Class Descriptions

Classes Offered

Acro - Acro provides dancers with flexibility and strength to achieve those amazing extensions and moves during performances. With our Acro curriculum, dancers will progress through skills (acrobatic holds, tumbling, and partnering). Acro is the second most important foundational dance style, aside from Ballet.

Ballet - Ballet is the foundation of all dance and the key to having successful and technically proficient dancers. At JMB Dance Academy, we teach the Vaganova method of Ballet. This method fuses elements of traditional French Ballet technique with the Italian technique. The curriculum is designed to involve the entire body. Students will also learn proper terminology. It is highly recommended that all dancers be enrolled in a Ballet class.

Contemporary- The Contemporary style of dance is a fusion of many styles/techniques but is strongly influenced by Modern and Jazz technique. Contemporary dance is used to convey a story or emotion through movement and focuses on performance. Students will learn different techniques and elements from Graham, Horton, Ailey, Morris, and Cunningham. *This class requires Director approval.

Hip Hop – Hip Hop is an energetic and fun modern form of dance. During this class dancers will develop rhythm, musicality, coordination, and learn how to add their personality into the movements.

Jazz - Jazz pulls from many different forms of dance. This class consists of warm-up, stretching, conditioning, across the floor progression, and stage presence. Students will use their knowledge from Ballet and Acro throughout this class.

Lyrical - The Lyrical style of dance became highly popularized in the late 90’s and early 00’s and stems from using words/lyrics as guide for choreography. This form of dance combines the technical skills of Ballet and Modern. Lyrical dance focuses on the fluidity of movement, emotion, and expresses the lyrics of a song. During this class students will focus on balance, weight changes, ground movements, extensions, and personal expression. *Lyrical must be taken before a student join a Contemporary class.

Musical Theater - In this class students will learn Broadway dance and styles. Each month dancers will learn choreography and technique from hit musicals. This class is for ages 5+ and no experience is necessary.

Tap - This classes teaches rhythms by combining different tap steps. Beginner classes focus on the basics of Tap. As the classes advance, the students will practice more difficult combinations of rhythms.

Private Lessons - Private lessons are available for any student and in any style. These lessons can be used for technique or to learn/improve choreography. These lessons are available upon request and subject to the instructor’s availability.

Preschool Programs

Grown Up & Me (14 months - 24 months) - A developmental class that focuses on parent/guardian and child participation. Parent/Guardian and child will follow along with the instructor of the class. This class is designed as an introduction to listening, following directions, fine and gross motor skills, rhythm, building social skills, and becoming familiar with the studio environment.

Tiny Toes (Ages 2-3) - A 30 minute class designed to introduce 2.5-3.5 year old children to dance and a studio environment. This class focuses on creative movement and an introduction to Pre-Ballet. We use Leap ‘N Learn, the leading early childhood dance program. Tiny Toes is for toddlers who can be in the studio without a parent or guardian.

Tiny Taps (Ages 2-3) - A 30 minute class designed to introduce 2-3 year olds to Tap dance. This class teaches rhythms by combining different tap steps.

Tiny Tots (Ages 3.5-4.5) - A 30 minute class designed for children who have danced at JMBDA for a year and are ready to move to the next level of Pre-Ballet. This class continues to focus on creative movement and Pre-Ballet. We use Leap ‘N Learn, the leading early childhood dance program. These children are able to be in a class without a parent or guardian.

Tiny Tumblers (Ages 3-4.5) - Utilizing the Acrobatic Arts “AcroDance PreSchool Program” this 30 minute class is designed to introduce 3-4.5 year old children to Acro. This class focuses on building strength and flexibility. Children will progress safely through Sessions 1-6. Acro is the second most important foundational dance style, aside from Ballet.

Tiny Tappers (Ages 3.5-4.5) - A 30 minute class designed to introduce/continue building foundational skills to 3.5-4.5 year olds to Tap dance. This class teaches rhythms by combining different tap steps.

Tiny Movers (Ages 3.5-4.5) - A 30 minute class designed to introduce foundational jazz skills to 3.5-4.5 year olds.

Broadway Babes 1 & 2 - Info coming soon.

Combo Classes (Ages 6-8) - Info coming soon.