Joy of Motion - Youth Program Information

Youth Class Descriptions KIDMOTION: Early Childhood Dance Grades 1- 12 Class Levels Class Etiquette Weather-Related Class Closings Policy

Youth Class Descriptions (KIDMOTION)

KIDMOTION: Early Childhood Dance (ages 6 months - 5 years)
Dance for preschool aged children is an active, fun and creative way to encourage physiological, emotional, and cognitive development in addition to promoting social skills and cooperative participation with a group. For the young child, movement is pre-verbal, and can be a valuable outlet for thoughts and emotions as a child develops and expands verbal skills. Dance is a joyful, kinetic experience that encourages skill building, focus, creative thought and an appreciation for one’s self and the arts. Joy of Motion Dance Center's KIDMOTION-Early Childhood Dance Program is designed to provide an enriched dance experience in a supportive and safe environment, and to ensure each young dancer is developing a love and appreciation for dance that lasts a lifetime.

Toddlers In Motion 1 (Toddler and Caregiver)
13-24 months or toddlers who walk without assistance
Get moving with your toddler! Movement and gesture are key components to a toddler’s physical, vocal, and social development which encourage them to connect, express, and communicate. Encourage your toddler to develop locomotor and cognitive skills through teacher lead activities in a fun environment for both adult and child.

Toddler Yoga (Toddler and Caregiver)
13-24 months or toddlers who walk without assistance
Designed with your toddler’s developmental needs in mind, you and your little one will explore yoga postures in a safe and fun environment. Teacher guided activities will utilize the imagery inherent in yoga to stimulate, connect, and engage you and your little yogi!

Toddlers In Motion 2 (Dancer and Caregiver)
25 months-35 months
Dance with your Tiny Dancer! The elements of dance are introduced in a fun and creative way for both adult and child to connect through movement and music explorations. Curriculum is designed to prepare your child for Creative Movement for three year olds.

Creative Movement
3 year olds
Teacher lead activities introduce the basic elements of dance including rhythm and time, movement qualities and dynamics, space, and use of the body. Students will be able to explore their own movement within the age appropriate creative structure of the class while gaining confidence and body awareness.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (any style/any color), footless tights (optional).
Boys: Solid color T-shirt and shorts or play pants.
Footwear: Bare feet.

Dance Basics
4 year olds
Building on the basic elements of dance (time, dynamics, space, body), students will explore their own movement in class structures that begin to expand on each of these elements. Teacher lead activities that include axial and locomotor movement will introduce dance vocabulary and concepts at an age appropriate level to prepare students for future participation in any type of structured dance class.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (any style/any color), footless tights (optional).
Boys: Solid color T-shirt and shorts or play pants.
Footwear: Bare feet.

Pre-Ballet
5 year olds
Classes introduce basic ballet vocabulary and movement skills while building a foundation for future progression in the study of ballet.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (any style/any color) and tights.
Boys: Solid color fitted T-shirt and male tights or leggings.
Footwear: Ballet shoes only.

Kid Rhythms
5 year olds
Class will introduce rhythms and rhythmic dance, and will include sessions during the semester in Hip Hop, Step, and African dance. Perfect precursor for technique classes in jazz, hip hop, tap, flamenco, and any other rhythmic dance form.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (any style/any color). Tights or socks.
Boys: Solid color T-shirt and shorts or play pants and socks.
Footwear: Sneakers (clean athletic shoes) only.

Kid Tap
5 year olds
Class encourages free expression, while introducing the basic elements of tap dance technique and terminology highlighting the importance of rhythm and sound.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (any style/any color). Tights or socks.
Boys: Solid color T-shirt and shorts or play pants and socks.
Footwear: Tap shoes only.

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Youth Class Descriptions (grades 1 - 12)

African
African/Caribbean
Come prepared for a fast-paced class. This dance style taught by Bonita Cacho is the African/Caribbean dance idiom reflecting the Yoruba culture from the Garifuna people from Belize, Central America. The style involves the essence of the indigenous African descendants who were granted settlement in British Honduras by Queen Victoria in 1797.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (preferred) (any style/any color) or camisole fitted top or sports bra tank top and jazz pants/leggings/tights/biker shorts.
Boys: Leotard or solid color fitted T-shirt and jazz pants/ leggings/ biker shorts.
Footwear: Bare feet.

West African
This dance style reflects various African cultures from the Western Region of Africa. Dance styles being taught will mainly come from Guinea and Mali West Africa. The dance steps are fast paced and high energy. Students should come prepared to move.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (preferred) (any style/any color) or camisole fitted top or sports bra tank top and jazz pants/leggings/tights/biker shorts.
Boys: Leotard or solid color fitted T-shirt and jazz pants/ leggings/ biker shorts.
Footwear: Bare feet.

Ballet
Classes emphasize the development of classical ballet skills with a focus on proper placement and alignment. Students will learn ballet vocabulary through barre and center work while building strength and flexibility.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (any style/any color) and tights.
Boys: Solid color fitted T-shirt and male tights or leggings.
Footwear: Ballet shoes only.

Ballroom Dance
Learn the basics of partner dancing in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Tailored for people new to dance, this class introduces 3 major social dances commonly danced at weddings and other social events including Waltz, Foxtrot, and Swing. Gain the skills to be comfortable on the dance floor at your next formal or casual event. Singles and couples welcome. Partners will be switched frequently during each class.

Beginning 1: An introduction to 3 major social dances: Waltz, Fox Trot, and Swing. In addition to learning music recognition and how to lead or follow, elements of style and technique will be a part of the basic social dance skills and vocabulary that are introduced.
Beginning 2: Building on the skills introduced in Beginning I, this class will introduce new figures and footwork while reinforcing basic skills and enhancing lead and follow techniques. Prerequisite: Beginning I Social Ballroom.

Belly Dance
Belly Dance (Raqs Sharqi) is a dynamic and diverse art form, incorporating a wide array of styles and movements from the folk, social and classical traditions of numerous Middle Eastern cultures. This course will teach the basics of belly dance technique and terminology with age appropriate movement.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (any style/any color), tights/leggings and hip scarf.
Boys: Leotard or solid color fitted T-shirt and leggings/ male tights/sweat pants.
Footwear: Bare feet or ballet/jazz shoes.

Breakdancing
“Breaking” is one of the core elements of hip hop dance. Popularized in the 1980’s by such movies as Breakin’, Beat Street and Flashdance, the form was developed on the streets of New York by mostly Latino and African-American dancers. Learn the basics of this exciting form, from the top-rock, the steps one does before hitting the floor, to the six-step and other floor moves and freezes, to battling with a partner.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (preferred) (any style/any color) or camisole fitted top or sports bra tank top and jazz pants/leggings/tights/biker shorts.
Boys: Fitted shirt or solid color fitted T-shirt and jazz pants/leggings/ biker shorts/sweat pants.
Footwear: Sneakers (CLEAN athletic shoes) only. No street shoes.

Flamenco/Spanish Dance
The dances of Spain are varied and rich in ethnic and regional traditions. Joy of Motion Dance Center offers classes that give students the opportunity to study a full range of Flamenco and Spanish Dance.

Fluid arms and percussive footwork are hallmarks of Flamenco dance that are paralleled in the beautiful melodies and intricate rhythms of Flamenco music. Originating in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, the fire of Flamenco dance is reflective of its gypsy (Gitano) dancing roots and influences from Arabic traditions. Learn traditional as well as original dances that are steeped in folklore and melding cultures dating back to the 1500’s in then Moorish Spain.

Encompassing regional and folk dance as well as classical and neo-classical dance, Spanish Dance uses a wide variety of traditional music and features castanets. Castanets are handheld, percussive instruments that highlight and accent the intricate rhythms of the many dances they accompany. Classes that are listed solely as Flamenco will not include the study of castanets. Learn about Spain and it’s history through the exciting and challenging dances that represent it’s regions, people and culture.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (preferred) (any style/any color) or camisole fitted top and long, full skirt
Boys: Fitted shirt or solid color fitted T-shirt and pants
Footwear: Flamenco shoes/boots (preferred), hard soled shoe with a heel acceptable.

Hip Hop
A high-energy class that uses the latest sounds in rap, R&B and pop music together with movements influenced by some of today’s hottest video choreographers presented in an age appropriate manner. Hip hop encompasses movement that has elements of popping, locking, and breaking as well as freestyle movement to give students the opportunity to develop their own sense of style.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (preferred) (any style/any color) or camisole fitted top or sports bra tank top and jazz pants/leggings/tights/biker shorts.
Boys: Fitted shirt or solid color fitted T-shirt and jazz pants/leggings/ biker shorts/sweat pants.
Footwear: Sneakers (CLEAN athletic shoes) only. No street shoes.

Jazz
Broadway Jazz
Class introduces dance forms found in musical theatre, incorporating elements of ballet, jazz and modern. Age-appropriate routines will be studied from musicals such as Annie, Oklahoma, Carousel and Grease. Come join in the fun!
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (preferred) (any style/any color) or camisole fitted top or sports bra tank top and jazz pants/leggings/tights/biker shorts.
Boys: Leotard or solid color fitted T-shirt and jazz pants/ leggings/ biker shorts.
Footwear: Jazz shoes only.

Jazz
Classes teach basic jazz dance technique, terminology and movement quality with an emphasis on proper execution of jazz isolations, rhythms and style performed to contemporary music.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (preferred) (any style/any color) or camisole fitted top or sports bra tank top and jazz pants/leggings/tights/biker shorts.
Boys: Leotard or solid color fitted T-shirt and jazz pants/ leggings/ biker shorts.
Footwear: Jazz shoes only.

Street Jazz
Street Jazz is a dance form combining hip-hop and Jazz. This style of dance can be seen in videos by artists such as: Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Mya and Usher to name a few. Students must have some background in jazz and hip-hop along with a desire to strive for their best in class.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (preferred) (any style/any color) or camisole fitted top or sports bra tank top and jazz pants/leggings/tights/biker shorts.
Boys: Fitted shirt or solid color fitted T-shirt and jazz pants/leggings/ biker shorts/sweat pants.
Footwear: Sneakers (CLEAN athletic shoes) or Jazz sneakers. Street shoes are not permitted

Modern
Modern dance is a contemporary dance form that has its roots in ballet. Classes include floor and center work that incorporates the use of gravity and a sense of weightedness in the body on top of technique work. The movement vocabulary and range of motion used is endless and creative and draws on each student’s personal expression. Classes may include improvisation and creative exercises.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (any style/any color) and
tights/leggings.
Boys: Leotard or solid color fitted T-shirt
and leggings/male tights/sweat pants.
Footwear: Bare feet only.

Salsa
Be a part of the Latin explosion in today's music and culture! Learn the skills and moves to get you on the dance floors of the hottest clubs from New York to Miami, including right here in Washington, D.C. Singles and couples welcome. Partners will be switched frequently during each class.

Beginning 1: Learn the basic rhythm and footwork of salsa dancing, lead and follow technique, and elements of style while building confidence and a foundation for progression.

Beginning 2: Building on the skills mastered in Beginning I, this class will introduce new figures, turns and footwork while reinforcing basic skills and enhancing lead and follow techniques. Prerequisite: Beginning I Salsa

Intermediate: Take salsa dancing to the next level - work on style and explore more advance footwork and movement patterns including arm styling. This class will strengthen partner dancing skills, which will help students feel comfortable and dance well with any partner. Prerequisite: Beginning II Salsa

Tap
Classes emphasize the development and strengthening of basic tap technique and terminology highlighting the importance of rhythm and sound.
Dress Code
Girls: Leotard (preferred) (any style/any color) or camisole fitted top or sports bra tank top and jazz pants/leggings/tights/biker shorts.
Boys: Solid color fitted T-shirt and jazz pants/leggings/shorts/pants.
Footwear: Tap shoes only.

Class Levels
Advancement by recommendation of instructor only.

Level 1: Little to no previous class instruction in this dance form.

Level 2: Emphasizes further development and mastering of skills learned in Level 1. Please consult class teacher for proper counseling on students progress, development and placement.
Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of one year of training at Level 1 in grade category and dance form. Please note, two years of Level I may be recommended prior to moving to Level 2.

Level 3: Geared for dancers with a sound knowledge of dance technique and terminology within the discipline and ability to execute movements with ease. Dancers are challenged with increasing complexity in movement and skills.
Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of one year of training at Level 2 in grade category and dance form or permission of instructor.

Level 4: Classes are geared for the advanced level dancer and provide instruction on perfecting skills and performance technique. Classes emphasize complex combinations and mastering dance as an art form.
Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of two years of training at Level 3 in grade category and dance form or by permission of instructor.

Class Etiquette

Hair must be pulled away from face in a ponytail or bun (preferred).
Parents are not permitted in the classroom.
Dress code will be enforced.
No gum or candy is allowed in the classroom.
No student may enter class if more than 10 minutes late.
No child may enter a studio unless supervised by a teacher.
JOM reserves the right to dismiss/expel any student for disciplinary reasons.

School Closings (Fall and Winter/Spring semesters only)

For your safety, classes will not be held when D.C. public schools (Friendship Heights/Dupont Circle/Atlas classes) and Montgomery County public schools (Bethesda classes) are closed due to bad weather (snow, ice, etc.). When schools begin late, we will hold classes as scheduled. In case of an unclear situation, please visit our web site for updates or call the studio for a recording. Please understand that emergency closings are for reasons beyond our control. Whenever possible, we will allow your child to makeup the missed class in a similar class. If necessary, additional classes may be scheduled at the end of the session.