Class Descriptions

To help you select classes for your dancer, please see the class descriptions and class level key below. Each style of dance on the schedule is categorized as Basic, Essentials, Next Step, Intermediate, Advanced or Pre-Professional. Classes that do not have a level listed are considered OPEN level but may have an age requirement.

Classes with Elite or Starpower in the title are reserved for ASPIRE Company Elite or Starpower dancers.

Class Level Key

Class Descriptions

Intro to Dance-Combo Ages 2-5yrs
Classes: Tinkerbell Ballet, Baby Ballerinas, Tiny Twinkles, Sparkling Stars, Tumble Tots, Dancing Divas, Hollywood Stars
*Classes have optional performances at local venues such as Desert Ridge Stage, Glendale Glitters, State Fair throughout the season plus our end of year recital!
A 45 minute-1 hour introductory dance class containing ballet or jazz and tumbling or ballet/tap combo. Young dancers will learn the basic steps while learning how to follow direction, class manners and imitate movement in a positive environment. Engaging and age appropriate music is used to get them moving! Dance technique integrated with play gets them to experience the love of dance in an applicable way.  Dancers should be in dance attire with ballet shoes. We applaud all dance fashion show items-the more ruffles the happier the little princess! Hair up in ponytail or braid, off the face, dancers with short hair should have hair clipped back.

What to expect the first day of class for your young dancer?

Ballet/Tap Combo Ages 3-5yrs
Classes: Sparkle, Fairy Dust, Princess, Ruby. Emerald, Diamond
*Classes have optional performances at local venues such as Desert Ridge Stage, Glendale Glitters, State Fair throughout the season plus our end of year recital!
Ballet and Tap combo classes are a great way for young dancers to begin to embrace the classics of dance training. Our tiny dancers from ages 3-8yrs participate in beginning and pre-Ballet technique with an introduction to Tap.
*Ballet/Tap combo classes at all levels have dress code restrictions. Dancers enrolled in these classes wear our level specific leotards (see Studio Handbook 2011 or online class attire link for how to order) pink tights, pink ballet shoes/black tap shoes and hair in a bun.
*Classes are kept at 8-12 student max, varies by level and teacher assistant availability

Hip Hop Basics and Tumble
A Hip Hop class for our young dancers ages 5-7yrs with minimal or no dance experience combined with basic tumbling skills such as somersaults and handstands. A great way to introduce your dancer to dance and gymnastics in the same class!

Classical Ballet
Ballet tradition and history is held to the highest standard at Arizona Dance Artistry. Classes also include Dance History and Ballet Vocabulary lessons weekly. Ballet is the center point of dance training and proper body alignment. Ballet provides each dancer with poise, presence and self-respect that transfers into very valuable life lessons. Ballet is not only an education in fine dance technique, it is an education in manners, respect for peers and instructor, body awareness and confidence. Ballet dress code reflects these principles.
*Dancers enrolled in these classes wear our level specific leotards (see Studio Handbook 2011 or online class attire link for how to order) pink tights, pink ballet shoes and hair in a bun, no bangs or messy hair. No large jewelry.

Pointe Prep, Pointe Advanced, Pointe Pre-Professional and Pas de Deux/Partnering
Marie Taglioni was the first ballerina to dance en pointe in 1832, dancing the lead role in "La Slyphide". Pointe is by invitation only. Pointe shoes are the highest privledge a young dancer can receive. Each dancer aspiring to dance en Pointe must show discipline, ambition, strength and excellent ballet skills. All dancers are evaluated by the director and are personally taken to be fitted for their first pair of Pointe shoes.

Pas de Deux class introduces the experienced and mature pointe dancer how to dance comfortably and gracefully with the assistance of a male partner.

Stretch and Strength
A class designed specifically to tone a dancer’s core using work out methods such as Pilates and Yoga as well as weekly sit ups, push-ups and planks! The focus in this class is dramatically increasing their flexibility for splits, leg holds and general leg extension and for 180 degree leaps. Stretch and Strength is an excellent addition to any dancer’s schedule to increase their strength and general flexibility.

Tumble Time and Flip Flop Shop
Our tumbling classes, level/age range is open (5yr min for Tumble Time and 8yr min for Flip Flop Shop) so that all dancers may take turns working on their tumbling. Focus is on switch leaps and tumbling tricks such as aerials and back handsprings! Great to increase dancer flexibility and technique.

Lyrical
Lyrical, quite simply, is music in motion. This class is reserved for dancers that present a mature approach to dancing. Learning to "emote" and use all forms of expression are cornerstones in this class. Dancers will also participate in Lyrical and Modern Improvisation activities plus student choreography.

Jazz and Broadway Jazz
Gene Kelly, Bob Fosse, Twlya Tharp, Gus Giordano and Tyce Diorio all have contributed to the style we know as Jazz today. At Arizona Dance Artistry we focus on Broadway Jazz, Pop Jazz and Jazz Funk styles. Dances can portray Musical Theater and Broadway scenes, Disco, Pop Jazz or Jazz Funk from each class. Technical elements such as leaps, turns, extension, flexibility and control are a main focus of our Jazz curriculum.

Hip Hop
Hip Hop is a great style to combine with jazz and learn to embrace the dynamics of music. This style of dance has been mixed and remixed across the country with Popping and Locking, Smooth Hip Hop, Funk Hip Hop and Breakdancing. Anywhere you go you will find something different! Our funky style will have you learning the hottest steps each week!

Modern: Martha Graham Technique
Modern is rooted in classical technique of ballet and jazz. Current contemporary styles of dance have been inspired by the techniques created by Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey just to name a few. Contemporary dance crosses over into ballet technique and is used in current dance companies around the world to bring modern elements to the classical repertoire. This class will focus on preserving Martha Graham’s legacy and dance technique as well as exploring different Modern improvisational exercises and choreography. Dancers must have 1 year of dance experience to enroll in this class.

Musical Theater
Singing, Acting and Dancing all in one! The class will focus weekly on teaching proper singing technique with acting ability for musical theater plays or productions. Classes will be integrated with dance choreography to illustrate the scene being acted out while singing along! Great addition to schedule for any dancers who love to perform! Students that are looking to integrate dance slowly to improve their musical theater training, this is a great class for you too!

Tap
Characterized by a tapping sound that is created from metal plates attached to both the ball and heel of the dancer's shoe. These metal plates, when tapped against a suitable surface, create a percussive sound and as such tap dance is a form of dance as well as the act of playing a musical instrument. Learning percussive rhythms, counting and an amazing dance style is what tap is all about!