Classes
Ballet + Pointe
PRIMA BALLERINA
This introductory dance class is designed for 3 and 4-year olds and focuses on the basics of ballet. The class gives an introduction to positions and vocabulary in a fun, imaginative environment. Classes are 45 minutes long.
PRE-BALLET
A progressive step up from our Creative Movement class, pre-ballet for 5 and 6-year-olds teaches basic ballet positions and simple barre and center work. Most of our pre-ballet dancers are already familiar with ballet technique and terminology. Classes are 45 minutes long.
BALLET I – IV*
Classes become more formal, continuing techniques, including barre and center work. Students are gradually taught more advanced steps and continue to improve on fundamentals. A serious ballet student typically picks up additional classes per week as they grow older in order to support their training.
TECHNIQUE II – III *
Technique classes are taken in addition to ballet to provide a supplemental class that focuses on alignment, improved conditioning, and a focus on footwork. Taking multiple ballet classes a week strengthens technique in preparation for pointe work.
BALLET II/III-A + IV-A *
Level A classes are taken in addition to ballet to provide a supplemental class that focuses on alignment, improved conditioning, and a focus on footwork. Taking multiple ballet classes a week strengthens technique in preparation for pointe work.
POINTE I-III *
Students are invited to start pointe classes when they have studied ballet for multiple years and are ready both physically and technically for the commitment pointe work requires. Dancers must take at least 3 ballet classes a week to be eligible to take pointe class. Emphasis is on proper execution of turn-out and pulling up to prevent injury.
*Please note that Level IV, Level II/IIIA, Level IVA, Technique, and Pointe are all instructor-approval only classes.
Lyrical
Lyrical is a style that uses both ballet and jazz dance, with very expressive music set to lyrics.
GDS Company
Every year we select a very small group of dancers to be part of Greenwich Dance Studio’s performing company. Spots are offered to highly technical dancers as well as strong stage performers. Company dancers perform in several special venues throughout the year and are specifically featured in our annual spring performance.
*Please note that Company is by invitation only.
Jazz
KIDS COMBO
Designed for 5 and 6-year-olds Kids Combo incorporates jazz and hip-hop styles. Students learn rhythm, movement patterns, and basic dance steps while dancing to age-appropriate popular music. Classes are 45 minutes long.
JAZZ I-IV*
Beginner to Advanced Jazz classes emphasizes a technically-based dance style that uses elements of ballet and theatricality. Jazz focuses on syncopation, jumps, turns, and leaps.
Contemporary
CONTEMPORARY II-IV*
Contemporary is a dynamic fusion of ballet and modern technique with elements of jazz and hip-hop.
*Please note that Contemporary is instructor-approval only, and Lyrical is a pre-requisite.
Modern
MODERN I – III *
Modern dance uses the basic technique of ballet, such as pointed feet, extended legs, and flowing arms, but without the use of the barre or ballet shoes. Feet and legs are often parallel as well as turned-out. GDS modern dance is based loosely on Graham and Horton technique, early pioneers of modern dance.
Hip Hop
KIDS COMBO
Designed for 5 and 6-year-olds Kids Combo incorporates jazz and hip-hop styles. Students learn rhythm, movement patterns, and basic dance steps while dancing to age-appropriate popular music. Classes are 45 minutes long.
HIP HOP I-IV*
Hip-Hop classes always begin with a long warm-up and work on new choreography weekly. Hip-Hop classes always begin with a long warm-up and across the floor. Classes work on new choreography weekly and are taught with age-appropriate music and movement.
*Please note that Level IV is an instructor-approval only class.