(517) 784-2389

Dance Classes

We Believe

We believe that dance lessons are life lessons. From an early age, our students are able to grasp the value of being a responsible and respectful member of society, someone who is accountable, is able to get along with others, has a disciplined work ethic, a refined etiquette, a graceful attitude and a confident demeanor.

Many of the values young students learn as part of our thoughtfully crafted arts program are character traits needed for a successful and satisfying life. As educators, we believe these lessons are just as important as the arts education we provide, and we develop our programs with this in mind.

About Our Program

We offer classes for ages 2 ½ to adult.
Our talented instructors love working with all ages and abilities. They inspire passion, self confidence, a willingness to learn, and most importantly FUN.
We produce an amazing annual recital in which every student shines on stage. The 2019 recital is June 8 and 9 and dress rehearsals are earlier in the week.
Our dance studios are equipped to provide a great experience, and we have comfortable waiting areas for your family.
Fees for most classes are based on a sliding income scale for students 17 and under. See registration and fees page.
We also provide recital costumes for a $15 rental fee and the Best Little Dance Store is onsite to make it convenient for you.
We select music that is age appropriate. Please note that while our music selection is secular, we do use holidays as a way to celebrate our culture and world cultures in our dance studios.

Spring Classes | Summer Classes | Affordability & Scholarships

Class Registration Timelines for 2019

Registration for Winter/Spring Dance is open for youth classes pending space in the class. Teen & Adults classes can have new additions join anytime.

Class Fees for our 2018-2019 Program

Fees for dance (classes from August to June) are based on a sliding fee income scale and are $24-$35 per month. We do this so that all students up to age 17 can participate in a high quality dance program. Before you register, you must determine your monthly fee on the registration and fees page. There is no registration fee. You may pay monthly. For your first month’s fee also include the $15 costume usage fee. (We rent costumes so you don’t have to buy one.)

Multi-class discount: If a student takes 3 or more classes, you may take 10% off the total.

If a student takes 5 or more classes, for the 5th class and after, you may use the lowest fee on the fee scale ($24) for those classes.

Students in multiple classes are still responsible to pay individual costume fees or supply fees.

Fee Info / Register

Parent Handbook

Spring 2019 Dance

Pre-Ballet

This class provides a basic ballet foundation for ages 2 1/2 -4. Students learn to move to simple rhythms, improve coordination and balance, and learn very basic ballet steps and terminology. Other activities include learning through games, skipping, hopping, walking on the balance beam with fun and familiar songs. Children must be able to take this class without a parent and be able to follow simple directions.

2018-19 Pre-Ballet Classes:

Pre-Ballet I ages 2 1/2 – 3

Mon 5:15-5:45 Izzy
Thurs 10:00-10:30 Angie
Sat 10:00-10:30 Natalee

Pre-Ballet II ages 3-4

Mon 4:15-5:00 Angie
Wed 5:00-5:45 Izzy
Sat 10:30-11:15 Natalee starts 8/25

Pre-Ballet II/III ages 3-5

Thurs ages 3-5 10:30-11:15 Angie
Mon ages 4-5 5:00-5:45 Angie
Wed ages 4-5 4:15-5:00 Izzy
Sat ages 4-5 10:00-10:45 Ashley starts 8/25

Dress Code: Girls – pink or black leotard/tights and pink ballet shoes. Hair neatly off the face.

Boys – black pants and black or white plain t-shirt and black ballet shoes

Ballet

Ballet classes introduce students to a more formal class structure, including barre work, alignment exercises, stretching, coordination exercises and simple locomotion. The posture, placement and comportment of classical ballet are emphasized. As students progress they continue training in the fundamentals of ballet technique and vocabulary.

Please note that we have made a few minor changes to our ballet schedule to ensure that we are serving our students with the appropriate classes and levels. We recommend that any ballet student ages 8 or over come to our August 9, 5:30 PM placement class. This class is free and it enables our ballet instructor to help you select the right class for your child. Please call us if you have any questions. 784-2389.

2018-19 Classes:

Ballet 1 day a week ages 5-6 Thurs 4:30-5:15 Angie

Ballet I 1 day a week ages 7-9 Mon 4:15-5:15 Heather
Ballet II 2 days a week ages 10-13 Mon 5:15-6:15 and Wed. 4:15-5:15 Heather

For ballet ages 12 and up please see information on the next tab about jr. and sr. ballet program.

Ballet II may include a pre-pointe component that focuses on the development of physical strength, proper body alignment and overall readiness necessary to safely dance “en pointe.”

If you are unsure which ballet class is appropriate for your dancer (age 8+), please attend a placement class on August 9 at 5:30 PM or give us a call at 784-2389.

Dress Code:

Girls ages 4-5 yrs solid pink or black leotards, pink or black tights and pink ballet shoes. Optional: pink or black ballet skirt. Girls ages 6-9 yrs solid pink or black leotards, pink or black tights and pink ballet shoes. Optional: pink or black ballet skirt* Girls ages 10 through adult (Ballet II and up) – solid black leotard, pink or black tights, pink ballet shoes. Optional: pink or black ballet skirt. Hair in a bun or pulled back neatly.

Boys – solid black (not baggy) shorts or black sweat pants, solid black t-shirt or Jackson School of the Arts apparel and black ballet shoes.

* Ballet skirts should be simple wrap or pull on style. No jewelry.

For adults: (see adult page for more classes and programs)

Ballet Adults @ The Barre 16+ Mon 6:00-7:00 Angie

Ballet Company (Jr. and Sr. ages 12+)

The Junior and Senior Ballet Company are for dancers ages 12+ who wish to work on technique and terminology. Students work on foot articulation, proper use of their ankle, stretch of their foot and arch strength. The class also includes cross training to improve core strength and flexibility as well as strong body awareness. Classes include full barre and center work (adagio and allegro) and progressions across the floor including leaps and turns. Classes also include a performance component building on choreographed combinations each week, working toward several community performances and the annual dance recital.

Read More About The Ballet Company

Dress Code:

Solid pink or black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes. No skirts or leg warmers.
Hair must be in a bun.

General Prerequisite:

For ages 12+
Placement class or students who miss placement class may be included with instructor approval determined during their first two weeks of class.

Instructor: Heather Mehl

Class Selections/Schedule:

Ballet Company – Junior / Monday / 6:30-7:30 / Heather
Ballet Company+Pre Pointe Junior / Wed 5:15-6:45 / Heather
Ballet Company – Senior / Mon 7:30-8:30 / Heather
Ballet Company – Senior / Wed 7:00-7:45 / Heather
Ballet Company Pointe Senior / Wed 7:45-8:30 / Heather

Ballet/Tap Combo & Ballet/Jazz Combo

This one-hour combination class provides students with opportunity to be exposed to two types of dance in one class. Depending on age, experience and ability, students progress from beginning to more advanced techniques. In the dance recital, students perform twice and perform one tap and one ballet routine.

2018-2019 Classes:

Ballet/Tap 5-6 Tues 4:15-5:15 Haley
Ballet/Tap 5-6 Wed 5:45-6:45 Haley
Ballet/Tap 5-6 Sat 11:30-12:30 Natalee starts 8/25
Ballet/Tap HS 4-9 Thurs 11:30-12:30 Angie
Ballet/Tap 7-9 Tues 5:15-6:15 Haley
Ballet/Tap 7-9 Thurs 5:15-6:15 Angie
Ballet/Tap 7-9 Sat. 12:00-1:00 Ashley starts 8/25

Ballet/Jazz 7-9 Tues 6:30-7:30 Haley

Dress Code:

Girls, all ages: pink or black leotard, pink or black tights; pink ballet shoes and black tap shoes. Pull on or wrap skirts are acceptable.* Hair in a bun or pulled back neatly.
Boys, all ages: – solid black shorts or solid black sweat pants, solid black t-shirt, black ballet shoes and black tap shoes . No jewelry.

Adult Ballet

We all need some time to recover from our daily routine. Claim some time for yourself by joining us for our Not Your Kids Ballet Class. This weekly excursion will not only get you familiar with ballet concepts in a comfortable environment, but will help you become a stronger and more relaxed version of yourself.

This dance studio for a class that incorporates barre work and the very best ballet exercises and techniques that create strong lean bodies.

No ballet experience is necessary.
Wear exercise clothes that make you feel comfortable.

Meets on Mondays 6-7 PM
Begins August 27th
$35 a month

Acro, Flexibility & Contortion and Circus Arts

2018-2019 Classes:

Acro Dance ages 5-6

Tues 4:15-5:15 Nadyia

Acro Dance ages 7-9

Thurs 4:15-5:15 Nadyia

This class combines hip hop dance with acrobatic elements. A defining characteristic of acro is the smooth, graceful transitions between dance and acrobatic movements. Acro teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, and above all discipline and concentration. Each student will progress at his/her own level.

The classes below begin the week of Sept. 3 and students will have a periodic break throughout the year.

Circus Acro & Hand Balancing 8+

Tues 5:30-6:30 Jay

This is an all levels class that will explore the fundamentals of solo acrobatics and balance. This class will work towards higher level handstands, acrobatic tumbling, as well as partner acrobatics. no prior experience is required, and a range of accessible options will be demonstrated so that all participants will be able to learn and progress with their practice of hand balance and acrobatics. This class does not perform in recital.Our instructors for Circus Arts are working professionals and there are weeks throughout the year that they cannot be at JSA. For Tuesday classes (hoop dancing and hand balance/acro) you will pay for 7 months of classes. There will not be classes on Dec. 11 or 18, Feb. 12 , 19, April 23.* Your last class will be May 28. *This is a very specialized class so we will not have a sub.

Hoop Dance 9+

Tues 6:30-7:30 Jay

This class will teach the art of prop manipulation through Hula hoop dance. No prior experience is required to start. We will be focusing on skill development from the basics of keeping the hoop moving around parts of the body like the waist and basic to advance illusion skills. With the skills learned we will start to explore the connections and combinations that can be developed to create dance routines with a hula hoop.

Note: Our instructors for Circus Arts are working professionals and there are weeks throughout the year that they cannot be at JSA. For hoop dancing you will pay for 7 months of classes.

There will not be classes on Dec. 11 or 18, Feb. 12 , 19, April 23. (This is a very specialized class so we will not have a sub.) Your last class will be May 28. This class is not in the recital. No costume fee.

Flexibility & Beginners Contortion 9+

Thurs 5:30-6:30 Matt

This all levels class aims to teach students the foundations of flexibility, balance, and strength required to perform contortion movements. Time will be spent actively working on stretching, as well as learning the basics of going upside down in handstands, forearm balances, and other inversions. Students will also be introduced to a wide variety of moves and postures that demand a high degree of mobility to accomplish. Even though flexibility, balance, and strength vary so greatly among students and age groups, this class will be accessible and fun for everyone. Variations of stretches and poses will be taught so that everyone can participate at their own level in a supportive and non-competitive atmosphere.

This class does not perform in the recital.For Thursday Flexibility & Contortion, Matt, the instructor will be out for 7 classes. We will bring in guest instructors who specialize in strengthening, stretching, pilates and or yoga to keep our students flexible during these short breaks.

Stretch & Conditioning 8 & up

Tuesday 6:30-7:30 Angie

This hour-long class focuses on building core strength and increasing endurance and flexibility through a variety of exercises. These exercises include, but are not limited to pilates, yoga, and strength exercises. This class also helps dancers identify areas of weakness as well as needs in flexibility. It gives dancers the tools to use throughout their week to improve these areas as they work towards their dance goals. This class is also great for the non-dancers because being strong and flexible is good for us all!

Dress Code for all Circus Arts: Comfortable fitted clothing with no zippers, buttons or “bling.”No tank tops. No shorts without tights underneath. Yoga or capri pants are good recommended. No jewelry.

Lyrical

Lyrical is a beautiful blend of Ballet, Modern and Jazz Dance. Students learn the techniques of ballet, rhythm of jazz and the emotions of modern dance. Lyrical creates a story or expresses the mood or theme of the music and its lyrics. This class is great for the experienced or beginner dancer.

2018-19 Schedule

Lyrical 8+ Thurs 4:30-5:30 Heather

Dress Code: Solid color leotard and black or pink footless tights. Shorts or capri pants can be added. No loose or baggy clothing. Hair should be in a ponytail or pulled away from your face. Bare feet, no shoes.

Hippity Hop, Hip-Hop and Boys Hip Hop

These classes are high energy. Students learn “street moves” danced to the rhythms of today’s favorite R&B, hip hop and pop music. All music is age appropriate and free of any suggestive language.

2018-2019 Schedule:

Hippity Hop ages 5-6 Sat. 10:45-11:45 Ashley starts 8/25
Acro Dance 5-6 Tues 4:15-5:15 Nadyia
Acro Dance 7-9 Thurs 4:15-5:15 Nadyia
Hip Hop 7-9 Wed 5:45-6:45 Carmen
Hip Hop 7-9 Thurs 6:30-7:30 Carmen
Hip Hop 10+ Wed 6:45-7:45 Carmen
Hip Hop 10+ Thurs 7:30-8:30 Carmen
Hip Hop 13+ Mon 5:15-6:15 Gayle
Hip Hop 13+ Thurs 6:45-7:45 Heather
Boys Hip Hop 7-11 Tues 6:30-7:30 Carmen

Dress Code:

Girls: solid color leotard or solid plain color tank top with modest black jazz dance shorts or black yoga style pants.
Boys: solid black sweat pants or shorts and solid plain color t-shirt (no writing or graphics except of JSA attire)

No jeans or belly shirts. No writing on clothing. Hair should be in a ponytail or pulled back off your face. No jewelry.

Shoes: Black jazz shoes or all black sneaker. No street shoes! Must be an indoor shoe only.

Irish

Irish dance, dating back to the Druids, is a rhythmic and lighthearted dance. While the rigid upper body mimics the posture of a soldier, the legs and feet pound out incredible footwork.

2018-2019 Schedule:

Irish Level I 6+ Tues 4:15-5:15 Angie
Irish Level II 9+ Tues 5:15-6:15 Angie

Dress Code:
Girls: wear black leotards, black tights and a solid color knee length skirt. Shrugs or a sweater is also acceptable over the leotard.
Boys: black t-shirt, black pants.

Shoes: Soft shoe students can wear black ballet shoes, or ghillies.

Hard shoe students must order shoes – assistance with ordering available through instructor. Hair should be in a ponytail or pulled away from your face.

Jazz and Jazz Combo Classes

A stylistic technique usually paired with popular music will be introduced with a basic jazz vocabulary along with fundamentals which consist of alignment, body isolations and complex rhythms. Alignment, flexibility and strength are emphasized. Exposure to various techniques of well-known jazz choreographers and musical theater are incorporated in the progression of classes in a fun and high-energy environment.

2018-2019 Classes:

Jazz/Ballet ages 7-9 Tues 6:30-7:30 Apryl
Jazz/Tap 7-9 Thurs 5:30-6:30 Heather
Jazz 9+ Mon 6:15-7:15 Gayle

Dress Code:
Girls: Solid black leotard and black tights with modest jazz dance shorts over leotard.
Boys: black sweat pants and solid black t-shirt. No writing on clothing. Hair pulled away from face.

Shoes: Black leather jazz shoes and/or black tap shoes/(girls) Pink ballet shoes or (boys) black ballet shoes

Tap and Tap for Musical Theater

These classes teach rhythm, coordination, tap terminology and choreography according to your level. Students dance to contemporary, Broadway musical or hip hop music.

2018-2019 Courses/Schedule:

Tap 10+ Mon 4:15-5:15 Gayle
Tap/Jazz 7-9 Thurs 5:30-6:30 Heather
Tap Musical Theater 8-13 Sat 10:30-11:15 Aimie start info below
Tap Musical Theater 14+ Sat 11:30-12:30 Aimie start info below

Tap for Musical Theater introduces basic tap technique and steps that are utilized in Musical Theatre productions. This fun class is highly recommended for students/actors/dancers interested in Musical Theatre and the dance steps associated with this “Broadway” style of tap dance. This class does not participate in recital but students will performance at other community events. Please inquire with your instructor. Class drop in opportunity is available for $10

Schedule for Theater Tap ONLY!

Session I – 8 weeks

Oct, 6, 13, 20 27

Nov. 3, 10, 17

Dec. 1

Perform in Holiday Open House Dec. 9

Session II – 5 weeks

March 2, 9, 16 , 23 and 30

Prepare for Fairy Festival weekend performance during Session II

Session III – 5 weeks

April 20, 27

May 4, 11, 18

**Fairy Festival April 12th & 13th

Dress Code:
Girls/Women: pink or black leotard and pink or black tights. Optional: solid black shorts or solid skirts.
Boys/Men: solid black shorts or sweatpants and solid black plain t-shirt or Jackson School of the Arts apparel. For adults black capris or yoga pants optional.
Shoes: Lace up, velcro or ribbon tied black tap shoes. Hair should be in a ponytail or pulled back off your face.

Performance Company

The Performance Company at Jackson School of the Arts is designed to engage and inspire youth by providing access to high quality dance instruction. Our program is all inclusive and therefore welcomes dancers of every shape, size, and background. Students can expect a safe, nurturing and challenging environment and will have the opportunity to share their love of dance with our community throughout the year.

This dance company is not based on one particular dance genre and students will be learning choreography rooted in lyrical, ballet and jazz. The students will be invited to work with Ms. Angie, the instructor, to add their own personality to the dancers. Dances will be choreographed to feature students individual talents in solos along with duets, trios and group dances.

More Info About The Performance Company

Ballroom

Class will take place Tuesday Nights from 7:45–8:45 pm with Ms. Angie as your instructor. Classes fill up quick, so be sure to register before the class day.

Fox Trot

September 4, 11, 18

The Foxtrot is a classic dance with a long-stride step put to 4/4 music. Foxtrot earned its name from Vaudeville actor Harry Fox, and became an iconic dance in the early half of the 1900’s. It is in the same family as the Waltz, and borrows inspiration from the Tango, with simple charm and flowing steps put to energetic big-band music.

Paso Doble

October 2, 9, 16

The Pasodoble is a grand and dramatic dance developed in France and picked up in Spain and Portugal. It is made to mirror the theatricality of a bullfight, and is danced to march-like music. The Pasodoble is a great dance for introducing intense body-language and eye contact, while enjoying the beautiful sweeping poses and passes it is famous for.

Rumba

November 6, 13, 20

The Rhumba is the slowest of the traditional Latin dances, danced in a syncopated 2/4 time. It is often called the most romantic dance style because of the close-couple position, Latin-characteristic Cuban hip-action, and the relaxed, gliding steps.

Merengue

December 4, 11, 18

Merengue is a simple, upbeat Latin dance style perfect for clubs and fast music! One of the most versatile dance styles, easy to learn and fun to use! Merengue originated in the Dominican Republic and makes use of quick foot work and a delightful Caribbean beat!

2019 Ballroom Schedule

Swing

January 8, 15, 22 2019

East Coast Swing, differing from its West Coast counterpart, is a lively and jovial dance style developed through the end of the 1940’s and into the 1950’s. Unique in its American origin, it is a favorite in dance clubs and ballrooms across the world. It can be danced to many different kinds of music, and for more advanced dancers often includes acrobatic aerial tricks.

Country 2-step/Line Dance

February 5, 12, 19 2019

Country-Western 2 Step is a style popularized in the South Western united states, notably Texas, most often danced to country music. It is designed to be quickly picked-up and enjoyed to a variety of tempos. Line Dancing is a particular set of repetitive movements that matches the beat or style of a particular song. For instance, the Cotton Eye’d Joe is very common at weddings and social events, and has a traditional Line Dance which matches it!

Argentine Tango

March 5, 12, 19 2019

The Argentine Tango is a sensual dance developed in the clubs of Buenos Aires and differs from its American counterpart. It can be danced to many musical timings, and consists of many sweeping and grand poses. It requires dancers to be in-tune with one another and with the music, to create a beautiful flowing dance.

Waltz

April 16, 23, 30 2019

The Waltz is a smooth and elegant dance often put to 3/4 timing. It can be danced several different ways, but the approach this class will take is a classic three-step with added variations of movement and steps to create a romantic and lovely dance.

Cha-cha-cha

May 7, 14, 21 2019

Cha-cha-cha and Merengue are both lively and upbeat Latin dances in the same family of steps. They are both often used in formal competitions and a favorite for in-formal clubs. Both consist of playful and creative steps, and are a wonderful ground for improvisational dance moves.

Summer 2019 Class Schedule

Classes begin the week of July 15.
Registration is ongoing unless classes are full.

Fee Info / Register

See All Summer Classes

Pre-Ballet – Ages 2.5 – 4 yrs old

Three-Day Sessions – 4:30-5:15

Session #1 – June 17, 18, 19
Session #2 – July 8, 9, 10
Session #3 – July 22, 23, 24

Ballet – Ages 5-9 yrs

July 8, 9, 10 – 5:15-6:15pm
Ballet classes introduce students to a more formal class structure, including barre work, alignment exercises, stretching, coordination exercises and simple locomotion. The posture, placement and comportment of classical ballet are emphasized. As students progress they continue training in the fundamentals of ballet technique and vocabulary.
$24 for Session

Ballet, Tap, & Jazz – Ages 5-9yrs

Two Three-Day Sessions:

June 17, 18, 19 – 5:15-6:15pm
July 22, 23, 24 – 5:15-6:15

Each three-day session is an excellent opportunity to explore three different styles in a single session.
$24 per session

Hip Hop

July 15, 16, 17

Ages 5-8 yrs 4:15-5:15pm
Ages 9 & up 5:15-6:15pm

For those looking for a high-energy artistic outlet without a competition-based environment, our low-pressure Hip Hop classes could be the solution.
Hip hop is a high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. Our instructor will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements. This class focuses on the pure fun of dance without the competitive environment.
$24 per session

Storybook Dance Camp – Age 5 to 9

June 24, 25, 26, 27
9:30-11:30

Combine your love of dance with classic tales filled with magic and wonder. This camp session will feature kid-friendly ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop styles..

There will be a small performance at 11:15 on the 27th for parents

Cheer Team Prep Clinic

June 11, 12, 13
5:30-7pm
Ages 7-18
$75 includes a t-shirt
We want you to get a strong advantage for your upcoming cheer tryouts. This prep clinic will feature tumbling, motions, jumps and basic stunts! Come and learn to strengthen your cheer skills to get you prepared for middle or high school cheer team auditions.

Dance Team Prep Clinic

June 11, 12, 13
7pm-8:30
Ages 7-18
$75 includes a t-shirt

Make sure you wow the crowd this coming fall. We will cover stretching, conditioning, center and across the floor as well as learn a short combination to help with picking up choreography. We will also take you through a mock audition to help you feel more comfortable.

Fee Info / Register

Parent Handbook

Best Little Dance Store

We sell all of your dance wear needs from shoes for the tiniest dancer to leotards and tights to specialty items. Your purchase also supports our programs and the children we serve. Stop in today or contact us with any questions.

Dance Starter Kits

Each set comes with high-quality shoes and tights in addition to a great outfit. Each bundle saves you $5 compared to purchasing separately. Plus you can add our exclusive dance bag for only $9 more. You can purchase at our front desk or email questions via info@jacksonarts.org or by calling us at (517) 784-2389

Testimonials

"My daughters have been attending Jackson School of the Arts for years. Both girls look forward to coming every week. They love it and the chance to express their creativity. I’m so grateful for the scholarships because otherwise my husband and I wouldn’t be able to provide dance and art classes which our girls excel in and look forward to each week."

"Thank you Jackson School of the Arts for your contribution to the community by providing dance classes for children. I am a mother of two dance students. We travel from Concord (25 minutes) despite the existence of a closer dance academy for financial reasons and because we prefer the culture at the Jackson School of the Arts."

"We have appreciated the high quality dance instructors, the professional attitude of instructors and support staff, and the family friendly atmosphere at the Jackson School of the Arts."

"This is my daughter’s second year and I could not be happier with the program. I looked into other programs before choosing JSA, but I knew there was no way I could afford their tuition. I am a single mom who goes to school full time. Because of the sliding fee scale, my daughter can participate."

"Their teachers are amazing. They are patient with the children and they are knowledgeable about what they are teaching."