ABC PROGRAM
The Pennington Studio for Dance and Creative Arts is committed to providing high quality dance education with a special emphasis on EDUCATION when teaching children. The ABC program combines fun, relaxed introductory dance training with a “teaching across the curriculum” approach tailored to the pre-school child. Elements of literacy and basic math skills will be combined effortlessly into enjoyable classes for pre-schoolers, taught by faculty with training in dance education. All classes will involve props, in an individualized bag which students can take home, allowing the props to be cleaned frequently if desired. These props will help facilitate learning and fun.
The ABC program has three levels, beginning with LEVEL A:
LEVEL A is a class for young children age 2 (must have turned 2 by September 31st). This class is 30 minutes long, and is planned as a family activity, with the child accompanied by a parent or care-giver. Young dancers will be introduced to creative movement and music. The emphasis in this class will be on improvisation, and learning how to express one’s feelings and emotions through the language of the body.
LEVEL B is designed for young dancers age 3 (must have turned 3 by September 31st). This 60 minute class will carry forward the skills learned in Level A. Basic dance classroom socialization skills such as taking turns and finding their “spot” will come into play, as the dancers enjoy class on their own without parental guidance, adding basic movement skills to their improvisational expression. Dancers need not have taken Level A to join.
LEVEL C is for dancers age 4 (must have turned 4 by September 31st). Class now expands to one hour, due to their higher level of maturity and increased ability to follow directions. The participants may have taken prior levels, or may join at this time. The introduction of further dance concepts and some basic dance steps will continue to develop the young dancer. Their expressive world will enlarge as they are introduced to the basics of ballet, jazz, tap, and mat work.
KINDERDANCE
Kinderdance (dancers must have turned 5 by September 31st and/or be enrolled in Kindergarten) is a one hour class that moves into a more structured introduction to some of the more frequently enjoyed types of dance movement—ballet, jazz, tap and acrobatics—in a sampler format. A schedule will be given at the beginning of each month to prepare for what dance shoes students need to bring. In addition to continuing fun with expressive improvisation, dancers will now be introduced to the basic grammar of making dances (choreography).
RECREATIONAL CLASSES
The Pennington Studio offers classes in all forms of dance. Our compassionate and qualified faculty have extensive backgrounds in performing and teaching that will ensure proper training, technique, and creativity in the classroom. Placement into levels is based on age and ability.
BALLET
Ballet is a classical dance form that serves as a foundation for all other dance styles. It instills technique, discipline, strength, and flexibility to propel dancers to the next level. All ballet classes levels 1 through 4 are an hour long.
Ballet 1 is for children in first grade or above, who have had a year of Kinderdance or equivalent introduction elsewhere. This class will start the study of barre work, ballet positions, and continue with lots of rhythmic games and improvisational work. Dancers should have turned 6 by September 31st.
Ballet 2 continues the beginning study of ballet, with a strong emphasis on the dancer’s enjoyment of the process. A bit of improvisation continues to be a part of the process, but the class begins to focus more on barre work, balletic steps, and an understanding of proper alignment. Dancers in this class are generally in the 2nd or 3rd grade.
Ballet 3 moves the dancer forward into more jumping and turning steps, all the while continuing to work on correct posture and instilling a growing understanding of how our bones, muscles, and brains work together to help us have such fun. Dancers in this level are usually 3rd to 4th graders.
Ballet 4 continues to build the young dancer’s knowledge of concepts and steps simultaneously, with attention given to both. A greater amount of maturity and self-discipline is expected by this level, and the dancers are usually 4th graders and older.
JAZZ
Jazz dance encompasses many dance styles. It can combine classical and modern technique as well as theatrical styles. Students will learn isolations, energetic choreography, and explore their own individual style. Jazz classes are an hour long.
Jazz 1 is a class for children in first grade or above, who have had a year of Kinderdance or equivalent introduction elsewhere. This class will include a warmup to familiarize students with isolations of the body as well as across the floor to learn fundamental jazz steps that will be integrated into choreography.
Jazz / Acrobatics 1 teaches the fundamentals of jazz isolations and traveling steps to be integrated into choreography. The acrobatic portion focuses on progressive skill development and core physical improvement. Through supportive encouragement, students learn forward/backward/straddle rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, backbends, bridges, handstands, and headstands. The more advanced student will learn back and front walkovers and back handsprings. We also work on straddle jumps, high kicks, and leaps. This is the perfect class for a future cheerleader!
Jazz 2 continues building the fundamental jazz technique adding on kicks, leaps, and turns. The class begins to focus more on alignment of the body and rhythmic steps. Dancers in this class are generally in 2rd or 3rd grade.
Jazz 3/4 explores the different styles of jazz in more advanced choreography such as Fosse and Broadway Jazz and technical steps such as fouetté turns.
TAP
Tap is an American dance style that turns the dancer into musicians, where they make percussive beats and rhythms with their feet. The focus of tap class is to improve rhythm and musicality of the sounds as well as the timing and phrasing of the steps.
Tap 1 / Musical Theatre introduces basic tap steps, patterns, and musicality. Musical Theatre is introduced by learning common theater terms and dance steps, and focusing on broadway-style tap.
Tap 2/3 continues to develop the fundamentals of tap through across the floor and center work. Basic steps are combined to create more intricate moves and patterns.
Tap 4 is a progression to more advanced steps and tricks that develop strength and percussive sounds. There is a stronger focus on dynamics, clarity, and complex patterns.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary is an expressive style of dance that incorporates classical ballet technique with fluid movements, personal expression, and improvisation.
Contemporary 1 introduces basic technique and choreography to familiarize students with lyrical and fluid movements. Students are taught proper alignment, dynamics, and spatial awareness.
Contemporary 2 continues the progression to kicks, jumps, leaps across the floor while integrating them into choreography. Development of strength, flexibility, and rhythm are focused on.
Contemporary 3/4 advances to more difficult choreographed movements and technical steps, with an emphasis on musicality, improvisation, phrasing and floor work. Freedom of expression and creativity are encouraged through improvisational work.
Ballet/Contemporary 2/3 Students will study ballet technique at the barre and in traveling steps & turns. Contemporary dance will include the exploration of Limón dance technique, fall-and-recovery exercises, and traveling steps. Creative exploration and choreography will be woven through this class's curriculum.
HIP-HOP
Hip-hop is an energetic, diverse form of dance that is made up of many old school street styles such as popping, locking, and waving as well as new styles such as contemporary hip-hop.
Hip-hop 1 is an introduction to the diverse world of hip-hop. The class will include a warm-up, stretching, strengthening exercises, and across the floor to familiarize students with basic steps such as various footwork that will be integrated into the choreography.
Hip-hop 2 continues with various body isolations to familiarize students with their bodies. This class will also focus on different rhythms to incorporate into more intricate choreography
Hip-hop 3/4 continues to build on advanced choreography that integrates various styles (popping, locking, waving, animation) as well as some floor work.
BOYS CLASSES
These classes are specifically focused on building male dancers. While boys are encouraged to take various classes such as jazz and hip-hop, these classes will establish strong technical training while exploring strength training and partnering.
Boys 1 is a beginner level designed to achieve the structure and decorum required to execute more difficult steps and sequences that will be expected of the male dancer. There will be an emphasis on gaining an awareness of ballet terminology, movement dynamics, and spatial reasoning. Special emphasis will be placed on maintaining focus for the duration of the class. Students will become proficient in basic coordination exercises, jump sequences, and principles that will advance into higher levels in order to understand role of the male dancer in ballet.
Boys 2 as young men develop physically, concepts advance to a focus on strength training. Strength training includes working on core, lower extremities, and upper body in preparation for partner work. Adding to known terminology, advanced challenges in steps and new steps are introduced. Simple partnering is also introduced. Class structure is solidified and reinforced as a formal ballet class.
Boys 3 advanced male dancers are expected to be proficient in ballet technique. Class is focused on steps and technique specific to the male dancer. Steps include tours, batterie, grand allegro, jeté en tournant en manége, grand pirouettes, amongst others. Pas de deux work increases in technical difficulty. Students refine their ability to move as a male dancer and develop a presence appropriate to requirements necessary for a professional care.
OPEN CLASSES
Open/drop-in classes are available in ballet, contemporary, tap, and jazz. Teens and adults may drop in to appropriately leveled classes for $20 per class.
CORE PROGRAM
Concentration on technique
Opportunities to perform
Respect for tradition
Energy towards the future
CORE is a pre-professional track for students interested in furthering their technique and performance skills in ballet, contemporary, or jazz. For a motivated student, it is very important to get a strong technical foundation during the years when the body is starting to grow. The CORE program is built on bi-weekly classes for technical training; dancers can augment their experience with additional classes in other dance styles. This program aims to instill a deep appreciation and love for traditional art forms.
Classical ballet training, infused with current knowledge of body mechanics and injury prevention, aids greatly in preparing the musculature, flexibility, and musicality that will help a young dancer towards a career in dance. We currently offer two levels aimed towards this analytical approach. Both levels prepare performance pieces for local events and organizations that enhance our community, and for a competition in the springtime.
The Junior CORE program is for young dancers (beginner or less experienced) between the ages of 9-11 wanting to become stronger, perform locally, and compete.
The Intermediate CORE program is for middle school dancers who are committed to training, performing, and expanding their creative potential with movement.
The Senior CORE program is for more experienced dancers who are eager to train at a high level, perform frequently, and engage in creative processes.
A placement class or recommendation is required for the program.
The Pennington Studio for Dance and Creative Arts is committed to providing high quality dance education with a special emphasis on EDUCATION when teaching children. The ABC program combines fun, relaxed introductory dance training with a “teaching across the curriculum” approach tailored to the pre-school child. Elements of literacy and basic math skills will be combined effortlessly into enjoyable classes for pre-schoolers, taught by faculty with training in dance education. All classes will involve props, in an individualized bag which students can take home, allowing the props to be cleaned frequently if desired. These props will help facilitate learning and fun.
The ABC program has three levels, beginning with LEVEL A:
LEVEL A is a class for young children age 2 (must have turned 2 by September 31st). This class is 30 minutes long, and is planned as a family activity, with the child accompanied by a parent or care-giver. Young dancers will be introduced to creative movement and music. The emphasis in this class will be on improvisation, and learning how to express one’s feelings and emotions through the language of the body.
LEVEL B is designed for young dancers age 3 (must have turned 3 by September 31st). This 60 minute class will carry forward the skills learned in Level A. Basic dance classroom socialization skills such as taking turns and finding their “spot” will come into play, as the dancers enjoy class on their own without parental guidance, adding basic movement skills to their improvisational expression. Dancers need not have taken Level A to join.
LEVEL C is for dancers age 4 (must have turned 4 by September 31st). Class now expands to one hour, due to their higher level of maturity and increased ability to follow directions. The participants may have taken prior levels, or may join at this time. The introduction of further dance concepts and some basic dance steps will continue to develop the young dancer. Their expressive world will enlarge as they are introduced to the basics of ballet, jazz, tap, and mat work.
KINDERDANCE
Kinderdance (dancers must have turned 5 by September 31st and/or be enrolled in Kindergarten) is a one hour class that moves into a more structured introduction to some of the more frequently enjoyed types of dance movement—ballet, jazz, tap and acrobatics—in a sampler format. A schedule will be given at the beginning of each month to prepare for what dance shoes students need to bring. In addition to continuing fun with expressive improvisation, dancers will now be introduced to the basic grammar of making dances (choreography).
RECREATIONAL CLASSES
The Pennington Studio offers classes in all forms of dance. Our compassionate and qualified faculty have extensive backgrounds in performing and teaching that will ensure proper training, technique, and creativity in the classroom. Placement into levels is based on age and ability.
BALLET
Ballet is a classical dance form that serves as a foundation for all other dance styles. It instills technique, discipline, strength, and flexibility to propel dancers to the next level. All ballet classes levels 1 through 4 are an hour long.
Ballet 1 is for children in first grade or above, who have had a year of Kinderdance or equivalent introduction elsewhere. This class will start the study of barre work, ballet positions, and continue with lots of rhythmic games and improvisational work. Dancers should have turned 6 by September 31st.
Ballet 2 continues the beginning study of ballet, with a strong emphasis on the dancer’s enjoyment of the process. A bit of improvisation continues to be a part of the process, but the class begins to focus more on barre work, balletic steps, and an understanding of proper alignment. Dancers in this class are generally in the 2nd or 3rd grade.
Ballet 3 moves the dancer forward into more jumping and turning steps, all the while continuing to work on correct posture and instilling a growing understanding of how our bones, muscles, and brains work together to help us have such fun. Dancers in this level are usually 3rd to 4th graders.
Ballet 4 continues to build the young dancer’s knowledge of concepts and steps simultaneously, with attention given to both. A greater amount of maturity and self-discipline is expected by this level, and the dancers are usually 4th graders and older.
JAZZ
Jazz dance encompasses many dance styles. It can combine classical and modern technique as well as theatrical styles. Students will learn isolations, energetic choreography, and explore their own individual style. Jazz classes are an hour long.
Jazz 1 is a class for children in first grade or above, who have had a year of Kinderdance or equivalent introduction elsewhere. This class will include a warmup to familiarize students with isolations of the body as well as across the floor to learn fundamental jazz steps that will be integrated into choreography.
Jazz / Acrobatics 1 teaches the fundamentals of jazz isolations and traveling steps to be integrated into choreography. The acrobatic portion focuses on progressive skill development and core physical improvement. Through supportive encouragement, students learn forward/backward/straddle rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, backbends, bridges, handstands, and headstands. The more advanced student will learn back and front walkovers and back handsprings. We also work on straddle jumps, high kicks, and leaps. This is the perfect class for a future cheerleader!
Jazz 2 continues building the fundamental jazz technique adding on kicks, leaps, and turns. The class begins to focus more on alignment of the body and rhythmic steps. Dancers in this class are generally in 2rd or 3rd grade.
Jazz 3/4 explores the different styles of jazz in more advanced choreography such as Fosse and Broadway Jazz and technical steps such as fouetté turns.
TAP
Tap is an American dance style that turns the dancer into musicians, where they make percussive beats and rhythms with their feet. The focus of tap class is to improve rhythm and musicality of the sounds as well as the timing and phrasing of the steps.
Tap 1 / Musical Theatre introduces basic tap steps, patterns, and musicality. Musical Theatre is introduced by learning common theater terms and dance steps, and focusing on broadway-style tap.
Tap 2/3 continues to develop the fundamentals of tap through across the floor and center work. Basic steps are combined to create more intricate moves and patterns.
Tap 4 is a progression to more advanced steps and tricks that develop strength and percussive sounds. There is a stronger focus on dynamics, clarity, and complex patterns.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary is an expressive style of dance that incorporates classical ballet technique with fluid movements, personal expression, and improvisation.
Contemporary 1 introduces basic technique and choreography to familiarize students with lyrical and fluid movements. Students are taught proper alignment, dynamics, and spatial awareness.
Contemporary 2 continues the progression to kicks, jumps, leaps across the floor while integrating them into choreography. Development of strength, flexibility, and rhythm are focused on.
Contemporary 3/4 advances to more difficult choreographed movements and technical steps, with an emphasis on musicality, improvisation, phrasing and floor work. Freedom of expression and creativity are encouraged through improvisational work.
Ballet/Contemporary 2/3 Students will study ballet technique at the barre and in traveling steps & turns. Contemporary dance will include the exploration of Limón dance technique, fall-and-recovery exercises, and traveling steps. Creative exploration and choreography will be woven through this class's curriculum.
HIP-HOP
Hip-hop is an energetic, diverse form of dance that is made up of many old school street styles such as popping, locking, and waving as well as new styles such as contemporary hip-hop.
Hip-hop 1 is an introduction to the diverse world of hip-hop. The class will include a warm-up, stretching, strengthening exercises, and across the floor to familiarize students with basic steps such as various footwork that will be integrated into the choreography.
Hip-hop 2 continues with various body isolations to familiarize students with their bodies. This class will also focus on different rhythms to incorporate into more intricate choreography
Hip-hop 3/4 continues to build on advanced choreography that integrates various styles (popping, locking, waving, animation) as well as some floor work.
BOYS CLASSES
These classes are specifically focused on building male dancers. While boys are encouraged to take various classes such as jazz and hip-hop, these classes will establish strong technical training while exploring strength training and partnering.
Boys 1 is a beginner level designed to achieve the structure and decorum required to execute more difficult steps and sequences that will be expected of the male dancer. There will be an emphasis on gaining an awareness of ballet terminology, movement dynamics, and spatial reasoning. Special emphasis will be placed on maintaining focus for the duration of the class. Students will become proficient in basic coordination exercises, jump sequences, and principles that will advance into higher levels in order to understand role of the male dancer in ballet.
Boys 2 as young men develop physically, concepts advance to a focus on strength training. Strength training includes working on core, lower extremities, and upper body in preparation for partner work. Adding to known terminology, advanced challenges in steps and new steps are introduced. Simple partnering is also introduced. Class structure is solidified and reinforced as a formal ballet class.
Boys 3 advanced male dancers are expected to be proficient in ballet technique. Class is focused on steps and technique specific to the male dancer. Steps include tours, batterie, grand allegro, jeté en tournant en manége, grand pirouettes, amongst others. Pas de deux work increases in technical difficulty. Students refine their ability to move as a male dancer and develop a presence appropriate to requirements necessary for a professional care.
OPEN CLASSES
Open/drop-in classes are available in ballet, contemporary, tap, and jazz. Teens and adults may drop in to appropriately leveled classes for $20 per class.
CORE PROGRAM
Concentration on technique
Opportunities to perform
Respect for tradition
Energy towards the future
CORE is a pre-professional track for students interested in furthering their technique and performance skills in ballet, contemporary, or jazz. For a motivated student, it is very important to get a strong technical foundation during the years when the body is starting to grow. The CORE program is built on bi-weekly classes for technical training; dancers can augment their experience with additional classes in other dance styles. This program aims to instill a deep appreciation and love for traditional art forms.
Classical ballet training, infused with current knowledge of body mechanics and injury prevention, aids greatly in preparing the musculature, flexibility, and musicality that will help a young dancer towards a career in dance. We currently offer two levels aimed towards this analytical approach. Both levels prepare performance pieces for local events and organizations that enhance our community, and for a competition in the springtime.
The Junior CORE program is for young dancers (beginner or less experienced) between the ages of 9-11 wanting to become stronger, perform locally, and compete.
The Intermediate CORE program is for middle school dancers who are committed to training, performing, and expanding their creative potential with movement.
The Senior CORE program is for more experienced dancers who are eager to train at a high level, perform frequently, and engage in creative processes.
A placement class or recommendation is required for the program.
the pennington studio
114 Straube Center Blvd. Suite K-2 Pennington, NJ 08534
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