Class Descriptions, recommended ages & placement requirements

Combo 1 (ages 3-4) – An age specific 45 minute class containing ballet, tap and jazz/creative movement. The purpose of the class is to introduce young dancers to the three styles of dance and inspire movement and creativity within a positive environment. Dancers will also learn basic steps and terminology in all three styles. For example, all dancers will learn what a “plie” is and how to demonstrate one. The use of fun, age appropriate music engages the young dancers’ minds and bodies. The use of props such as hula hoops for the “freeze dance” makes the end of class the most fun! Placement Notes: Twinkle Stars Dance™ 3-4 students must be at least 3 1/2 years old.

Combo 2 (ages 4-6) – An age specific 45 minute class containing ballet, tap and jazz/creative movement. The purpose of the class is to introduce young dancers to the three styles of dance and inspire movement and creativity within a positive environment. Dancers will also learn basic steps and terminology in all three styles. For example, all dancers will learn what a “plie” is and how to demonstrate one. The use of fun, age appropriate music engages the young dancers’ minds and bodies. The use of props such as hula hoops for the “freeze dance” makes the end of class the most fun!

Combo 3 (ages 5-7) – Ballet & Tap: The purpose of the class is to continue young dancers in the two styles of dance and inspire movement and creativity within a positive environment. Dancers will also learn basic steps and terminology in both styles. For example, all dancers will learn what a “plie” is and how to demonstrate one.  One year of dance is recommended.

Combo 4 (ages 6-11) – Tap & Jazz: Introduces dancers to the jazz genre and basic technical skills (i.e. jazz walk, chaine turns, single pirouettes, jetes and kicks). Builds dancers' style and confidence while working on musicality and the ability to pick up choreography and connect steps and skills together with fun, upbeat music. This course will be fast-paced and exciting. It is designed for those with prior experience in tap, and will focus on further developing both technical skills and the ear.

Combo 5 (ages 9-13) – Tap & Jazz: Introduces dancers to the jazz genre and basic technical skills (i.e. jazz walk, chaine turns, single pirouettes, jetes and kicks). Builds dancers' style and confidence while working on musicality and the ability to pick up choreography and connect steps and skills together with fun, upbeat music. This course will be fast-paced and exciting. It is designed for those with prior experience in tap, and will focus on further developing both technical skills and the ear. Other course objectives include the ability to quickly learn combinations without vocal instruction, a deep understanding of tap history, and an ability to improvise comfortably.

Combo 6 – Jazz builds dancers' style and confidence while working on musicality and the ability to pick up choreography and connect steps and skills together with fun, upbeat music. Highest level of tap currently offered. Students will be placed based on instructor evaluation.

Ballet is the foundation of all dance forms and will maximize technique and longevity in a career of dance. It provides grace, poise, and technique needed to be proficient in all other areas of dance. Ballet classes will help dancers with posture, flexibility, fitness, balance, self-discipline, and self-confidence. 

Ballet 1 - (ages 6-12)  For beginner dancers ready to learn the basics of ballet. Students will build off of the five positions, master plié variations and tendus, among other level-appropriate skills. Dancers will use both barre and centre floor. Classes may be split by age, when appropriate. Dancers will work to master level 1 curriculum to move on to level 2 with the instructor’s recommendation. 

Ballet 2 – (ages 8-12) This class will take the skills learned in level I and build upon them to strengthen the dancer's precision and ability. Students will advance on to more difficult skills and utilize both barre and centre floor work to improve their technique. Dancers must show proficiency and receive recommendation to progress to this level.

Ballet 3 - For advanced ballet dancers looking to challenge their previous knowledge and training. Students will learn more difficult combinations and skills, while developing finesse and classic style. Dancers must master all level I and II skills and technique to enroll in this level with instructor’s recommendation. 

Ballet 4/5 - Highest level of ballet currently offered. Placement will be by teacher recommendation.

Pre-pointe - This class is by invite only from ballet instructors. Criteria for Pre-pointe

Pointe - This class is by invite only from ballet instructors. Criteria for Pointe

Lyrical – (ages 12+) This class is a combination of ballet and jazz that challenges dancers to use choreography and movement to interpret music and express emotion. Dancers learn to express emotions derived from lyrics to convey the dance’s meaning.  Some Ballet experience is preferred.

Beginner Tap - This class is designed for those with little to no experience with tap dance. The core of the class will focus on the development of basic technical skills (shuffles, paradiddles, flaps, cramp-rolls, etc.), as well as the ear, or ability to understand music.

Adult Tap – Beginner to advanced!!  We do it all in this laid back, fun class.

Clogging 1-3 - Clogging is a type of folk dance in which the dancer's footwear is used percussively by striking the heel, the toe, or both against a floor or each other to create audible rhythms, usually to the downbeat with the heel keeping the rhythm.  Placement will be by teacher recommendation.

Hip/Hop - Hip Hop incorporates a variety of old and new urban dance styles. The dancing represents body movements that go with the beat and rhythm of hip hop music. Hip hop dancing is very dynamic and helps the dancers improve flexibility develop body balance, and coordination.