Class Offerings
All classes may not be offered each session. Each class offered requires a minimum of five(5) dancers enrolled to run for the season. If a class roster does not meet the minimum, appropriate alternate class recommendations will be made before canceling the class.
Consult the class schedule for our most current enrollment offerings.
Class Placement and Advancement
We emphasize proper dance technique and progression in all of our dance classes so that our beginner through advanced students may dance for a lifetime.
Placement in classes is based on the teacher’s and/or Directrice’s assessment of student maturity, experience, and ability. Teachers provide each student with a Recommended Placement at the end of the Spring Session. Recommended Placements are made with the best interest of the student and his/her personal development in mind. Students are required to master one level before moving to the next, with each level taking an average of two or three years to progress through.
Enrollment in certain classes requires prior Directrice approval. Prerequisites may include specific age limitations, experience and ability requirements, co-enrollment, and/or dance company involvement.
Dance with Me
Dance with Me is a gentle introduction to dance designed for our youngest dancers who are not quite ready to follow along in dance class without their parent/caregiver. The toddler and adult pair will follow along with basic instructions that teach body awareness and engaging movements to learn the foundations of dance through interactive play and guided imagery.
Adults are encouraged to dress comfortably, bare feet or ballet shoes are appropriate. Toddlers may wear dance apparel or dress in activewear. Bare feet or ballet shoes are appropriate.
Dance with Me is designed for toddlers 18-36 months with a participating adult caregiver/parent. Seasonally offered in 8-week sessions. (This is a non-performing class.)
Tiny Toes (Ages 2-3)
Tiny Toes is a creative movement and pre-ballet class, developed for engaging in interactive movement-based play for your young toddler while learning the basics of dance through imagery and intuitive vocabulary. Dancers are expected to attend class independently of their parent/caregiver.
Mini Movers (Ages 3-4, Ballet / Tap Combo)
Tiny Tots is designed for young dancers to learn the fundamentals of dance. We will work on body awareness, coordination, space, rhythm, and basic movement that will later be the foundations for all dance types. We will use songs and movements that will have the children do creative movements as well as begin to learn the basic dance vocabulary.
Intro. to Foundations (Ages 4.5-6, Ballet / Tap Combo)
Dancers in Intro to Foundations will learn basic ballet and tap principles through creative exploration. Children will continue to build an understanding of basic dance movements and vocabulary. Students will work on developing coordination, strength, balance, and body awareness all while having fun!
Foundations of Dance (Ages 6-8)
In Foundations of Dance, students will develop ballet and tap principles, including movements and vocabulary. Dancers will continue developing coordination, strength, balance, and body awareness. Ballet consists of barre, center, across the floor, and combinations in both adagio and allegro (slow and quick) movements, all of which stress proper body alignment, flexibility, and muscular control. In tap, students will learn tap terminology and apply rhythm and timing to tap combinations.
Ballet I
Beginning ballet students will explore developing ballet principles, improving coordination, strength, balance, and body awareness. Ballet consists of barre, center, across the floor, and combinations in both adagio and allegro (slow and quick) movements, all of which stress proper body alignment, flexibility, and muscular control. Most young dancers spend a minimum of two years in Ballet I before progressing to the next level, Ballet II.
Ballet II
In Ballet II, young intermediate dancers will progress in their understanding of ballet principles, continuing to develop coordination, strength, balance, and body awareness. Students will begin to learn the concept of turn-out and technique that comes with ballet. Instruction consists of barre, center, across the floor, and combinations in both adagio and allegro (slow and quick) movements, all of which stress proper body alignment, flexibility, and muscular control. Dancers begin to learn proper techniques for turning and more complex combinations. Most young dancers spend a minimum of two years in Ballet II before mastering and progressing to the next level, Ballet III.
Hip Hop I
Beginning and younger intermediate dancers begin these popular classes with center warm-up and stretch, and move to combinations both across the floor as well as at center floor. Moving to upbeat music, students develop flexibility, strength, and coordination. Dancers begin to learn new styles that are popular in the mainstream today, as well as where the roots of hip hop began. **All music in this class is screened and edited for age-appropriate content.**
Jazz I
Jazz I is an exciting class that introduces young dancers to the energy and fun of jazz dance. The class begins with a basic upbeat jazz warm-up, isolations, stretches, and combinations. Students learn a fusion of jazz styles and are encouraged to demonstrate personal style through dance. Most students require at least two years to master Jazz I before progressing to level II.
Modern / Contemporary I
Modern / Contemporary I students learn the fundamentals of this genre while exploring the creative aspects of dance and composition. This is a more free form of dance that encompasses emotion and expression in addition to form and technique, occasionally termed lyrical dance. Modern is practiced in bare feet to feel the floor for freer movement. Students in modern classes are also introduced to improvisation skills. Improvisation, or improv as it is called in dance, is a freedom of movement exercise that allows dancers to make up their own movements under the teacher’s guidance. This encourages dancers to bring their own creativity and free their bodies. Students spend an average of two years mastering this level before progressing to Modern / Contemporary II.
Tap I
Tap I is a fun introduction for young dancers to the foundations of tap dance. The class begins with an upbeat warm-up, stretches, and rhythmic combinations. Dancers learn the basics of tap to build their knowledge of connecting combinations.
Ballet III
Ballet III students are progressing intermediate dancers that will continue to develop technique, vocabulary, strength, balance, coordination, and body awareness, along with additional complexity in their combinations and exercises. At this level, floor barre is introduced to begin learning control and stamina to progress to a more intense technique class for the serious ballet student. Most young dancers will spend a minimum of two years progressing towards the mastery of Ballet III before moving to the next level, an age-appropriate Ballet Technique class.
Teen Ballet (Ages 12-16)
Teen Ballet dancers will learn ballet vocabulary, form, and technique. The class will focus on building coordination, flexibility, strength, and balance while developing an understanding of ballet principles and movement. Ballet consists of barre, center, across the floor, and combinations in both adagio and allegro (slow and quick) movements, all of which stress proper body alignment, flexibility, and muscular control. The beginner teen will also learn how to properly use their body in a safe way in order to avoid injury.
Ballet Technique I
Ballet Technique classes are for intermediate to advanced, serious-minded ballet dancers. Enrollment must be teacher recommended or approved by the Directrice. This technique class spends extra time working on the specific execution of ballet exercises and offers intense instruction, please be sure your dancer is prepared for the level of training involved. (Participation in this class does not guarantee a position in the Dance Company)
Hip Hop II
Young intermediate students and newer teen students enjoy learning the most popular current dance techniques in these classes. Our Hip Hop II classes begin with center warm-up and stretch and move to combinations both across the floor and in the center. Moving to upbeat music, students will develop flexibility, strength, and coordination. **All music in this class is screened and edited for age-appropriate content.**
Jazz II
Designed for intermediate dancers, these classes build upon the fundamentals of jazz form, technique, and combinations in an age and level-appropriate manner. All styles of jazz dance are experienced through our jazz dance program. Dancers also begin to learn more about stage presence at this level of instruction through this dance form.
Modern / Contemporary II
Intermediate dancers in Modern / Contemporary II classes explore the diverse and creative approach to dance through this genre. Students learn intermediate modern dance techniques while further exploration of the creative aspects of dance and composition is encouraged. Students may spend a minimum of two years at level II before progressing to Modern / Contemporary III.
Musical Theater I & II
Musical Theater allows the dancer to learn stage presence and basic character acting skills. Students will learn to take on roles from some of the most famous musicals of stage and screen. The class consists of warm-ups, basic acting skills, and improvisation while having fun exploring expression. (Level I ages 8-12 with previous dance experience. Level II ages 10+ who have completed Musical Theater I or Jazz II with the teacher’s recommendation for advancing.)
Tap II
Tap II is designed for intermediate dancers and builds upon the fundamentals of tap form, technique, and vocabulary. Students will focus on developing rhythm and expression through tap dancing and learning more complex combinations as well as learning many time steps and rhythms.
Ballet Technique II, III & IV*
Advanced Ballet Technique classes are for intermediate to advanced, serious-minded ballet dancers. Enrollment must be approved by the Directrice. These technique classes spend extra time working on the specific execution of ballet exercises and are intense instruction, please be sure your dancer is prepared for the level of training involved. These classes are required for current performing company members and are a suggested prerequisite for any dancer wishing to audition for the pre-professional performing dance companies. (Participation in this class does not guarantee a position in the Dance Company)
Hip Hop III
Hip Hop III is for the more advanced dancer that has either had prior hip hop dance instruction or “street dance style” experience. Students will enjoy learning more complex choreography and popular dance techniques in this class. Using today’s most popular music, dancers learn to execute and isolate both old and new styles of the Hip Hop genre. Moving to upbeat music, students will further develop flexibility, strength, and coordination. **All music in this class is screened and edited for age-appropriate content.**
Jazz III & IV*
Jazz III and IV are designed for intermediate to advanced dancers. These classes build upon the strength, understanding, and form developed thus far. Classes focus on advancing technique, form, and style. This level takes great skill and strength, and students will perfect the ability to perform while executing more difficult choreography.
Jazz Funk
Jazz Funk is a unique fusion of hip hop and jazz into one high-energy class that helps develop each dancer’s confidence in their style and performance ability. **Highly recommended for members of Junior – Principal Dance Companies.** (ages 12+ with previous dance experience)
Modern / Contemporary III & IV*
In Modern/Contemporary III and IV intermediate and advanced dancers continue in their exploration of this diverse and creative approach to dance. Students progress in their understanding of more advanced modern dance techniques and an exploration of the creative aspects of dance and composition. At this level dancers are proficient in modern terminology and concepts as well as holding the strength and stamina for more intense training in this dance form.
Tap III & IV*
Level III and IV of Tap classes are designed for intermediate to advanced dancers, these classes build upon the strength, understanding, and rhythm developed thus far. Classes focus on advancing technique, form and expression in tap dancing. Both classic and modern tap dancing techniques are explored.
* Enrollment in these classes requires prior Directrice approval. Prerequisites may include specific age limitations, experience requirements, and / or company involvement.
Pre-Pointe*
Pre-Pointe classes are available only by approval of the Directrice. In order to be considered for pre-pointe, the student must be at least 13 years of age (or upon examination of applicable physiological factors by the Directrice, deemed to be adequately mature) and have at least three years of ballet experience (this is a guideline that is addressed on an individual basis according to each dancer).
All dancers MUST pass a pointe readiness test before being considered for pre-pointe. Class is held in ballet shoes and bare feet. Pointe shoes are NOT approved until the teacher ensures that the dancer is ready and passes the required testing. The Directrice accompanies all students for their first fitting of pointe shoes to ensure a proper and safe fit best suited for each dancer. (This is a non-performing class.)
Click here for more information on our Pointe Program.
Pointe I*
Pointe I classes are available only by approval of the Directrice. All Pointe I students MUST complete the Pre-Pointe class before progressing to Pointe I.
Dancers in Pointe I will begin to learn the basic concepts of how to execute technique en pointe in a safe and proper manner to avoid injury.
Enrollment in a minimum of two ballet classes per week is required for all dancers to remain in the Pointe Program. (This is a non-performing class.)
Pointe II* & III*
Pointe II and II are for the advanced dancer that has completed both Pre-Pointe and Pointe I, and graduated to the next level. These levels focus on more complex choreography as well as expanding technique and skills en pointe.
Enrollment in a minimum of two ballet classes per week is required for all dancers to remain in the Pointe Program.
Contemporary Ballet*
Contemporary Ballet is for intermediate to advanced students with a solid background in ballet, with strong and established ballet skills.
This class builds on strength and techniques while approaching ballet through contemporary influence. Class begins with a classical ballet warm-up and moves to experimenting with center work, form, expression, and choreography that reflects a more modern dance style.
Studying in at least one level of Advanced Ballet Technique classes is a prerequisite for Contemporary Ballet.
* Enrollment in these classes requires prior Directrice approval. Prerequisites may include specific age limitations, experience requirements, and/or company involvement.
Adult Ballet, Tap, and Body Therapy
Adult classes at TDC are non-performing, drop-in sessions.
Ballet and Tap are offered for adults(16-99) exploring dance for the first time or dancers returning to the floor after many years.
Adult Ballet
Ballet provides a basic workout for the adult looking to improve activity level, strengthen the core muscular system, and gain flexibility. The class will incorporate basic barre movements and modern/contemporary floor stretches. Basic and fun choreography will also be introduced.
Adult Tap
Tap is an upbeat, aerobic workout teaching basic tap skills, rhythm, and vocabulary that builds with the dancer’s confidence and ability to successfully perform basic and intermediate combinations.
Yoga and Therapeutic Body Movement
Yoga and Therapeutic Body Movement is a Taneytown Dance Center exclusive! Created by and developed by Directrice, Miss Kim (RYT-200), to give adults of all ages gentle stretches and movement. Principles of modern, ballet, and yoga combine to bring participants a low-impact class that simultaneously relaxes and energizes! This class is done by low lights and/or candlelight to help dancers feel calm and balanced at the end of the long week.
**Attire for adult classes: Anything comfortable, bare feet, socks, or ballet shoes (*tap shoes are needed for tap classes). Leotards and tights NOT required.
Conditioning
Conditioning classes at TDC is for the dancer seeking to build up their stamina and strength. Class focuses on safely executing strength building exercises. Students in the conditioning class are required to bring 5lb weights and sneakers. Conditioning is upbeat and fun for our dancers.
LETT (Leaps, Extensions, Turns, and Technique)
LETT I
Dancers who are beginning to learn the basics of doing leaps, extensions, and turns are taught safe and proper execution to build strength and avoid injury. Students should have at least one year of dance training prior to considering enrollment to LETT I, as well as being enrolled in at least one other class from the current schedule.
LETT II*
LETT II is for the intermediate/advanced dancer seeking to learn more intense leaps and work with more focused intent on their flexibility. Dancers learn how to safely execute leaps, extensions, and turns in proper alignment and body control to avoid injury. LETT II enrollment is limited to intermediate through advanced dancers that are enrolled in at least one other class on the current schedule.
**Dancers enrolling in a LETT class must be concurrently enrolled in at least one other class on the current schedule at Taneytown Dance Center.
* Enrollment in these classes requires prior Directrice approval. Prerequisites may include specific age limitations, experience requirements, and/or company involvement.