YDE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE DRESS CODE
LOWER DIVISION
About Combination Classes: Dancers will study a combination of ballet, tap, and jazz in a welcoming and stimulating environment. As students progress through our leveled system, difficulty, proficiency of technique, and performing opportunities increase. Class instruction will concentrate on each child’s individual technical needs based on physical and cognitive abilities. Parents observe their child in the classroom and record their child’s dances to enhance retention through Combination Level IV. The following serves as a guide for placement. The instructor will make the appropriate placement upon registration.
Creative Movement Recommended ages 3-5. For dancers with little or no previous dance training. This class will introduce children to a wide variety of movement and music. Students will study basic locomotion steps, rhythm and coordination skills. Creativity thrives! It is a perfect environment to stimulate your child’s intellect.
Combo K/I Recommended ages 4-6. For dancers with little or no previous dance training.
Combo II Recommended ages 5-8. For dancers who have danced at YDE for at least one year.
Combo III Recommended ages 7-10. For dancers with previous training and/or who have danced at YDE for at least two years.
Combo IV* Recommended ages 8-11. For dancers with previous training and/or who have danced at YDE for at least three years.
Combo V* Recommended ages 10-12. For dancers with previous training and/or who have danced at YDE for at least four years.
Boys Basic Skills Recommended ages 8-12. For dancers with previous training to build on ballet, jazz, and ballet technique.
Ballet I/II* (Ages 8-14) Elementary ballet skills are taught under the careful supervision of our experienced instructors to ensure proper technique. Young dancers will learn posture, grace, and discipline in ballet technique with elementary levels of the Vaganova tradition. Minimum age: 8 years old.
Jazz I/II* (Ages 8-12) This class will focus on learning basic technique that is layered with traditional jazz and tap movement and will include proper warm up, stretches, across the floor progressions, and combinations.
Tap I/II* (Ages 8-12) This class will focus on learning basic technique that is layered with traditional tap movement and will include proper warm up, rhythm training, across the floor progressions, and combinations.
Beg Hip Hop (Ages 8-12) This class introduces dancers to the fundamentals of current hip hop movement, rhythm, and style. Explore new movement in a supportive environment through a warm up, stretching, and combinations.
Musical Theater Dance I/II* (Ages 8-12 ) This is a “must have” class for students who participate in musical theater at school or in the Community. Students will learn important musical theater skills in ballet and jazz movement. Class will also emphasize flexibility, placement, and performance quality.
Musical Theater Dance III* (Ages 12-18 ) For high school students with previous dance and stage experience who participate in musical theater at school or in the community. Students will learn important musical theater skills in ballet and jazz movement. Class will also emphasize flexibility, placement, and performance quality.
Teen Modern/Lyrical (Ages 13-18) Class encourages the freedom of expression, improvisation, innovation and creative exploration of movement. Dancers will learn modern and lyrical technique through warm up, isolations, swings, stretches, across the floor progressions, and combinations. Previous dance experience is helpful, but not required.
*Dancers in the levels noted are invited to take an additional class in ballet, jazz, and or tap technique.
UPPER DIVISION
Ballet Technique II-V Our ballet program concentrates on students’ individual technique, strengthening exercises, and placement. Students will develop proper ballet technique, musicality, improved flexibility, and achieve an extensive performing vocabulary. This is an excellent program for those who want to perfect skills for advanced pre-professional training. Levels I-V are offered and progression is based on dancer's assimilation of technique. Placement into level is by instructor recommendation.
Ballet Stretch* Open to all upper division and teen combo students or with instructor approval. This class will focus on flexibility and ballet core training through core and center work. Awesome music and amazing stretches are scheduled for this class.
Open Ballet Multi-level class featuring barre, center, and across the floor. Students will work at their technical level under the careful eye of their instructor. Must be enrolled in ballet levels III-V or receive instructor’s permission to participate.
Jazz Technique II-V Our innovative program explores a jazz style uncommon in today’s dance studios. Original and rich in movement, students will concentrate on understanding and perfecting technique. Technical placement of the body, flexibility, and progressions will also be studied. Students must be enrolled in an additional technique class. Levels II-V are offered and progression is based on dancer’s assimilation of technique. Placement into level is by instructor recommendation.
Strength Training* This supervised open gym will augment dancers’ training to improve alignment, range of motion, control of movement and balance. Under the watchful eye of instructor Anna Gordon, dancers will train for 30 minutes after Jazz III or before Jazz IV/V. Note: Students must be enrolled in JAZZ III or IV/V to take this supplemental class.
Tap Technique II-V Our tap program focuses on single sound theory for creating intricate rhythms and footwork. Class levels will build on strengthening student’s technique, developing sound, tone, and virtuosity, as well as learning challenging choreography. Studying various styles of tap dancing, from Broadway to rhythm and world tap. Dancers are taught classic and contemporary repertoire, which are part of the history and tradition of the art form. Placement into level is by instructor recommendation.
*Dancers in the levels noted are invited to take an additional class in ballet, jazz, and or tap technique.
THE REPERTOIRE ENSEMBLE
For more information regarding Repertoire, contact us at info@ydeschool.com.
The Repertoire Ensemble is the performance group of YOUTH DANCE ENSEMBLE. Students in this program represent YDE in the annual Nutcracker Ballet Performance/Tours, The Modern Dance Project Concert, Ray Terrell's Dances at the Lakes, and other performances throughout the Twin Cities. Placement into this program is based on seniority, passion for dance, and technical level. This is a year round commitment, as many of its repertoire dances are learned during the summer months. Mandatory attendance and a commitment to performances is required for this class. Repertoire dancers should possess strong dance retention and technical skills. Placement into special projects is by choreographer’s invitation/audition only. Repertoire rehearsal is based on two hours per week, including but not limited to the Repertoire Rehearsal time slot (SAT 12:00-2:00). Dancers must attend required technique classes and be available to rehearse as required by the choreographer/director. Consideration is given to students availability based on a schedule generated prior to the performance seasons (Sept & Jan). Effort is made to communicate timely schedules, but flexibility is needed and appreciated to accommodate last minute schedule changes due to Instructor/Choreographer performances, and professional obligations outside of YDE. All casting and placement into new choreography will be determined by the Youth Dance Ensemble Staff and Choreographers. Learn more.
About Combination Classes: Dancers will study a combination of ballet, tap, and jazz in a welcoming and stimulating environment. As students progress through our leveled system, difficulty, proficiency of technique, and performing opportunities increase. Class instruction will concentrate on each child’s individual technical needs based on physical and cognitive abilities. Parents observe their child in the classroom and record their child’s dances to enhance retention through Combination Level IV. The following serves as a guide for placement. The instructor will make the appropriate placement upon registration.
Creative Movement Recommended ages 3-5. For dancers with little or no previous dance training. This class will introduce children to a wide variety of movement and music. Students will study basic locomotion steps, rhythm and coordination skills. Creativity thrives! It is a perfect environment to stimulate your child’s intellect.
Combo K/I Recommended ages 4-6. For dancers with little or no previous dance training.
Combo II Recommended ages 5-8. For dancers who have danced at YDE for at least one year.
Combo III Recommended ages 7-10. For dancers with previous training and/or who have danced at YDE for at least two years.
Combo IV* Recommended ages 8-11. For dancers with previous training and/or who have danced at YDE for at least three years.
Combo V* Recommended ages 10-12. For dancers with previous training and/or who have danced at YDE for at least four years.
Boys Basic Skills Recommended ages 8-12. For dancers with previous training to build on ballet, jazz, and ballet technique.
Ballet I/II* (Ages 8-14) Elementary ballet skills are taught under the careful supervision of our experienced instructors to ensure proper technique. Young dancers will learn posture, grace, and discipline in ballet technique with elementary levels of the Vaganova tradition. Minimum age: 8 years old.
Jazz I/II* (Ages 8-12) This class will focus on learning basic technique that is layered with traditional jazz and tap movement and will include proper warm up, stretches, across the floor progressions, and combinations.
Tap I/II* (Ages 8-12) This class will focus on learning basic technique that is layered with traditional tap movement and will include proper warm up, rhythm training, across the floor progressions, and combinations.
Beg Hip Hop (Ages 8-12) This class introduces dancers to the fundamentals of current hip hop movement, rhythm, and style. Explore new movement in a supportive environment through a warm up, stretching, and combinations.
Musical Theater Dance I/II* (Ages 8-12 ) This is a “must have” class for students who participate in musical theater at school or in the Community. Students will learn important musical theater skills in ballet and jazz movement. Class will also emphasize flexibility, placement, and performance quality.
Musical Theater Dance III* (Ages 12-18 ) For high school students with previous dance and stage experience who participate in musical theater at school or in the community. Students will learn important musical theater skills in ballet and jazz movement. Class will also emphasize flexibility, placement, and performance quality.
Teen Modern/Lyrical (Ages 13-18) Class encourages the freedom of expression, improvisation, innovation and creative exploration of movement. Dancers will learn modern and lyrical technique through warm up, isolations, swings, stretches, across the floor progressions, and combinations. Previous dance experience is helpful, but not required.
*Dancers in the levels noted are invited to take an additional class in ballet, jazz, and or tap technique.
UPPER DIVISION
Ballet Technique II-V Our ballet program concentrates on students’ individual technique, strengthening exercises, and placement. Students will develop proper ballet technique, musicality, improved flexibility, and achieve an extensive performing vocabulary. This is an excellent program for those who want to perfect skills for advanced pre-professional training. Levels I-V are offered and progression is based on dancer's assimilation of technique. Placement into level is by instructor recommendation.
Ballet Stretch* Open to all upper division and teen combo students or with instructor approval. This class will focus on flexibility and ballet core training through core and center work. Awesome music and amazing stretches are scheduled for this class.
Open Ballet Multi-level class featuring barre, center, and across the floor. Students will work at their technical level under the careful eye of their instructor. Must be enrolled in ballet levels III-V or receive instructor’s permission to participate.
Jazz Technique II-V Our innovative program explores a jazz style uncommon in today’s dance studios. Original and rich in movement, students will concentrate on understanding and perfecting technique. Technical placement of the body, flexibility, and progressions will also be studied. Students must be enrolled in an additional technique class. Levels II-V are offered and progression is based on dancer’s assimilation of technique. Placement into level is by instructor recommendation.
Strength Training* This supervised open gym will augment dancers’ training to improve alignment, range of motion, control of movement and balance. Under the watchful eye of instructor Anna Gordon, dancers will train for 30 minutes after Jazz III or before Jazz IV/V. Note: Students must be enrolled in JAZZ III or IV/V to take this supplemental class.
Tap Technique II-V Our tap program focuses on single sound theory for creating intricate rhythms and footwork. Class levels will build on strengthening student’s technique, developing sound, tone, and virtuosity, as well as learning challenging choreography. Studying various styles of tap dancing, from Broadway to rhythm and world tap. Dancers are taught classic and contemporary repertoire, which are part of the history and tradition of the art form. Placement into level is by instructor recommendation.
*Dancers in the levels noted are invited to take an additional class in ballet, jazz, and or tap technique.
THE REPERTOIRE ENSEMBLE
For more information regarding Repertoire, contact us at info@ydeschool.com.
The Repertoire Ensemble is the performance group of YOUTH DANCE ENSEMBLE. Students in this program represent YDE in the annual Nutcracker Ballet Performance/Tours, The Modern Dance Project Concert, Ray Terrell's Dances at the Lakes, and other performances throughout the Twin Cities. Placement into this program is based on seniority, passion for dance, and technical level. This is a year round commitment, as many of its repertoire dances are learned during the summer months. Mandatory attendance and a commitment to performances is required for this class. Repertoire dancers should possess strong dance retention and technical skills. Placement into special projects is by choreographer’s invitation/audition only. Repertoire rehearsal is based on two hours per week, including but not limited to the Repertoire Rehearsal time slot (SAT 12:00-2:00). Dancers must attend required technique classes and be available to rehearse as required by the choreographer/director. Consideration is given to students availability based on a schedule generated prior to the performance seasons (Sept & Jan). Effort is made to communicate timely schedules, but flexibility is needed and appreciated to accommodate last minute schedule changes due to Instructor/Choreographer performances, and professional obligations outside of YDE. All casting and placement into new choreography will be determined by the Youth Dance Ensemble Staff and Choreographers. Learn more.
DRESS CODE
Appropriate dance clothing must be worn in class at all times. We carry all dance wear for your convenience. Only pink ballet shoes and suntan tap shoes are allowed for performance in the combination classes. Black tap oxford shoes are required for the upper-level tap class. Advanced Jazz dancers and members of the Repertoire Ensemble may need to purchase additional performance shoes. We recommend Grand Jete at 975 Grand Avenue in St. Paul (651-227-0331) and Step N Stretch at 13903 Aldrich (952 882-8300) when you need to purchase dance wear that we do not supply.
Support YDE when shopping at Discount Dance by entering code: 32193 at checkout!
IMPORTANT: The dress code will be enforced in all classes.
HAIR: Please have your child’s hair tied back off the face and neck before class begins. Dancers with shorter hair need to wear pigtails so that hair is not in the face when turning. All female ballet students must have a proper bun. Please bring your own ponytail holders, headbands etc.
CREATIVE MOVEMENT: Solid colored leotard, pink or white tights, pink ballet shoes, tan strappy tap shoes, no dance skirts.
COMBINATION CLASSES: Solid colored leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, tan strappy tap shoes. Please make sure all shoes are marked with student’s name. No dance skirts are permitted in combination classes.
BALLET: (all levels) Solid colored leotard (preferably black), pink tights, pink leather ballet shoes (canvas ballet shoes permitted for class only), hair secured in a bun. No bike or bootie shorts.
JAZZ/MUSICAL THEATER/MODERN/LYRICAL: (all levels) Solid colored leotard, solid-colored tights (no feet) or fitted dance pants, (legs must be covered). Gym shorts are not permitted in class. Lt Suntan split sole jazz boot. Additional shoes may be required for performance.
TAP: Leotard or form fitting top (no baggy t-shirts), leggings, hair pulled back. APPROVED TAP SHOES: TAP I/II/III- Black Shim Sham Oxford, Zoot Rhythm U-Tip Tap, no split sole. TAP IV/V- Zoot Rhythm U-Tip Tap, Matteo GS1, and Bloch JSS.
BOYS: White T-shirts, black shorts, white socks and black jazz/ballet shoes.
