CLASSES

At Premier, we value all forms of dance. Our youngest dancers experience both Ballet and Tap in our age-appropriate Combination classes. As dancers mature, we offer eight levels of Ballet, three levels of Pointe, six levels of Jazz, five levels of Tap, and three levels of Hip Hop. We also offer Lyrical and Modern, Pilates, Adult Jazz and Tap, and Teen Jazz. Descriptions of our classes can be found below.

Classes at Premier begin in late August and follow a nine-month curriculum into May. We have a Nutcracker and Holiday performance in December. Classes continue in January, and dancers begin to learn choreography for our annual recital which is held in late May or early June.

Class Placement

For Fall Placement, each Ballet and Jazz dancer will be graded on a scale by faculty members who assess each dancer individually. Their decision is based on what is best for the dancer based on their ability, age, and personal learning style. Dancers must be able to execute the skills required of their Level in order to be promoted to the next Level. All placement results are final and will be posted in your online portal. You will still need to register for classes during scheduled enrollment dates; we will NOT automatically enroll your dancer.

Class Descriptions

Creative Dance
(Age 3)
An 8 week session specifically designed for our youngest dancers. This 45-minute class introduces children to fine and gross motor movement, creative movement, socialization, music, rhythm patterns, and the use of props; all in a structured and caring environment.

Combo I
(Ages 4 - 5)
A 1-hour class that introduces the basics of Ballet and Tap with some activity on the tumbling mat. Dancers learn how to follow directions, follow classroom structure, and use creative expression. Combo classes are all based upon age unless given approval from the Director

Combo II
(Ages 5 - 6)
The next progression of the Combo class. Adding more difficulty in the basics of Ballet and Tap, while keeping dance fun and structured. This class prepares them to move to any Level I class. Combo classes are all based upon age unless given approval from the Director

Ballet
(Ages 7 and up)
Classical Ballet technique is taught with an emphasis on body alignment and turnout. Proper terminology is taught following a developed syllabus. There are 8 levels of Ballet at Premier to accommodate all abilities for dancers ages 7+.

• Dancers in Levels I, II, and IIA take class 1 time per week
• Dancers in Levels III, IV, and IVA take class 2 times per week
• Dancers in Levels V & VI take class 3 times per week

Pointe
(by Director permission only)
Pointe work teaches dancers to dance in pointe shoes. Readiness for Pointe is determined by a strict set of criteria. Students in Ballet IVA will be evaluated for Pre-pointe readiness during the first week of fall classes. Students are notified by letter when they reach Level IVA or higher.

Jazz
Traditional Jazz technique (Parallel, as opposed to turned out); emphasizing body placement, isolations, turns, jumps, and improvisation. Jazz dance is influenced by the rhythms and techniques of jazz and pop music. All Jazz classes attend only once per week.

Teen Jazz
(Ages 12 and up)
Jazz technique for the older dancer or someone who may have started later with minimal experience. All Jazz classes attend only once per week. Teen classes are based on age unless given approval from the Director.

Lyrical
(Must be enrolled in Level IIA and up -  Ballet or Jazz)
Lyrical is a style of Jazz that incorporates Ballet and Modern elements in it. Movements are deeply expressive and fluid, and are often a reflection of the music and its lyrics. Contemporary is an emerging term for this style of dance. Dancers must be enrolled in either Ballet or Jazz class of the coinciding level in order to take Lyrical.

Modern
(Must be enrolled in Ballet or Jazz Levels IV, IVA,  V and VI students only)
Modern dance developed as an opposition to Classical Ballet. This genre of dance incorporates elements such as: contract and release, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation. Dancers must be enrolled in either Ballet or Jazz class of the coinciding level in order to take Modern.

Tap

Tap classes focus on rhythm, syncopations, patterns, and the musicality of tap technique. All new Tap students may enroll in Level 1. Tap students are placed upon teacher recommendation and will be posted with placement results.

Hip Hop
(Ages 7 and up)
High-energy class for boys and girls which teaches funky, street-style dance while learning the structure of dance class and individual expression. Music is age appropriate. We currently offer 2 Levels for ages 7-9, and 10 and up. Hip Hop classes are based upon age unless given approval from the Director.

Adult Classes
(Ages 18 and up)
Premier currently offers Jazz & Tap classes for adults. To register for Adult Tap you must have some experience. Adult classes are based upon age unless given approval from the Director

Pilates

Pilates focuses on breath, core stability, balance, and the overall uniform development of the body.