Class Descriptions

Toddler Ballet
The goal of this class is to introduce your child to the world of dance in a positive and nurturing atmosphere.  Your tiny dancers will learn classical ballet steps, fun strengthening/stretching exercises,  travel like a butterfly and create a dance landscape with their imaginations.  Musicality, shapes and lines, directional awareness and class etiquette will also be a focus of the toddler program.  Musical accompaniment for this class varies from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker to Disney’s the Little Mermaid.

Ballet I
This class is a follow up to Toddler Ballet.  At this stage students are ready to incorporate more technical steps into their dance vocabulary.  In addition, they will focus on balance, musicality/rhythm, and body alignment.  Creativity continues to be cultivated as their own movement and ideas are incorporated into their class and performances.

Ballet II and up
Once they’ve developed a solid foundation, NVDS students are ready for a more structured ballet class.  At these levels, students will engage in a full barre, center work, and refine their technique and memory skills.  While these levels incorporate a more structured dance program, they also continue to cultivate expression thru movement and take into account each child’s comfort level and goals.

Adult Ballet
This class is offered to teenagers and adults. It is designed to work with the body's needs, building on alignment, strength and flexibility, as well as beauty and precision. The class follows a traditional format: barre work, stretching, center work, and across the floor concluding with an excerpt from a classical variation.

Prenatal Ballet
This class is a play on the traditional ballet class, with a focus on the needs of an expectant mother.  Prenatal ballet incorporates Kegel and pelvic opening exercises, as well as lower back strengthening to assist in the delivery and recovery process.  PB is a safe, low-impact way of maintaining your muscle tone and length while preparing for the body’s ultimate feat.  Plus, it’s not a bad way to get your little one started on some music appreciation!

Modern I
This class is perfect for the dancer who loves to move, but seeks a less defined dance vocabulary than ballet offers.  It builds on a dancers strength, flexibility and agility while challenging the mind’s curiosity and the body’s athleticism.  Students in this class will also be encouraged to question and explore choreography and movement. 

Hip Hop / Jazz
This class combines Hip Hop and Jazz technique with old school and pop music for a fun, energetic and athletic dance class. Dancers in this class will jam to the beats provided while exploring different movement qualities, levels and directions.