Technique Classes

Pre-schoolers through pre-professionals have the opportunity to learn a range of dance forms.

Location: White Plains (Steffi Nossen Central Studios at the Music Conservatory of Westchester)

Placement for all technique classes is at the discretion of the teacher and will be determined by observation during initial classes.

BALLET: Our ballet students learn the principles of technique and placement while developing strength through proper alignment and understanding of the ballet vocabulary. Dancers begin at the barre and progress to center work and longer phrases. Classes are offered for a wide range of ages and abilities beginning with Ballet Basics (grades 3-6) and Teen Ballet Basics. Placement for Intermediate Ballet, Pointe I, Intermediate/Advanced Ballet and Pointe II classes are at the teacher’s discretion. There is also a Saturday Ballet class open to students 6th grade and older. Live music accompanies many classes.

CLASSICAL STORY BALLET: These classes provide a solid foundation for our youngest ballet students in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Classical Story Ballet I (ages 3 & 4) and II (K–2nd grade) instill proper movement and vocabulary as student dance to stories and music. Props are integral to the class and special dress up days are exciting class components.

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ: Jazz is an American Dance form rooted in African, Caribbean and Latin roots. An intense technical warm-up rooted in ballet, modern, and physical conditioning provides a solid foundation for the various styles of jazz dance as well as other techniques. Across the floor sequences and isolations improve coordination and address the dynamics and musicality of the style presented in the combination portion of class. Classical Jazz, Modern-based/Contemporary, Funk/Hip-Hop, Latin dance and Broadway Theater styles are explored.

MODERN: This class, offered in three sequential sections (Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced), draws upon a variety of modern dance techniques, predominantly O’Donnell and Limon. Dancers will explore the use of space, musicality, and the joy of movement while developing core and upper body strength. Classes are accompanied by live music.

TAP: Tap is an American dance form heavily influenced by African, Irish and Latin folk music and dance. Students will learn all styles of tap, from its folk origins through soft shoe and Broadway styles, to contemporary tap, which combines it all. Our Open Tap class is high energy and focuses on the dance style’s musical and rhythmic nature. Students may opt to participate in Tap Ensemble, which rehearses during regular class time in the spring semester and is featured in the Children’s Show (May).

HIP HOP: Hip hop is a physically challenging, creative dance form with roots in African dance, breakdance and martial arts. Students in each of our sequential sections (Hip Hop I, II & III) will be exposed to the latest hip hop moves and choreography. Dancers may also opt to participate in Hip Hop Ensemble during the spring semester, which rehearses during regular class time and performs in the Children’s Show (May).

CONTACT US today to register your child or DOWNLOAD A REGISTRATION FORM.