Class Placement

Fall 2008 Class Schedule List


If you are unsure which class is appropriate for a dancer, you can call for advice. Younger students are usually placed by age. Older students, or students with experience may need to come in and take a placement class. Instructors at MSDA reserve the right to place dancers into the appropriate level. During the first month of classes, students will be evaluated to ensure proper placement.

  • Typically 3-4 year olds are placed in Pre Ballet I, and experienced 4 year olds and beginning 5 year olds in Pre Ballet II.
  • Level I classes start at the age of six, with the exceptions of Hip Hop, Modern, Pilates, and Poms Technique.
  • For Beginner Hip Hop the student needs to be at least 8 years old or needs to be enrolled in Ballet IV, Intermediate, or Advanced.
  • For Beginner Modern, dancers need to be enrolled in Ballet IV, Intermediate, or Advanced.
  • To take Pilates the student needs to be at least 13 years old.
  • For Poms Technique I the students needs to be at least 10 years old .
  • Adult classes are for 18 years and older.

Pre Ballet:
  • Our Pre Ballet classes are part of our children’s program that teaches the basics and joy of movement. Students learn beginner ballet steps, enjoy dancing with props (such as ribbons, tiaras, etc.), and learn dance routines in Pre Ballet. Classes are age-appropriate and will create a well-developed self-image in young students. Classes are 45 minutes long. Typically Pre Ballet I is for ages 3 to 4 and Pre Ballet II is for experienced 4 year olds and all 5 to 6 year olds.

Tumbling:
  • Tumbling class is part of our children’s program. Students will learn beginner tumbling skills. Classes are 45 minutes long. This class is for ages 3 to 6.

Classical Ballet:
  • Ballet is the foundation of all dance forms. Students will learn solid technique, develop core strength, and be prepared for other forms of dance. This class will teach ballet techniques including Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova, and Russian.

    We encourage versatility and learning many different forms of dance to be a well-rounded dancer. An aspiring dancer can find their niche; who they are through dance, and be the very best they can be through versatility. Technique comes first, so MSDA requires ballet in a dancer’s schedule in order to take some of the higher levels in other classes. Ballet classes are offered to ages 6 and up. Typically 6 year olds are placed in Ballet I. Other age groups will be placed in classes based on experience and/or a possible trial period or placement class.

Jazz:
  • This upbeat high energy class is offered to all students ages 6 yrs and up. Dancers learn musicality, jazz technique, and get great exercise. To take Intermediate or Advanced Jazz, we require Ballet in the dancer’s schedule. This ensures that the dancer has proper technique before moving on to challenges that are more difficult. Typically 6 year olds are placed in Jazz I. Other age groups will be placed in classes based on experience and/or a possible trial period or placement class.
Tap:
  • Students gain rhythm and musicality while learning different styles of tap dancing. We offer classes to students ages 6 and up with an additional adult class. Typically 6 year olds are placed in Tap I. Other age groups will be placed in classes based on experience and/or a possible trial period or placement class.
Modern:
  • This class is a collaboration of Graham, Horton, and Release Technique. Modern is a strong dance form that has been growing and is largely in demand. We offer classes to our students in Ballet IV and up. One ballet class a week is required.
Hip Hop:
  • This high-energy class teaches style, rhythm and is a lot of fun. Students get loose and learn funky combinations. Students are invited to take Hip Hop as long as they are enrolled in Ballet or Jazz, and are at least 8 years old.
Pilates:
  • Learn the exercises and breathing techniques created by Joseph Pilates. This class will teach the correct way to execute the exercises and movements of Pilates. Gain core strength and flexibility through this great workout and feel great after class. Teen Pilates is offered to students 13-18 years of age, and the adult class is offered for age 18 and up. Mats are required for this class.
Poms Technique:
  • Learn the dance team moves, while gaining strength and musicality. This class will prepare dancers for dance team tryouts and give them a sense of what it is like to be on a dance team. Poms will be provided for class. We require students to be at least 10 years of age to take this class.
Martial Arts:
  • Learn the movements of this powerful art under the instrucion of Dan Knecht, a current black belt. Students ages 6 to 9 are placed in level I, ages 10 to 13 in level II, and ages 14 to 18 in level III.
Mommy & Me:
  • This 45 minute class is time for mother and child to experience dance together. This class is offered to children ages 16 months to 3 years.

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