At Momentum, the studio classroom provides the space for challenge, creativity and lots of FUN while learning dance, musicianship and performance skills. Taking into consideration the age and abilities of the students, there is a defined curriculum for each type of class. All classes are appropriate for both boys and girls. Class size is limited to 12 students and many have a teacher assistant to be sure that there is individual attention. Students are moved to the next class level based on the successful execution of the curriculum skill sets. Our youngest dancers who are on the “performance and competitive tracks” are required to take a minimum of 3 classes per week.
Updated: Feb 11, 2008
Combo Classes
First Steps – a 45 minute class for all kids age 3 to 4 years old. At this age and level the emphasis is on fun and creative exploration! Basic dance steps are taught with the focus on broad concepts such as creating lines, shapes and following directions. Through mime, improvisation and singing, dancers also discover the performance qualities needed to “get up on stage.”
Kidance – a 60 minute class for age 5 – 8 year olds. This class explores the fundamentals of ballet through the use of classical music, basic French terminology, and dance imagery. Tap dance skills, from single sound tap steps to the more complex, are taught at the barre, across the floor and center. Emphasis is placed on good ballet and tap technique and of course fun, while creating a solid foundation for any of dance.
Technique Classes
PeeWee Ballet, Jazz & Tap – 60 minute classes for the more “serious” 6 to 9 year old dancer who is ready for the big move to an hour of one style of dance. Ballet is good for every body! At this level there is more attention given to the proper execution of ballet technique and placement of the body. Ballet terminology and the stories of ballet classics such as, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, will also be covered. Jazz and tap style classes build on the basics using all types of music from contemporary to swing. Along with jazz technique students learn “style” from popular to Fosse. In tap emphasis is placed on good musicianship with well placed, not just fast, tap sounds.
Ballet, Tap & Jazz — 60 minute classes in these separate disciplines for the 8—12 year old age group. Basic through Level 4 technique are offered for both the recreational dancer and the performance/ competitive track dancer.
Therabarre – a Pilates based ballet barre created by Marlene Hall. Emphasis is on centering, strength and stretch.
Lyrical & Contemporary Jazz- a blend of ballet, modern and jazz technique requiring the dancer to convey emotions and story through the dance. Ballet class must be taken in addition to the beginning lyrical class. Levels 1&2 are offered.
Hip Hop- popular dance performed to pop artists. Hip hop is a percussive style dance with its roots in urban culture. Basic through Level 2 are offered
Musical Theatre- Vocal & Staging – for ages 6 and up, a 60 minute class where the students discover the fun and excitement of musical theatre. Class begins with a vocal warm up, moves into group work and staging of a song from a Broadway Musical. Breathing, matching pitch and reading music are all part of this class. Offered in 6 week sessions.
Yoga for Adults and For Kids – yoga- integration of mind, body and spirit. It strengthens muscles groups, increases stamina and flexibility while increasing the body’s ability to be and stay healthy.
Conscious Movement – created by instructor Lynn Wood. “The essential work of healing and transformation is through the body and the connection to its innate intelligence. Working directly with the physical body in movement is a particularly powerful point of focus for healing.” See Lynn’s website for more information. www.lwoodhealingarts.com
Special Needs—Series classes are offered for those who have special needs such as autism or Downs’ syndrome. Please inquire for the starting dates for these series classes.
MOMENTUM Arts Fusion & Arts Process Classes
Art process is an exploration of creativity through visual art, movement, literature, and music. Students experience art practice through daydreaming, moving out emotions or characters, working on spatial issues, such as high, medium and low, expressing emotions through color, movement, sounds and rhythm, finding beginning and end in text and music, discussing and witnessing the principles of design across all disciplines. Students understand how to find answers to open questions about art, life and being a creative creature! The result is experienced through a visual art piece of work or movement piece or story or poetry.
Process is the most important part of art making—it is where the true lessons and joy come into play!