PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION
Children & Teen (Ages 4 & up)
Acting
Acting Classes for Students (Ages 8 & up)
Preparing Young Actors
This dynamic and immersive program introduces young performers to the essential building blocks of acting. Through creative exploration and hands-on activities, students will strengthen their confidence, spark their imagination, and begin developing the tools every great actor needs. Each session is filled with fun, engaging exercises designed to nurture talent and inspire collaboration.
Key focus areas include:
Sensory Recall – Strengthening imagination and deepening emotional connection
Ensemble Work – Practicing focus, listening, and working as a team
Improvisation – Encouraging spontaneity, creativity, and quick thinking
Character Study – Learning how to build unique, believable characters
Presentation Skills – Improving diction, articulation, and stage presence
Whether your child is new to the stage or looking to build on their skills, this class provides a strong foundation in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Acting the Song
Acting the Song Classes for (Ages 11 & up)
This one-hour class is designed for young performers ready to dive deeper into the art of storytelling through music. Students will work on individual songs with a focus on emotional connection, intention, and character-driven choices—transforming a song into a compelling performance.
Each student will work one-on-one in front of the group, participating in guided acting exercises and using scene partners to enhance the storytelling process. The class also covers how to create effective audition cuts for longer songs, giving performers the tools they need for confident, polished auditions.
Please Note:
A pre-screen is required for placement in this class. This helps us determine the most appropriate level and ensure each student receives the instruction and challenge best suited to their experience and skill set.
Acro
Acro blends the athleticism of gymnastics with the grace and artistry of dance, creating a dynamic and expressive movement style. Students develop strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination while learning tumbling skills integrated into dance choreography. Our program emphasizes safety and proper technique through careful progressions and individualized instruction, building a strong foundation for each dancer.
Acro is a skills-based class and does not participate in the year-end production. Instead, students will showcase what they've learned in a small end-of-year presentation designed to highlight their progress and achievements.
Dress Code:
All Ages - Leotard and Shorts or a Biketard
Hair Pulled Back off the Face
No Jewelry
No Shoes
Ballet
Ballet is the foundation of many dance styles at WCPA, building strength, grace, and technical precision. Classes focus on alignment, turnout, coordination, and expressive movement. Students begin with barre work, progress to center exercises, and finish with grand allegro combinations. Clear instruction in technique and ballet theory enhances understanding, supports physical development, and fosters a lifelong love of dance. Advanced students (11+) with strong technique, core and ankle strength, and a teacher’s recommendation may progress to ‘en pointe’ training.
Dress Code:
All Ages - Pink or Flesh Toned Tights
All Ages - Pink or Flesh Toned Shoes
Ages 5-6 - Light Blue Leotard
Ages 7-8 - Lavender Leotard
Ages 9-10 - Burgundy
Choreography/Improvisation
This introductory class invites dancers to explore the creative world of dance improvisation. Through guided exercises, students will discover new ways to move, express emotions, and develop their own unique dance vocabulary. Fundamental elements of dance composition—such as space, dynamics, rhythm, and storytelling—are introduced and explored, helping dancers gain a deeper understanding of how movement can be shaped into choreography. With a focus on creativity, self-expression, and artistic discovery, this class encourages dancers to expand their movement possibilities and build confidence in their choreographic choices.
Dress Code:
All Ages - Any Colored Leotard
All Ages - Black Tights or Leggings
Contemporary
Dancers will immerse themselves in the dynamic world of contemporary dance, exploring its physicality, principles, and artistry. Drawing inspiration from Limón, Graham, and Cunningham techniques, as well as movement improvisation and choreography, this class enhances body awareness, musicality, and creative expression. Students will develop strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, speed, phrasing, and proper alignment, expanding their movement potential while deepening their understanding of contemporary dance.
Dress Code:
All Ages - Any Colored Leotard
All Ages - Black Tights or Leggings
No Shoes
Hip-Hop
Our Hip-Hop classes offer a high-energy, age-appropriate introduction to one of the most exciting and expressive styles of dance. Dancers will explore rhythm, musicality, coordination, and confidence through movement rooted in hip-hop culture. Each class includes warm-ups, foundational technique, freestyle exploration, and choreography—all in a fun, supportive environment.
At WCPA, we are intentional in curating music that is clean, energetic, and suitable for young dancers, while still honoring the bold and creative spirit of hip-hop. Students develop strength, focus, and stage presence as they grow both as dancers and individuals.
Dress Code:
Top: Fitted t-shirt or tank top (midriffs must be covered)
Bottoms: Leggings, joggers, or sweatpants (no jeans or overly baggy clothing)
Shoes: Clean, non-marking sneakers used only for class (no street shoes)
Hair: Pulled back neatly away from the face
No large jewelry or accessories
The overall look should reflect the energy and style of hip hop while maintaining professionalism and readiness for class.
Irish Step Dance
Experience the excitement of Traditional Irish Step Dancing in this fun, high-energy, and non-competitive class! This athletic and fast-paced dance style builds rhythm, strength, and stamina while developing precision and agility. Dancers will learn fundamental footwork, lively steps, and dynamic choreography, all while improving coordination and musicality. With a focus on technique and enjoyment, this class is perfect for those looking to embrace the rich traditions of Irish dance in a supportive and engaging environment.
Dress Code:
All Ages - Wear any comfortable fitness or dance attire that allows you to move freely.
All Ages - Black Irish Dancing Soft Shoes/Ghillies
Jazz
In this dynamic dance style, students will develop isolations, across-the-floor movements, and expressive combinations. Jazz classes blend traditional and contemporary techniques in a fun, high-energy environment. Each class begins with a warm-up emphasizing technique, flexibility, coordination, and strength, followed by progressions, center work, and choreography.
Dress Code:
All Ages - Any Colored Leotard
All Ages - Black Tights or Leggings
Black Jazz Shoes
Jazz Funk
Jazz Funk blends elements from various dance styles, including ballet, modern, hip hop, and lyrical, creating a funky, fun, and expressive style. It combines the best of these genres into a high-energy, dynamic form of dance that’s both exciting and full of personality!
Dress Code:
All Ages - Wear any comfortable fitness or dance attire that allows you to move freely.
Black Jazz Shoes or Sneakers
Musical Theater Dance
This program is designed for young, aspiring musical theater performers eager to be cast in roles from adapted musicals. Students will bring characters to life through staging, choreography, and vocal arrangements, with a strong focus on character development. Perfect for those looking to enhance their musical theater skills.
Dress Code:
All Ages - Any Colored Leotard
All Ages - Black Tights or Leggings
Black Jazz Shoes
Musical Theater Workshop
Classes For Students Ages 4 & up
Offered in Fall & Spring (8–10 Week Sessions) Cost: $225
Take center stage and bring the magic of musical theater to life! Our Musical Theater Workshop is a high-energy, performance-based class where students dive into the exciting world of acting, singing, and dancing. Designed for all levels, this workshop helps young performers build confidence, develop stage presence, and learn the importance of teamwork—all while having a blast!
Each session features engaging group numbers and scenes from beloved musicals, allowing students to explore character work, storytelling, vocal technique, and choreography in a fun, supportive setting. The program culminates in a showcase performance where students can shine on stage and celebrate their progress with family and friends.
Whether your child dreams of Broadway or is simply looking to express themselves creatively, this workshop is the perfect place to grow, connect, and perform!
Tap
Tap classes emphasize rhythm, musicality, and timing. Each class begins with an energetic warm-up, followed by across-the-floor exercises and choreography that help students develop their tap technique and precision in a fun, dynamic environment.
Dress Code:
All Ages - Wear any comfortable fitness or dance attire that allows you to move freely.
Black Jazz Shoes or Sneakers
Ages 5-6 - Black Mary Jane Tap Shoes
Ages 7 & Up - Oxford Lace-up Tap Shoes
Vocal Ensemble Workshop
Beginner Vocal Ensemble for Students Ages 7–12
Perfect for young singers ready to take their first steps into group singing, this beginner-level vocal ensemble introduces students to the joy of singing in harmony and performing as part of a team. Through fun, interactive warm-ups and age-appropriate repertoire, students will explore basic vocal technique, pitch matching, breath support, and musical expression.
Classes focus on ear training, ensemble blending, and building confidence through group performance. Students will learn to listen, collaborate, and support one another in a positive, encouraging environment—all while discovering the fun of making music together!
No prior experience is required—just a love of singing and a willingness to try something new. Each session ends with a casual in-class showcase for family and friends.