Dance

DaySpring’s Dance Department is based solely in classical ballet to provide a strong foundation in strength, precision and grace. From the earliest classes for 3 year olds to the most advanced levels, students are learning age appropriate technique and artistry with excitement and appreciation for the art of the dance.

DaySpring has a variety of teachers each having strengths in one or two methods of ballet. The Early Years classes are structured very similar to that of the Royal Academy of Dance, the Intermediate levels move towards Vaganova training, and the Advanced classes continue with Vaganova while implementing several Balanchine techniques and are exposed to the contemporary ballet style of movement. Every level includes some focus on building coordination and having a sense of freedom in ballet technique.

Within the various levels of dance classes you will see age and skill level appropriateness in the way the classes are taught. The younger classes will develop in structure as the year progresses with the first 6 - 8 weeks being used as a settling time. Creative Movement focuses on teaching the coordination. Technique's priority is on refining natural movement. Ballet 1 introduces barre work and the classical ballet line. All the Early different parts of the body that dance and how these parts may dance alone and together. PreBallet is focused mainly on building Years classes (Creative Movement through Ballet 1) have much emphasis on musicality, refined movement, basic ballet concepts and technique, and appropriate behavior for ballet classes. Musical Theater and Drama may begin at age 9. (Introduction classes starting at age 5). At the Ballet 2 level students are required to attend more than one ballet class a week and tap and jazz are given their own classes. As students continue through the program they will have the opportunity to audition for the Worship Repertoire class and The Company. Very gifted students with the potential to pursue a career in the ballet field are invited to join the Ballet Conservatory.

At the end of the day, our goal is excellence--in performance, in methods and ways, and in character and life. In dance, as well as all the arts offered at DaySpring, we are pursuing with your child the character development that is inherent in the arts. Self discipline and perseverance are of high value to any walk of life that our students may ultimately pursue. Learning to receive instruction, building self confidence and learning to work as a team helps them not only now but throughout their lives. In all these, we haven’t even mentioned a deep appreciation for artistry and beauty, which enriches all of our lives.

Click here for Dance schedule