Creative Movement for Preschoolers
Preschoolers in this class will be introduced to the basics of dance in a fun, playful, and supportive environment. Class will begin with simple dance exercises and progress to locomotive moves through space. Each class will include structured improvisation exploring dance elements such as level, direction, shapes, and much more. Props are often included to add to the fun.
Creative Movement for Kindergartners
Building on the curriculum taught in the preschool class, kindergartners take their dancing to the next level. Continuing to explore space and movement potential, more structure is added to their dances, and simple composition is introduced. Children are also encouraged to watch each other's dances, show support, and respond.
Creative Movement/Intro to Dance Technique - 1st & 2nd Grades
For 1st and 2nd grade students, this class will begin with a warm-up incorporating exercises from modern dance and ballet, followed by dynamic and challenging dance phrases in center and across the floor. Children will learn use of the spine, turn-out vs. parallel legs, use of the feet, and basic floor work, as well as rhythm and counts. The technique part of the class will be followed by creative dance projects which will allow the children to express themselves, and to incorporate their technique into their own dances.
Tap I - 6 yrs & older
This class is for students with 0-2 years’ training. It will provide students with a strong foundation of the basic primary tap steps: concentrating on correct form for clearest sounds and timing, and the combining of exercise steps into small combinations with music.
Tap II - 8 yrs & older
This class is designed for students in 3rd grade & older who have had 2+ years of tap training. It will take the basics to the next level in speed and intricacy, adding in tricks, turns, and more complex rhythms, as well as counter-rhythms with groups — with and without music.
Tap III - 10 yrs & older
For middle school grades and students who with at least three years of tap training, this class moves to the next level in tricks and turns, honing the execution of form/timing/sound with more complexity, working into longer combinations of varied tap stylings.
Modern I - 3rd to 5th Grades
Students in Modern I will work specifically on traveling through space, weighted movements, musicality, improvisation and floorwork. There will be opportunities for students to create their own movement and games to build partnering skills.
Modern II – Middle School
Students entering 6th grade (or 5th grade with instructor’s permission) may join Modern II. Students in this class should be familiar with basic modern and ballet vocabulary, comfortable creating movement and be able to pick up movement sequences. We will work on moving in and out of the floor, spinal articulation, improvisation and continue developing partnering skills.
Modern III - Middle and High School students with prior experience
Instructor approval is required for Modern III. Students must be able to pick up movement quickly and have good dance etiquette. We will learn longer sequences of movement, inversions, improvisation techniques, partnering and dance composition skills.
Theater I - 8 yrs & older
This class will introduce the young actor to various techniques that are necessary for stage acting. Topics include: body movement on stage, using a suitable stage voice, character appropriate vocal intonation, exploration of what makes performances interesting and engaging for actor and audience, stage directions, pantomime, the difference between an actor’s personality and a character’s personality, imagination, fantasy, story-telling, concentration, and more. Learning will take place through theater games, individual and group performances, a range of interactive activities, and class discussion. A personalized approach to teaching will support students who are new and those who are returning to this class for a second year. This class is suitable for children in 3rd-5th grades who are beginners and returning 4th grade students.
Theater II - 10 yrs & older
This class will introduce actors who have some theatrical experience to the concepts of script and character study. Students will explore how the script informs character development and how each character relates to the others. The interaction between personal creativity, imagination, and “listening and responding” to other actors in the context of a script will be a major focus. Staged readings, scene work, short memorization activities, mini-monologues, character movement, improvisation, and concentration will be incorporated into this performance-oriented class. This class will culminate in a workshop performance in December and the annual BDW show in May. It is suitable for students in 5th-6th grades.
Theater III - 11 yrs & older
This challenging class will build upon the concepts studied in Theater II but with greater emphasis on more in-depth character study and the actor’s personal process for developing a character. It will incorporate basic Method Acting techniques (use of the actor’s real-life experiences to support acting that is genuine and believable), delving into the historical and societal elements that make a script and character real, contrast of superficial characters and scripts with those that truly reflect the human spirit, and professional audition techniques. Students will be required to learn, memorize, and perform a 2-3-minute monologue for the December showcase and their experience will culminate in the annual BDW show in May. This class is suitable for kids in 7th-8th grades with 1-2 years of previous acting experience.
Voice - Adults & Teens - not currently offered
Class works through warm-ups and technique as well as singing contemporary pop, Broadway, folk and jazz standards. This class will add many songs to the singers' repertoire for auditioning or performance fun.
Hip Hop and Modern Urban - not currently offered
Using the bases of contemporary dance and technique, students will learn hip hop body rhythms and combinations. Classes consist of warm up techniques to strengthen muscle alignment, across the floor center combinations. Movement combinations are learned quickly and based on previous weeks’ learning. Students must commit to attending all classes.
Ballet I - not currently offered
For 2nd -4th grades (2nd grade students enrolled in Monday’s Intro to Modern class may take this class). This class aims to instill the joy of dance with the grace and discipline of Ballet. We will learn about the stories of the ballet and some of the dances as well. This class is an introduction to ballet. Class requirement: leotard (any color), footed tights (pink), pink leather full sole ballet slippers (fitted with room for growth). Skirts are permitted if they are attached to the leotard (for example a dance dress). Hair must be out of face and if long enough, in a ponytail.
Ballet II - not currently offered
For students who have taken ballet before, grades 5th-8th. This class is a continuation of Ballet I, but with more work on the ballet vocabulary and time at the barre and center. Towards the end of the year, we will do a full, traditional ballet class. Class requirements: leotard (black or pink), footed tights (pink), pink leather full sole ballet slippers (fitted with room for growth). Hair must be out of face and if long enough, in a ponytail.
Teen / Adult Ballet - not currently offered
For teens age 14 to adult. This is a basic ballet class for anyone who may have wanted to take a ballet class but never had a chance. We will start from the very beginning and progress through the year. This class combines the precision of the Russian classical ballet through the Vaganova syllabus with the awareness of body alignment and organization. Class requirement: no loose-fitting clothing. Leotards, leggings, tank tops, tights, are fine, whatever is comfortable. Ballet slippers; any color. You can find what you need at San Francisco Dancewear 659 Mission St. SF (415) 882-7087.
Preschoolers in this class will be introduced to the basics of dance in a fun, playful, and supportive environment. Class will begin with simple dance exercises and progress to locomotive moves through space. Each class will include structured improvisation exploring dance elements such as level, direction, shapes, and much more. Props are often included to add to the fun.
Creative Movement for Kindergartners
Building on the curriculum taught in the preschool class, kindergartners take their dancing to the next level. Continuing to explore space and movement potential, more structure is added to their dances, and simple composition is introduced. Children are also encouraged to watch each other's dances, show support, and respond.
Creative Movement/Intro to Dance Technique - 1st & 2nd Grades
For 1st and 2nd grade students, this class will begin with a warm-up incorporating exercises from modern dance and ballet, followed by dynamic and challenging dance phrases in center and across the floor. Children will learn use of the spine, turn-out vs. parallel legs, use of the feet, and basic floor work, as well as rhythm and counts. The technique part of the class will be followed by creative dance projects which will allow the children to express themselves, and to incorporate their technique into their own dances.
Tap I - 6 yrs & older
This class is for students with 0-2 years’ training. It will provide students with a strong foundation of the basic primary tap steps: concentrating on correct form for clearest sounds and timing, and the combining of exercise steps into small combinations with music.
Tap II - 8 yrs & older
This class is designed for students in 3rd grade & older who have had 2+ years of tap training. It will take the basics to the next level in speed and intricacy, adding in tricks, turns, and more complex rhythms, as well as counter-rhythms with groups — with and without music.
Tap III - 10 yrs & older
For middle school grades and students who with at least three years of tap training, this class moves to the next level in tricks and turns, honing the execution of form/timing/sound with more complexity, working into longer combinations of varied tap stylings.
Modern I - 3rd to 5th Grades
Students in Modern I will work specifically on traveling through space, weighted movements, musicality, improvisation and floorwork. There will be opportunities for students to create their own movement and games to build partnering skills.
Modern II – Middle School
Students entering 6th grade (or 5th grade with instructor’s permission) may join Modern II. Students in this class should be familiar with basic modern and ballet vocabulary, comfortable creating movement and be able to pick up movement sequences. We will work on moving in and out of the floor, spinal articulation, improvisation and continue developing partnering skills.
Modern III - Middle and High School students with prior experience
Instructor approval is required for Modern III. Students must be able to pick up movement quickly and have good dance etiquette. We will learn longer sequences of movement, inversions, improvisation techniques, partnering and dance composition skills.
Theater I - 8 yrs & older
This class will introduce the young actor to various techniques that are necessary for stage acting. Topics include: body movement on stage, using a suitable stage voice, character appropriate vocal intonation, exploration of what makes performances interesting and engaging for actor and audience, stage directions, pantomime, the difference between an actor’s personality and a character’s personality, imagination, fantasy, story-telling, concentration, and more. Learning will take place through theater games, individual and group performances, a range of interactive activities, and class discussion. A personalized approach to teaching will support students who are new and those who are returning to this class for a second year. This class is suitable for children in 3rd-5th grades who are beginners and returning 4th grade students.
Theater II - 10 yrs & older
This class will introduce actors who have some theatrical experience to the concepts of script and character study. Students will explore how the script informs character development and how each character relates to the others. The interaction between personal creativity, imagination, and “listening and responding” to other actors in the context of a script will be a major focus. Staged readings, scene work, short memorization activities, mini-monologues, character movement, improvisation, and concentration will be incorporated into this performance-oriented class. This class will culminate in a workshop performance in December and the annual BDW show in May. It is suitable for students in 5th-6th grades.
Theater III - 11 yrs & older
This challenging class will build upon the concepts studied in Theater II but with greater emphasis on more in-depth character study and the actor’s personal process for developing a character. It will incorporate basic Method Acting techniques (use of the actor’s real-life experiences to support acting that is genuine and believable), delving into the historical and societal elements that make a script and character real, contrast of superficial characters and scripts with those that truly reflect the human spirit, and professional audition techniques. Students will be required to learn, memorize, and perform a 2-3-minute monologue for the December showcase and their experience will culminate in the annual BDW show in May. This class is suitable for kids in 7th-8th grades with 1-2 years of previous acting experience.
Voice - Adults & Teens - not currently offered
Class works through warm-ups and technique as well as singing contemporary pop, Broadway, folk and jazz standards. This class will add many songs to the singers' repertoire for auditioning or performance fun.
Hip Hop and Modern Urban - not currently offered
Using the bases of contemporary dance and technique, students will learn hip hop body rhythms and combinations. Classes consist of warm up techniques to strengthen muscle alignment, across the floor center combinations. Movement combinations are learned quickly and based on previous weeks’ learning. Students must commit to attending all classes.
Ballet I - not currently offered
For 2nd -4th grades (2nd grade students enrolled in Monday’s Intro to Modern class may take this class). This class aims to instill the joy of dance with the grace and discipline of Ballet. We will learn about the stories of the ballet and some of the dances as well. This class is an introduction to ballet. Class requirement: leotard (any color), footed tights (pink), pink leather full sole ballet slippers (fitted with room for growth). Skirts are permitted if they are attached to the leotard (for example a dance dress). Hair must be out of face and if long enough, in a ponytail.
Ballet II - not currently offered
For students who have taken ballet before, grades 5th-8th. This class is a continuation of Ballet I, but with more work on the ballet vocabulary and time at the barre and center. Towards the end of the year, we will do a full, traditional ballet class. Class requirements: leotard (black or pink), footed tights (pink), pink leather full sole ballet slippers (fitted with room for growth). Hair must be out of face and if long enough, in a ponytail.
Teen / Adult Ballet - not currently offered
For teens age 14 to adult. This is a basic ballet class for anyone who may have wanted to take a ballet class but never had a chance. We will start from the very beginning and progress through the year. This class combines the precision of the Russian classical ballet through the Vaganova syllabus with the awareness of body alignment and organization. Class requirement: no loose-fitting clothing. Leotards, leggings, tank tops, tights, are fine, whatever is comfortable. Ballet slippers; any color. You can find what you need at San Francisco Dancewear 659 Mission St. SF (415) 882-7087.