Class Descriptions

Me & My Shadow (Ages 16-24 months)
In this class, students will be introduced to dance through movement exploration activities, engaging music, and fun props! This class is designed for very young dancers to experience movement in a classroom environment alongside a parent or adult caregiver. Together, dancers and their caregivers will learn fun songs and basic dance steps. This class is a perfect introduction to dance for tiny dancers who are ready to move and groove! Dress code: Any comfortable clothing that dancers can easily move in. Bare feet are great for this class!

Mini Movers (Ages 18 months-2.5 years)
In this class, students will be introduced to dance through movement exploration activities and basic tap steps.  For the first half of class, students will wear tap shoes to make some noise and explore different rhythms and sounds! During the second half of class, students will learn creative movement and ballet steps through use of fun music and props as well as imaginative dance exercises.  Ballet and tap shoes required.  Dress code: dance apparel (leotards, tights, tutus, etc.)

Mini Groovers (Ages 2-3)
Calling all movers and shakers! In this hip hop-inspired toddler class, dancers will explore movement with fun, upbeat music! The teacher will use props and imaginative exercises to teach basic movement concepts and beginning hip hop and tumbling steps. Dancers can take this class barefoot or in clean tennis shoes. Dress code: any comfortable, moveable clothing (leggings, shorts, t-shirts, etc).

Ballet/Tap
Level 1: Ages 3-4
Level 2: Ages 4-5
In this class, young dancers will have the opportunity to learn and build on the basics of ballet and tap dance.  For the first half of class, students will explore rhythms/sounds as well as basic tap steps and phrases.  During the second half of class, students will learn ballet steps and vocabulary through use of fun music and props as well as imaginative dance exercises.  Ballet and tap shoes required.  Dress code:  dance apparel (leotards, tights, tutus, etc.)

Princess Ballerina
Level 1: Ages 3-4
Level 2: Ages 4-5
Does your dancer LOVE twirling and dressing up like a ballerina?  This is the class for them!  Dancers will learn and build on the basics of ballet, including correct terminology and technique, while dancing to fun music and with princess-themed props.  Ballet shoes required.  Dress code: any color leotard and tights (tutus and skirts allowed).

Broadway Babies (Ages 4-5)
Does your child love to dance and sing along with their favorite movies and musicals? This fun, upbeat intro to Musical Theatre will not disappoint! Focusing on jazz dance technique, dancers will learn fun combos to music from their favorite movies and musicals. Dancers will also learn about and watch video clips from famous kid-appropriate musicals such as Annie, Seussical the Musical, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Wicked.

Hip Hop/Flip Flop
Level 1: Ages 4-6
Level 2: Ages 5-8
Does your dancer have a TON of energy?  This is the class for them!  During the first half of class, dancers will learn basic hip hop steps and fun dance routines set to upbeat, high energy music.  The second half of class will be an intro to tumbling – dancers will bring out the tumbling mats to practice front and back rolls, cartwheels, handstands, etc. Dress code: Clean tennis shoes form fitting dance or athletic apparel.  Shorts are acceptable (NO sweatpants or jeans).

Combo 1:  Ballet/Tap/Jazz (Kindergarten-First Grade)
Combo 2/3: Ballet/Tap/Jazz (Grades 2-5)
In this class, young dancers will build on their understanding, execution, and performance of ballet, jazz, and tap.  Students will learn new ballet steps and vocabulary and practice combining steps in new ways.  In tap, students will explore rhythm as well as basic tap steps and phrases.  Jazz will give students the opportunity to dance to their favorite songs and learn fun, innovative dance moves!  In all dance forms, students will learn to put steps together into fun, challenging combinations and routines.  Ballet, tap and jazz shoes required.  Dress code:  dance apparel (leotards, tights, tutus, leggings, etc.)

Lyrical
Lyrical is a fusion of ballet and jazz, generally choreographed to slower, more emotional music involving ballad interpretation.  In this class, young dancers will learn to express themselves through movement and music. Dress code: Tan jazz shoes and dance or athletic apparel (leggings, tank tops, etc).

Musical Theatre
Dancing for the stage, Broadway style performance including various styles danced throughout the decades.  This class will include an introduction to singing and acting to allow the dancer to really hone their theatrical skills. Dancers will also learn a great deal of dance/theater history in this class, through discussion and a variety of clips that will expose dancers to different Broadway shows, famous dance scenes from movies, etc. Dress code: Tan jazz shoes and athletic apparel or clothing that is easy to move in (leggings, tank tops, etc)

Jazz
Jazz covers a wide variety of techniques and styles with ballet as its base.  It generally is performed to upbeat music that you commonly hear in music videos and on stage in musicals.  Kicks, turns and leaps at various technical stages as well as fun, lively choreography will be learned throughout the season. Dress code: Tan jazz shoes and dance or athletic apparel (leggings, tank tops, etc).

Hip Hop
This form of dance is commonly referred to as Street Dance, involving a technique all its own.  Popping, locking, breakdance and funk will be taught to age appropriate high-energy music.  Dress code:  Clean tennis shoes, comfortable clothing (t-shirt, shorts, leggings, etc. NO jeans)

Ballet
The technique and basis for all other dance styles, ballet is a theatrical art form using classical music to convey a story through grace and precise leg, arm and foot articulation. Dress code: Ballet Shoes, Leotard and tights.

Tap
Using shoes with the metal taps attached, this art form is characterized by its specific technique and various rhythms and sounds. Dress code: Black tap shoes and dance/athletic apparel or clothing that is easy to move in (leggings, tank tops, etc).

Lyrical/Contemporary
Lyrical is a fusion of ballet and jazz, generally choreographed to slower, more emotional music involving ballad interpretation.  Contemporary is a more recent revelation, contemporary mixes ballet, jazz, lyrical and modern, a more edgy and linear form of dance, together, both athletic and expressive.  Seen often on shows such as Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. Dress code: Tan jazz shoes and dance/athletic apparel or clothing that is easy to move in (leggings, tank tops, etc).

Technique Class
An athletic, intermediate/advanced class involving intense stretching and technical strengthening perfect for the dancer who wants to increase their flexibility and intensify their physical strength.  This class is for the intermediate/advanced dancer who wants to continue their technical education, broadening and challenging their vocabulary beyond the basic turns, kicks and leaps. Dress code: Tan jazz shoes and dance/athletic apparel or clothing that is easy to move in (leggings, tank tops, etc).

Gemstone Level Classes - Pearl, Sapphire, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond
Our gemstone level classes are for passionate dancers who are looking for a faster-paced, more focused classroom experience. These classes are reserved for dancers who audition and are placed on our Elevate Dance Company. If additional space remains in these classes, class placement is based on instructor approval. Dancers can request to be evaluated by an Inspire instructor for placement in Gemstone level classes. For more information, please email the office at studio@inspireacademy.dance.

Elevate Dance Company (for ages 4+)

El-e-vate:  To rise to the next level
Elevate Dance Company is the competitive dance team of Inspire Academy of Dance, under the direction of Michelle Chandler-Smith and Alexandra Wright. Elevate is open to dancers ages 4 and up, and provides performance and training opportunities for passionate dancers who are looking for additional stage time as well as a focused classroom experience. Our company values are Teamwork, Confidence, Positivity, and Hard Work. The goal of the company is to help members grow as dancers and as people, by teaching skills such as time management and accountability in addition to exceptional dance technique and artistry. Elevate Company members attend 5-6 competitions and conventions throughout the dance season.

Audition Process
Auditions for our 2024-25 Elevate Dance Company will take place during our summer Technique Boot Camp, Monday-Friday, July 22-26. Throughout the week, dancers will be evaluated (by our teaching staff and guest teachers) for gemstone placement. Placements and groupings will be emailed to families by Wednesday, July 31.

The cost for the five day Boot Camp is:
$275 for ages 4-6 (3 hours of class each day)
$375 for ages 7-10 (5 hours of class each day)
$400 for ages 11+ (5 hours of class each day).

Elevate Dance Company consists of 6 team levels:  Pearls, Sapphires, Emeralds, Amethysts, Rubies, and Diamonds. These levels are based on age as well as experience and ability, and are determined at the company directors’ discretion. Company level placement, as determined by auditions, is final and non-negotiable.

Diamonds:  Approximate ages 13+
Rubies:  Approximate ages 12-14
Amethysts: Approximate ages 10-12
Emeralds:  Approximate ages 9-11
Sapphires:  Approximate ages 7-9
Pearls: Approximate ages 4-6

Dancers interested in participating in Elevate should contact Alex (elevate@inspireacademy.dance) for additional information.  

See our dance apparel recommendations page for the full list of apparel recommended from the Inspire Academy of Dance staff.

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