Class Descriptions
BALLET
Ballet focuses on strength, flexibility and grace. Through barre and center work dancers increase their technical and anatomical knowledge. Ballet classes at CMAC follow the American, Russian, and Italian techniques which focus on purity of line and simplicity of style.
CONDITIONING
This class is a gentle introduction to lightly weighted cross-training in a supportive atmosphere! This conditioning class focuses on strength building, increasing mobility, and cross-training to prevent injuries, both in and out of a dance class. The class will target the full body with different levels of intensity to accommodate different levels of training and abilities. With upbeat music and an encouraging atmosphere, this class is designed to leave you feeling good!
DANCE SAMPLER
Not sure what dance style will be the right fit for your dancer? Then we have the solution! In our Dance Sampler 1 class the dancer will get a taste of Ballet, Jazz and Tap all in one class! This class starts with a Ballet warm up, Jazz across the floor and a Tap combination. In our Dance Sampler 2 class the dancer will get a taste of Hip Hop and Modern all in one class! This class starts with a Hip Hop warm up and Modern across the floor/combination. Try it all with Dance Sampler!
DANCE WITH ME!
Music, movement, balance and basic dance steps are introduced in a fun, friendly and positive environment. This class includes mom or dad or another loved one participating in the class, taking an active role in encouraging, supporting and keeping the little dancer on track. This class establishes the beginnings of dance success for your little dancer! Session tuition covers the dancer and participating adult.
HEELS
Heels combines jazz technique with high-heeled shoes. This class will focuses on sharp, precise movements and footwork. By practicing in heels, you can improve your overall dancing skills, including your balance, coordination, and muscle control. The high heels require dancers to engage their core and leg muscles more, which can help to build strength and stability. Additionally, the heels force the dancer to focus on proper alignment and form, which can improve overall technique. But most of all, Heels is a fun way to boost your performance quality as a dancer! It is required that dancers are also taking Jazz 3 or Jazz 4 to enroll in heels.
PRE-POINTE, DEMI-POINTE & POINTE
This class designed to get a dancer ready to go en pointe! Specific foot and ankle exercises will be taught in class along with movements performed en pointe. How to sew and tie your Pointe shoes will be covered in the Pointe Classes. It is required to take Ballet 2, Ballet 3 and/or Ballet 4 class and have the teachers’ permission prior to taking the Pre-Pointe, Demi-Pointe & Pointe class.
INTRO TO… (Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Modern & Tap)
Our intro classes are a joyful way for children to explore movement through music, develop physical skills, channel energy, stimulate imagination and promote creativity. These classes focus on a specific style of dance while providing children with opportunities for non-competitive, success-oriented and creative experiences.
HIP HOP
Hip Hop is an accumulation of many aspects of culture. It draws music, dancing and art together to tell a story. In class, we pull the rhythms, accents and styling of hip hop culture through warming up, stretching, strengthening and conditioning, and an accumulation of choreography. We discuss language and attitude as it relates to our own lives, and offer an opportunity to tap into a rich culture through movement and authenticity.
JAZZ
Jazz dance is an exploration of style and presentation. Jazz classes begin with a warm-up to develop strength, flexibility, correct alignment and coordination, followed by progressions across the floor, and culminates in extended dance combinations.
MAMA MOVES
Unlike other mommy-and-me classes, the goal here is to solely support mom – body,
mind, and soul. Babies are encouraged to join, but please don’t mistake this as a class
for your child. Movement with Cass focuses on allowing mom to take the much needed
me-time that may be lacking elsewhere in her daily routine. Bring whatever baby
needs to feel content (ages 6mo to 1yr), from playmats to toys and teethers, and yes
even Mrs. Rachel on your phone, are all welcome in this space!
During this class you can expect breathing exercises (for relaxation, focus, and re-
centering), abdominal strengthening (ranging in intensity depending on your starting point), full body movement (that feels like a great release), and more! Music will play at a low volume to not overstimulate baby, ranging from the classics to current hits, and song requests are always encouraged. Remember, class with Cass is an offering just for you, take a deep breath and exhale the tension.
Disclaimer: This class should not be mistaken as pelvic floor physical therapy. Your child must be at least 6 months old, and you must receive clearance from your doctor prior to participating in class. If you are currently pregnant, please inform the instructor as modifications should be
implemented for safety.
MODERN
Modern dance throws out the rule book of the ballet world and focuses on exploring new and inventive ways to move. In this Limon based technique class dancers will explore such elements as contact/release, floor work, fall/recovery, and improvisation.
MUSICAL THEATER
Musical theater dance is the study of Broadway dance and dance styles. Our focus is on Broadway musicals old and new through choreography with an emphasis on performance skills. Be prepared to dance, sing and most of all have fun!
ON MY OWN
Music, movement, balance and basic dance steps are introduced in a fun, friendly and positive environment. On My Own! is designed for the preschool student who is ready to enter the classroom on their own and actively participate in class. This class establishes the beginnings of dance success for your little dancer!
STRETCH
There are many benefits to regular stretching. Not only can stretching help increase your flexibility, which is an important factor of fitness, but it can also improve your posture, reduce stress and body aches, and more! This is a class for all abilities. Everyone is welcome!
TAP
Tap is a form of dance commonly characterized by syncopation, improvisation and a rhythmical tapping sound attained by the dancer from the small metal plates on the dancer’s shoes. It is in this way that a dancer becomes a percussive musician. In this class you will also explore rhythm tap and Broadway tap that is commonly seen in musical theater.
VARIATIONS
A variation is an excerpt taken from a classical ballet. Students will learn the variation choreography and gain knowledge about the history, characters, and story lines of some of the world’s most beloved ballets. This is a secondary class option for our level 3 and 4 Ballet dancers to focus on Ballet technique with no performance commitment. It is required to take the Open Ballet class prior the variations class.
