INTRO TO DANCE SERIES

Our Introduction to Dance Technique series is an ideal way for the adult dancer to learn the basics of dance technique, terminology, and motion.  For the individual who is new to movement, we recommend our Introduction to Dance Technique class.  This class is an excellent precursor to any further study in dance.  Offered each semester, our Intro to Dance Series classes will give students the necessary skill sets to attend our drop-in classes with a greater level of success and accomplishment.

Intro to Dance Technique
An introduction to the fundamental styles of dance in ballet, modern and jazz dance.  This class is designed for students new to dance. Learn the positions of the feet and arms, as well as establish proper alignment and turnout. Students will also learn basic dance vocabulary. This is a great introduction to dance for those who want to learn or review the fundamentals of dance technique or for students transitioning from other of types of movement studies. Sessions 1 & 2  will be review the same material.  This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to African Dance
Find your energy in this introductory class!! This class will get you moving and expose you to the rich African dance experience. Students will learn fundamental movements common to the vast body of dances from the African Diaspora.  This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Argentine Tango
The Argentine Tango, with its soulful roots and musical tradition, is an improvisational social dance that began along the Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires and spread all over the world. The essence of its technique is leading and following punctuated with precision leg and foot action and accented with dramatic flair.
This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Ballet 
This ballet enrollment class introduces the fundamental principles of Ballet and will build week to week. Basic positions of the feet and arms, proper alignment, ballet vocabulary, barre exercises and center work will be taught and reviewed in depth. This class will break down the steps and provide students with exercises that build strength, increase flexibility and provide a foundation that can be applied to all dance styles. While no previous dance experience is necessary, students are encouraged to take
Introduction to Dance Technique prior to enrolling.  This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Breakdancing
Intro to Breakdancing (b-boy/b-girl) was designed to educate beginners on the foundation and basic movement of the b-boy/b-girl culture. To encompass both the dance and the individuality of this urban dance style, the class will incorporate the fundamentals of top-rocking, footwork and freezes, along with training in basic cardio, muscular strength and flexibility. The class will also prepare the new dancer for advanced work with other b-boys and b-girls, by giving detailed information about the history and culture of this popular dance form.  This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Club Latin
Latin music is becoming a staple in many clubs so learning the basics of the most popular Latin social dances will keep you grooving all night! Tailored for people new to dance, this class introduces Cha-cha, Bachata, Cumbia and Merengue. Gain the skills to be comfortable on the dance floor enjoying the variety of music and movement that Latin dancing brings. Singles and couples welcome. Partners will be switched frequently during each class. 
This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Jazz Dance
Students will learn about the history and evolution of jazz dance as we know it today and will learn movement that is in pace with today but rooted in the traditions of yesterday.  This class will expose students to three jazz styles – blues, lyrical and classic jazz dance.  Class will focus on teaching basic body isolations of the head, shoulders, ribcage, feet and arms and will layer jazz style over the traditional technique of ballet.  Students will master basic jazz steps including kick ball change, step ball change and jazz runs.  Emphasis will be placed on developing rhythmic awareness individual expression and the use of the body as rhythmic percussive instrument.  While no previous dance experience is necessary, students are encouraged to take Introduction to Dance Technique prior to enrolling.  This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Hip Hop 
Students will complete this class equipped with knowledge of Hip Hop history and culture, which are the spine of the dance form.  Students will gain a valuable understanding and appreciation of the improvisational nature of this dance form while learning basic movements and terminology.  Throughout the session, the class will examine different manifestations of this dance form -- breaking, popping and locking, house, and fusion -- while equipping students with the fundamentals of each style.  While no previous training is required, classes will use basic body isolations found in other technique classes.  This class will break down steps and technique and also emphasize bringing style and personality to the movement...Hip Hop is never done small and students will be encouraged to step outside of the box and dance big.  While no previous dance experience is necessary, students are encouraged to take Introduction to Dance Technique prior to enrolling.  This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Latin Ballroom
Learn the Cha Cha, Rumba and Tango ! - in this compact, intensive course. Each week expand your knowledge of leading/following, basic patterns and fun variations in each of these exciting dances.  This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Modern Dance 
This Modern dance enrollment class introduces the fundamental principles of Modern dance and will build week to week. Basic movement concepts such as over curve/under curve and contraction/release of the torso, articulation of the spine, and modern dance vocabulary will be taught and reviewed in depth. Class will also focus on proper alignment, musicality, and center work. This class will break down the movement and provide students with exercises that build strength, increase flexibility and provide a foundation that can be applied to all dance styles. While no previous dance experience is necessary, students are encouraged to take Introduction to Dance Technique prior to enrolling.  This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to 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. 
This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Social Ballroom (American Style)
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. 
This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Swing
Learn the basics of the timeless American dance called Swing, also known as Lindy Hop.  This energetic and versatile dance form can be performed to a variety of music styles including big band, rock and roll, country-western and pop.  No partner necessary and we will switch partners frequently during each class. 
This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Tap:  No tap shoes required.  Learn the basics of tap dance, a truly American art form, focusing on its dynamic rhythm and sound.  Students will learn the differences between the styles of Rhythm Tap and Broadway Tap and will receive proper instruction on the articulation of legs, ankles and feet and usage of the upper body.  Step dance a current and popular dance form will also be used to teach the basics of rhythm and coordination.  The interesting history of tap will be infused throughout each lesson.  Get your feet going, hands clapping!  This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to Turns & Leaps
Enhance your overall turning technique in any dance form with this class that will help take the mystery out of performing good turns. Emphasis will be placed on cleanly executing single turns. Beginning with a warm-up that incorporates skills needed for good turns, class will progress to exercises across the floor and center combinations that emphasize good technique and form.  This class is the perfect compliment to the study of ballet, jazz, or modern.

Increase your movement vocabulary and proficiency with all types of leaps. This class will focus on providing students with the missing elements of technique to take their leaps to a higher level! Class will consist of a warm-up that incorporates skills needed for technically sound leaps plus exercises across the floor and center combinations that emphasize the proper approach and form for leaps.  This class is the perfect compliment to the study of ballet, jazz, or modern. This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes. 

Intro to YogaLearn the fundamentals of the oldest physical discipline in existence! This class will provide the beginning yoga student with the skills needed to build a yoga practice. Each week, yoga students will learn the common terminology used in yoga classes, as well as explore the physical aspects of yoga, including asana (postures), pranayama (breath work), and dhyana (meditation). Students will explore the postures that are common in most practices. Each session will be a review of the same material. This class can be taken concurrently or consecutively with our any of our other Intro to Dance Series classes.