PRESCHOOL DANCE PROGRAM
The Preschool Dance Program combines fun, relaxed introductory dance training with a “teaching across the curriculum” approach tailored to the pre-school child.
All classes involve props that help facilitate learning and fun. The Preschool Dance Program prepares the student for the more rigorous study of ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance beginning in 1st grade.
2Cute Preschool Dance is a class for young children ages 2-3 (must have turned 2 by September 31st). This class is 45 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.
ABC Preschool Dance is a 60-minute class designed for young dancers ages 3-5 (must have turned 3 by September 31st). Dancers enjoy class on their own without parental guidance and do not need to have prior dance experience.
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. 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 / Hip-Hop 1 is a class for children in first grade or above who may have had a year of Kinderdance or equivalent introduction elsewhere. This class is also for beginner dancers. Class will include a warm-up to familiarize students with isolations of the body, foot positions, basic footwork, and across-the-floor traveling dance steps to learn jazz fundamentals that will be integrated into choreography. Level 1 jazz skills include pivot turns, pas de bourrée, step-ball-change, chassé-step-leap, jazz pirouette turns, and chaînés turns.
Jazz / Acrobatics 1 teaches the fundamentals of jazz isolations and traveling steps to be integrated into choreography, including pas de bourrée, step-ball-change, chassé-step-leap, pivot turns, jazz pirouette turns, and chaînés turns. The acrobatic portion focuses on progressive skill development and core strength. Through supportive encouragement, students learn forward/backward/straddle rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, backbends, bridges, handstands, and headstands. 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 explores different styles of jazz such as Luigi, Fosse, and Broadway. Core strength and flexibility are emphasized. Choreographic combinations become more complex. Skills mastered by this level are double pirouettes, fan kicks, and side leaps.
Jazz 4 integrates more directional changes, level changes, intricate rhythms, performance quality, and style into advancing choreography. Skills introduced in this level include attitude turns, arabesque turns, fan kicks, and a continued emphasis on flexibility and core work.
CONTEMPORARY & LYRICAL
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 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.
Lyrical 3/4 combines traditional ballet barre exercises with more fluid contemporary choreographic phrases. Non-classical music may be used. Floor work and dynamic ranges of motion and expression are integrated.
TAP
Tap is an American dance style that turns the dancer into a musician through percussive beats and rhythms. 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 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.
ADULT DROP-IN CLASSES
Register here - no commitment needed!
An email will be sent the evening before class each week requesting your RSVP.
Contemporary Dance Technique explores the fundamentals of dance technique, derived from universal themes in modern and classical dance forms.
Adult Ballet / Pilates / Stretch begins with a beginner/intermediate-level traditional ballet barre followed by a half hour of mat pilates workout with relaxing, meditative music.
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 8-11 wanting to become stronger, perform locally, and compete. See the Jr. CORE Informational Document for more details.
The CORE program is for middle school and high school dancers who are eager to train at a high level, perform frequently, and engage in creative processes. See the CORE Informational Document for more details.
A placement class or recommendation is required for the program.
The Preschool Dance Program combines fun, relaxed introductory dance training with a “teaching across the curriculum” approach tailored to the pre-school child.
- Motor skills are taught in the context of movement games and improvisational storytelling.
- Physical concepts of opposition, directional and level changes, and isolations are explored.
- Students will learn traditional foot positions and arm placement for classical dance forms.
- Basic acrobatic skills include forward, backward, and log rolls, hopscotch, and balance beam.
- Children will learn gross motor skills such as walking on the balls of their feet, double- and single-leg hopping, marching, skipping, and leaping.
All classes involve props that help facilitate learning and fun. The Preschool Dance Program prepares the student for the more rigorous study of ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance beginning in 1st grade.
2Cute Preschool Dance is a class for young children ages 2-3 (must have turned 2 by September 31st). This class is 45 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.
ABC Preschool Dance is a 60-minute class designed for young dancers ages 3-5 (must have turned 3 by September 31st). Dancers enjoy class on their own without parental guidance and do not need to have prior dance experience.
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. 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 / Hip-Hop 1 is a class for children in first grade or above who may have had a year of Kinderdance or equivalent introduction elsewhere. This class is also for beginner dancers. Class will include a warm-up to familiarize students with isolations of the body, foot positions, basic footwork, and across-the-floor traveling dance steps to learn jazz fundamentals that will be integrated into choreography. Level 1 jazz skills include pivot turns, pas de bourrée, step-ball-change, chassé-step-leap, jazz pirouette turns, and chaînés turns.
Jazz / Acrobatics 1 teaches the fundamentals of jazz isolations and traveling steps to be integrated into choreography, including pas de bourrée, step-ball-change, chassé-step-leap, pivot turns, jazz pirouette turns, and chaînés turns. The acrobatic portion focuses on progressive skill development and core strength. Through supportive encouragement, students learn forward/backward/straddle rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, backbends, bridges, handstands, and headstands. 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 explores different styles of jazz such as Luigi, Fosse, and Broadway. Core strength and flexibility are emphasized. Choreographic combinations become more complex. Skills mastered by this level are double pirouettes, fan kicks, and side leaps.
Jazz 4 integrates more directional changes, level changes, intricate rhythms, performance quality, and style into advancing choreography. Skills introduced in this level include attitude turns, arabesque turns, fan kicks, and a continued emphasis on flexibility and core work.
CONTEMPORARY & LYRICAL
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 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.
Lyrical 3/4 combines traditional ballet barre exercises with more fluid contemporary choreographic phrases. Non-classical music may be used. Floor work and dynamic ranges of motion and expression are integrated.
TAP
Tap is an American dance style that turns the dancer into a musician through percussive beats and rhythms. 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 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.
ADULT DROP-IN CLASSES
Register here - no commitment needed!
An email will be sent the evening before class each week requesting your RSVP.
Contemporary Dance Technique explores the fundamentals of dance technique, derived from universal themes in modern and classical dance forms.
Adult Ballet / Pilates / Stretch begins with a beginner/intermediate-level traditional ballet barre followed by a half hour of mat pilates workout with relaxing, meditative music.
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 8-11 wanting to become stronger, perform locally, and compete. See the Jr. CORE Informational Document for more details.
The CORE program is for middle school and high school dancers who are eager to train at a high level, perform frequently, and engage in creative processes. See the CORE Informational Document for more details.
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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