TAP JAZZ LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY BALLET HIP HOP/JAZZ FUNK EARLY CHILDHOOD
ACTING VOICE MUSICAL THEATER JAZZ/TAP COMBO PIANO
DANCE
BALLET - A classical form of dance based on traditional positions of the arms and feet. Ballet is a classical dance form that can be mastered by itself or used as a technical base or supplement to other dance forms. Classes consist of barre exercises and center work. Classes focus on overall body alignment and awareness with emphasis on proper usage of feet and legs and execution of turnout. Carriage and usage of upper torso and arms are also stressed. Physical maturation interacts with training to allow readiness for each level in ballet. Students should expect to spend more than one year at most levels. Teachers work to refine skills and build proper technique with more advanced students at each level. Ballet requires mental and physical discipline and repetition to train the muscles.
TAP - Tap focuses on rhythms and intricate footwork, creating a percussion instrument out of the dancer’s feet. Classes emphasize the development and strengthening of basic tap technique and terminology highlighting the importance of rhythm and sound. Except where noted, MTC teaches Broadway or show tap which incorporates upper body and use of arms. Classes emphasize the development and strengthening of basic tap technique and terminology highlighting the importance of rhythm and sound. Tap shoes are required.
Tap/Jazz Combo - This class is perfect for the young dancer who wants to explore jazz and tap for the first time. Classes introduce basic jazz vocabulary and movement skills while building a foundation for future progression in the study of jazz. Classes introduce tap fundamentals and rhythmic skills. Jazz and tap shoes are required.
JAZZ - Jazz is an exciting and ever-evolving dance form full of rhythm, syncopation, passion and life. Steeped in the rhythm of jazz music, a true American art form, jazz dance brings energy and life to all those who dance it. Classes explore body isolations of the head, shoulders, ribcage, feet and arms. Conceived in America, Its technique derives from ballet and modern and is influenced by the musical styles of each succeeding decade.
LYRICAL - Lyrical dance is a dance style that combines elements of ballet, modern and jazz dance techniques. It is commonly set to popular music with vocals or just instrumental bars. The name lyrical comes from the word "lyrics" because dancers use the lyrics of a song or instrumental music to inspire them to do certain movements or show expression. The goal of a lyrical dancer is to use gesture, facial expression, and controlled movements in order to execute their movements and emotions fully. Besides emotional connection to music, lyrical dance typically encourages use of articulation, line, weight, and movement qualities. Due to its demand for intermediate to advanced technical skill and emotional focus, this class is designed for the intermediate and above dancers who have experience in both jazz AND ballet.
Contemporary - Contemporary is a fusion of jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and many modern dance styles, encouraging pedestrian-like movement. Contemporary is quickly becoming a mainstream form of dance that focuses on a natural way of moving while still incorporating the technical aspects of dance. Combined with the soulful expression of Lyrical this is a class that encompasses mind, body and spirit. . Choreography is often emotional, gripping, and exquisitely delicate, all at the same time. Previous ballet training is required as well as current enrollment in a ballet class is required. This class is designed for dedicated advance beginners.
Pop Jazz: Maintains the percussive, rhythmic characteristics that define Jazz, but also incorporates elements of Lyrical with a strong focus on technique and performance. This class is designed for dedicated adv. beginner to intermediate dancer. Previous ballet and jazz training is required.
HIP HOP – Hip Hop is a high-energy class that uses the latest sounds in rap, R&B and pop music together with movements influenced by some of today’s hottest video choreographers. Hip hop, while urban, diverse and forever changing, encompasses movement that has elements of popping and locking, and breaking. Due to its freestyle movement, students are able to develop their own sense of style. No prior experience required, but for younger students some prior dance training is recommended. Students considering Hip Hop II should have a minimum of two years of Hip Hop I Sneakers are required. Please do not wear street shoes into class.
JAZZ FUNK - Jazz Funk is a dance form combining hip-hop and Jazz. This style of dance can be seen in videos by artists such as Ciara, Shakira, Jessica Simpson, Usher and others. This class is for the intermediate or advanced dancer who has a greater knowledge of jazz or ballet technique. In Jazz Funk, not only does the dancer learn the latest hip-hop moves, but they are combined with leaps, turns, and jumps in a high-energy funky style.
Dance Fusion – In this class, students would work on several different styles of dance including: hip hop, jazz, lyrical, separately as well as fusing them together.
Dance 10! - Are you a musical theater performer who DREADS a dance audition? Or perhaps an experienced dancer preparing for a professional or college audition? We have the perfect class for you! In Dance Ten!... you will learn how to perfect your dance audition technique. Each week, a brand new combination will be taught in an audition type setting. Students will receive critical feedback from the instructor, a local college Professor, Director and Choreographer. Styles of dance will vary each week and include musical theater dance, contemporary jazz, street jazz and tap. Students have the option of enrolling for the semester or drop-in for this class. Please contact MTC to find out what style of dance is being taught each week. This class is for the intermediate and above level.
For Boys Only! – An energy filled class that will allow boys to be boys! This class focuses on jazz and ballet techniques essential to the musical theater performer.
Dance Class Levels
Advancement by recommendation of instructor only.
Beginning: Little to no previous class instruction in this dance form. For Hip Hop, this is Level 1.
Advanced Beginning & Adv Beg/Intermediate: Emphasizes further development and mastering of skills learned in Beginning. Please consult class teacher for proper counseling on student’s progress, development and placement. For Hip Hop, this is Level 1.
Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of one year of training at beginning level in grade category and dance form.
Intermediate I, I/II, II, II/III & III: Geared for dancers with a sound knowledge of dance technique and terminology within the discipline and ability to execute movements with ease. Dancers are challenged with increasing complexity in movement and skills. For Hip Hop, this is Level II.
Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of two years of training at Advanced Beginning level for Intermediate I and at least 1-2 years in each grade category and dance form for each level after or permission of instructor.
Advanced: Classes are geared for the advanced level dancer and provide instruction on perfecting skills and performance technique. Classes emphasize complex combinations and mastering dance as an art form.
Prerequisite: by permission of instructor.
Tap Repertoire and Advanced Tap Repertoire: This class is by audition and permission of instructor. Class will polish advanced tap technical skills through mastery of advanced tap repertoire.
Jazz Performance Ensemble: Continuum This is performance driven class tailored to the serious dancer who desires a more advanced environment and are willing to commit to more performances. Students in this class will start with advanced skills and technique and will explore their capabilities in a more mature environment. The repertoire will include Classic Jazz as well Lyrical and Contemporary styles. Technique is reinforced to ensure quality to all shows, performances, or demonstrations. Our goal is to develop individual dancers who can collaborate to create uniformity. We will encompass skills needed for auditions, stage shows, and tools needed for job opportunities in dance. Planned performances include MTC’s 2010 Gala, a full concert in January and one competition in the Spring. Additional performances will be added. Placement in this class is by permission only. Student must be also enrolled and faithfully attending Jazz or Ballet technique class at MTC.(Lyrical, Contemporary, Pop Jazz will not fulfill this requirement)
Dance Class Policies/Attire
- Students arriving ten minutes after class begins will be asked to observe the class. Proper warm-up exercises, as in any physical activity, are critical to building a solid technical foundation and for injury prevention.
- No jewelry, hats, or gum chewing.
- MTC require students to wear proper attire for all dance classes. Students not appropriately dressed as listed below will not be permitted to participate in class.
- Jazz Classes: students must wear black jazz pants, black tights or black dance Capri pants and any color leotard.
- Tap Classes: students must wear black Capri or shorter dance pants and any color leotard. If students are wearing jazz pants, the pants must not be so long as to cover the feet.
- Ballet Classes: students must wear pink, tan, or black tights and any color leotard.
Shoes appropriate to the class must be worn. Students in hip hop classes may wear new sneakers that haven’t been worn outside. - Long hair must be pulled back in a pony tail or bun.
- No bare midriffs. Jeans, gym shorts and baggy shirts are not permitted.
MUSICAL THEATER WORKSHOP
These classes are an introduction to the Musical Theater genre for young children. The classes provide young students the opportunity to explore acting exercises, simple movement for musical theater and an introduction to singing. Students learn songs and movement from current and classic musicals in preparation for an end of semester in class presentation.
Introduction to Movement and Music - Music nurtures a child's cognitive, emotional, social, language and physical development specifically designed for children ages 4 - 5.. In this class for our youngest budding performers, students will enjoy learning how to sing and dance to familiar songs, while building high self esteem. Basic warm ups and stretching will be taught as well. A final performance will take place in our studios. Come join the fun!
Sing-Dance-Act! - This class is an introduction to the Musical Theater genre for young children. This class will provide young students the opportunity to explore acting exercises, simple movement for musical theater and an introduction to singing. Students will learn songs and movement from current and classic musicals in preparation for an end of semester in class presentation.
ACTING
Acting is an important component of musical theater training. Using a variety of approaches, methods and techniques, classes provide students with concentrated work in basic acting techniques, improvisation, character development, scene work, monologue study, stage direction, script analysis, critiquing and mime techniques. Most acting classes are geared to the strengths and weaknesses of the students enrolled and should be repeated.
Acting Technique - Acting is an important component of musical theater training. In this Fundamental actor training available to actors at all levels of experience including beginners. Students will learn a variety of approaches, methods and acting techniques. This class will provide students with concentrated work in basic acting techniques, improvisation, character development, scene work, monologue study, stage direction, script analysis, critiquing and mime techniques. Class concludes with performances before an invited audience
Monologue - This class is designed to help you make a monologue your own, so that it fits like a glove. Where to find a monologue, what makes it good textually, how to approach it from an “active” perspective, the materials and tools you need to build it, including actions, personal meanings, objective, connection with whom you are speaking; all of these elements will be covered in the workshop. The goal is to find and develop a monologue (or two!) that will get you will be able to use at auditions.
Acting the Song - By working on songs from different eras of Musical Theater History, students will learn how an audition for "South Pacific" is different than an audition for "Rent." Students will work on combining the Acting and Singing to show themselves off at an audition in the best possible light. In addition, the instructor will make sure all of the students have a great ballad and up-temp song in 16 bar versions, so that they are prepared and ready for an audition when needed.
VOICE
Start to Sing! This is an introductory course are designed to introduce students to the basic techniques of vocal production, tone production, and breathing through various exercises and demonstrations. Repertoire selected from Broadway musicals. Students must be at least in 3rd grade and be not younger than 8 years old by the start of classes. No prior vocal training required.
Semi-private voice & Private Voice– Each session will include intensive work on vocal technique; repertoire suitable for the individual student. Each voice session is one half hour. Prerequisite is one of our introductory classes or permission of the instructor. Returning voice students may continue with permission of instructor.
Elements of Song Preparation - Want to improve your audition songs? This class teaches students how to fully prepare a song in a way that will allow the performer to create a specific, personal, and active story to tell through song. The instructor takes students through the entire process of breaking down a song, using various exercises to establish an intellectual, emotional, and physical understanding and knowledge of the piece and connect this understanding to oneself. You will walk away with knowledge of the steps and elements of how to prepare and understand a song and then how to perform it and create your own unique “take” on the song.
Private Piano
In the half-hour lesson, the individual student will work on keyboarding, proper posture and hand positions. The lesson will also cover the basics of rhythm, notation, ear training and sight-reading. Major and Minor scales will be covered. The instructor strongly requests that every student have at least a basic keyboard of 25 black keys on it. The instructor will be using the Alfred's Premiere Piano series of books to teach from. These books may be purchased at a Music/Arts store in the area. Beginning students should purchase Book One of the series. All other levels will be determined the first day of class.
Class descriptions
Instructors
Fall 2010/Annual 2010-11 Classes
Online registration
Registration form (pdf)
Registration policy
Printed class schedule