Dance

Music and freedom of expression through dance can create a solid foundation in many other facets of life. Dance helps build stamina, flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. Dance improves cognitive skills, while building confidence and self-esteem, as students express themselves through creative movement.

Aspen Dance offers a variety of dance classes for various age levels. Through an exceptional and progressive dance curriculum, dancers explore various forms of dance while gaining proper technique and skills.

Our recital dance program begins in early September and culminates with the annual dance recital in early May. Non-recital dance classes allow dancers to dabble in a variety of dance mediums without the long-term commitment. Non-recital dance classes culminate with parent observation during the final class.

Classes are held at the Sullivan Community Center – 635 N. Aspen Drive.  For more information regarding dance, please contact Julie Freels.

Register for Summer Dance Classes

Summer 2023 Dance Classes

Early Childhood Dance (Non-Recital Classes)

Creative Movement (Non-Recital)

Children are introduced to basic dance and creative movement through imaginative games, songs, music, and rhythmical patterns.  Coordination, motor skills, flexibility and confidence are developed at this stage of dancing.  A parent or caregiver actively participates alongside the child.

Age 2-3 years
Option 1 Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes and hair tightly secured.
Option 2 Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black ballet shoes.
Parent/Caregiver Attire Comfortable clothing and clean-soled dance or gym shoes.

Pre-Hip Hop (Non-Recital)

An introduction to movement in a fun, high-energy setting. Dancers learn hip hop, as well as jazz with a little funk, set to age-appropriate music. Lessons develop agility, endurance, rhythm, creativity and spunk!

Age 4-6 years
Recommended Attire Comfortable clothing (leggings or athletic pants) and hip hop sneakers.

Acrobatic Dance (Non-Recital)

Acrobatic Dance combines gymnastics and classical dance techniques. Students learn the basics of acrobatics, beginning tumbling skills and creative movement positions while building strength, balance, flexibility, coordination and self-confidence. Skills advance following a progressive curriculum.

Age 4-7 years
Recommended Attire Leotard or fitted shirt, leggings or shorts, and bare feet.

Early Childhood Dance (Recital Classes)

Running from late August/early September through May, children learn dance fundamentals while working on rhythm, coordination, balance, and self-confidence.  Basic dance terminology is incorporated into class instruction.  The session concludes with our annual dance recital in early May.  Note: The cost of recital costumes and tickets are non-refundable and are not included in the class fee. These items will need to be purchased for the recital.  Dress rehearsal is mandatory in order to participate in the dance recital.  The recital is optional. Your child can register for the class even if he or she decides not to participate in the recital.

Ballet/Tap 1 Combination – Recital

Children are introduced to basic ballet and tap movements while giving them a passion for dancing.  Coordination, rhythm, and flexibility are developed at this stage of dancing.

Age 3-4 years
Option 1 Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and black tap shoes.
Option 2 Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants, black ballet shoes and black tap shoes.

 

Youth Dance (Recital Classes)

Designed specifically for youth 5-18 years old, these recital programs are perfect for developing dance technique and skills.  Running from late August/early September through May, children learn dance fundamentals while working on rhythm, coordination, balance, and self-confidence.  Basic dance terminology is incorporated into class instruction.  The session concludes with our annual dance recital in early May.  Note: The cost of recital costumes and tickets are non-refundable and are not included in the class fee. These items will need to be purchased for the recital.  Dress rehearsal is mandatory in order to participate in the dance recital.  The recital is optional. Your child can register for the class even if he or she decides not to participate in the recital.

Ballet/Tap 2 Combination (Recital)

Children are introduced to basic ballet and tap movements while giving them a passion for dancing.  Dancers learn ballet positions, combinations, and progressions.  Tapping becomes more precise as dancers explore quicker combinations.

Age 5-6 years
Option 1 Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and black tap shoes.
Option 2 Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants, black ballet shoes and black tap shoes.

Ballet Level 1 and 2 (Recital)

Ballet technique is emphasized with repetition of exercises at the ballet barre, center work, and across the floor progressions.  Correct posture, strength, flexibility, grace and rhythm are emphasized.  The technique and level of difficulty will increase with each level of ballet.

Age 7-12 years
Level 1  7-8 years Introductory class-no experience necessary.
Level 2  8-12 years For dancers who have completed one to two sessions Ballet Level 1.
Option 1 Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes.
Option 2 Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black ballet shoes.

Tap Level 1 and 2 (Recital)

Tap dance involves manipulating your feet to create sounds and rhythms.  Tap technique is emphasized.  As the level of the dancer advances, combinations and speed of movement increase.

Age 7-12 years
Level 1  7-8 years Introductory class-no experience necessary.
Level 2  9-12 years For dancers who have completed one or two sessions Tap Level 1.
Option 1 Black leotard, black tap shorts or capris, black tap shoes.
Option 2 Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black tap shoes.

Hip Hop Level 1 and 2 (Recital)

Coordination, quick thinking, and rhythm are developed during this high energy class.  Students learn the fundamentals and intermediate skills of Hip Hop including basic choreography and break dance movements.  Dancers also have the freedom to develop their own styles through freestyle movement.

Age 7-12 years
Level 1  7-8 years Introductory class-no experience necessary.
Level 2  9-12 years For dancers who have completed one or two sessions Hip Hop Level 1.
Recommended Attire Comfortable clothing (leggings or athletic pants) and hip hop sneakers.

Lyrical

Elements of ballet and jazz are combined to create flowing and expressive movement. With an emphasis on grace and fluidity, musicality and expressiveness, dancers are encouraged to tell a story through movement.

Age 10-14 years
Option 1 Black leotard, black tights or jazz pants, and nude lyrical shoes.
Option 2 Fitted white t-shirt, black stretch pants and black lyrical shoes.

 

Beginner and Intermediate Ballroom Dance is offered at Lakeview Fitness.

Special Recital Dance Payment Policy

Special Dance Payment Policy
Participants enrolling for the full year of dance (September – May) have the following payment options:

  1. Pay in full.
  2. Pay in thirds: 1/3 at registration, 1/3 on October 15, 1/3 on December 15. Auto-debit from a credit/debit card is required for this option.
  3. All refund requests must be submitted to the Recreation Supervisor using the Refund Request Form by October 31, 2022. There will be no refunds granted after October 31, as recital routines will have been choreographed and costumes ordered.