Dance Foundations and Brain Dance:
Dance Foundations classes are the basis of the dance program at Emerson Umbrella Center for The Arts. These classes teach basic dance concepts such as rhythm, pattern, pathways, intensity, and size. All classes include improvisation and choreography, increasing in complexity in the higher levels. Dance Foundations classes are an excellent foundation for all styles of dance, especially modern, and are recommended for all DUTU students.
Included in Dance Foundations classes are Brain Dance exercises. Brain Dance, developed by Anne Green Gilbert, is a series of movement and dance exercises inspired by the developmental stages a child goes through starting at birth. These exercises stimulate and exercise the brain as well as the body.
DF classes help students just starting out in dance just as well as advanced students looking to improve performance. DF classes are also helpful for sports, theatre, academics, and health.
Levels:
Dance Foundations I: Ages 3-4
Dance Foundations II: Ages 5-6, Kindergarten
Dance Foundations III: Ages 7-10
Dance Foundations IV: Ages 11-13
Dance Foundations V: Ages 14+
Ballet:
Ballet classes at DUTU combine strong technique with movement and musicality. Repetition of steps allows students to focus on technical ability. Emphasis is on the love of dance in the younger levels. As students progress to higher levels, there is increasing variability of barre exercises and more complicated center combinations. The overall approach is an eclectic blend of styles.
Levels:
Beginning Ballet I: Ages 5-6, Kindergarten
Beginning Ballet II: Ages 6-7
Intermediate Ballet I: Ages 8-10
Intermediate Ballet II: Ages 9-13
Intermediate Ballet III: Ages 11-13
Advanced Teen Ballet: Ages 14+
Beginning Teen Ballet: Ages 12+
Pointe: Intermediate Ballet III and higher with permission of instructor
Modern:
The modern dance classes are also an eclectic blend of styles and influences, including Graham, Cunningham, Taylor, and Limon, with a foundation in the basic elements common to all the major modern styles.
Levels:
Beginning Modern: Ages 8-10
Intermediate Modern: Ages 11-13
Advanced Teen Modern: Ages 14+
Irish Dance for Fun and Exercise:
Move over Zumba, IDFE (id-fee) is set to become the newest dance and exercise fusion class craze. This class takes the basics of Irish dance and strings them together for a fun, upbeat dance workout. Fun for all ages!
Levels:
IDFE I: Ages 7-12
IDFE II: Ages 13+
IDFE III: Ages Adult
Billy Dancing:
Inspired by the movie and the hit Broadway musical Billy Elliot, this class is an introduction to ballet, Irish dance, tap, jazz, and theatre. It is geared for boys, but open for girls as well. Ages 8-12
Mini Billy Dancing:
A younger version of Billy Dancing with age appropriate explorations of ballet, Irish dance, tap, jazz, and theatre. Ages 5-7.
Homeschool Dance:
Dance Foundations, ballet, and modern dance for the homeschooled student.
Workshops:
Silly Bands Ballet:
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em! You know those colorful bands popular with kids age pre-school through middle school. This class captures children's interest in these "silly bands" and uses it as the inspiration for movement and dance exploration. Silly Bands provided. Ages 5-10
Found Space Dance:
"Site specific" dance is very popular in the world of modern dance. It is the act of creating a dance inspired by a certain place, or a dance that can only be performed in a certain space. Dancers and choreographers draw off of the size, shape and physical characteristics of a space, as well as draw from the art and aesthetics of a particular location. In this class we find inspiration at Emerson Umbrella- the art exhibits, sculpture garden, theatre, Musketaquid, and whatever else we "find". Ages 11+
