Programs for Young Children (Ages 1-7)

“Dance With Me!” Parent-Child Creative Movement

Ages 1-3 and walking.

Shake your sillies out in this parent-child creative movement class! These classes will provide developmentally appropriate movement activities, songs and games with emphasis on joyful connection with parent or caregiver. Creative Movement is a fantastic way to create balance in body and mind (for kids and parents too!) through the contrasting elements of dance concepts. Geared towards children aged 1 year (and walking) to 3 years, with parent or caregiver.

Creative Ballet 1

Ages 3-5.

Roll like a log, bounce like a ball, soar like a bird and scamper like a mouse! In this introduction to creative dance, we’ll explore all the fun and fantastic ways people can move. We’ll exercise our brains and bodies, play games and act out stories. Basic ballet and modern dance terms will be introduced in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. Ages 3-5 and able to separate from caregiver for duration of class.

Creative Ballet 2 + Tap

Ages 5-7.

Building on the foundation set in the Creative Ballet 1 class, Creative Ballet 2 will focus on exposing dancers to introductory ballet and tap terminology in a fun, low-pressure environment. Plenty of opportunities for storytelling and creative expression will be offered through the lens of classical ballet and rhythm tap, with an emphasis on safe and appropriate alignment. The class will alternate between ballet and tap skills; dancers should supply their own ballet/tap shoes. Ages 5-7.

Youth Programs (Ages 7-12)

Kids Ballet

Ages 7-9.

This 50-minute class scaffolds on the framework set by Creative Ballet I and II, but delves more deeply into classical ballet technique. A barre warmup will be introduced, followed by center exercises and combinations across the floor. Dancers will learn basic French ballet terminology, placement of the feet and arms, and fundamental ballet skills. In keeping with our teaching philosophy, this class will be taught from a joyful and alignment-based perspective, with opportunities for improvisation based on classical ballet prompts.

Kids Jazz/Tap Combo

Ages 7-9.

Fundamentals of jazz dance and basic rhythm tap technique will be introduced in this 55-minute offering. The jazz portion of class will focus on isolations, footwork, leaps and turns, while the tap portion of class will scaffold from beginner-level rhythms to more complex footwork with fun music and time allotted for percussive improvisation!

Kids Modern Dance

Ages 7-9.

This 55-minute class will provide the foundational elements of modern dance training in a fun, non-competitive environment. We will start with gentle warm up activities, and will ultimately progress towards fun, full-bodied movement phrases. Creative expression and improvisation will be introduced and encouraged, along with basic partnering skills and a variety of composition tools that will enable dancers to create their own original choreography.

Kids Pop Styles

(Formerly Kids Hip Hop!) Ages 6-9.

Our pop styles dance classes for kids ages 6-12 are inspired by hip hop dance, pop culture, other dance genres, and set to age-appropriate pop music. Fun, upbeat classes that incorporate isolation movements, progressions across the floor, and complex choreography help build strength and flexibility. Most importantly, dancers develop confidence as they express themselves while creating their own, personal movement and style.

Tween Contemporary/ Modern Dance

Ages 9-12.

In this class, fundamentals of modern dance will be introduced in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Dancers will become comfortable with leaps, jumps, turns, inversions and quick footwork. We will oscillate between learning set choreography and engaging with individual + group improvisation activities. Be ready to move, sweat and create! No dance experience necessary.

Teen Contemporary/ Modern Dance

Ages 12-17.

Advanced beginner to intermediate modern dance skills will be expanded upon in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Dancers will become comfortable with leaps, jumps, turns, inversions and quick footwork, with an emphasis on safely and efficiently moving in and out of the floor. More advanced concepts of flow, balance, dynamics, and musicality will be introduced. We will oscillate between learning set choreography and engaging with individual + group improvisation activities. Be ready to move, sweat and create! **This class is mandatory for all teens wishing to participate in the Youth Performing Company.

Tween Ballet

Ages 9-12.

This class for tweens and teens will focus on the fundamentals of classical ballet supported by detailed instruction, using barre, centre technique and combinations, and variations, complemented with strengthening and stretching exercises. Appropriate for all levels, including those newer to dance or returning after a hiatus, recovering from injury, or advanced dancers wanting to focus on technique. No previous dance experience necessary!

Teen Ballet

Ages 12-17.

This hour-long advanced beginner-level class is targeted at teens who have had some experience in ballet and want to build their skill, stamina, and vocabulary. Class will focus on the fundamentals of classical ballet supported by detailed instruction using barre, centre technique and combinations, and variations, complemented with strengthening and stretching exercises.

Pre-Pointe

Ages 12-17.

This 30-minute class will focus on the skills needed to help dancers to develop the strength and proper alignment necessary to safely transition to dancing en pointe. Ages 12 and up. Registration is contingent upon instructor assessment and approval; please email blacksburgdancetheater@gmail.com prior to signing up.

Tween + Teen Jazz/Tap Combo

Ages 9-17.

This 90 minute jazz/tap combo class will spend roughly 45 minutes on each technique style. The jazz portion of class will focus on isolations, footwork, leaps and turns, while the tap portion of class will scaffold from beginner-level rhythms to more complex footwork with fun music and time allotted for percussive improvisation! Appropriate for all levels of tween and teen movers, but geared towards advanced-beginner tap and intermediate jazz.

Tween Pop Styles

(Formerly Tween Hip Hop!) Ages 9-12.

Our pop styles dance classes for kids ages 6-12 are inspired by hip hop dance, pop culture, other dance genres, and set to age-appropriate pop music. Fun, upbeat classes that incorporate isolation movements, progressions across the floor, and complex choreography help build strength and flexibility. Most importantly, dancers develop confidence as they express themselves while creating their own, personal movement and style.

Adult Tap

Ages 16 and up.

This hour-long class is appropriate for all levels of adult tappers! Fundamentals of rhythm tap dance will be covered in a comprehensive and easy-to-follow format. Perfect for beginners looking to try tap for the first time OR those dusting off your tap shoes after a long hiatus.

Adult Lunch Break Ballet - All Levels

Ages 16 and up.

This hour-long lunch break class will focus on the fundamentals of classical ballet supported by detailed instruction, using barre, centre technique, and combinations, all complemented with strengthening and stretching exercises from Lisa’s diverse movement background. This slower-paced class is appropriate for all levels, including those newer to dance or returning after a hiatus, recovering from injury, or advanced dancers wanting to focus on technique. No previous dance experience necessary!

Adult Ballet - Intermediate/Advanced

Ages 16 and up.

This evening adult ballet class (teens may join with permission from the instructor!) will focus on leveling up your ballet technique with intermediate-level terminology, with an emphasis on alignment, strength and flexibility. While this will be an intermediate-level class, it is always appropriate for anyone who wants to challenge themselves in a fun, supportive, and body positive environment.

Adult Modern Dance

Ages 16 and up.

This hour-long modern dance class with Rachel Rugh is grounded in the Bartenieff Movement Fundamentals, a series of exercises that help realign and re-pattern neuromuscular pathways for increased efficiency and ease of movement. We’ll often start and end the class with improvisation prompts to encourage grounding, flexibility and range of motion. A gentle floor-based warmup will gradually progress to standing, increasing in rigor and intensity. We’ll ultimately progress towards fun, full-bodied movement phrases. Incorporating individual creative expression with set movement material, we will find freedom within structure, building a cohesive foundation of modern dance vocabulary. All experience levels welcome!

Adult/Teen Rhythm & Grooves

Ages 14 and up.

This class will help you shake off your mid-week blues, smile and sweat! A full-bodied warmup will provide strengthening and conditioning, while movement will focus on getting your heart rate up with jazzy movement phrases to contemporary pop music. All experience levels welcome!

Rotating Special Workshops

Experts in a diversity of styles from all over the world will share their talents with our dance community in this rotating workshop series!

The Global Dance Forms series will showcase a diverse lineup of eclectic and energetic styles, including but not limited to Afro-Brazilian dance, Bollywood, Middle Eastern dance, and more!

The Contemplative Practices series will provide a more mellow, introspective mix of somatic awareness offerings, including Authentic Movement, Contact Improvisation, Feldenkrais, and more.

See our events tab for more info and details on each weekly class.

Got dance knowledge to share? Want to teach a workshop? Email blacksburgdancetheater@gmail.com