THE INSTITUTION OF DANCE ARTS
Class Styles Offered
BALLET ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ballet originated from court dances of the 15th century. Through years of adaptations, it has become the concert dance of codified steps we know today and serves as a good backbone for many other forms of dance. It promotes and requires strong discipline, precise technique, posture and control. It is highly recommended for all IDA students. Dancers typically begin class at the barre to work on stability and control then work their way to the center of the floor. Amongst the major ballet techniques, the IDA uses RAD and Vaganova styles into its lesson plans, but is mainly influenced by the Cecchetti Method.
CHOREOGRAPHY COMPOSITION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Youth Choreography Composition class is a new offering! It's for students ages 8-13 who are currently enrolled in another class. In this class dancers will learn the elements of choreography and with this new knowledge and guidance from the instructor will create pieces of their own. These pieces will either be solos or group work based on the dancers' preference and will be performed in the showcase.
CONTEMPORARY MODERN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contemporary dance or Modern dance sprung out of the late 1800s in the US and Germany as a response to the formal movements of ballet. While this genre relies heavily on ballet, it allows for the articulation of the spine and head in all directions and for movement performed not only in rotation but also in parallel and inverted positions. It is based in improvisation, partner work, floor work, momentum, and the principles of fall and recovery. It draws from all other forms of dance. All college dance major programs require to take contemporary/modern together with ballet. It is also strongly encouraged for all IDA dancers. They'll learn to use their breath and core muscles to initiate movement while exploring how to express themselves through dance.
HIP-HOP ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hip-hop dance emerged in urban culture as a natural accompaniment to hip-hop music. Hip-hop has its basis in street performance and jazz dance but has its own distinct and ever-evolving form that includes free-style, locking, popping, and breaking. Confidence, physical strength, and musicality are benefits seen in those who participate in hip-hop.
MUSICAL THEATRE JAZZ-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jazz has its roots in African dance and arose in America in the early 1900s in its first form as African American social dances. While there are many styles--from afro, to classic, to commercial--there are several cornerstones of the technique. They include an articulated torso, groundedness, broken lines, rhythmicality and the "aesthetic of the cool." Musical Theatre is a form of dance that combines the songs of Broadway with the movement of classic jazz. This high-energy class will prepare dancers for the stage!
PRE-PRIMARY DANCE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These classes are for our younger students ages 3-4 who aren’t quite ready for the structure or length of a regular dance class. Students explore movement in a fun and imaginative environment together with the use of music, props, and play. Students learn the basic movements of formal dance while working on developing their gross motor skills.
STRETCH & STRENGTHENING --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stretch and Strengthening is an IDA original, a time of stretching and strengthening that is built around the idea that movement and exercise can be restful. Using mat and floor work similar to but not exactly what you'd find in a pilates or yoga class, students do gentle conditioning to help build and maintain a sense of strength and use existing flexibility to increase mobility throughout the body.