This class provides a basic ballet foundation for ages 3 -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. 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

2017-18 Pre-Ballet Classes: 

Contortion:  Jackson School of the Arts instructors have trained with  Betsy Wray Shuddleworth who has combined Ukrainian, German and Mongolian contortion curricula, and our classes are based on her philosophy that you strengthen what you stretch and stretch what you strengthen.  Ms. Shuddleworth studies with top contortionists around  the world including teachers and members of Cirque du Soleil.  We are so excited to bring this program to Jackson.

Dress Code:  unitard or leotard with dance shorts or form fitting yoga pants, bare feet

Acro (5-6yrs.)

Thursday 4:15-5:15

Acro (7-9yrs)

Thursday 4:15-5:15

Acro Intermediate 9+yrs.

Wednesday 7:30-8:30

Acro Advanced 12+yrs (Teacher Approval)

Tuesday 5:45-6:45

Contortion Advanced 12+ (Teacher Approval)

Tuesday 4:15-5:30

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.

2017-18 Classes are:

Technique classes are for the more serious dancer and allow more experienced students 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.   Ballet Tech II students 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.”

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:  Audition or students who miss auditions may be included with instructor approval determined during their first two weeks of class.

Instructor:  Christina Sears Etter

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.   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.

2017-2018 Classes:

This class for ages 2 1/2- 3 will use group play, props and other equipment to teach very young children very basic dance skills that promote muscle strength, balance and coordination in a fun learning environment.

Children must be able to take this class without a parent and be able to follow simple directions.  Those who enroll in winter/spring term participate in the spring recital. $15 costume usage fee.

Dress Code:  Girls – any color leotard/tights and pink ballet shoes.  Hair neatly off the face.  All skirts/tutus are acceptable.  Boys – comfortable clothing and black ballet shoes.

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.

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: See shoe needs next to each individual class listing.

2017-2018 Schedule:

Hippity Hop (5-6yrs.) – Shoes:  Black Jazz Shoe

Tuesday 4:15-5:15

Friday 5:15-6:15

Hip Hop (7-9yrs.) black tennis shoes, no white sole, (Wear these shoes only for dance, not outside)

Tuesday 4:15-5:15

Thursday 7:15-8:15

Friday 6:15-7:15

 Hip Hop 10-12yrs. black tennis shoes, no white sole, (Wear these shoes only for dance, not outside)

Thursday 6:15-7:15

Hip Hop Beginner 12+ high top or low top   black and white  chucks/converse

Tuesday 7:30-8:30

Hip Hop Intermediate 12+ (Teacher Approval) combat boots – Buy at Walmart, Target, Amazon, Payless ,DSW shoes

Wednesday 8:15-9:15

Adult Hip Hop – 8 week sessions
Monday 8:30-9:30 PM
Sept. 25-Oct.30 | Jan. 9-Feb. 27 | March 6 -May 1 (no class 4/3)

Hip Hop Advanced 12+ (Teacher Approval)  combat boots – see above

Monday 6:15-7:15

Boys Hip Hop 6-8yrs.  black tennis shoes, no white sole, (wear these shoes only for dance, not outside)

Wednesday 5:15-6:15

Boys Hip Hop 9-11yrs.  black tennis shoes, no white sole, (wear these shoes only for dance, not outside)

Tuesday 6:15-7:15

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.

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.   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.

2017-2018 Schedule:

Irish Beginner 5+

Monday 5:15-6:15

Irish Intermediate/Advanced (Teacher Approval)

Monday 6:15-7:15

This movement class is for ages 2 – 3 and their parent or caregiver.  We will use group play, props and other equipment to teach very young children very basic movement skills in a fun learning environment.

Dress Code:  Both child and parent should wear comfortable clothing and “grippy” socks.