CLASSES | TheDanceFactory2020

Dance Factory Curriculum

We have a variety of classes for all ages and levels and we teach through a nurturing and creative environment. Our curriculum is child-centered and focuses on each student's development and success. children centered approach to training Students are placed in classes based on several factors: age, ability, skill, focus, and individual development. Placement in the correct level assures that your child will progress and become confident & successful! Our recreational classes are engaging and fun while fostering confidence, development of skills and learning an appreciation for the art of dance. For students who wish to pursue dance more seriously; our ballet program enables the dancer to train on a pre-professional level.

Let us help you select the perfect class for your child!

Enrollment open for returning students!

How to help your young dancer/gymnast succeed.

Ages 3-6

We are so excited you’ve chosen our facilities for your precious preschooler’s dance and gymnastics journey.

To help set the best possible experience for you and your student, we offer the following time tested tips.

1. Come a little early, 10-15 minutes, so there is plenty of time to put on dance shoes and relax before class. Please have them try to go to the restroom before class. If you are late, and it happens, have the student potty put on shoes and head back to the dance room. The instructor will greet them and direct them to the activity.

2. This may be the first experience they have of separating from you. Help them by walking them in, not carrying. Have them sit solo in the chair next to you instead of on your lap. We find it easier for the instructor to gather them. They feel a little more independent, which is one of the class goals.

3. The instructor will come to the lobby a few minutes before class to gather up the dance friends and start a train line back to class. We also have a little chat about what we will be doing in class, as we apply hand sanitizer, or “magic soap” to the student. This is a great photo opportunity for you.

4. If you think your child will have trouble separating or listening to the instructor, please remember to not verbalize it. Say goodbye with “Have a great class” or “Can’t wait to see what you learn today.”

5. If there is a shoe change, such as Creative Dance and Tiny Tappers class, keep the same attitude. Change quickly, have a sip of water and walk them to the tap area, where the instructor will be waiting to put them on their mark for class.

6. If your child has trouble in class, the instructor will have the assistant teacher bring them out to you for a break. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Let them know they will be able to return to class when they are ready to try again. Have a sip of water and a snuggle, and bring them back to the class.

7. We will be having an open door class occasionally, so you can see what they’ve been learning. We ask that you don’t hover by the door, it’s distracting to the students. If you are at the Gym Zone, please remember to not coach from the lobby, or call out instruction or encouragement to your gymnast. Let them learn to focus on the instruction and class work independently.

8. Class ends with one of the instructors lining the students to distribute stickers, stamps or occasionally lollipops. This is still class time, so please wait until the teacher has released your child from the line. (We’re learning to choose a treat, to wait our turn and to say thank you).

9. Last, if there is anything we can do to help your student succeed in having a great class, please email or ask for a phone call. We love what we do and want to ensure your student is happy and progressing.

If you do have additional questions, please email us at thedancefactorywv@gmail.com

or give us a call at 304-472-8291 or visit our website for additional information!

Our Classes

Creative Dance and Tiny Tapper

Playful, engaging and fun way to introduce 3-5 year olds to dance in a nurturing/safe environment. Little dancers love to move and Creative Dance/Tiny Tappers is full of c

Creative Dance/Tiny Tappers 1, ages 3-4 – 60 minute class (TDF)

Creative Dance/Tiny Tappers 2, ages 4 ½ -5 ½ - 60 minute class

Engaging-fun-playful-child centered-music that appeals to young children, change activities so our little dancers do not get bored!

*1st half of class = creative dance: circle time/stretches, lots of imagery to make learning fun

*tip toe walks, jumps, skips, gallups

*shapes, pathways, tempos

*props such as scarves, wands, tambourines, hoops & more are use to enhance movement skills

*2nd half of class = Tap: children learn basic tap & rhythms, helps little tappers timing and rhythm.

*fun music & fast paced!

Creative Dance/T Tappers 2 builds upon skills learned in Level 1 and become more structured but still in a playful environment!

Ballet Introduction

*Ballet Intro., ages 5 ½ - 7 - 45 minute class (TDF) (many 6 year olds will turn 7 before end of dance season – so these levels are recommended to be taken before Junior Level 1)

Imaginative ballet class, students in this age group are ready to learn specific ballet positions and arm movements.

*class begins with an opening dance

*students learn simple barre exercises

*basic ballet steps, turns & jumps

*learn terminology/names of steps

*learn simple ballet dances that encourage fluid movement & musicality with added enchantment and imagination!

Jazz/Tap

*Jazz/Tap Intro., ages 5 ½-6 ½, 60 Minute combination class for ages 5 ½ - 7

FUN & FAST PACED, upbeat music/child appropriate, enhances motor skills, coordination, flexibility, rhythm and timing. This class is recommended to take with Ballet Intro., but not required!

*Ballet Intro/Tap Time – 60 minute class for younger 5 year olds. Similar skills but offered in shorter format. Good to combine with Kidz Hop!

*Kidz Hop/Jazz, ages 5-6-7 45 minute class

High energy, fast paced class for young dancers! Jazz and hip-hop basic steps are introduced focusing on body awareness which helps to develop coordination, rhythm and timing. Fun music with the hip hop beat but child-centered and appropriate!

Ballet

Junior I – beginning/basic. Ballet class is usually 45 minutes and the students have the option to take jazz/tap in a 60 minute combination class.

Junior II – This level maintains and expands basic technique and allows the dancer to take hour-long classes in various dance styles. We recommend students take 2 hours per week, usually a ballet class with another dance discipline or other combination of two different dance styles.

Junior III – Students in this level usually take 3-4 hours per week in a couple different dance styles.

Junior IV – pre-teen students in this level are usually taking 4-6 hours of dance per week and are progressing towards an intermediate level. Frequency of training and taking more than one dance style will help students learn and progress quickly.

Jazz

Junior I – beginning/basic. Ballet class is usually 45 minutes and the students have the option to take jazz/tap in a 60 minute combination class.

Junior II – This level maintains and expands basic technique and allows the dancer to take hour-long classes in various dance styles. We recommend students take 2 hours per week, usually a ballet class with another dance discipline or other combination of two different dance styles.

Junior III – Students in this level usually take 3-4 hours per week in a couple different dance styles.

Junior IV – pre-teen students in this level are usually taking 4-6 hours of dance per week and are progressing towards an intermediate level. Frequency of training and taking more than one dance style will help students learn and progress quicker!

and appropriate!

Modern, Musical Theater, & Hip Hop

Junior I – beginning/basic. Ballet class is usually 45 minutes and the students have the option to take jazz/tap in a 60 minute combination class.

Junior II – This level maintains and expands basic technique and allows the dancer to take hour-long classes in various dance styles. We recommend students take 2 hours per week, usually a ballet class with another dance discipline or other combination of two different dance styles.

Junior III – Students in this level usually take 3-4 hours per week in a couple different dance styles.

Junior IV – pre-teen students in this level are usually taking 4-6 hours of dance per week and are progressing towards an intermediate level. Frequency of training and taking more than one dance style will help students learn and progress quicker!

and appropriate!