Norma's Academy of Dance

Classes @ Norma's:

Determining Placement Level

Age range provides a general guideline for initial placement. Parents may ask the instructor to evaluate their student on the first day of class if there are questions about ability or readiness. Students are expected to spend at least one year (two 16-week semesters), and often two or more years, at a particular level before moving on to the next level.

Baby Ballet	For ages 3-6 years old, this class is designed as an introduction to basic ballet movements and terminology. The students explore movement in center floor and movement moving across the floor. Interpretative movements are also incorporated providing an atmosphere for enjoyment and relaxation.
Introduction to Pre-Ballet	For ages 6-9, this class is a natural progression from Baby Ballet. Newly enrolled students may enroll in this class at the discretion of the director.
Pre-Ballet II	Exploration of the true fundamentals of ballet. Placement, alignment and discipline are the focus. Students begin to take written and oral exams on ballet terminology. They must pass these exams to progress to the next level.
Grade 1 Ballet	For ages 10-18, this class is designed for beginning students that have had no formal training or previous experience.
Intermediate Ballet	For ages 10 years old and older, students enrolled in these classes have studied ballet for six years or more.
Advanced Ballet	Students enrolled in this class are 12 years old and older, and must be students of pointe. Having studied ballet for eight years or more, each student is required to be extremely knowledgeable of ballet terminology. This class begins to embark on Variations, Corps and Pas de deux work
Pre-Pointe
Beginning Modern	A contemporary style of dance with technique based on control and balance. Both Horton and Graham are taught. Student’s progress from Beginners, Intermediate to Advanced.
Intermediate Modern
Baby Jazz
Beginning Jazz	For ages 10 and up, this class is an introduction to jazz, a technique that requires great strength, agility and control. Any dancer interested in studying jazz must continuously study ballet. Jazz is a dance of “style.” The dancer experiences Classic, Modern, Broadway and Lyrical styles of jazz.
Intermediate Jazz
Advanced/Beginning Jazz
Grade 3/4 Tap	This class features “Classic Style/Broadway Tap.” Naturally progressing from Grade 2 Tap, and building on level by level. At level 4, the combinations become faster, intricate and more difficult.
Intermediate/Advanced Tap	As student’s progress to these levels, the style of tap changes to syncopated style, which includes Rhythm Tap and Hoofing, which is rooted in Africa and bred in the streets. These styles were made famous by such greats as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, The Hines Brothers, The Nicholas Brothers and most recently Savion Glover. This style is extremely improvisational. Students that progress to these levels must have at least five years of tap experience and have successfully mastered the basics through level 4.
Advanced Tap
Beginning Hip Hop	Hip hop is a style of dance that is a part of today’s high energy “street style movement.” This dance craze is now being incorporated in all of today’s music videos and boasts that all ages are capable of taking part and enjoying it.
Intermediate/Advanced Hip Hop
Adult Belly Dance	A collaboration of the traditional tribal dances from North Africa and the Middle East, Belly Dance is an excellent form of exercise. It strengthens and tones the entire body with isolation exercises and movement.

Norma's Academy of Dance — "Give Your Child A Lasting Gift"