Acro incorporates gynmast-like tumbling and flexibility skills with the beauty and execution of dance. Safety and proper form are of utmost importance in our acrobatic training program.

Dress Code: Leotard and shorts or a biketard. Hair pulled back off the face, no jewelry

PREPARING YOUNG ACTORS - Focusing on core acting principles, this immersive instruction will challenge young actors to use creative and imaginative skills while developing basic acting techniques. These fundamentals are presented with engaging and fun exercises that will remain with the performers throughout their development.

Sensory Recall - strengthening imagination and teamwork

Ensemble Work - understanding focus and teamwork

Improvisation - spontaneity through acting

Character Study - developing tools to help create a role

Presentation - diction, delivery and articulation

Students will explore individual songs interpreting the acting elements and beats within their song and how to make a real connection to bring the song to life. This is a 1 hour class in which each student will work on their song individually while the class observes the “process” which involves using a partner and individual acting exercises guided by the teacher. They will also learn how to make appropriate “audition cuts” of longer songs.

Ballet is the foundation for most dance forms offered at WCPA. These classes will focus on developing a solid ballet technique with emphasis on understanding correct body placement, proper use of turn out, coordination of the upper body, and use of the arms. Class begins with work at the barre to build strength and coordination, followed by center exercises, culminating a grand allegro combination or variation. Clear explanations of exercise and theory help students use the ballet vocabulary in a simple, practical way that leads to increased technical understanding, healthy physical development, and lifelong enjoyment. Students 11 and older with strong ballet technique, sufficient core and ankle strength and a teacher’s recommendation go on to study ‘en pointe’.

Dress Code:
All Girls - pink or flesh toned tights and pink or flesh toned shoes

LEOTARD COLOR:

3/4 BALLET/TAP OR PRE-BALLET - PINK
5/6 BALLET - LIGHT BLUE
7/8 BALLET - LAVENDER
PRE-COMPANY - BURGUNDY
JUNIOR CO. - NAVY
STUDIO CO.- BLACK
SENIOR CO. - ANY COLOR

An introductory class in the creative techniques of dance improvisation. The elements of dance composition are identified and explored. Dancers discover, explore and expand their own movements and ways to apply them to their choreography.

Dress Code: Any colored leotard and black tights or leggings

This class that help to improve posture, flexibility, motor coordination, strength and Yoga work on body restoration, breathing, and strengthening techniques. As an integral part of body awareness, these disciplines help to balance and strengthen movement in everyday life for the dancer and non-dancer alike.

Dress Code: Fitness Wear

Dancers will explore the physicality, principles, and aesthetics of contemporary dance, with influences from Limón, Graham, and Cunningham techniques, as well as movement improvisation and choreography. The course will improve the student’s movement potential, body awareness, and musicality. Emphasis is placed on increasing strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, speed, phrasing, and proper alignment.

Dress Code: Any colored leotard and black tights or leggings. No shoes.

A fun and non-competitive class in Traditional Irish Step Dancing. An athletic and fast paced dance form that will help dancers with rhythm, strength and stamina.

Dress Code: Any fitness or dance clothes you can move in. Black Irish Dancing Soft Shoes/Ghillies

In this style of dance, dancers will learn isolations, across the floor and combinations. Jazz classes explore traditional and contemporary styles in a fun, energetic atmosphere. Classes begin with a warm-up focusing on technique, flexibility, coordination and strength, followed by progressions across the floor, center work and combinations.

Dress Code: Any colored leotard and black tights or leggings with black jazz shoes.

Borrows a lot of movement from other dance styles. From ballet-modern-hip hop- to lyrical, jazz funk incorporates little bits and pieces of other dance genres and wraps into a funky style that is both fun and expressive!

Dress Code: Form fitting clothes you can move in. Jazz Shoes or Jazz Sneakers

A program for young aspiring musical theater performers looking to be cast in roles from adapted musicals. Bring the character to life through staging, choreography, and vocal arrangements with an emphasis on character development. A must for those looking to build their musical theater skills.

Dress Code: Any colored leotard and black tights or leggings with black jazz shoes.

Pilates is a system of controlled exercises that engage the mind and condition the total body. The blend of strength and flexibility training improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body moves as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity.

Dress Code: Fitness Clothes no shoes, please bring your own mat.

Pointe class is the part of classical ballet technique that concerns pointe work, in which a ballet dancer supports all body weight on the tips of fully extended feet. Pointe work is performed while wearing pointe shoes. A dancer should never work in pointe shoes until their teacher has told them they are ready to do so; pre-pointe class is taken in ballet slippers until the dancer has developed the strength and muscles necessary to go en pointe. Dancers must take 3 ballet technique classes in order to dance on pointe.

Dress Code: Ballet dress code with ballet skirt and pointe shoes with elastics and ribbons properly sewn.

Pre pointe conditioning - Students must first be approved by the instructor for admittance to this class. Eligible pre-pointe students must take at least two regular technique classes per week to participate. Pointe shoes are required for those students cleared to begin pointe work. Beginning exercises en pointe will remain at the barre until the student has the proper strength to begin pointe work in the center. Pre-pointe students will take pointe classes on flat until they develop the strength to begin pointe work.

Dress Code: Same as ballet

Playing games, singing songs, and using props are fun and energizing ways for young children to learn movement basics. The introduction of basic ballet vocabulary provides structure, improves coordination, and challenges the memory. Small classes and one on one attention allow even the youngest dancers to feel comfortable in the classroom environment.

Dress Code: Pink leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slippers.

Classes will focus on rhythm, musicality and timing. All classes begin with an energetic warm-up, across the floor exercises and combinations.

Dress Code: Form fitting clothes you can move in.
3-6 y/o - Black Mary Jane Tap Shoes

7-14 - Oxford Lace-up Tap Shoes

15& Up - Character Heel Taps

Blue Dove in Middletown, NY will have everything you need for dance wear. Tell them you dance at WCPA and receive a 10% discount!