The Waterford Dance Academy

ballet academy smallerThe timeless art of classical Ballet embodies the highest standards of precision, discipline, and beauty. As a student of the Academy your child will learn essential skills and techniques of Ballet and the dynamic energy and strength of Modern Dance. Students will learn from highly trained and respected instructors who have studied and mastered these art forms. At the Waterford Dance Academy we create an environment of confidence, education, poise and strength by exploring and respecting the art of dance.

You can visit the Academy website for parent contact information, rehearsal schedules, and more.

Classes and Programs

The Waterford Dance Academy offers classes for children of all ages and skill levels during the school year, as well as special summer workshops.

Creative Dance (ages 3-4)
Designed for pre-kindergarten students, this weekly 45 minute class focuses on large motor skills development, basic musical awareness, beginning listening skills, and creative movement. Students will grow to love rhythm and music, and learn how to use their bodies to express their creativity.
Monday 3:30 pm- 4:15 pm

Pre-ballet Sessions (ages 5-6)
During this weekly 1 hour class, pre-ballet students will begin to learn the basics of classical ballet through age-appropriate skill development and music appreciation.
Wednesday 3:30-4:30 pm
Modern 3:30-4:30 pm Monday

Ballet 1
This beginning ballet class teaches basic technique and movements. Much of the work is done at the barre, with balance and movement introduced in the center. The elements of ballet class are introduced, eventually moving towards more advanced center work including simple jumps and turns.
3:30-4:30 pm Tuesday/Thursday
Modern 3:30-4:30 pm Monday

Ballet 2
This is a beginner level ballet class. It focuses on basic barre technique.  Arm placement is introduced. Center work includes, balance exercises, simple turns, and jumps. Class etiquette is taught and expected.
3:30-4:45pm Tuesday/Thursday
Modern 4:30pm-5:30pm Monday

Ballet 3
This is an intermediate level ballet class. The basics of barre technique are developed and more intermediate steps and combinations are introduced. Steps in the center consist of balance exercises in bigger positions, more intermediate turns (such as double pirouettes), and the introduction of more jumps.. An understanding of body placement and a consistency of coordination of movement is expected.
5:00-6:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Modern 5:30-6:30 pm Monday

Ballet 4
This is an intermediate/advanced level ballet class. The barre technique is developed and more intermediate and advanced steps and combinations are introduced. Steps in the center consist of balance exercises in bigger positions, more intermediate turns (such as double pirouettes), and the introduction of more jumps. An understanding of body placement and a consistency of coordination of movement is expected. This class includes pointe work.
5:30-7:00 pm Monday
5:00-6:30 pm Tuesday, Thursday
3:30-5:00 Wednesday
Saturday 10:00-11:30 am technique class
Modern Friday 3:30-4:30 pm
Contemporary Friday 4:30-5:45 pm

Ballet 5
This is an advanced ballet class. Barre and center work reflect combinations of intermediate and advanced steps, such as high-level adagio work, multiple turn combinations, and more intricate jump combinations.  This class continues to focus on body placement and quality of movement, and includes focuses on lyricism, control and variations of speed. Intermediate level pointe work is included.
Monday 5:30-7:00pm technique
7:00pm-8:00pm pointe/variations
Tuesday/Thursday 6:30-8:00 pm technique
Wednesday 5:00-6:30 pm technique
Saturday 10:00-11:30 am technique
11:30-12:30 pointe/variations
Modern Friday 3:30-4:30 pm
Contemporary Friday 4:40-5:45 pm

Modern Dance
These classes will explore the essential elements of dance through composition, improvisation, and basic Modern technique. Students will explore curving core movements of the spine and dynamic energy use in technical combinations. Stretching and strengthening exercises will be incorporated into warm-ups to help students with straight legs and pointed feet. The whole-body strength will also be a strong focus for articulated torso work.
Mondays:
3:30-4:30 pm level 1 and pre-ballet
4:30-5:30 pm level 2
5:30-6:30 level 3/4
Friday 3:30-4:30 pm level 5

Contemporary Dance
A form of dance which incorporates elements of classical ballet and modern dance. It takes its technique and use of pointe work, if any, from classical ballet, although it permits a greater range of movement that may not adhere to the strict body lines set forth by schools of ballet technique. Many of its concepts come from the ideas and innovations of 20th century modern dance, including floorwork, balletic movements and turn-in of the legs.
4:30-5:45 pm Friday

Pointe/Variations
This is a class where our most advanced students (Ballet 4 and 5) explore further into pointe work and technique. This class is used for strength building and proper placement en pointe. Faculty may also teach certain variations from a classical ballet to build students’ performance quality, knowledge, and repertoire.
7:00-8:00 pm Monday
11:30-12:30 pm Saturday


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