YOUTH CLASSES

Register here! 

Or contact ODC Youth & Teen Program staff at registration@odc.dance to begin your child's registration. You can also text the Youth & Teen Program or request a callback: 707-653-5541

As children enter the Youth Class curriculum, they begin to delve into dance technique while continuing to explore their creative voice and self-expression. Spanning the duration of an academic school year, classes are designed to progressively build a foundation of skill over time, and introduce students to the discipline and rewards of dance training. 

Youth Class Schedule 
Youth Classes require academic year-long enrollment (30 Weeks)

Fall enrollment is open now!
Fall: September 9-December 15, 2023 (No classes 11/20-26, 2023, Fall Break) 

Spring: January 8-May 5, 2024 

 Enrollment continues for available classes after the start of each session.

• Pre-Ballet (Ages 7-8)

  Introducing students to ballet concepts and vocabulary, this class develops confidence, coordination, and movement creativity. Students explore musicality and body awareness, where an appreciation for this dance form is fostered. 

  *In the Spring Session, these classes culminate in the May Showcase, May 4-5, 2024, or in a Parent Observation Day at the end of the Session.
   

• Youth Intro to Technique (Ballet/Contemporary)

  Designed for students new to dance, this class offers a foundational understanding of ballet and/or contemporary technique. Students learn the fundamentals of the dance form, while also delving into sequencing, terminology, and dance etiquette. 

• Youth Contemporary I-III (Ages 8-12)

  The contemporary curriculum addresses full use of the body, expansive use of space, articulation, momentum, gravity, and gesture across all levels. Students explore new pathways of movement with an emphasis on improvisation, composition, and creative expression. 

• Ballet I-III (Ages 8-13)

  The ballet curriculum prioritizes a healthy, body-positive approach to ballet study with emphasis on alignment, strength, and the cultivation of solid technique. Pre-pointe technique begins in Ballet III. Students enrolled in Ballet II and III are automatically enrolled in Dance Around the World.

• Dance Around the World (Ballet II/III)

  This class offers exposure to dance forms from around the world, which have previously included Afro-Brazilian, Kathak, Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, Chinese dance, Bollywood, Afro-Peruvian, and more. Material learned in these classes will be used to create choreography while also providing students with an understanding of the origins and cultural context of each dance form. This class is incorporated into the curriculum for all students enrolled in Ballet II and III. 

  *This class culminates in the May Showcase, May 4-5, 2024
   

• Tap (Ages 7 and up)

  Youth Tap I and II (Ages 7 & up)*

  This percussive dance form emphasizes musicality through keen listening and the embodiment of rhythm. Students explore coordination, precision of movement, weight shift, balance, and choreography, while also enjoying the physicality and exuberance embodied in this dance form. 

  *This class culminates in the May Showcase, May 4-5, 2024
   

• Youth Hip Hop I-II (Age 8-12)

  The hip hop curriculum encompasses various techniques and street styles, including poplocking, breaking, and freestyling in the cypher. Movement phrases learned in class are used to create choreography in a noncompetitive environment where students develop movement quality, musicality, and expressive personal style. 

  *This class culminates in the May Showcase, May 4-5, 2024
   

• Youth Boys’ Class (Ages 7-9)

  This class offers an engaging introduction to various dance forms, including contemporary, hip hop, and creative movement, with an emphasis on physicality and dynamic movement. Themes include coordination, spatial awareness, athleticism, ensemble work, and improvisation. 

  *This class culminates in the May Showcase, May 4-5, 2024
   

• Step Onstage Group A (Ages 8-9) & Group B (Ages 10-12)

  Class will focus on creating movement and making dance pieces to be performed in May in a dedicated concert.  Students will participate in generating ideas for making movement,  and will solve movement tasks related to specific themes.  Teachers will mentor each individual student and guide the classes in creating overall structure and form in a supportive ensemble context.  A FUN class that values curiosity, imagination and exploration. This class is essential to ODC’s Youth & Teen Contemporary Class curricula. 

  Tuition for Step Onstage A & B is included in the price of Youth Contemporary I, II, and III classes.