Dance
Our Dance Program offers classes for youth and adults. We offer both a recreational and a progressive approach to youth classes. All of our classes are taught in an encouraging and inclusive environment, promoting self-confidence and respect for others.
All dancers who wish to participate in our annual recital at the end of the Spring Session must register for BOTH the Winter 1 & 2 Session as well as the Spring session.
Youth Recreational Dance
Students Attending Youth Dance Classes Once Per Week Can Expect To Remain At The Same Level For A Minimum Of Two Years Before Advancing.
Dance Explorers (AGES 3 - 4)
Before becoming a “precious gem”, this introductory dance movement class is where our youngest students begin. The class includes simple stretching, development of gross motor skills and pre-ballet activities. The use of fun imagery and positive feedback in a nurturing environment is emphasized. Students should participate in this class for a minimum of 9 to 12 months before registering in a precious gem combination class depending on age and progress.
Register Online ›
Happy Tappy Toes (AGES 3 - 4)
This is a fun class for our very young dancers who want to make some noise as they learn introductory tap skills and work on gross motor movements. Students should participate in this class for a minimum of 9 to 12 months before registering in a precious gem combination class depending on age and progress.
Register Online ›
Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 7 - 11) *NEW*
This class is for enthusiasts of musical theatre who want to learn basic and beyond dance skills that might be utilized in community theatre or school productions. Students will learn short combinations that will be incorporated into choreography to beloved musical theatre songs. Singing along is welcome and encouraged!
Register Online ›Youth Recreational Dance Precious Gems
YMCA DANCE PRECIOUS GEMS
The Youth Recreational Dance Program emphasizes teaching students fundamentals in a fun, accessible manner; building a foundation that will allow students to move on to the Youth Progressive Dance Program if desired.
If your child has more dance experience, you may opt for the class in which they are at the lower age range. Students should expect to spend multiple years in each class. Unsure where your child may fit? Contact Darla Andree at 655-1460 or dandree@edwymca.com.
EMERALD BALLET/TAP
As the first step of the precious gems progression, this class introduces basic ballet and tap skills and includes activities that develop physical strength and coordination in a fun and nurturing environment. Movement games that encourage self-expression and promote a positive, joyful dance experience are built into the class. Participation in Dance Explorers for at least 9 to 12 months prior to registering for Emerald is strongly recommended for students aged 4 with no dance experience.
Register Online ›AMETHYST BALLET/TAP
In this class, students learn and build on basic terminology while developing fundamental ballet and tap skills. Activities that improve flexibility and strength are included. Students will have fun and gain confidence as they achieve the foundation for a more focused dance education. Students in the younger age range registering for this class should have at least 1 to 2 years experience.
Register Online ›PEARL BALLET/TAP
This class is for students that have progressed through the precious gems series or have had at least 2 to 3 years of dance experience, and demonstrate consistency in dance skills. Dance vocabulary will be expanded and more focus will be placed on understanding correct demonstration of technique, particularly with foundational material.
Register Online ›ONYX BALLET
This class is for students with little to no dance experience or those starting at an age beyond the elementary school age. Focus is on development of fundamental ballet skills. Students will learn basic terminology and work to improve flexibility and strength in a supportive environment. The class will progress as appropriate for students, with individual challenges for those who demonstrate the ability.
Register Online ›ONYX JAZZ
This class is for students with limited to no experience in jazz or those with some experience in other dance styles. Students will learn and build on fundamental skills while performing fun combinations to upbeat music. This is a great class for “older” beginners.
Register Online ›ONYX TAP
This class is for students with limited to no experience in tap and those with some experience in other dance styles. Students will learn and build on fundamental skills incorporated into fun combinations. Class content will increase in difficulty according to class progress. This is a great class for “older” beginners.
Register Online ›Youth Progressive Dance
YMCA DANCE PRECIOUS GEMS
We have launched a new dance program that gives students more opportunities, allowing a recreational or progressive track with overlap in ages for various levels. Also, we have appropriate time in between classes for cleaning and traffic flow considerations.
To provide for a successful and positive learning experience, please use the following guidelines when registering your child for dance class: If your child has less dance experience, please opt for the class in which they are at the higher age range.
If your child has more dance experience, you may opt for the class in which they are at the lower age range. Students should expect to spend 1-2 years in each class. Unsure where your child may fit? Contact Darla Andree at 655-1460 or dandree@edwymca.com.
RUBY BALLET/TAP (AGES 6 - 9)
The first stepping stone in the Youth Progressive Dance Program, this advanced beginner class places more focus on learning and understanding basic body placement and technique. Dance vocabulary will be expanded in preparation for subsequent levels. this class is for students who have progressed through Emerald and at least 1 year Amethyst or have had a year of recent dance experience.
Register Online ›TOPAZ BALLET (AGES 10 - 13)
This class is devoted to a progression of ballet fundamentals, moving beyond a basic level of instruction. Class includes traditional barre and center work with attention to technique and musicality. Students should have a minimum of 2 years recent ballet experience.
Register Online ›Topaz Tap (Ages 10 - 13)
This class is for students with at least 1 to 2 years of tap experience (students at the older age range with less experience are welcome). Class combinations will focus on improving fundamental tap skills and increasing the level of difficulty as students progress.
Register Online ›Youth Progressive Advanced Dance
YMCA DANCE PRECIOUS GEMS
Our Progressive classes focus on expanding dance vocabulary and improving skills with emphasis on developing technique, giving students the opportunity to reach an advanced level of training.
Descriptions are listed below to help assist you in choosing an appropriate class for your child. If your child has less dance experience we suggest they take the class where they are at the higher end of the age spectrum. If your child has more dance experience, we recommend they take the class where they fall on the lower end of the age spectrum. Students should expect to spend multiple years in each class. Unsure where your child may fit? Contact Darla Andree at dandree@edwymca.com.
Sapphire Modern (Ages 11 - 13)
This class focuses on modern dance fundamentals through a mix of styles. Attention is given to body awareness with emphasis on proper alignment. Self-expression is encouraged as students work to develop movement quality and dynamics. Students should have a minimum of 3 years of prior dance experience. Enrollment in additional classes is strongly encouraged.
Register Online ›SAPPHIRE/DIAMOND BALLET (AGES 13 - 17)
This is a mixed level class for experienced students at intermediate or advanced levels. Building on the foundation of previous levels, barre and center work becomes more difficult in this class. Focus is on improving strength, technique, flexibility and musicality as students progress. It is strongly recommended that students take 2 ballet classes per week at this level.
Register Online ›SAPPHIRE/ DIAMOND POINTE (AGES 13 - 17)
Students must have instructor recommendation/approval to register for this class. Recommendations will be made only for those who are well focused and demonstrate a level of proficiency in their ballet training that meets the physical demands of pointe work. Enrollment is 2 ballet classes per week, in addition to pointe class, is required.
Register Online ›SAPPHIRE/ DIAMOND MODERN (AGES 11 - 13)
This class focuses on modern dance fundamentals through a mix of styles. Attention is given to body awareness with emphasis on proper alignment. Self-expression is encouraged as students work to develop movement quality and dynamics. Students should have a minimum of 3 years prior dance experience. Enrollment in additional classes is strongly encouraged.
Register Online ›SAPPHIRE/ DIAMOND BALLET (AGES 13+)
For placement in class, you must consistently demonstrate good to excellent technical ability with increasing artistic awareness. Class work is progressively more physically and mentally challenging, requiring excellent attendance. Students should attend ballet at least two times each week.
Register Online ›SAPPHIRE/ DIAMOND POINTE (AGES 13+)
Students must be well focused and demonstrate a level of proficiency in their ballet training, meeting the physical demands of pointe work. It requires strength, excellent understanding of body placement and consistency in technique and attendance. Enrollment in two ballet classes per week is required for all Pointe students.
Register Online ›Teen & Adult Dance
The Adult Dance Program offers a variety of dance styles with mixed level classes, providing an enjoyable experience that is good for the mind and body.
Adult Beginner Ballet (Ages 18+)
It is never too late! Join this class to learn the basics of ballet.
Improve balance, flexibility, core strength and control while awakening the ballet dancer in you. The class includes barre and center work with combinations tailored around class progression.
All ages 18 and up welcome and encouraged!
ADULT BALLET (AGES 18+)
Bring our your inner ballerina in this mixed level class. Barre and center work as well as across the floor combinations will focus on good body awareness, dance aesthetic and musicality. Have fun while working your body and mind!
Register Online ›ADULT MODERN (AGES 18+)
This class will emphasize trunk articulation and floorwork with focus on developing movement phrases that can be combined to build dance pieces. Material learned in the class may be used for outside opportunities to perform.
Register Online ›ADULT JAZZ (AGES 18+)
This open level class will focus on building strong, proper body alignment with clean technique through stretch and strengthening warm-up exercises. Across the floor combinations put technique into practice with turns, kicks, floor work and jumps. The class culminates in a choreographed combination tying all those skills together. Jazz shoes or dance sneakers and clothes allowing for freedom of movement are recommended. Students of all levels are welcome!
Register Online ›