Adult Dance Class Descriptions
The American Dance Institute welcomes adults of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the benefits of dance. Whether you are a professional dancer or someone wanting to study dance for the first time, the Institute has classes for you in ballet, flamenco and modern dance. For beginners, classes are a fun way to get fit and gain experience. More experienced dancers will find classes musical, challenging and fun.
For the absolute beginner, we recommend all Intro level classes. For those who have not danced in a few (or a number of) years, we always recommend beginning in lower levels, so you may slowly reintroduce your body to the language and movement. It is much easier (and rewarding) to move up in levels, rather than demote your initial efforts.
Our Beginning, Advanced-Beginner, Beginner I & Beginner II classes are for those brushing up on their skill, or looking for a slower pace. Upper levels such as Intermediate or Advanced should have three of more years of experience of dance.
All classes are available on a walk-in basis. You are always welcome to stop by and observe a class through the studio windows. Class fees range from $17 for a single class to $140 for a ten class card. If you hold a student ID or are members of AGMA, AFTRA, SAG, or EQUITY, you are entitled to a professional rate of $12 per class.
Introductory introduces the proper stance for alignment, positions of the arms and feet, as well as the coordination of these principles. An introduction to the fundamental principles of dance, this class is designed for students who have never danced ballet. Students will learn the ballet vocabulary necessary for other forms of dance disciplines.
Beginner I and II advance the basic knowledge achieved in Beginner level increasing the difficulty of barre work and center exercises, while continuing to emphasize strengthening and placement. We hope to allow you to enjoy movement while learning ballet technique in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
Advanced-Beginning or Adv.-Beg/Intermediate trains the dancer to coordinate strength, flexibility, and musicality for execution of steps. In this class, students learn extended combinations at the barre, center, and corner of the room.
Intermediate this class is for the dancer who has been studying for more than three years.
Advanced/Professional level is for the confident dancer seeking challenge and pace to match their years of experience.
Advanced-Beginning/Intermediate class concentrates on building a strong physical awareness of anatomy and kinesiology while strengthening performance aspects of focus, clarity and efficiency in movement execution. Floor and center combinations draw influences from Bella Lewitzky, Liz Lerman and Bill Evans Dance Companies.
Advanced level movement investigates movement/dance identity using a combination of yoga, Pilates, and release exercises as a means to expand and strengthen physical capabilities, purse efficiency of motion, develop internal connections and prepare an alert, strong, supple, relaxed, articulate, neutral body ready for precise dancing. Inverted full-body will allow explorations of pathways from ground to air and through space by utilizing the hands as a weigh-bearing source and emphasize the use and thrill of momentum and gravity to allow dance to encompass a range of motion necessary for self expression.
Flamenco is an art form whose origins lie in the southern region of Spain, Andalucia. It is a rich art form that encompasses dance, song and guitar playing to express deep emotions. These emotions are portrayed through the interplay of music and dance and supported by complex rhythmic structures, "compas". Spontaneity, improvisation, passion and emotion are key words to describe Flamenco.
Introduction to Flamenco (6:00-7:00, Tuesdays) Want to learn Flamenco but think it's too difficult? Never danced before? Then this is the class for you. This one hour class with give detailed technique instruction on the "basics" of Flamenco. You will learn the basic technique of foot and arm work and begin to work within the "compas" (rhythmic structure). You will work with "palmas" (handclapping) as an accompaniment to certain flamenco "palos" (songs or dances) using recorded music. The learning is cumulative and it is highly recommended that you attend weekly.
Introduction to Flamenco II (7:00-8:30, Tuesdays) This class is for the Intro. student who has had at least 2 Introduction to Flamenco sessions and is ready to apply the basic technique to learn a choreography. This class also uses recorded music. It is also highly recommended that this class is attended weekly so as not to miss any choreography so the student can progress.
Beginner I teach students the basic technique of foot and arm work and begin to work within the "compas" (rhythmic structure). They will work with "palmas" (handclapping) as an accompaniment to certain flamenco "palos" (songs or dances) played on the guitar. Students will also begin to learn the first of the "Sevillanas", a very popular dance from Sevilla, the capitol of Southern Spain.
Beginner II, Advanced/Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced student will need approval from the instructor to enter or attend these particular levels.
Castanets & Upper Body: This class focuses on Castanets and Upper Body Marking Technique. For Advanced Beginner level students and above.
Stretch class improves flexibility using the best of active isolated, contract-relax and passive stretching techniques. Optimize your flexibility in a safe, well-rounded, and effective manner. This class is for ALL LEVELS!
| Ballet |
| Modern |
| Flamenco |
| Stretch |
