wait in our waiting room so
that if they are needed they are close by.
Combo
is the basic introduction to dance incorporating ballet, tap, and acro.
Students work on sequencing skills, remembering how to go from one step
to another, and basic coordination skills, including all the skills they need to
go into any of the other styles of dance when they are older.
They also work on a routine to
perform in our year end recital.
Yoga classes are currently structured for beginner to intermediate students. My style is more meditative and is directly influenced by the method of B.K.S. Iyengar (see bksiyengar.com/), which emphasizes proper alignment, balance, and technique. We practice all the standing asanas (poses), seated and supine asanas and twists, along with some inversions for intermediate students, and a series of relaxing and recuperative asanas. Yoga classes are for adults (16 years and older) who are in good physical condition. Those with any special medical conditions, injuries, or other questions should call me, Dan, at 412-512-5525 before coming to class.
Note that summer classes are at 7:15 pm, but times will change to 7:30 pm when fall semester begins in September. Classes are $10.00, or 6 for $50.00. Wear comfortable non-binding clothing, do not eat immediately before class (an empty stomach is best), and please do not wear any strong scented perfumes.
From
September until December, students work on dialogue and one song from each of
three or four different musicals. There
is movement or basic dance incorporated with the musical numbers.
Then, in January we choose one of the musicals which is best suited for
that class and learn two additional songs from that musical, giving three
numbers all together. The dialogue and musical numbers are combined to create a mini musical which is then
performed in the year end recital. My
experience has shown this class to be a
very popular one.
Hip
Hop is a street influenced style of dance.
It is what you might see in the music
videos of artists like Janet and Michael Jackson, Will Smith, Britney
Spears, etc.
Acrobatic dancing is the artistic use of movements and tricks. Acrobatics emphasize strength, flexibility, balance, and control, while developing body awareness and placement, inner rhythm & self-confidence. Basic tricks include handstands, back bends, splits & walkovers.
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