YEARLY CLASSES (September - June)

Ballet
The foundation of all dance styles. Ballet teaches students the main fundamentals of dance, such as posture, transfer of weight, flexibility, stability, strength, grace, artistry and musicality. Classical ballet training is traditional, focused, very detail-oriented and requires both physical and mental tenacity. Our ballet classes include all aspects of classical ballet training including pointe and character dancing, as taught within the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus. Qualified students will have the option to enter for yearly RAD ballet examinations.

Jazz
A dynamic style of dance strongly rooted in classical ballet, jazz is energetic and fun and showcases a dancer's individual style and originality. Jazz consists of unique moves, fast footwork, big leaps and quick turns. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet.

Modern
A dance form developed in the early 20th century, derived from classical movement. It is recommended that modern dancers have a strong ballet background as it is rooted in classical technique, yet the style itself is based more on natural human movement. Modern requires students to express their innermost emotions while incorporating elements of strength, flexibility, coordination, fall and recovery, and contraction and release.

Contemporary
*included in competitive Intermediate & Senior modern classes only
An expressive style of dance that combines elements of several genres including ballet, jazz and modern. Contemporary dance stresses versatility and requires dancers to have a strong ballet background in order to support the blending of technique and styles at a fairly advanced level.

Lyrical
A dance style that blends ballet and jazz, lyrical dance is performed to music with lyrics where the lyrics of the song serve as inspiration for movements and expression.

Hip-Hop
A dance style that evolved from street and hip-hop culture.  Hip-hop includes a wide range of styles including locking and popping, breaking, krumping and house. Hip-hop dance is widely seen in music videos and on t.v.

Musical Theater
A class incorporating jazz-style dance with acting and singing.

Tap
A fun and rhythmical form of dance where dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and beats.

Acro
A class incorporating elements of dance & acrobatics, as taught within the Acrobatic Arts syllabus. Students will also explore elements of Rhythmic Gymnastics including the use of props such as hoola-hoops & ribbons.


PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Our pre-school programs are designed to introduce young students to dance in an inspiring & imaginative environment. Young children learn optimally through play & sensory experience. These classes aim to enhance a child's creativity & imagination while teaching them basic dance skills that incorporate elements of several genres such as ballet, jazz & acro. Our pre-school classes are not offered in specific styles as we have based the content
on the Royal Academy of Dance's pre-school syllabus 'Dance to Your Own Tune' which states:
"Young childhood is not a time for limiting movement experiences. Within the dance curriculum, young children should participate in dance classes that use a movement vocabulary congruent to their stage of development. In developing fundamental movement teachers should be concerned with developing control and coordination and not technical refinement. Rather than perfecting or stylising movement, teachers should ensure that each fundamental movement is explored and experienced in a wide variety of contexts. At this young age, children are experimenting with movement, not perfecting and refining. Perfecting leads to the exclusion of other activities and that in turn can lead to a narrow range of movement abilities."

Tiny Dancers; 3-4yrs
A creative movement that introduces children to the fundamentals of dance in a fun, imaginative & play-based environment. Students will explore basics such as gross motor control & coordination, flexibility, stability, tumbling, rhythm & musicality through the use of games, story-telling & props.
Students will be taught introductory components of ballet, jazz & acro. This class directly prepares students for these genres and will also lead them into other styles such as Hip-Hop & Tap.

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PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAMS by the session
Canmore Dance Corps may offer sessions of Pre-School classes periodically throughout the year:

Tot & Hop
*parented class
Come and explore the basic elements of dance with your tot(s) in tow.
Maximum participation equals maximum fun! Recommended ages are 18 months - 3 years.

Lil' G's
A high-energy class where we will explore introductory fundamentals of hip-hop;
Basic footwork & aesthetic, floor work, robot and pop & lock.
A great introduction for little ones who wanna get their funk on!

Tiny Tumblers
A class for children who like to twist, tumble and turn! Includes elements of acrobatics, dance and yoga.

Tiny Tappers
Tap dancing for little feet! Where else can they go where they are encouraged to make noise?!

COMPETITIVE DANCE PROGRAM

Competitive dance is a big commitment. Students who are interested in becoming a part of our competitive program will be chosen at the discretion of the teachers involved and will be required to audition. All competitive dancers must take ballet and will be required to attend extra rehearsals in addition to their weekly classes in order to prepare for competition season. Competitive dancers will attend two competitions in the spring and may be required to miss school as per each competition's schedule.

Criteria:
- All interested dancers must have one year's dance experience.
- All dancers must attend an audition at the beginning of the year to determine readiness and class placement.
JUNIOR DANCERS- Are required take one ballet technique class per week.
INTERMEDIATE & SENIOR DANCERS- Are required to take two ballet technique classes per week.