Our Classes

“I felt deeply cared for. My teacher worked so patiently with me that I believed I could do anything that she taught my class. She gave me the confidence to freely express myself.” Kathleen Hemauer

Kinderdanse 1The joy of dance begins with preschool classes for ages 2-3. Kinderdanse 1 introduces the preschool child to the joy of dance.  Imagination is stimulated and creativity, self confidence & poise encouraged.  We blen… — **Kinderdanse 1**
**The joy of dance begins with preschool classes for ages 2-3**. Kinderdance is an introductory dance class designed for young dancers to develop coordination, rhythm, flexibility, and a love for movement. Ballet is the foundation while using playful, age-appropriate exercises and creative activities to introduce basic dance concepts while fostering confidence, listening skills, and group participation.
**Kinderdance 1:** For beginners ages 2–3
Focus on body awareness, basic positions, and simple movements
Introduction to rhythm, musicality, and spatial awareness
Encourages confidence, listening skills, and following directions

Kinderdanse 2Ages 4-5 continues Kinderdanse 1 training progressing further into ballet with more focus on jazz, tap, acro for dancers, and performance. [Thursday 5:30 or as an exclusive Pod Class] — **Kinderdanse 2**
For ages 4–5 (or continuing students)
Builds on foundational skills from KD 1 by introducing basic jazz and tap skills
Introduces more structured movement, coordination, and beginner dance combinations
Encourages creativity, expression, and teamwork
Kinderdance classes provide a fun, supportive environment where young dancers explore movement, develop motor skills, and experience the joy of dance.

“My daughter started with D'Ann in Kinderdanse in January. It was her first classroom experience and dancing has really helped bring her out of her shell. The atmosphere is very friendly and family-oriented. My daughter is always excited to go to class and see her friends. I was very impressed with the amount of effort that went into the Spring Concert and am looking forward to the next one. It gives the students a beautiful venue to perform and is designed to be an entertaining show for the families and community.” ~ Betsy Jackson

“My daughter loves dancing at D'Ann. The small class size and kind atmosphere have really helped her let go and dance. Thank you D'ann Dance”. - Amanda Jane

Jazz/Tap ComboOur Jazz/Tap Combo class is a fun introductory class for beginner students ages 5-7.American Jazz introduces isolations, basic turns, & jump techniques while increasing strength, flexibility, co-ordination.  T… — **Jazz/Tap Combo**
This fun and energetic combo class introduces young dancers ages 5-6 to both jazz and tap in a single session. Students explore rhythm, coordination, and basic dance technique through age-appropriate exercises and creative choreography.
Classes emphasize:
Basic jazz steps, leaps, and stretches
Fundamental tap rhythms and footwork
Musicality, timing, and coordination
Confidence, expression, and performance skills
The Jazz/Tap Combo helps young dancers develop a strong dance foundation while fostering a love of movement, creativity, and self-expression in a playful, supportive environment.
***Try your first class for Free!*** *Please call our office so we can suggest a class fitting your age or skill level.*

**Ballet**
Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles, focusing on proper technique, alignment, strength, and flexibility. Dancers develop control, balance, and grace while learning classical positions, steps, and combinations. This training builds the discipline and artistry necessary for all styles of dance.
Classes emphasize:
Proper posture, turnout, and alignment
Strength, flexibility, and core stability
Ballet technique including barre work, center combinations, and across-the-floor exercises
Musicality, expression, and performance quality
Ballet nurtures discipline, body awareness, and artistry, providing the essential foundation for every dancer.
**Pre-Ballet / Beginner:** Ages 5+
**Intermediate/Advanced:** Ages 7+
Focus: Alignment, posture, technique, flexibility, balance, and barre/center work.

“Mom, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I love to dance, but in the last two weeks I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned more in two weeks than I learned in five years. I feel welcomed and not looked down because I can’t do something. Everyone has been so nice and keeps telling me I can do this. I’ll give up anything you ask to afford dance. I wish I had found D’Ann sooner.” Bailey Hardison, transfer student

“We do feel like we have found our “home”! The other families do seem so nice and welcoming … Thank you again for welcoming us and giving Bailey back her passion for the art she loves.” Kristi Hardison, mother

**Jazz Dance**

**Jazz dance** is a high-energy, versatile style that combines rhythm, technique, and performance. Dancers focus on strength, flexibility, coordination, and musicality while learning dynamic movements and expressive choreography inspired by Broadway, commercial, and contemporary styles.
Classes emphasize:
Turns, leaps, kicks, and isolations
Rhythm, timing, and musical interpretation
Performance quality and stage presence
Strength, flexibility, and technical precision
Jazz encourages confidence, artistry, and individuality while reinforcing strong technique and disciplined training.
**Beginner:** Ages 5–6 (usually in combo class), ages 7+ for standalone
Focus: Basic jazz steps, turns, leaps, rhythm, and musicality.

**Tap Dance**

**Tap dance** is a rhythmic and percussive style that teaches dancers to create music with their feet while developing coordination, timing, and musicality. Students learn to combine steps, patterns, and sequences into dynamic routines that emphasize rhythm, precision, and performance.
Classes emphasize:
Footwork, speed, and rhythm
Timing, musical interpretation, and improvisation
Coordination, balance, and control
Performance skills and stage presence
Tap encourages confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of rhythm while building foundational technique and musical awareness.
**Beginner:** Ages 5–6 (usually in combo class), ages 7+ for standalone
Focus: Footwork, rhythm, timing, coordination, and musicality.
***Try your first class for Free!*** *Please call our office so we can suggest a class fitting your age or skill level.*

“My daughter had been dancing at DDS for 7 years. I chose this studio initially because I loved the way they were actually learning correct technique and dance terminology. I also liked that the class sizes weren't huge and allow for individualized attention. Not only has my daughter blossomed beautifully as a dancer, we have both gained such beautiful friendships and have a danse family. I love how the studio has a family atmosphere and we are all there for each other. I love my danse family! We have made forever friendships!!” Temia Smith

**Hip Hop**

**Hip Hop** is a high-energy class that introduces dancers to foundational hip hop technique and movement styles influenced by street dance and commercial choreography. Dancers will focus on rhythm, musicality, coordination, strength, and performance quality while learning age-appropriate choreography set to current, clean music.
Classes emphasize:
Groove, bounce, and body control
Footwork, isolations, and dynamic movement
Musicality, timing, and performance confidence
Teamwork, focus, and self-expression
Hip Hop encourages individuality and confidence while reinforcing discipline, respect, and safe movement practices. This class is ideal for dancers looking to expand their versatility, stage presence, and performance skills in a fun, supportive environment.
**Beginner:** Ages 5–6 (intro class), ages 7+ for structured classes
Focus: Rhythm, coordination, groove, body control, and performance.

**Lyrical**
**Lyrical dance** blends elements of ballet and jazz to create expressive movement that tells a story and reflects the emotion and lyrics of the music. Dancers focus on fluidity, control, extension, balance, and musical interpretation while developing strong technical foundations.
Classes emphasize:
Emotional expression and storytelling
Balance, control, and flexibility
Turns, leaps, and connected movement
Musicality and performance quality
Lyrical encourages dancers to connect emotionally to their movement while maintaining proper technique, artistry, and discipline.
**Recommended:** Ages 7–8+
Requirement: Strong ballet foundation
Focus: Fluidity, extension, leaps, turns, musicality, and emotional expression.

“We love D'Ann Danse! This is Leigha's fourth year dancing here and she has learned so much! The teachers are excellent and the families are amazing. They are there to help one another and the dancers”. Rachel Fry

**Contemporary**

**Contemporary dance** combines elements of ballet, modern, and jazz to explore freedom of movement, creativity, and innovation. This style challenges dancers to use dynamics, texture, and intention while incorporating floor work, weight shifts, and improvisational concepts.
Classes emphasize:
Strength, control, and versatility
Floor work, transitions, and use of space
Musicality, dynamics, and movement quality
Artistic expression and creative exploration
Contemporary encourages individuality and artistic growth while building strong technique and performance confidence.
**Recommended:** after Lyrical or for teen & older dancers
Requirement: Basic ballet or dance experience
Focus: Strength, floor work, transitions, creativity, and performance quality.
**Try your first class for Free!** Please call our office so we can suggest a class fitting your age or skill level.

Maci pointe clean.png — **Pointe**

**Dancing “en pointe”** is an advanced ballet class designed for dancers who have developed strong technique, alignment, and strength. This class focuses on dancing on pointe shoes safely while building the skills needed for balance, control, and artistry.
Classes emphasize:
Proper foot and ankle alignment
Balance, turnout, and core strength
Precision in steps, turns, and combinations
Grace, musicality, and performance quality
Pointe encourages discipline, body awareness, and artistry, helping dancers refine their classical technique while performing with elegance and confidence. Dancers must have instructor approval before beginning pointe work.
**Recommended starting age:** Around 12+ (varies with individual bone development). Most dance medicine experts recommend starting pointe around age 12, when a dancer’s bones (especially in the feet and ankles) are mostly developed. Earlier attempts can risk injury because the foot and ankle bones are still soft and vulnerable.
**Requirements:** Minimum 2–3 years of consistent ballet training, strong technique, core strength, turnout, and instructor approval
**Focus:** Strength, alignment, balance, precision, and artistry while dancing on pointe shoes
Pointe work emphasizes safe progression and proper technique to prevent injury. Pre-pointe should be taken before pointe class.

Our Classes

Kinderdanse 1

Kinderdanse 2

Jazz/Tap Combo

Ballet

Jazz Dance

Tap Dance

Hip Hop

Lyrical

Contemporary

Pointe

Musical Theater