EARLY BEGINNINGS & PRESCHOOL
Our EARLY BEGINNINGS and PRESCHOOL DANCE classes are designed to give children an introduction to dance that is both positive and FUN! At Carolina Dance Center we are committed to creating a safe space for young children to explore, grow, and MOVE! We have multiple class options throughout the week to accommodate a variety of ages and interests. Dancers can register for more than one weekly class if interested!
DANCE WITH ME (18 months-3 yrs) - no recital
Dance With Me is the perfect first step into the joyful world of dance! Designed for little dancers ages 18 months to 3 years old, this class introduces children to structured movement in a fun, playful, and nurturing environment alongside their parent or guardian. Throughout the season, instructors will use a variety of theme-based music, creative movement activities, and fun props such as tunnels, parachutes, balance beams, bean bags, hula hoops, musical instruments, and more. Together, dancers and their adult will explore rhythm, coordination, balance, and basic dance concepts while learning the structure of a dance class at their own pace. Our goal is to help young children build confidence, develop new movement skills, and discover the joy of dancing together with their parent or guardian. Most importantly, Dance With Me is a special opportunity for children and their grown-ups to connect, play, move, and make memories together!
Dress Code: Any dance attire or comfortable clothing, bare feet or ballet shoes.
CREATIVE MOVEMENT (2-3 yrs) - no recital
This class is a perfect introduction to structured movement in an exciting and joyous learning environment. Instructors will utilize a variety of theme based music throughout the season and also incorporate fun props such as a tunnel, parachute, balance beam, bean bags, hula hoops, musical instruments, and more. Dancers will learn the structure of a dance class gradually and are allowed to progress at their own pace. Our primary goal is to help young dancers experience the joy and benefit of movement and fitness in a caring environment. Creative Movement students do not participate in our end of year recital on stage and instead will have their own in-house performance at the end of the season!
Dress Code: Any dance attire or comfortable clothing, bare feet or ballet shoes.
PRE-BALLET (3-4 yrs and 5-6 yrs)
We offer two levels of pre-ballet classes for our youngest students. Dancers in both levels will learn the fundamentals of classical ballet, including basic technique, vocabulary, and dance etiquette. These classes are designed to improve coordination, promote muscle strength and flexibility, and encourage creativity. All instructional material is presented in a fun, imaginative manner. Our goal for pre-ballet students is to introduce them to a strong technical foundation for future learning while encouraging a passion for the arts.
Dress Code: Light pink colored leotard, pink tights and pink ballet shoes (pink skirts and tutus are allowed) - dancers must wear their hair in a bun
BROADWAY KIDS (3-4 years)
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One hour options includes Ballet, Tap, and Jazz OR Ballet, Tap, and Acro
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45 min. Option includes Ballet and Tap
These classes are offered for preschool students who are interested in ballet, tap, and/or jazz. Students will enjoy learning Broadway style tap technique which fosters not only a strong tap dance foundation but also coordination and rhythm. Dancers will also be introduced to creative movement and beginning ballet technique which helps develop poise, grace, and musicality. The hour long version of this class also includes jazz where dancers can groove and sparkle while building confidence and strength. Broadway Kids classes are a great choice for children with high energy, an active imagination, and a love for performing.
Dress Code: Dance attire (any color/style) with tights, socks, or bare feet - dancers need hair pulled back neatly out of face.
Footwear needed for each style (please check class description for specific class)
Acro - bare feet
Ballet - pink ballet shoes
Jazz - skin colored jazz shoes
Tap - black tap shoes
** Dancers should label all dance shoes with his/her name and have a dedicated dance to bring into the classroom each week
HOLLYWOOD STARS (3-4 years)
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One hour option includes Jazz, Tap, and Acro
Calling all movers and shakers! This one hour class is the perfect combination of dance genres for any young dancer with lots of energy! The basic fundamentals and vocabulary of jazz, tap, and acro will be taught as a progression throughout the season. This class is fast paced and the fun teaching approach ensures constant engagement for your dancer. Each of the three dance styles will be covered equally in each class. Hollywood Stars is designed to promote strength, flexibility, coordination, and musicality, and is an ideal introduction to the exciting world of dance!
Dress Code: Dance attire (any color/style) with tights, socks, or bare feet - dancers need hair pulled back neatly out of face. Dancers will also need skin colored jazz shoes and black tap shoes, labeled with his/her name and kept in a dedicated dance bag they can bring into class each week.