Polaris Dance Institute

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Class Descriptions

Class
Descriptions

Acro / Tumbling

Acro is a fun class using the combination of flexibility, tumbling, and partner skills that can be paired with music. Each group of students work within their individual skill levels.

Ballet / Pointe

In Ballet, students will learn the foundations of technique.  The ballet technique that is taught is derived from the Cecchetti method, the Vaganova method, as well as the Neoclassical style.  Students will work consistently with the barre, in center, and across the floor.  They will focus intensely on strong classical lines, precise musicality, and proper alignment and placement.

Contemporary

In Contemporary, students will push beyond that of their dance training.  Through choreography they will investigate dynamics, spacial awareness, and freedom of expression.  In these classes, we will spend time moving on and off the floor as well as navigating our way through space with speed, flow, and connectivity.

Hip Hop

In Hip-Hop, students will connect to the contrast of sharp and smooth body isolations within the evolving styles of Hip-Hop.  They will learn to express their feelings through a specific movement style that involves skill, strength, precision, and performance attitude.  Students will also deepen their understanding of musicality, and how rhythm, timing, accents and words can shape the artistic interpretation of the music.

Improv

In Improvisation, students will be directed to move in ways that broaden their creative horizons.  They will learn to use images, words, and the manipulation of specific movements/poses which will shape and build their own choreographic ideas.  Students will be urged to hone in on what propels them into their unique creative voice.

Jazz

In Jazz, students will learn technical precision through the studies of the classic Jazz legends such as Bob Fosse and Luigi, as well as contemporary jazz styles.  They will work with body isolations, contractions, and how to establish clear lines in space.  The students will learn how to turn, leap, move powerfully across the floor, as well as to execute the aesthetics of each style.

Leaps & Turns

Leaps and Turns is a technique class designed to improve the overall ability of the student in all forms of dance. Students will work to increase extension, flexibility, turns with more precision and various leaps. Students will focus on a variety of leaps, jumps, chaînès, pirouettes, fouettès, etc., appropriate for age and level. Leaps and Turns skill building assist students with more refined form and technical perspective.

Lyrical

Lyrical is a fusion of jazz, ballet, and an expressive interpretation of lyrics and music.

Modern

In Modern Floor Technique, students will explore contact with the floor with different parts of their body.  They will learn sequences that build off of the idea of spiraling and opposition.

Musical Theater

This class will engage students in the world of musical theater through creative choreography, character work, audition practice, and more! Students in this class can expect an energetic and upbeat environment, lots of collaboration, and inside tips and tricks from a musical theater professional. Choreography will range from classical/golden age musicals all through modern musicals. Each class will feature a mock audition at the beginning and curtain call at the end, because it’s not musical theater without them! Musical theater is all about finding the balance between individuality and community, so this class will seek to achieve both of those things all while having a blast.

Strength and Stretch

In Strength & Stretch, students will learn specific exercises that will promote a healthy approach to stretching where each individual works with their limitations instead of forcing the body into unhealthy places.  Students will also learn strengthen exercises that will improve stamina and technique.  Each body is different and the goal of this class is to build strength and flexibility that is individualized to each student.

Tap

In Tap, students will study rhythm and accents, syncopation, foot and ankle flexibility, as well as how to incorporate all of the rhythmic changes inside each part of their body.  They will learn how to establish strong downbeats, upbeats, and to stay in tune with rhythmic patterns that develop within each combination.  They will also learn how to quickly shift their weight while remaining grounded in a strong foundation.

Yoga

In Yoga, students will learn about the balance between the strength and flexibility needed to stay malleable and efficient in their dancing.  They will spend time on specific poses and learn the names and meanings associated with each one.  This class is designed to support the longevity of a dancer as well as offer a style of moving that supplements intense technical training.