ROD
RODGERS
DANCE COMPANY
Celebrating 57 Years
Class Descriptions
*Classes that are not currently on our schedule are based on enrollment.*
B A L L E T
Creative Movement/Ballet
This class is designed as an introduction class for children between ages of 3 to 5 years old, combining ballet instruction and creative movements through various kinds of music and exercises. The class will be taught through a structured progression that emphasizes creativity, imagination, self-expression, ability to follow instruction and group interaction. By introducing students to the basic shapes, positions, postures, basic locomotor movements and traditions of classical ballet, the Pre-Ballet/Creative Movement class enhances both cognitive and physical development.
Ballet
I-II , II-III
Ballet is a form of theatrical dance that uses formal, set movements and poses characterized by elegance and grace. This class is structured with basic, but essential elements of ballet techniques. Emphasizing students learning to stand in correct form, while developing body control and expressing movements through Music and Dance Theater. The class begins with basic barré exercises to help students develop strength and endurance. Ballet terminology will be given during the class as well. Discipline plays an important role because students are required to learn and retain information as the class gradually becomes more advanced. Center work is given, based on similar barré techniques to test the ability to control the body. Students are required to demonstrate the elements in ballet and to transfer all the given information into choreography.
Pointe Prep
This class focuses on the importance of pulled up muscles, engaged core, strong feet and ankles in preparation necessary for pointe work. Some students work in pointe shoes while others are preparing for them.
Pointe
All pointe classes are designed for students with previous ballet training. Students will utilize previously learned ballet technique while working in pointe shoes. Each class includes barre exercises, center floor work and across the floor combinations. These exercises focus on strengthening the feet and ankles.
M O D E R N
Modern
I-II, II-III
This class utilizes techniques developed by Lester Horton. This technique uses linear movements to strengthen and stretch all parts of the body. This class will also incorporate the styles and forms that are unique to the Rod Rodgers Dance Company. The dancers will experience a series of exercises and combinations that will allow them to become familiar with anatomy and alignment. Also acquiring the idea of individual dancer's preparation for performance while enhancing self-esteem via the dancer’s performance or artistic creation.
Through expressive theatrical movement, this class will help dancers articulate and link dance vocabulary with actual movements, through choreographed combinations, improvisation, and related concepts (i.e., spatial, time, dynamics, culture and become more aware of social issues) while expressing their own ideas and feelings. Dancers will also acquire positive attitudes needed for creative self-expression.
H I P H O P
Hip Hop
I-II, II-III
Hip Hop is a style generated by the streets of New York. In this class dancers learn to be interpretive and physically aware, of what the body is capable of doing when music is heard. Hip Hop has a small general foundation, but mostly is inspired by the rhythms that are heart felt. This class consists of upbeat energetic movements that encourage students to insert their personality within what's given. Though there is no outline on how Hip Hop dance should be particularly done, there is a steady bounce that naturally fuels the soul with enjoyment.
Hip Hop primarily allowed people to pop, lock and groove to just Hip Hop music, but today this style has been altered to mold with any genre of music. Hip Hop movements vary from being done on your hands, knees and even your head at some points. The beautiful thing about Hip Hop is its never predictable, and you never know what to expect. The main requirement of students in Hip Hop class is to be free-willing and allow your body to move however it is inspired.
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ADDITIONAL CLASSES
TAP
This class explores the rhythms of the feet requiring stamina and quick moves. Learning terminology and basic dance movements, these classes provides a foundation for Tap technique which includes coordination, teaching rhythms and learning musicality while becoming athletic and continuing to improve upon skills (i.e. phrasing, timing and balance.)
JAZZ
This class will teach technique in the area of Classical, Theater and Street style Jazz. The dancers will also focus on character and performance training and how it relates to self-expression and self-esteem. Students can expect a lot of teamwork, sweating, FUN and an exciting performance presentation.
CONGA DRUMS
Latin Conga Drum is a culturally conceived rhythms that finds it foundation in African Rhythms. This class also introduces students to Latin Rhythms. Students will learn basic sound patterns, develop eye and hand coordination, and posture to allow maximum upper body strength. Students will be required to develop coordination among several drummers to maintain timing and a musical pattern.
WEST AFRICAN
This class will allow students to gain knowledge of West African Culture through dance, song and rhythm. Class will start off with a warm-up followed by a quick dance routine. The dance routine will be continued across the floor with various steps and rhythms. The students will then return to center floor to learn a dance to be presented at the summer program performance. From there the class will have an open circle where students will have a chance to show what they know or have learned by themselves. The dance circle is a very important part of African Dance because it shows how well a student interacts with the drum. Students are encouraged to join the dance circle and it is mandatory that each student take part at least three times before the program ends. Students will need a notebook to write down lyrics to songs taught in class. Also they need to write names of dances and rhythms as well as their meanings.
DANCE THEATER
This class will explore the connection between dance and theater through "themes" and "music" such as Broadway tunes and other music eras to add another layer to students performance technique learning experience.
COMPOSITION
This class is designed to give each student the opportunity to explore and develop a level of individual creativity through a structured and collaborative environment, while continuing to encourage students' growth and learning by achieving common goals.
GUEST ARTIST
WORKSHOPS
In these workshops students will be exposed to multi-disciplinary forms of dance, which may include Traditional Haitian, Afro-Cuban, Belly Dance, Flamenco, Hawaiian and more.
YOGA
Yoga class is tailored for young dancers with all the basic elements. This class allows for the body and mind to realign without the pressure of a dance class. Students will lengthen as well as strengthen their bodies after a full strenuous day of dance.
CONTEMPORARY
"Contemporary Dance is an expressive dance style that infuses multiple genres including traditional modern techniques, jazz, lyrical, ballet and improvisation. In this class we will be focusing on how we can use improvisation techniques and different elements of dance to reconstruct the original choreography."