Class Information
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Acro-Tumbling
Our Acro-Tumbling Program is a wonderful introduction to the art of acrobatics. Our Acro-Tumbling classes begin with a series of stretching and strengthening techniques and then moves on to have the children travel down the mats one at a time to practice their skills.
Beginner acrobats learn basic tumble exercises and skills that enhance coordination. Young children are taught the basic tumbles; cartwheels, straddle rolls, back bends, handstands, etc. As the session continues on, the children are taught front and back walkovers, aerials, back handsprings, back tucks, etc. Acro-Tumbling is a great experience to open the children's mind to a world of acrobatics and fun! These skills are important for those interested in cheerleading and dance teams at all grade levels.
Ballet
Ballet is the foundation of all dance. At FDO, ballet technique is incorporated into all classes, but specifically focused on in this genre class. Ballet encourages grace and posture, physical coordination, discipline, mental strength and focus. it has also been most recently noted to promote calming and mindfulness. Ballet dancers also learn to creatively express themselves within the structure of the dance.
Students learn ballet terminology and the pronunciation, meaning, and precise body form and movement associated with each term. Emphasis is placed on developing flexibility and strengthening the legs, feet, and body core.
Pointe
Pointe technique is the part of classical ballet technique in which a ballet dancer supports all body weight on the tips of fully extended feet within pointe shoes. Pointe work is age 10+ for full program ballet students only, and upon approval.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance is a style of dance which emerged in the 20th century as an outgrowth of modern dance and other 20th century dance techniques. Defining this style of dance can be difficult, as contemporary dance is an extremely fluid and very nebulous style of dance. Unlike traditions such as ballet, contemporary dance is not associated with specific dance techniques, but rather with a dance philosophy. In contemporary dance, people attempt to explore the natural energy and emotions of their bodies to produce dances which are often very personal.
In contemporary dance classes, students learn to use their bodies in a variety of ways, and they focus on breathing, posture, and emotional state to establish a mind-body connection. Students may learn choreographed works, or they may be encouraged to improvise dance pieces. A contemporary dance composition may take the from of a personal narrative, an allegory, a commentary on society, or an integration of cultures, and it can feature a wide variety of dance techniques, reflecting the melting pot nature of contemporary dance.
Jazz
This style of dance has a wide range from lyrical, contemporary, funk to musical theater. It is a versatile, contemporary and exciting dance form which taps onto your most energetic moods. The warm-up will include stretching, strengthening and conditioning of your body. It also introduces specific jazz movements, isolations, turn techniques, and floor work that will later be incorporated into dance combinations. The students perform movements across the floor that stress the technical approach to dance steps. Sessions will include the learning and performing of a dance combination -- a combination of movements using all the elements of dance and testing the dancer’s technique, coordination and pick up level. Because jazz technique requires a sound knowledge of ballet terminology and technique, we recommend that jazz classes be taken in conjunction with a ballet class.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop dance is a vibrant form of dance that combines a variety of freestyle movements to create a cultural piece of dance art. The three main styes were originally popping, locking and breaking, but now the hip hop has evolved into many substyles, and is very popular on the commercial dance scene. It is a high energy dance class that has deep historical and social roots.
Hip & FLIP
Hip & Flip is a combination class of Hip Hop & Tumbling.. Work on your basic hip hop moves, warm up and then travel across the floor & dance to current age appropriate hip hop music! Then hit the mats with your tumbling skills, as the class progresses with rolls, cartwheels, arials and flips. This class is an FDO favorite among our most energetic dancers!
Lyrical
Lyrical dance is a style of dance that merges jazz with ballet movement, and focuses on the musical interpretation of song. This class begins with a warmup and stretches and progresses to barre work and/or across the floor pattern work. Because lyrical dancing focuses on the expression of strong emotion, the style concentrates more on individual approach and expressiveness than the precision of the dancer's movements. The emergent lyrical style has a relatively recent history and a genesis based on the coming together of ballet with rock/folk/pop/alternative music and a variety of jazz dance styles and modern dance.
Tap
Tap is an excellent way to increase coordination of the mind and body and to develop a sense of rhythm, timing, and expression. It explores the use of smaller muscles of the feet and body, along with the larger ones. Significance is placed on the articulation of tap sounds while working to perform them close to the floor with style and presentation. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental rhythms, body alignment, vocabulary, level, accenting, shading and weight changes of tap dancing. Simple steps follow a warm-up involving flexibility and strengthening exercises. Steps are ultimately choreographed into short combinations. As the student advances, the steps and combinations become more intricate and challenging.
Leap & Turn
A dance class that does what it says, and works on stretching, leaping and turning. Dancers learn the proper, safe way to stretch out their bodies, head to toe. Class begins working on and perfecting basic and classical leaps and turns, and then moves on to more advanced and competitive versions.
Strength and Conditioning
An energetic and focused exercise regimen that is typically performed with and without specialized apparatus, such as yoga blocks, stretch bands and pilates mats. This class aims to improve stamina, strength, and flexibilty while working with proper methods and body placement.
