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MAD Dance Program Overview

Our Dance programs at MAD Dance will provide our students with high quality dance instruction delivered by our highly qualified faculty. Our programs begin at 2.5 years of age and continue all the way up to our adult classes.

The Dance Program at MAD Dance is committed to providing students of all ages, levels and backgrounds who have a desire to dance with a world- class education built on a foundation of classical ballet. With the talents cultivated at MAD, students can pursue careers as professional dancers at companies throughout the world, higher education opportunities in dance, or success in other fields. Through the Academy’s programs, students develop a diverse set of skills including artistry, creativity, discipline and confidence, among others.

Participation in Competitions, Festivals, etc: MAD Dance students may be invited to participate in prestigious dance competitions, festivals, etc. The MAD Dance Artistic Director makes the decision about which students deserve to represent the academy at such events. Annual tuition does not cover competition/festival expenses and each student will be responsible for any competition fees, travel, accommodation, costumes and any other expenses.

Class Advancement: Advancement may occur at any time, but on average students are expected to remain in a level for a minimum of one year. Your child may not be promoted every year. Our primary concern is that a student be placed in a level that is appropriate to his or her skill level and physical strength. If the child is promoted too soon, then he or she will miss some very valuable training. These children also struggle in the next level, which is unnecessary and could result in injury. A student who carefully develops his or her technique early in the curriculum will find advancement in later years to be smoother and more rewarding.

Children's Division

The Children’s Division at MAD Dance includes many dance classes for your minis. These classes expose students to the joy of dance through movement games, creative exercises, exploration of dance styles and an introduction to movement vocabulary. Children flourish in a positive atmosphere of self-discovery while learning a curriculum that introduces the basic concepts of ballet, promotes musicality and rhythm, and instructs foundational and fundamental dance techniques. Pre-Dance classes are designed for age 2 to 4. Classes are offered all year round. The Pre-Dance class is taught by very experienced instructors who are extremely patient and nurturing for this age. Class includes; balance, coordination, creative movement, self-esteem skills, confidence skills, listening skills, basic dance, public speaking and modeling. The class is excellent to help overall academic skills. Our Pre-Dance program has been evolving since 2011 to grow with the community and educational structures. Pre-Dance is a positive environment to encourage the students to learn and grow. This is an absolutely brilliant program for young students.

Children's Classes Offered
Pre-Ballet/Ballet Foundations - Requirements: student must be age 2.5 by 9/3/18
Ballet classes begin with Pre-Dance experience at age 3 or beginners may start at age 4. A more accelerated ballet program will begin at about age 7. Instructors include poise, confidence, posture, grace of movement and a technical ballet syllabus which grows with each student. Ballet classes are a progressive class that moves slowly to learn and develop proper technique. The creative movement program is specifically designed to provide children with the joy of dance and movement. Basic fundamentals are taught, focusing on strength, timing, balance, rhythm, flexibility and coordination. Age appropriate songs and activities are paired with technical training to provide a fun and exciting dance environment. Your child will not even realize they are learning!
Boys and Girls Hip Hop and Break dance, - Requirements: must be age 5 by 9/3/18
Young Boys and girls get a chance to express their inner madness! This class is designed for children to develop beginner technique in all styles of dance and prepare them for a more rigorous training regimen.
Children's Ballet - Requirements: students must be age 4 by 9/3/18
Pre-Ballet programs are designed to introduce dance and music fundamentals in a fun and encouraging way. In each class the Instructor will cater to teaching the technical requirements necessary for each specific technique while promoting a sense of rhythm, confidence and core technique to build on. Children will explore their creativity while being introduced to developmentally appropriate exercises that prepare them for future discipline specific training.
Jazz- For students ages 4 and over
Jazz is an expressive and energetic dance discipline that combines current dance moves with popular musical trends. Students will develop the latest dance styles in these high energy and innovative classes. Age appropriate material is presented in a fun and exciting manner with an emphasis on safe and correct technical execution. This discipline is especially enjoyed by high-energy kids, teen and adults.
Tap - For students ages 6 and over
Tap classes are for age 4 and above. Tap is one of the greatest classes to begin to learn dance. The rhythm, balance and coordination taught through tap classes will carry on for a lifetime. Tap is energetic and helps many personal learning skills. The tap sounds are also exciting for students where they can measure their own progress. The tap syllabus is created to encourage balance and coordination skills as a student grows. Instructors build self-esteem and incorporate strong movement in tap classes.
Mini Contemporary- For students ages 6 and over
Mini Contemporary Classes is a fusion of jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and many modern dance styles, encouraging pedestrian-like movement. Contemporary is quickly becoming a mainstream form of dance that focuses on a natural way of moving while still incorporating the technical aspects of dance. Combined with the soulful expression of Lyrical this is a class that encompasses mind, body and spirit.

Pre-Professional Dance Program

The Pre-Professional Program at MAD Dance brings high-quality MAD training to students in a variety of disciplines. The Pre-Professional Program is a curriculum-based program designed for the dedicated dance student. The diverse syllabus offers intensive training for aspiring ballet and musical theater dancers.There are 2 Pre-Professional Levels with Classes in Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Contemporary Ballet. Please see schedule for days and times offered. This program is by audition only. Please inquire through email if interested in auditioning for our Pre-Professional Dance Division.

Youth Classes
Beginning Ballet- Ages: approximately 7-11
Ballet is considered to be the foundation of all dance disciplines. Students will study the fundamentals of ballet technique, following our Faculty developed syllabus. Classes will focus on posture, turn-out, alignment, grace and poise. Ballet is an excellent way to enjoy increased fitness, body awareness for performance or personal enjoyment.
Intermediate Ballet- Ages: approximately 11-14
Students build upon their training in fundamental concepts of classical ballet technique, vocabulary and studio etiquette. This class focuses on the development of body positions and alignment, jumping, introduction of turning and musicality.
Advanced Ballet- Ages: approximately 12-18
This is the most intense level of training in the Youth Division, aimed at preparing dancers for a professional career. Dancers are challenged in every aspect of dancing and performance.
Jazz- For students ages 6 and over - (BEG, INT, ADV)
Jazz is an expressive and energetic dance discipline that combines current dance moves with popular musical trends. Students will develop the latest dance styles in these high energy and innovative classes. Age appropriate material is presented in a fun and exciting manner with an emphasis on safe and correct technical execution. This discipline is especially enjoyed by high-energy kids, teen and adults.
Tap - For students ages 6 and over - (BEG, INT, ADV)
Junior Contemporary and Contemporary Classes is a fusion of jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and many modern dance styles, encouraging pedestrian-like movement. Contemporary is quickly becoming a mainstream form of dance that focuses on a natural way of moving while still incorporating the technical aspects of dance. Combined with the soulful expression of Lyrical this is a class that encompasses mind, body and spirit. . Choreography is often emotional, gripping, and exquisitely delicate, all at the same time. Previous ballet training is required as well as current enrollment in a ballet class is required. This class is designed for dedicated beginners to Adv.
Tap - For students ages 6 and over - (BEG, INT, ADV)
Want to let off some steam? Then tap maybe perfect for you, it’s a high-energy dance that thrives off its own rhythms and sounds. From Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly and their Broadway style to the more contemporary Tap Dogs of the West End, tap dancing is a unique dancing style that is not to be missed. So come on down to one of our friendly taster sessions to learn a few basic steps and get a flavour for MAD Dance courses, and have any questions you may have answered. So get tapping! Tap is the discipline where your feet make the music. Paired with popular music, students will learn to improve their timing and coordination while developing rhythmic and syncopated footwork. Students of all ages are introduced to classic tap technique and terminology. Dancers will love learning the hottest tap steps in an encouraging atmosphere. If you love to make noise with your feet, tap is the discipline for you.
Pointe - (By Placement)
Pointe work is essential in preparing a young dancer for advanced ballet training. Only Academy Artistic Directors and Faculty can determine when a student is ready to begin this aspect of classical training. Strong feet, ankles, legs, and body control are the keys to physical readiness. Comprehension of classical ballet technique is an essential component for recommendation for pointe work. It is strongly recommended that students of any age take two ballet technique classes per week if they would like to take classes on pointe.
Hip Hop - (BEG, INT, ADV)
In addition to being a lot of fun, Hip Hop helps dancers develop body coordination, self expression, and cardiovascular health. Drawing from popular urban culture and music, Hip Hop is a great class for both beginner and experienced dancers. No prior experience required, but for younger students some prior dance training is recommended. Sneakers are required. Please do not wear street shoes into class.
Modern -
Modern Dance appeals to the creative, artistic soul in everyone because of its expressiveness and freedom of individuality. MAD Dance’s Modern Dance classes introduce students to elements of Horton, Graham, & Limon techniques and focus on movement from the inside out, encouraging use of breath, energy, and connection. A warm up of breath and energy work, followed by exercises that emphasize extension, release, weight, momentum, and force, culminate in long movement phrases and improvisation exercises that playfully explore movement possibilities. The goal is to develop strong, versatile dancers that can intelligently handle any dance style.
Lyrical - (BEG, INT, ADV)
Lyrical dance is a dance style that combines elements of ballet, modern and jazz dance techniques. It is commonly set to popular music with vocals or just instrumental bars. The name lyrical comes from the word "lyrics" because dancers use the lyrics of a song or instrumental music to inspire them to do certain movements or show expression. The goal of a lyrical dancer is to use gesture, facial expression, and controlled movements in order to execute their movements and emotions fully. Besides emotional connection to music, lyrical dance typically encourages use of articulation, line, weight, and movement qualities. Due to its demand for intermediate to advanced technical skill and emotional focus, this class is designed for the intermediate and above dancers who have experience in both jazz AND ballet.
Contemporary -
Contemporary is a fusion of jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and many modern dance styles, encouraging pedestrian-like movement. Contemporary is quickly becoming a mainstream form of dance that focuses on a natural way of moving while still incorporating the technical aspects of dance. Combined with the soulful expression of Lyrical this is a class that encompasses mind, body and spirit. . Choreography is often emotional, gripping, and exquisitely delicate, all at the same time. Previous ballet training is required as well as current enrollment in a ballet class is required. This class is designed for dedicated advance beginners.

MAD Dance Teams and Music Theater Kids Company

MAD Dance Competition dancers and the Musical Theater Kids Company enjoy a unique and exciting opportunity to travel to regional dance competitions and community performances. Members of our teams learn how to work as a team player while training, perfecting their skills, and performing for a wide array of audiences! All teams offer the opportunity to study dance at a more professional level and are geared for those who wish to take their dance or theater education to the next level.

MAD Company Philosophy:
Do you love to perform and love the excitement of competition! The environment of competition is used to motivate and push our dancers to perform and dance to their best ability. Competitive training provides the opportunity for dancers to explore new styles of dance, music, and levels of training. Our coaches will place your child on a team that best fits their current skill level and then guide, train and work with each dancer to achieve the skill level desired. Team levels will be based on age and ability. Our team of instructors know firsthand the dedication and commitment needed to be an competitive dancer. Even if your child does not have advanced skills now, hard work, dedication, good attitude, and commitment can take them a long way. Although we do perform at a limited number of competitions each year, we prefer not to become a "competition school." We believe that dance is an art form, and art should be appreciated without being judged. However, we also believe that technique is an important part of the learning process at MAD, so we choose to participate in competitions in order to receive valuable professional critiques. We take these professional suggestions seriously to help both the dancers and choreographers advance their skills. In addition, we believe that competition can be fun, educational, and -- most of all -- inspiring for all involved. GO MAD with us!!!!!

Dance and Music Theater Company Prerequisite Requirements:
Due to the rigorous and intense training received by Company members, it is crucial that students are technically trained and progressing in their individual performance level.

MAD Companies
Dance Team- 2018-2019 Company members TBA
Musical Theater Kids Company- 2018-2019 Company members TBA

General Class Descriptions

Ballet
Ballet Technique classes are the foundation for training at MAD Dance and focus on developing a solid ballet technique with emphasis on understanding correct body placement, proper use of turn out, coordination of the upper body, and use of arms. MAD Dance’s unique syllabus exposes students to aspects of traditional Vaganova (Russian), Cecchetti (Italian), and American techniques. Class begins with work at the barre to build strength and coordination, followed by center exercises, culminating in a grand allegro combination or variation. Clear explanations of exercises and theory help students use the ballet vocabulary in a simple, practical way that leads to increased technical understanding, healthy physical development, and lifelong enjoyment.
Pointe
Pointe work is essential in preparing a young dancer for advanced ballet training. Only Academy Artistic Directors and Faculty can determine when a student is ready to begin this aspect of classical training. Strong feet, ankles, legs, and body control are the keys to physical readiness. Comprehension of classical ballet technique is an essential component for recommendation for pointe work. It is strongly recommended that students of any age take two ballet technique classes per week if they would like to take classes on pointe.
Hip Hop
In addition to being a lot of fun, Hip Hop helps dancers develop body coordination, self expression, and cardiovascular health. Drawing from popular urban culture and music, Hip Hop is a great class for both beginner and experienced dancers. No prior experience required, but for younger students some prior dance training is recommended. Sneakers are required. Please do not wear street shoes into class.
Modern
Modern Dance (or Contemporary Dance) appeals to the creative, artistic soul in everyone because of its expressiveness and freedom of individuality. MAD Dance’s Modern Dance classes introduce students to elements of Horton, Graham, & Limon techniques and focus on movement from the inside out, encouraging use of breath, energy, and connection. A warm up of breath and energy work, followed by exercises that emphasize extension, release, weight, momentum, and force, culminate in long movement phrases and improvisation exercises that playfully explore movement possibilities. The goal is to develop strong, versatile dancers that can intelligently handle any dance style. Advanced students (18+) of MAD Dance may audition for the Dance Now Ensemble!
Jazz
Jazz is a dance form that appeals to everyone because of its energy, variety, and vitality. Jazz Dance classes explore contemporary and classic jazz dance, rooted in the vernacular (social dance) forms, that draws inspiration from a wide range of music including jazz, swing, blues, pop, soul and funk. The movement explores a range of styles in both lyrical and percussive disciplines with a focus on jazz elements such as isolations, swing, and rhythm. The goal is to develop dancers who are expressive, dynamic, musical and passionate.
Tap
Tap Dance is a timeless art that combines dance and percussion. Tap dancers in musicals, movies, television, commercials, and concerts inspire us with their infectious rhythms. Tap Dance classes explore the two traditions of rhythm tap (hoofing) and Broadway tap. Class begins with warm up exercises in the center that increase control, coordination, and rhythm, followed by across the floor exercises that teach dynamics, shading, phrasing, and musicality, concluding with extended rhythmic phrases and improvisation exercises. The goal is to develop tap dancers that are equally strong musicians, dancers, and performers.
Lyrical
Lyrical dance is a dance style that combines elements of ballet, modern and jazz dance techniques. It is commonly set to popular music with vocals or just instrumental bars. The name lyrical comes from the word "lyrics" because dancers use the lyrics of a song or instrumental music to inspire them to do certain movements or show expression. The goal of a lyrical dancer is to use gesture, facial expression, and controlled movements in order to execute their movements and emotions fully. Besides emotional connection to music, lyrical dance typically encourages use of articulation, line, weight, and movement qualities. Due to its demand for intermediate to advanced technical skill and emotional focus, this class is designed for the intermediate and above dancers who have experience in both jazz AND ballet.
Contemporary
Contemporary is a fusion of jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and many modern dance styles, encouraging pedestrian-like movement. Contemporary is quickly becoming a mainstream form of dance that focuses on a natural way of moving while still incorporating the technical aspects of dance. Combined with the soulful expression of Lyrical this is a class that encompasses mind, body and spirit. . Choreography is often emotional, gripping, and exquisitely delicate, all at the same time. Previous ballet training is required as well as current enrollment in a ballet class is required. This class is designed for dedicated advance beginners.
Adult Programs - Adult classes for ages 18 & over
Have you always wanted to dance but never had the chance? Our adult program offers classes in Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary with levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Classes are fun, social, and a great way to stay in shape! Adult classes offer an exciting alternative or complement to your fitness needs. No experience necessary - just the desire to have fun and learn!
Fitness
Variety of fitness classes offered to suit the needs of our clients. This also applies to parents who have a child registered and dancing at the studio. More classes to come...