MCDC JUNIOR DEPARTMENT

PRE-BALLET – (AGES 3-5) This class introduces students to their first years of dance training.  Children are encouraged to explore their creativity through an introduction to movement possibilities using their imagination, bodies and props.  Rhythms, coordination skills, and ballet class discipline are emphasized through guided age-appropriate activities.  In addition, students are introduced to elementary ballet terminology, positions, and movements.  A great preparation for more formal dance training or just a wonderful opportunity to get a child's creativity and problem solving skills flowing.

BALLET I, II - (AGES 5-7) The first step toward a formal ballet class. Class begins to take a more classic shape with a barre warm-up and center work. Students begin to work on the progressive nature of ballet.

BALLET III/Slow IV - (AGES 7-10) A continuation of Ballet I, II. This class is a little longer, requiring more focus and discipline from the students. Students will begin to learn more advanced steps at the barre with less visual guidance from the teacher. The teacher will ask students to retain vocabulary and put steps together based on vocal questions. Center work will progress into combinations involving a number of different steps. Stretch and position will be emphasized.

BEGINNER MODERN - (Ages 7 and Up) - An introduction to the fundamentals of modern dance including contraction and release, floor work, off center work, improvisation and problem solving.

BEGINNER JAZZ - (AGES 7 and Up) An introduction to the energy and dynamic of jazz technique. Students will be introduced to parallel positions and begin to explore the direct, decisive, and sharp facet of jazz technique and its various rhythms. Students will work on the fundamentals including flexibility, jumps and turns.
BEGINNER MUSICAL THEATRE JAZZ (AGES 7 and Up) An introductory Broadway-style Jazz class encompassing the fundamentals of classical Jazz technique and styles of movement commonly found in musical theater productions. 

BEGINNER TAP - (Ages 7-12) An introduction to the rhythm and coordination of tap dance. Students will learn the proper tap technique to create clean distinct sounds and later be introduced to rhythmic layering.                                                                                            

INTERMEDIATE TAP (up to age 12-at age 13 they are transferred to Shelley Oliver’s community tap classes also on campus)-This course is for dancers with previous tap experience or who have successfully mastered a majority of elements taught in our Beginner Tap course.  Students will learn full length tap combinations that will focus on precise steps and foot articulation, rhythmic awareness and layering, movement through space and will incorporate the use of arm and full body dynamics used in performing tap.  Students will also be given group tap combinations designed to develop partnering skills ad how to work successfully with others in the same dance space. 

MCDC SENIOR DEPARTMENT

BALLET IV - This is a transitional level in Ballet training. Students are recommended to enroll in two ballet classes weekly as well as one other technique as they prepare for Pointe shoes. Class takes on a more classic flow. More challenging combinations are worked on and special time is paid to stretching and strengthening. Students are expected to understand basic ballet vocabulary and execute fundamental ballet positions of the arms and feet without visual aide.

 BALLET V/VI- This class will progress more quickly than Ballet IV.  Students will prepare their bodies for more challenging combinations and strengthen core, feet and ankles for Pointe work.

BALLET VI/VII-Students must be enrolled in both Ballet V/VI classes in order to take this intermediate level class.  In addition to challenging combinations and Pointe work strengthening, this class is a slow introduction to the quick pace and complicated combinations of the advanced ballet classes.

Advanced Ballet - The most challenging level of ballet technique. A class reserved for students who have mastered the fundamentals and intermediate steps of ballet. The class will move at a quick pace and work on performance quality, strength, and contemporary twists on classic ballet. Regular attendance is required for this level class.

PRE-POINTE/BEGINNER POINTE - This is a two part class by invitation only. The first few weeks will specifically work on exercises to strengthen and stretch the dancer’s feet and ankles, as well as build core stability. After the director feels the students have a sufficient amount of strength and a firm technical foundation, the students will begin their journey en Pointe.

POINTE work in Upper Level Ballet classes (Ballet 6/7 and all advanced ballet classes) - Pointe work in the upper level classes is for students having worked en Pointe for at least two years.  After Beginner Pointe, students progress onto more intricate combinations and more challenging steps.

ADULT BALLET - A class appropriate for students new to ballet technique or returning from a break or injury. This class will base itself upon the technical abilities of the students enrolled in the class. Due to the possibility of varying levels in a class, modifications may be given to tailor the class to individual levels. Some background in dance is recommended. For a true beginner class, please contact the director. Classes can be formed if we have at least 5 students.

INTERMEDIATE JAZZ - A continuation of beginner Jazz. This class is for students with a sound dance background. Dynamic, energy, placement, improvisation, and intermediate level jumps and turns will be worked on. Classes will alternate between classical jazz, pop jazz and musical theatre jazz.

ACCELERATED INTERMEDIATE JAZZ-Similar to Intermediate Jazz but faster paced.  Students must be enrolled in ballet technique in order to take this class. 

   ADVANCED JAZZ - A continuation of our intermediate jazz classes for students with a firm grasp on jazz dance fundamentals. This class will work on advanced level jumps and turns, freestyle improvisations, and performance quality. This class will alternate between classical jazz, pop jazz and musical theatre jazz.

INTERMEDIATE modern - The class will include a variety of classical modern styles and aims to move students into more challenging and formal modern technique. Students will learn rise and falls, floor work, use of breath, improvisation and groundedness. The specific technique depends upon the teacher. We have a variety of backgrounds including: Cunningham technique, Taylor technique, Horton Technique and Limon Technique.

ADVANCED MODERN- The most challenging level of modern technique. A class reserved for students who have mastered the fundamentals and steps of intermediate modern. The class will move at a quick pace, regular attendance is required.