Dance
Music and freedom of expression through dance can create a solid foundation in many other facets of life. Dance helps build stamina, flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. Dance improves cognitive skills, while building confidence and self-esteem, as students express themselves through creative movement.
Aspen Dance offers a variety of dance classes for various age levels. Through an exceptional and progressive dance curriculum, dancers explore various forms of dance while gaining proper technique and skills.
Our recital dance program begins in early September and culminates with the annual dance recital in early May. Non-recital dance classes allow dancers to dabble in a variety of dance mediums without the long-term commitment. Non-recital dance classes culminate with parent observation during the final class.
Classes are held at the Sullivan Community Center – 635 N. Aspen Drive. For more information regarding dance, please contact Julie Freels.
Early Childhood Dance
Bitty Ballet/Tap
An introduction to ballet and tap through creative movement and basic dance. Coordination, motor skills, rhythm, and confidence are developed at this level. Very basic ballet and tap movement will be taught.
| 2-3 years | |
| Option 1 | Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and black tap shoes. |
| Option 2 | Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants, black ballet shoes, and black tap shoes. |
Dance Medley
Learn the basics of ballet, tap, pre-hip hop, and tumbling.
| 3-5 years | |
| Option 1 | Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and black tap shoes. |
| Option 2 | Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants, black ballet shoes, and black tap shoes. |
Pre-Ballet (Not offered Summer 2024)
An introduction to ballet with an emphasis on rhythm, movement, and creative dance. Basic ballet positions of the feet and arms will be taught, as well as basic ballet steps.
| 3-4 years | |
| Option 1 | Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes. |
| Option 2 | Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black ballet shoes. |
Pre-Hip Hop
An introduction to movement in a fun, high-energy setting. Dancers learn hip hop, as well as jazz with a little funk, set to age-appropriate music. Lessons develop agility, endurance, rhythm, creativity and spunk!
| 4-6 Years | |
| Recommended Attire | Comfortable clothing (leggings or athletic pants) and hip hop sneakers. |
Ballet/Tap Combination
Children are introduced to basic ballet and tap movements while giving them a passion for dancing. Coordination, rhythm, and flexibility are developed at this stage of dancing.
| 3-5 Years | |
| Option 1 | Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and black tap shoes. |
| Option 2 | Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants, black ballet shoes and black tap shoes. |
Youth Dance
Ballet/Tap Combination
Children are introduced to basic ballet and tap movements while giving them a passion for dancing. Dancers learn ballet positions, combinations, and progressions. Tapping becomes more precise as dancers explore quicker combinations.
| 6-7 Years | |
| Option 1 | Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and black tap shoes. |
| Option 2 | Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants, black ballet shoes and black tap shoes. |
Beginner Ballet (Not offered Summer 2024)
Dancers focus on creative movement, rhythm, and introductory ballet positions/steps. Ballet etiquette and terminology are introduced.
| 4-6 years | |
| Option 1 | Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes. |
| Option 2 | Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black ballet shoes. |
Ballet
Ballet technique is emphasized with repetition of exercises at the ballet barre, center work, and across the floor progressions. Correct posture, strength, flexibility, grace and rhythm are emphasized. The technique and level of difficulty will increase with each level of ballet.
| 8-10 Years | |
| Option 1 | Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes. |
| Option 2 | Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black ballet shoes. |
Tap
Tap dance involves manipulating your feet to create sounds and rhythms. Tap technique is emphasized. As the level of the dancer advances, combinations and speed of movement increase.
| 8-10 Years | |
| Option 1 | Black leotard, black tap shorts or capris, black tap shoes. |
| Option 2 | Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black tap shoes. |
Hip Hop
Coordination, quick thinking, and rhythm are developed during this high energy class. Students learn the fundamentals and intermediate skills of Hip Hop including basic choreography and break dance movements. Dancers also have the freedom to develop their own styles through freestyle movement.
| 7-10 Years | |
| Recommended Attire | Comfortable clothing (leggings or athletic pants) and hip hop sneakers. |
Acrobatic Dance
Acrobatic Dance combines gymnastics and classical dance techniques. Students learn the basics of acrobatics, beginning tumbling skills and creative movement positions while building strength, balance, flexibility, coordination and self-confidence. Skills advance following a progressive curriculum.
| 5-8 years, 9-12 Years | |
| Recommended Attire | Leotard or fitted shirt, leggings or shorts, and bare feet. |
Poms (Not offered Summer 2024)
Dance using pom poms and incorporate fast rhythms, precise arm movements, jumps, kicks, and turns. Dance styles such as jazz, hip hop, and lyrical are used in precise choreography.
| 7-10 years | |
| Recommended Attire | Comfortable clothing (leggings or athletic pants) and hip hop sneakers. |
Jazz (Not offered Summer 2024)
Do you want to learn how to dance like the stars in music videos and on the Broadway stage? This class focuses on expressive, lively, syncopated dance moves set to popular music. Jazz draws inspiration from all dance styles, including ballet and tap.
| 9-11 years | |
| Recommended Attire Option 1 | Black leotard, black tights or jazz pants, and black jazz shoes. |
| Recommended Attire Option 2 | Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants, and black jazz shoes. |
Lyrical
Elements of ballet and jazz are combined to create flowing and expressive movement. With an emphasis on grace and fluidity, musicality and expressiveness, dancers are encouraged to tell a story through movement.
| 11-15 Years | |
| Recommended Attire |
Adult Dance
Adult Ballet – Non-Recital
Learn the basics of ballet. New and experienced dancers are welcome.
| 16+ years | |
| Recommended Attire | Comfortable dance clothes and ballet shoes. |
Adult Tap – Non-Recital
Learn the basics of tap. New and experienced dancers are welcome.
| 16+ years | |
| Recommended Attire | Comfortable dance clothes and tap shoes. |