Program Descriptions
LITTLE LADYBUGS – AGES 2-3
This class will encompass creative movement, basic floor exercises, with basic ballet and jazz movements. No tap shoes are worn at this level. A minimum of 3 registered dancers is required.
Each class is 30 minutes in duration.
FABULOUS FIREFLIES – AGES 3-4
This class introduces the student to all three disciplines of dance (tap, ballet and jazz) through creative movement and instructional lessons. Motor skills, balance, memory, and cooperation are accomplished at this level. A minimum of 5 registered dancers is required.
Each class is 45 minutes in duration.
DANCING DRAGONFLIES – AGES 5-6
This class is a more structured extension of the Pre-School class. Students at this level are exposed to basic dance movements and combination of steps in tap, jazz and ballet. A minimum of 5 registered dancers is required.
Each class is one hour in duration.
MAGNIFICENT MONARCHS – AGES 7, 8 & 9
This is a seventy five minute class, with instruction in each of these areas : ballet, jazz and tap. This is a preparatory program designed to lay a solid foundation so that each student may progress in his/her knowledge of dance essentials. A minimum of 5 registered dancers is required.
Each class is 75 minutes in duration.
HIP HOP- AGES 5 AND UP
Students will begin class with cardio, isolations & stretching. Dancers learn various progressions across the floor to develop Hip Hop styling and free style movement. The instructor will finish class with a combination.This class will have a routine in the annual Recital Performance. A minimum of 5 registered dancers is required.
Each class is 30 or 45 minutes in duration.
ACRO/TUMBLING LEVELS 4, 3, 2 and 1 – AGES 3 AND UP
This class teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, discipline & concentration. The instructor will teach fundamental acrobatic technique such as handstands, cartwheels, back bends & walkovers. Eventually working towards more advanced tumbling such as handsprings and aerials. Students who wish to enroll in Acro must also be enrolled in a jazz class. These classes will have a routine/demonstration in the annual Recital Performance. Each class is 30 to 60 minutes in duration.
INTERMEDIATE THROUGH ADVANCED – AGES 9 & UP
At this point each student is evaluated for placement in various level “Gem Team” classes. Age ability, and interest are all considered by our qualified staff.
Youth/Teen Program
The PZDA offers recreational classes for students ages 9 through 17 in the areas of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern and Acro. These classes are designed to allow students to enjoy and study the art of dance with out committing to a performance or competition team. If a student is interested in taking Acro, please note they must also be enrolled in a jazz class as well. The Gem Teams associated with our recreational program are:
Amber (level 5) Ages 9-12
Garnet (level 4a) Ages 10-17
Amethyst (level 3) ages 11-17
See our descriptions below for each genre.
Ballet: Duration of class varies between 30 and 60 minutes depending on level and interest. Our instructors are trained in one or more methods of ballet such as Cecchetti and Vagonova. Classes begin with the dancers at the barre with several exercises to build technique and knowledge. Technique and vocabulary continue with center floor and across the floor work as well focusing on body placement and proper ballet technique. Performance in the annual recital will be at the instructors discretion.
Modern: A 45 minute class begins with a center floor warm up using modern techniques such as Graham, Limon or Horton depending on the instructor. Class continues with across the floor or a center floor combination combining various movements and techniques. Modern is a great art form where focus is on strength, balance, style and emotional connections. Performance in the annual recital will be at the instructors discretion.
Jazz: Our Jazz programs can run anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes.Classes include a center floor warm up with focus on stretch/flexibility, coordination and body lines. The class continues with progressions, various jumps and turns. Many classes end with a combination to upbeat music. Students who take this class will perform a Jazz routine in the annual recital.
Tap: This class can be 30 – 45 minutes long. Each class begins with ankle warm up and strengthening exercises which are imperative for creating clean, clear sounds. Class continues with center floor and across the floor working on various tap steps to build the dancers tap vocabulary. Students who take this class will perform a Tap routine in the annual recital.
Hip Hop: A 30 or 45 minute class starts with a warm up that includes cardio and body isolations. The instructors teach various Hip Hop moves by working across the floor or in the center with a combination. Students who wish to enroll in a Hip Hop class, must also be enrolled in a Jazz class. All classes will have a routine in the annual Recital Performance.
ACRO/TUMBLING LEVELS 4, 3, 2 and 1
Acro/Tumbling: This 30, 45 or 60 minute class teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, discipline & concentration. We use professional quality mats for impact absorption. The instructor will teach fundamental acrobatic technique such as handstands, cartwheels, back bends & walkovers. Eventually working towards more advanced tumbling. Students who wish to enroll in Acro must also be enrolled in a Jazz class. These classes will have a routine/demonstration in the annual Recital Performance. .
Competitive Program
The PZDA is honored to work with students who are interested in performance and competitive opportunities. We proudly offer several classes to develop and train our dancers for the world of dance entertainment. When students and their parents choose this route, it is not only about training strong, confident dancers, it is also about developing
our dancers self esteem, teach them to be self motivated and want to dance. Lifelong skills like team camaraderie, physical and mental fitness, responsibility and time management.
The PZDA offers classes in the areas of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern and Acro for competitive students ages 7 through 17. Our students study between 3 and 12 hours per week depending on age, level and ability.
We use an audition process to place students in the performance and competitive level.