YOUTH DANCE CLASSES

Pre-Ballet introduces 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 participate in the May Showcase, May 16-17, 2026, or in a Guardian Observation Day at the end of the Session.

Designed for students new to dance, these classes offer a foundational understanding of Ballet and/or Contemporary technique. Students learn the fundamentals of the dance form, while delving into sequencing, terminology, and dance etiquette.

• Spring 2026 Youth Contemporary I (Ages 8-9) - NEW CLASS!

This class accesses full use of the body, expansive use of space, articulation, momentum, gravity, alignment, and builds familiarity with the Contemporary genre. Each student is encouraged to move with joy and expression. Regardless of age or level, contemporary classes are challenging, dynamic, and inspiring.

• Spring 2026 Youth Beginning Contemporary (Ages 10-12) - NEW CLASS

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

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.

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. Classes participate in a dedicated ballet showcase performance in May.

DAW offers exposure to dance forms from around the world, which have previously included Afro-Brazilian, Kathak, Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, Chinese Dance, Bollywood, Afro-Peruvian, West African Guinean, and more. Material learned in these classes will be used to create choreography while 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 participates in the December Showcase, December 7, 2025; and May Showcase, May 2-3, 2026

• Youth Tap I and II (Ages 7 & up)*

Tap is a percussive dance form. It 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 style.

* In the Spring Session, these classes participate in the May Showcase, May 16-17, 2026, or in a Guardian Observation Day at the end of the Session.

The Hip Hop curriculum encompasses various techniques and street styles, including pop-locking, 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 participates in the May Showcase, May 2-3, 2026, or in a Guardian Observation Day at the end of the session.

• Spring 2026 Youth Hip Hop I (Ages 8-11) - NEW CLASS

This class encompasses various techniques and street styles, including pop-locking, 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 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.

* In the Spring Session, these classes participate in the May Showcase, May 16-17, 2026, or in a Guardian Observation Day at the end of the Session.

Class will focus on learning a full length piece to be performed in May in a concert alongside other performing groups, which is worked on throughout the yearlong class. Students learn choreography from the directors, as well as offer their own creative contributions. Teachers will mentor each individual student and guide the class that values curiosity, imagination and exploration. This class is essential to ODC’s Youth & Teen Contemporary Class curricula. Tuition for Step Onstage is included in these class prices.