Scroll down for Fall 2010 class descriptions!
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Ballet
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A child's first experience with dance should be one that develops a love and appreciation for the art, yet does not use incorrect technique that will form habits that later have to be undone. Therefore, we always use the correct French terms and simple steps that can be built upon with each advancement to the next level.
Preschool and Primary (Levels 1 & 2) students find themselves on Adventures, in Castles or Toy Rooms and use many different props for learning classical ballet while having fun. [Once a month, preschoolers change focus and put on tap shoes to discover another dance form.] Intermediate (Levels 3 & 4) and Pointe and Advanced (Levels 5 & 6) students learn variations from full ballets, as well as forms of the popular character dances traditionally found in the classics. Adults range from those with no experience and 2 left feet, to those with many years of dance who took time off for college and family and now miss the discipline, grace and toning that only ballet can give. Adult students enjoy learning classical ballet dances, as well as character and period dances.
Pointe work is the dream of many young dancers. However, because of the strength required for standing up on the toes, we require that students be at least 12 years of age and have several years of ballet training. Starting students on pointe before age 12 can result in permanent damage to the feet and legs because of weak bones as the children are growing. The ballet teacher will assess each student on a personal basis to determine their ability to handle the requirements for pointe work.
Preschoolers must be potty-trained and must turn 3 by September 1 of the current dance year. 
Also see Philosophy.
- Associated with the American Academy of Ballet, New York
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Miss Sunny's Special Dancers
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Music speaks to all ages, all nationalities, and all levels of development. Dance is a natural response to music. Special needs children (such as those with Down Syndrome, autism, etc) have a surprising potential to learn basic dance steps and perform them. This class focuses on certain ballet movements within their abilities to pick up and enjoy, as well as use of some props and character miming. Each class is geared to the particular students who are enrolled and the abilities God has given them in His creative plan and purpose for them.
This class is for special needs students in at least K-5 and older.
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Tap
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Tap is the quintessential form of American dance! Since tap's beginnings were on the street, there is no set terminology. However, for the sake of teaching, we use Al Gilbert's Graded Tap curriculum as our basis, but also include other styles and forms. Because taps are an instrument, children learn musicality and rhythm, as well as dance. (And of course, what child doesn't like to make noise!) Tap is an excellent way for boys to learn dance and enjoy it, as many boys already have an innate sense of rhythm. Also, many well-known hoofers of today (and yesteryear) are male and provide a good model of strength and masculinity in dance.
Students must be (at least) in Kindergarten (K-5) to enroll in tap classes.
Also see Philosophy.
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Tumbling
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Students learn basic tumbling/mat skills, as well as the use of scooters, parachutes, the floor beam, the balance board, stilts, the mailbox and the incline and learn motor skill improvement through many other fun ways.
The tumbling class is recommended for students age 3-10, but those age 11-12 are welcome to participate as well. Preschoolers must be potty-trained and must turn 3 by September 1 of the current dance year.
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Boys Exercise & Weightlifting For Homeschoolers
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  Boys begin each week with a series of sit-ups, push-ups and stretches.
Activities include: street hockey, golf, tennis, soccer, Frisbee golf, scooter hockey,
football, basketball, lacrosse, as well as some weightlifting (age appropriate), Astronaut drills, basketball drills, hurdles, archery, darts, jumprope, etc.
Students must be (at least) in Kindergarten (K-5) to enroll in boys' classes.
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