Jenks Dance Academy

Classes

Baby Ballet: A 30-minute introductory dance class containing ballet and creative movement. Young dancers will learn the basic steps and learn how to follow direction and imitate movement in a positive environment. Engaging music is used to get these little dancers inspired. The use of props such as teddy bears, hula-hoops, scarves and maracas, enables the young dancers to use their imagination, creativity and, most of all, have fun!

Ballet/Tap/Jazz: A combination class containing ballet, tap and jazz (hip hop or tumbling). The purpose of the class is to introduce young dancers to the three styles of dance in a positive environment. Twenty minutes each of ballet, tap, and jazz help keep the kids excited, interested, and focused for the entire 60-minute period. Dancers will learn basic steps and terminology in all three styles. The use of fun, age appropriate music engages the young dancers’ minds and bodies. The use of props such as maracas for the “freeze dance” makes the end of class the most fun! (*We also have Ballet/Tap/Tumbling, Ballet/Tap, Jazz/Hip Hop/Ballet & Hip Hop/Tumbling Classes.)

Ballet: JDA teaches classical, traditional technique from the French ballet and is based on the turn out, the five positions of the feet, pointe work and technique of beats, turns, elevation, and extension.

Tap: Does your child have a case of the wiggles? If so Tap will probably be their jam. Not only will they dance and learn about rhythm but they will also get the thrill of making music and beats with their feet! Join Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and some of the greatest dancers of American history.

Jazz: Jazz combines many styles and techniques from ethnic and contemporary dance to ballet. The first half of class consists of exercises to stretch and develop muscles to support proper stress-free alignment of the skeletal structure. Using jazz, soul, R&B, ethnic and pop music, jazz classes are a great workout and a fun way to release tension while attaining a body awareness that can be applied to every style.

Hip Hop: Students will gain a valuable understanding and appreciation of the improvisational nature of this dance form and will examine different manifestations, like — breaking, popping and locking, house, and fusion — while equipping students with the fundamentals of each style. This class will break down steps and technique and also emphasize bringing style and personality to the movement. Hip Hop is a non-traditional dance style that will encourage students to step outside of the box and dance big. A high-energy class that uses the latest sounds in rap, R&B and pop music together with movements influenced by some of today’s best choreographers. Hip Hop is urban, it’s street, it’s diverse and forever changing. JDA is very careful to teach only age appropriate and non-suggestive moves.

Tumbling: Teaches basic tumbling concepts such as forward rolls, backbends, cartwheels, etc. and focuses on building strength and flexibility to prepare students for more advanced techniques.

Acrobatics: Basic elements: such as rolls, cartwheels, hand/head stands, round offs, scales, leaps, etc., plus conditioning, stretching and flexibility.

Contemporary Dance: A fusion of modern, jazz, and ballet that is all about expression and/or story telling. Dancers will explore a wide range of organic, often angular movements and syncopated rhythms with a strong base in classical technique. The warm up is based on ballet, yoga, and Pilates exercises and stretches that focus on breathing. The class evolves to the learning of original choreography, broken down and demonstrated for clear understanding. Designed for the beginner, intermediate and advanced students, an understanding of the classical vocabulary and previous experience with jazz and/or modern dance are helpful.

Musical Theater: Do you have a performer at home? Let this entertainer thrive in musical theater where acting, dance, and music come alive in one dynamic class. Be inspired by classics such as Mary Poppins, Lion King, and Hamilton! Any level, any age, let’s grow together!