It's More Than Just Dance.
Classes at LA Dance
Recreational Program
Recreational students will perform in the spring in our annual recital.
Ballet Program
Our Ballet Program has a schedulel for everyone. From recreational to the most serious.
Competitive Program
Our Competitive Dance Program has a schedule for everyone. From new competitive dancers through advanced.
RECREATIONAL PROGRAM
(CLICK TO EXPAND)
The recreational division is designed for students who would like to experience ballet, lyrical, tap, hip-hop and jazz classes without committing to the rigors of a demanding dance schedule. Choose as little or as many classes to fit your schedule. Our upbeat instructors are sure to make this a great experience for your dancer!
BALLET PROGRAM
(CLICK TO EXPAND)
Under the Direction of Miss Carmen Wade, these programs are designed for students who would like to further their ballet education and go professional, prepare for the Youth American Grand Prix, prepare for competition team or just stay current with their ballet technique. Classes are available for all skill and age levels. Please call the studio for class placement.
The recreational division is designed for students who would like to experience ballet classes without committing to the rigors of a demanding dance schedule. The student can take as little as one class per week. Levels A and B, C and Intro to Ballet fall under this category.
INTRO TO BALLET:
Ages 5-6, One class per week, 60 minutes.
This class is designed to introduce young dancers to ballet technique and develop musicality, rhythmical awareness, and movement, vocabulary that are the basis for self-expression in dance. Students learn appropriate dance class conduct, which comes from self-discipline and the ability to work with others. Students will learn some barre work, arm positions, foot positions, and very basic skills. Turnout is introduced and explained, but not forced.
LEVEL A:
Ages 7-9, One class per week, 60 minutes.
This class introduces students to the discipline and structure that the program will offer. Emphasis remains on rhythm and musicality. Stretching exercises more specific to muscle groups are introduced. Ballet technique will be taught at the barre and in the center. A progression of steps and ballet vocabulary will be taught from level to level.
LEVEL B:
Ages 10-12, One class per week, 60 minutes.
Rhythm, musicality, flexibility, and discipline continue to be emphasized, but learning proper alignment is the primary focus on this level. Many new steps and positions are introduced and students begin to learn more ballet terminology. Work continues on refining technique and flexibility, and developing a sense of work ethic. Proper leg and arm placement and their integration with movement are further developed. Dancers at this level are challenged with increasing complexity in movement and skills.
LEVEL C:
Ages 12 & Up, One class per week, 60 minutes.
Rhythm, musicality, flexibility, and discipline continue to be emphasized. Additional new steps and positions are introduced and students continue to learn more ballet terminology. Work continues on refining technique and flexibility, and developing a sense of work ethic. Proper leg and arm placement and their integration with movement are further developed. Dancers at this level are challenged with increasing complexity in movement and skills.
The Pre-Professional ballet program is designed for committed students who desire to become proficient in classical ballet. Although there are exceptions, each level is designed for one to two years of study. Students taking fewer classes per week will take longer to become proficient in the material presented during the year.
Students in this program are required to take three ballet classes at their level.
Each student is carefully evaluated before starting study on pointe. Sufficient understanding of correct placement and alignment must be demonstrated before pointe instruction begins thus decreasing the possible risk of injury. Advanced pointe students will also learn and analyze classical pointe variations from famous ballet repertoire.
This class is in preparation for the Youth American Grand Prix and other ballet Competitions. Entry into this class is by invite only. Students are required to be a current member of the L. A. Dance Competitive Team.
The ages listed below are a guideline. All class placement will be decided by Miss Carmen.
LEVEL 1:
Ages 7-8, Three classes per week, 90 minutes each.
This class is designed to continue teaching a solid ballet technique while challenging the dancer with new steps. The dancer will be learning longer combinations and be asked to apply corrections and show steady improvement. Dancers are required to take two classes per week at this level.
LEVEL 2:
Ages 9-10, Three classes per week, 90 minutes each.
This class takes on a more classic flow. More challenging combinations are worked on and special time is paid to stretching and strengthening. Students are expected to understand basic ballet vocabulary and execute fundamental ballet positions of the arms and feet without visual aid.
LEVEL 3:
Ages 10-12, Three classes per week, 90 minutes each.
Developing quality of movement begins in this level. Students begin to experience the art of dance, and learn of the commitment required to excel at this art form. Students in this level will begin pointe work and must demonstrate sufficient maturity, dedication, strength, technique, and proper body alignment to advance to the next level.
LEVEL 4:
Ages 12-18, Three classes per week, 90 minutes each.
This class is designed to train the emerging dancer. Training will continue on producing a well-rounded ballet dancer by gaining strength and flexibility while continuing to learn new steps and combinations.
COMPETITIVE PROGRAM
(CLICK TO EXPAND)
To Audition for the LADC Competition Team 2023-24, contact the studio at info@ladance.us. Don’t miss out on being a part of our Nationally Award-Winning Team.
Being a part of the pre-competitive and competitive program means you are willing to make a strong commitment to your classes and performances. It means you have a desire to work hard and learn as much as you possibly can. If you truly make the most of each class by always dancing your heart out and pushing yourself that one inch further, then we can help you be the best dancer you can be.
Respect for your teachers is important. Whether the teacher is talking to you directly or another student, listen carefully. A correction is an honor; it shows you how much your teacher cares about you and how much they want to help you improve. Remember to say “Thank You” the next time your teacher corrects you.Good attendance is essential in the competitive programs. We understand that students do get sick, however, please do not miss for other social activities. When a student misses a class, the teacher has to re-teach the material the next week which can set the class back. Sometimes, choreography may change before a performance. If a student misses a class, he/she may miss out on some choreography changes and not be prepared for the next performance. It is always best to get together with another team member before coming to the next class and/or performance to learn the material.“True progress is made when you look at each class, rehearsal, or performance as an opportunity to become better at what you love to do.”- Rhee Gold
The Pre-Competitive program is designed for those students who want to take their dance education to the next step without making the full commitment to the competitive program. Students will be recommended by their teachers to join the pre-competitive program. Summer classes are mandatory.
Students will study technique for six weeks in the summer. One week will consist of “dance boot camp.” Classes will be taught in ballet, jazz and tap technique. Fall classes will begin in September and run through June. During the fall, students will continue to dance a minimum of twice a week.
Students in the Pre-competitive program will compete in three local regional competitions. You will be notified of the competition dates in early fall. There are competition fees that each student must pay to enter the competition.
Team warm-up jackets are available for purchase. The jackets are to be worn to and from competitions and/or performances and during the awards ceremonies at each competition. After completing the first year of the pre-competitive program, each student will be evaluated to see whether or not they should be moved to the competitive program or continue to the second year pre-competitive program. The studio director and/or teacher of each student will be glad to meet with each parent to discuss the goals and placement of each child.
The competitive program is designed for the most serious dancer. Students will receive more hours of instruction per week and will attend 4 local regional competitions and one national dance competition. Summer classes are mandatory. Students will dance two to three times a week for six weeks in the summer. One week will consist of “dance boot camp.” Technique will be taught in ballet, tap, jazz, improv, lyrical and contemporary dance. Fall classes will begin in September and run until Nationals.
During the fall, the required classes are Ballet, Tap technique, Jazz technique, and Production. There will also be choreography classes. Students interested in also participating in a solo, duet, and/or trio, will audition at Boot Camp. Solos, duets, and trios will begin in the fall of each dance year.
There are competition fees associated with each competition that each student is responsible for. There are fundraising opportunities available to help cover the costs.
There will be a parent meeting in the early fall to discuss the dance competition schedule for the year. Each family is presented with a folder that will contain information for the dance year.
It is an honor to be accepted into the Pre-Competitive and Competitive program. It means you have a certain passion and desire that can take you to the top.
Students must arrive at a competition two hours before their scheduled time. Competitions do run ahead of schedule. The students need time to properly warm-up and practice. Competition students must wear their team jackets to and from competitions and/or performances. Team jackets must be worn at the presentation of awards.
We never speak negatively about teachers, dancers, or parents from other schools. We never create conflict with the directors or judges of events in which we attend. The studio director handles all communication with the directors of our outside activities. No parent or dancer may call or question the directors of any event or choreographers. If you have a concern, please contact the studio director. Label all your costumes and shoes. Always have a second pair of tights available.
A student’s success depends on the support of their parents or guardians. We will set a positive atmosphere for students, parents, and faculty.
We will promote a positive learning experience for all involved. Showing respect among other parents, students, and faculty will make a valuable impression on the students.
Your child’s attendance at all classes, performances, and competitions is extremely important. Teamwork and dedication are a big key to success.
Parents and teachers may have two different perspectives when looking at a student’s dance education. We do, however, share a common goal: to make sure each student receives the best quality training both physically and mentally.
Encourage your child to be the best he/she can be. Do not compare your child to others in the class. Dance is an individual art form. Each student will progress at a different pace. Even if two students receive the same quality training, they will not progress at the same rate. It’s imperative to encourage your child to focus on themselves and feel happy with their own accomplishments.
Placement decisions are made from many years of teaching experience. We look at where a child should be placed by looking not only at age and technique, but where can they feel confident in order to promote self-esteem.
Some students want to be placed in a higher level, however, then they get discouraged easily and lose their passion for dance. Others may look forward to the challenge of being in a class of more experienced dancers to push themselves harder. Placement is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are very complex. Please know that the faculty works hard to determine the correct placement for each child.When you have a question about your child’s dance education please speak to the studio director immediately.
Please do not speak to other parents when you have questions. The best way to find an answer or solve a problem is to go to the studio director.“The financial support of your student is important, but of equal – perhaps- even greater value is your emotional support.” -Rhee Gold
We want to instill a passion for dance and not for just winning awards, therefore we will give students performance opportunities at local places such as Dragon on the Lake.
The lessons learned through special performances are just as equally important as the lessons learned through competition.The participation in competitions is not only a part of the student’s dance training; it can also be an important part of how we influence them as people. With the correct focus, being a part of competitions is a great way to build self-confidence.
If a student can feel good about his/her performance and understand that they become better and better each time they take the stage, then they are growing with the competition experience. Taking the stage and doing their best is the primary goal; which awards they take is secondary.