These classes are an introduction to dance and movement for the very young
child. The hour-length class is presented in an informal yet structured, extraordinarily
fun class. Pre-dance elements of ballet and tumbling are introduced using creative
body movement to promote the child’s natural sense of wonder and imagination.
Kinder Formal
Kinder Formal is a continuation of Pre-School, only a bit more formal. Students
continue to use their imagination and creativity to reach new accomplishments.
After winter break, students are promoted to the study of tap and will be able
to dance in tap shoes. The class is one hour long. A ballet and tumbling combination
class is held from September through December, then a ballet and tap class is
held from january through June. MCDA also offers a tumbling class for those
students who wish to continue their love of tumbling.
Pre-Formal
Pre-Formal is a continuation of Kinder Formal, age-appropriate for students
entering into kindergarten and first grade. Song and dance combined together
keep young dancers interested in learning the art of dance. This class gradually
adds a more formal classroom environment to prepare students for the next level
of dance, Formal I. This level offers a ballet & tap combination class as
well as a tumbling class.
Formal I
Formal I is a continuation of Pre-Formal, but in a formal class setting. Students
will begin to perform dance steps on their own without the instructors' help.
The main focus of this creative class is on ballet and tap. Beginning elements
of jazz are explored in tap class. Class length is one hour and 15 minutes.
This level offers a ballet & tap combination class as well as a tumbling
class.
Formal II
Formal II is a formal and structured level which allows young children to develop
their talent while having fun and working hard. All dancers are expected to
perform completely without the teachers' help from this level and up. The Formal
II classes offered at MCDA consist of a 1.5 hour combination of ballet and jazz,
a1-hour tap class and 1.5 hour acro/gymnastic program. The ballet and jazz combination
class will not only develop the young dancers natural talent, but will also
challenge them to set new goals while instilling proper technique. The tap class
will develop the dancer to be stronger, confident and develop a connection with
making music with the feet. The Formal II gymnastic/acro program will focus
on tumbling skills as well as basic elements of ballet and jazz. F-I or F-II
level of tap, and ballet/jazz combination are strongly suggested to students
wishing to take the acro-dance program.
Formal III
Formal III is acontinuation of the Formal II program. Classes are offered in
ballet 1.25 hour, tap for 1-hour, jazz for 1-hour and gymnastics/acro for 1.5
hours. This level truly ties the mind, body and spirit together, resulting in
the students unique self-shining through every performance. Previous and or
present ballet training is strongly recommended.
Additional levels available in all disciplines are Intermediate I, II, III
and Advanced. These levels are a continuation of Formal III. Time lengths for
classes vary.
All classes levels Pre-Formal and up are leveled classes. Students are placed
in a class based on each student’s individual readiness. Students are
not placed by age and are not placed according to personal relationships with
other students. Please respect where students are placed according to their
individual level. MCDA teaches using a progressive stacking method. This means
that students must complete and achieve certain levels of technique before being
introduced to a new one. If students from two different levels wish to take
a class together, the student from the more advanced level may enroll in the
level of the other student. Placing students according to their individual readiness
allows students to advance at a more progressive rate and keeps frustrations
to a minimum.
MCDA strongly recommends ballet training to supplement all disciplines of dance.
Ballet
Ballet is a form of dance from the classical school. It is presented with elements
of music and design to create a dramatic lyric effect. Ballet gives all students
a solid foundation that is essential for all other forms of dance. Training
is available TI-AII.
Pointe
Pointe is an advanced ballet technique. Students must be at least age 11 and
have taken two or more ballet classes each year for three consecutive years.
Students must currently be enrolled in two or more ballet classes in order to
be considered for approval. Students must also be in their second year of Intermediate
level II. Students who wish to study Pointe must pass a physical and technical
test before being approved by the instructor and a physical completed by their
doctor. Pre-Pointe and Pointe I are 15 minutes, Pointe II 30 minutes, and Pointe
III 45 minutes. Students who are enrolled in A-I ballet and have passed through
all Point levels upon teacher approval will no longer need to take a separate
Pointe class. Pointe work will continue in the regular scheduled ballet classes
throughout the week. Students may take Pre-Pointe and Pointe I without Pointe
shoes to prepare the feet for Pointe work. Students are ready for Pointe on
an individual basis.
Jazz
Jazz is a dance that is full of style, expression and attitude. Movement has
a flowing quality, although a strong pulse is often used to emphasize the dynamics
of the music. There are many forms of jazz technique: lyrical, modern, Latin,
rock, Broadway, and hip-hop. Students will be able to experience all forms of
jazz dance at MCDA. Training is available F-III and up. Ballet training past
and/or present is strongly recommended.
Tap
Tap includes a rapid foot-tapping movement where the dancer wears shoes with
metal plates on the ball and heel. Whenever the dancer performs any rhythmical
pattern of steps, the dancer becomes a percussion instrument. Tap may be performed
with or without music. Tap dance is also performed using various jazz dance
styles. A basic previous and or present ballet and jazz training are strongly
recommended. Training is available Kinder Formal and up.
Gymnastics/Acro
This is a complex of dance and tumbling skills. Acro also places demand on
the individual student. Challenging goals are set and accomplishments are achieved
through hard work. Dance techniques of ballet, lyrical, modern and jazz are
used to create a well-styled acrobatic performance. Past and/or present ballet
and jazz training is strongly suggested. Training is available F-II and up for
a recital performance. Acro classes based on motor skill development and age
appropriateness are also available for T-I through F-I.
Stretch/Strength/Condition Class
This is a 45-minute class that complements all dance disciplines. This class
is geared towards the dedicated dance student who desires as much achievement
as possible. The goal of this class is to increase flexibility, turnout and
gain strength for more advanced dance progressions. Training is available for
ages 7 ½ and older. Special discount rates are available for MCDA students
and MCDA Dance Troupe students.
Turns, Leaps and Tricks
This is a 2.25-hour class that includes stretch, strength & condition.
This class complements all dance disciplines. This class is also geared towards
the dedicated student who desires to achieve as much as possible. This class
focuses completely on the necessary show-stopping moves that a dancer needs
to achieve a more advanced level and a professional status. Students will spend
the class time rehearsing various turns, leaps and tricks appropriate for their
current level. Training is available for students age 8 and older and students
who have completed F-III ballet and or I-I jazz and/or tap. All MCDA dance troupe
students are welcome to register for this class. Special discount rates are
available for MCDA students and MCDA Dance Troupe students.
