CREATIVE MOVEMENT: (Students in preschool) This class will introduce children to a wide variety of movement and music. Students will study basic locomotion steps, rhythm, and coordination skills. Creativity thrives! It is a perfect environment to stimulate your child’s intellect

COMBINATION CLASSES: (Students in kindergarten and up) Our combination classes expose children to all styles of dance. Students will study a combination of ballet, tap, and jazz. Class instruction will concentrate on each child’s individual technical needs based on physical and cognitive abilities. Parents observe their child in the classroom and take notes on their child’s dances to enhance retention through Combination Level IV. When dancers reach Combination Level V, they may be invited to and/or choose additional technique classes. They may also choose recreational dance class that meets for I hour/week and does not require additional technique classes.

BALLET TECHNIQUE: Elementary ballet skills are taught under the careful supervision of our instructors to insure proper technique. Young dancers will learn posture, grace and discipline in the Vagonova and Royal Academy of Dance tradition. Students must be 8 years old to participate in this class.

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP: This program is an addition to the wonderful tradition at YDE! The Nutcracker workshop is designed for students who wish to perform in YDE’s Nutcracker (Act II) performances in the Twin Cities. The workshop will include two rehearsal days and one dress rehearsal (see schedule). Dances performed will be selected by the Director. Students must be enrolled at YDE in order to participate.

BALLET TECHNIQUE: Our ballet program concentrates on students’ individual technique, strengthening exercises, and placement. Students will develop musicality, improved flexibility, and achieve an extensive performing vocabulary. Our proven syllabus includes interpretation of the Vagonova technique. This is an excellent program for those who want to perfect skills for advanced pre-professional training. Placement into level is by instructor recommendation.

CONCERT JAZZ: This innovative jazz class explores a jazz style uncommon in today’s dance studios. Original and rich in movement, students will concentrate on understanding and perfecting technique. Technical placement of the body, flexibility, and progressions will also be studied. This class is designed for students with previous dance training. To participate in this class, students MUST be enrolled in an additional ballet class. *Instructor may choose not to participate in Winterfest to allow more time for exploration of movement/choreography.

JAZZ FUNK TECHNIQUE: ENERGY REQUIRED!! Our funk jazz classes concentrate on perfecting technique from the many styles of jazz and danceline. Students will focus on leaps, turns, and progressions. Placement and flexibility will also be studied. To participate in this class, students MUST be enrolled in an additional combo, ballet or jazz class.

TAP: For students with previous tap experience. Join us as we continue our work in rhythm, counting and technique studies. Students will be introduced to various tap styles throughout the year. Placement into level is by instructor recommendation and/or short audition.

IRISH STEP DANCE: Explore the beauty of Irish Step dance. Basic movements with an introduction to this rich tradition will be explored. Previous tap experience is helpful but not required. Placement into Irish Step II is by instructor recommendation.

REPERTOIRE: Mandatory attendance and a commitment to performances throughout the Twin Cities is required for this class. Students will work with a variety of instructors and guest artists throughout the year and perform on a regular basis in the community. Students must be taking studio classes and should possess strong dance retention and technical skills. Placement into special projects is by choreographer’s invitation/audition only. This class is scheduled one hour per week but does require additional hours of rehearsal as deemed necessary by the choreographer/director. NEW: Students will provide a schedule of all rehearsal conflicts the first week of repertoire and use the conflict calendar on a regular basis. NEW: A year commitment (Sept-June) is required for this class. NEW-Please note: Effort is made to communicate timely schedules, but flexibility is needed and appreciated to accommodate last minute schedule changes due to Instructor/Choreographer performances, rehearsals, and professional obligations outside of YDE.