CLASSES

At Premier, we value all forms of dance. Classes start for 3 year olds with Creative Dance. Exploring movement, learning classroom structure, and making new friends. Dancers that are ages 4-6, experience both Ballet and Tap in our age-appropriate Combination classes. As dancers mature, we offer eight levels of Ballet, three levels of Pointe, eight levels of Jazz, four levels of Tap, and two levels of Hip Hop. We also offer Lyrical,  Modern, Adult Jazz and Tap, Musical Theater and Acrobat classes. Descriptions of our classes can be found below.

Classes at Premier begin in late August and follow a nine-month curriculum until the end of May. We have Nutcracker and Holiday performances in December. Classes continue in January, and dancers begin to learn choreography for our annual recital which is held in late May or early June.

Class Placement

For Fall Placement, each Ballet and Jazz dancer (who have completed level I or coming from another studio) will be graded on a scale by faculty members who assess each dancer individually. Their decision is based on what is best for the dancer based on their ability, age, and personal learning style. Dancers must be able to execute the skills required of their Level in order to be promoted to the next Level. All placement results are final and will be posted in your online portal. You will still need to register for classes during scheduled enrollment dates; we will NOT automatically enroll your dancer.

Class Descriptions

Creative Dance
(Age 3)
An 8 week session specifically designed for our youngest dancers. This 45-minute class introduces children to fine and gross motor movement, creative movement, socialization, music, rhythm patterns, and the use of props; all in a structured and caring environment. Once dancers are 4 yrs old and have completed Creative Dance they can enroll in Combo I.

Combo I
(Ages 4 - 5)
A 1-hour class that introduces Ballet and Tap skills, as well as activity on the tumbling mat. Dancers learn how to follow classroom structure, use creative expression, learn rhythm patterns, build coordination, gain confidence in themselves, and make new friends. Combo classes are all based upon age unless given approval from the Director. Once dancers have completed Combo I they can enroll in Combo II.

Combo II
(Ages 5 - 6)
The next progression of the Combo class. Adding more difficulty in the basics of Ballet and Tap, while keeping dance fun and structured. This class prepares them to move to any Level I class. Combo classes are all based upon age unless given approval from the Director. Once dancers have completed Combo II they can enroll in Level I Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop. 

Ballet
(Ages 7 and up)
Classical Ballet technique is taught with an emphasis on body alignment and turnout. Proper terminology is taught following a developed syllabus. There are 8 levels of Ballet at Premier to accommodate all abilities for dancers ages 7+. Dancers are placed by abilty each summer for the following year at our Free Placement classes. If you are new to Premier please reach out to schedule a placement class. 

• Dancers in Levels I, II, and IIA take class 1 time per week
• Dancers in Levels III, IV, and IVA take class 2 times per week
• Dancers in Levels V & VI take class 3 times per week

Pointe
(by Director permission only)
Pointe work teaches dancers to dance in pointe shoes. Readiness for Pointe is determined by a strict set of criteria. Students in Ballet IVA will be evaluated for Pre-pointe readiness during the first week of fall classes. Students are notified by letter when they reach Level IVA or higher.

Jazz

(Ages 7 and up)
Traditional Jazz technique (Parallel, as opposed to turned out); emphasizing body placement, isolations, turns, jumps, and improvisation. Jazz dance is influenced by the rhythms and techniques of jazz and pop music. All Jazz classes attend once per week. Dancers are placed by abilty each summer for the following year at our Free Placement classes. If you are new to Premier please reach out to schedule a placement class. 

Lyrical
(Must be enrolled in Level IIA and up -  Ballet or Jazz)
Lyrical is a style of Jazz that incorporates Ballet and Modern elements in it. Movements are deeply expressive and fluid, and are often a reflection of the music and its lyrics. Dancers must be enrolled in either Ballet or Jazz class of the coinciding level in order to take Lyrical.

Modern
(Must be enrolled in Ballet or Jazz Levels IV, IVA, V and VI )
Modern dance developed as an opposition to Classical Ballet. This genre of dance incorporates elements such as: contract and release, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation. Dancers must be enrolled in either Ballet or Jazz class of the coinciding level in order to take Modern.

Tap

(Ages 7 and up)

Tap classes focus on rhythm, syncopations, patterns, and the musicality of tap technique. All new Tap students may enroll in Beginning Tap. Tap students are moved up upon teacher recommendation and will be posted with placement results.

Hip Hop
(Ages 7 and up)
High-energy class for boys and girls which teaches funky, street-style dance while learning the structure of dance class and individual expression. Music is age appropriate. We currently offer 2 Levels for ages 7-9, and 10 and up. Hip Hop classes are based upon age unless given approval from the Director.

Adult Classes
(Ages 18 and up)
Premier currently offers Jazz & Tap classes for adults. To register for Adult Tap you must have some experience. Adult classes are based upon age unless given approval from the Director.

Acrobat
(Ages 7 and up)
Acrobat is all the exciting tumbling of gymastics without the equipment. Students build strength and flexibility in order to accomplish skills such as cartwheels and back bends. We offer two levels of Acrobat to further build upon skills such as back handsprings, aerial cartwheels, and walkovers. 

Musical Theater
(Ages 7 and up)
Introduction to Musical Theater is a class which incorporates acting, singing and dancing all into one! Dancers will explore different age appropriate musicals while expanding their confidence and letting their personality shine.