Bluegrass Dance Center

Helpful Descriptions
Ballet
Ballet dance is and artistic dance form based on an elaborate formal technique, characterized by gestures and movements of
grace, precision, and fluidity. Ballet serves as a backbone for many other styles of dance, as many other dance genres are
based on ballet. Ballet is based on techniques that have been developed over centuries. Ballet uses music and dance to tell
stories.

Bluegrass Dance Center provides age appropriate ballet dance training. This means classroom content and structure is created
considering the following: Physical development and movement capacity, reasons for dancing (recreational, competitive,
intensive, etc.), emotional and cognitive maturity. No child is the same and no classroom lesson plan is the same. We take
great care to present a group class that reflects the students desire and ability paired with the instructor’s knowledge,
planning, and care. While observing classroom time parents might notice that music selections, activities, props, and concepts
are presented in efforts to instruct the entire class along as a group or a team.

Ballroom & Latin

Ballroom & Latin dancing refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the
world. Its performance and entertainment aspects are also widely enjoyed on stage, in film and on television. Within these
styles there are various genres that may be danced, Cha Cha, Swing, Waltz, and Tango are just a few.

Bluegrass Dance Center provides age appropriate ballroom dance training. This style may be learned with or without a dance
partner. This means classroom content and structure is created considering the following: Physical development and
movement capacity, reasons for dancing (recreational, competitive, intensive, etc.), emotional and cognitive maturity. No
child is the same and no classroom lesson plan is the same. We take great care to present a group class that reflects the
students desire and ability paired with the instructor’s knowledge, planning, and care. While observing classroom time
parents might notice that music selections, activities, props, and concepts are presented in efforts to instruct the entire class
along as a group or a team.

Jazz
Jazz dance may be characterized by the use of improvisation and has been influenced by rhythms and techniques of jazz
music. Jazz Dance is an umbrella term that can refer to several related dance styles. All of them are connected via common
roots, namely tap, ballet, jazz music, and African-American rhythms and dance. Jazz is a fun dance style that relies heavily
on originality and improvisation. Many Jazz dancers mix different styles into their dancing, incorporating their own
expression. Jazz dancing often uses bold, dramatic body movements, including body isolations and contractions.

Bluegrass Dance Center provides age appropriate jazz dance training. This means classroom content and structure is created
considering the following: Physical development and movement capacity, reasons for dancing (recreational, competitive,
intensive, etc.), emotional and cognitive maturity. No child is the same and no classroom lesson plan is the same. We take
great care to present a group class that reflects the students desire and ability paired with the instructor’s knowledge,
planning, and care. While observing classroom time parents might notice that music selections, activities, props, and concepts
are presented in efforts to instruct the entire class along as a group or a team.

Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre is a form of theatre combining music, songs, spoken dialogue and dance. The emotional content of the piece-
humor, pathos, love, anger-as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music movement and technical
aspects of the entertainment as an integrated whole.

Bluegrass Dance Center provides age appropriate Musical Theatre dance training. At this time, we start Musical Theatre
training for those students in Second Grade or higher. This means classroom content and structure is created considering the
following: Physical development and movement capacity, reasons for dancing (recreational, competitive, intensive, etc.),
emotional and cognitive maturity. No child is the same and no classroom lesson plan is the same. We take great care to
present a group class that reflects the students desire and ability paired with the instructor’s knowledge, planning, and care.
While observing classroom time parents might notice that music selections, activities, props, and concepts are presented in
efforts to instruct the entire class along as a group or a team.

Bluegrass Dance Center www.bluegrassdancecenter.com (859) 625-9393

2187 Lexington Road Richmond, KY 40475
 Bluegrass Dance Center
Helpful Descriptions
Dance Theatre
Dance Theatre is a continuation of Musical Theatre with a greater emphasis on pairing technical dance expertise along with
Musical Theatre. The content of the class requires a more detailed and comprehensive knowledge of dance. Your child’s
current dance expertise and training will be utilized for the Musical Theatre elements of this class.

Bluegrass Dance Center provides age appropriate Dance Theatre dance training. Students are expected to have a high level
of dance training. This means classroom content and structure is created considering the following: Physical development
and movement capacity, reasons for dancing (recreational, competitive, intensive, etc.), emotional and cognitive maturity. No
child is the same and no classroom lesson plan is the same. We take great care to present a group class that reflects the
students desire and ability paired with the instructor’s knowledge, planning, and care. While observing classroom time
parents might notice that music selections, activities, props, and concepts are presented in efforts to instruct the entire class
along as a group or a team.

Hip-hop
Hip-hop dance refers to dance styles, mainly street dance styles, primarily danced to hip-hop music, or that have evolved as a
part of the hip-hop culture. By its widest definition, it can include a wide range of styles such as breaking, popping, locking,
house dance and even electro dance. It can also include the many styles simply labeled as hip-hop, old school hip-hop (or
hype), hip-hop new style and freestyle. Improvisation and personal interpretation are essential to hip hop dancing.

Bluegrass Dance Center provides age appropriate Hip-Hop dance training. Physical development and movement capacity,
reasons for dancing (recreational, competitive, intensive, etc.), emotional and cognitive maturity. No child is the same and no
classroom lesson plan is the same. We take great care to present a group class that reflects the students desire and ability
paired with the instructor’s knowledge, planning, and care. While observing classroom time parents might notice that music
selections, activities, props, and concepts are presented in efforts to instruct the entire class along as a group or a team.

Tap & Urban Tap

Tap dance is a form of dance in which a tapping sound is made when metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch a hard surface.
Because the dancers make sound they are considered percussive musicians. Tap dancing is an exciting form of dance in
which dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats. Tap dance training can surround the
various styles of music available and genre’s done throughout the decades. Soft-shoe, tap or kick-line (Rockette style),
Rhythm tap, and Urban tap (pairing movements found in hip-hop dancing) are all wonderful representations of what may be
learned in a tap dance class.

Bluegrass Dance Center provides age appropriate Tap dance training. Physical development and movement capacity, reasons
for dancing (recreational, competitive, intensive, etc.), emotional and cognitive maturity. No child is the same and no
classroom lesson plan is the same. We take great care to present a group class that reflects the students desire and ability
paired with the instructor’s knowledge, planning, and care. While observing classroom time parents might notice that music
selections, activities, props, and concepts are presented in efforts to instruct the entire class along as a group or a team.

Modern & Creative

Modern dance is a style of theatrical dancing that is not as restricted as classical ballet. Here at Bluegrass Dance Center
Modern dance is a continuation of Creative Movement. Dance movements in modern dance are expressive of feelings and
concepts. Modern dance is a more relaxed, free style of dance. It uses emotions and moods to design ones own steps, and it
has a deliberate use of gravity. In this style students have the opportunity to take note of how their bodies and minds work
together in creating movements. Modern dancing allows a guided yet safe setting for students to explore all dancing has to
offer.

Creative dance uses elements of dance to explore movement. Students find self-control and creative problem-solving skills
while learning how to move through space. Creative movement can reflect thematic material or concrete images. Dance
education uses problem- solving and the creative process to integrate choreography, improvisation, and technique.

Bluegrass Dance Center provides age appropriate Modern and Creative dance training. Physical development and movement
capacity, reasons for dancing (recreational, competitive, intensive, etc.), emotional and cognitive maturity. No child is the
same and no classroom lesson plan is the same. We take great care to present a group class that reflects the students desire
and ability paired with the instructor’s knowledge, planning, and care. While observing classroom time parents might notice

Bluegrass Dance Center www.bluegrassdancecenter.com (859) 625-9393

2187 Lexington Road Richmond, KY 40475
 Bluegrass Dance Center
Helpful Descriptions
that music selections, activities, props, and concepts are presented in efforts to instruct the entire class along as a group or a
team.

Baton Twirling
Baton is a competitive sport involving the manipulation of a balanced metal rod with the hands and body to a co-coordinated
routine, similar to rhythmic gymnastics. The distinguishing fundamental characteristics are: Handling of the baton instrument
to create visual images, pictures and patterns, executed with dexterity, smoothness, fluidity, and speed, both close in and
around the body and by releasing the baton into the air. Twirling allows expression of the body through dance and movement
to create a demonstration of strength, flexibility, physical fitness, beauty, aesthetics, and harmony in coordination with the
manipulation of the baton. The incorporation of gymnastic movements adapted to baton twirling to create additional elements
of risk and excitement. The discipline requires the simultaneous blending of these fundamental characteristics all set to
music, utilizing time and space to display both technical merit and artistic expression in creating a total package for the
viewer’s eye.

Bluegrass Dance Center provides age appropriate Baton Twirling training. Physical development and movement capacity,
reasons for dancing (recreational, competitive, intensive, etc.), emotional and cognitive maturity. No child is the same and no
classroom lesson plan is the same. We take great care to present a group class that reflects the students desire and ability
paired with the instructor’s knowledge, planning, and care. While observing classroom time parents might notice that music
selections, activities, props, and concepts are presented in efforts to instruct the entire class along as a group or a team.

Age Categories
Age categories provide a basic guideline for class placements. It is beneficial for children to have the opportunity to be at
both ends of the age spectrum when attending a class. This experience allows a child’s learning to come full circle and be
complete. As the youngest in class, children have the benefit of learning along with older dancers that may bring to class
varied experience and maturity. In turn, when a dancer reaches the older end of the age category, they will then have the
chance to experience the benefits of being a mentor, role model, and example for other students.

3-4 years Geared for those not yet in pre-school and those in pre-school.
5-6 years Geared for those about to enter Kindergarten and those in Kindergarten.
7 years and up Geared for children in at least first grade.
10 years and up Geared for children in at least fourth grade.
Teen Geared for children that are at the end of middle school and entering high school.

Children’s age determination is based upon their age as of October 31st of the dance year.
We offer classes that begin in January for those children that will not be 3 until the end of year. They grow so much in even a
few months – for their enjoyment – why not wait until then?

Level Descriptions
Pre-Dance Introduction to movement, class structure, and awareness of self and others.

Kindgergarten Dance An introduction to dance and basic terminology of dancing, continued team work and
exploration into the world of dancing.

Within any given age category, a child may begin again at a level I. For example, a 7 year old might be a Level II, and when
they turn 10, might need to enter a Level I class. In addition, each dance school creates and maintains a unique system of
leveling. What one school might consider Level III might be measured differently here at Bluegrass Dance Center. Always
keep in mind, as long as your child is doing well, what the class is called is unimportant!

Level I A foundation and the most important level of a child’s dancing journey. Students may dance at
this level and enjoy dancing for 1-3 years of dance classes. It also is common that a student may be Level II
in Jazz, and Level I in ballet. Again, the circle of learning (new, returning, mentor applies to Level I just as
the other levels offered here at Bluegrass Dance Center).

Level II A continuation of Level I. At this level students are given the opportunity to add
nuance, finesse and performance ease to some of the elements learned in a Level I class. New concepts in

Bluegrass Dance Center www.bluegrassdancecenter.com (859) 625-9393

2187 Lexington Road Richmond, KY 40475
 Bluegrass Dance Center
Helpful Descriptions
space and stage awareness are introduced along with an increased demand for technical expertise. Again,
the circle of learning (new, returning, mentor applies to Level I just as the other levels offered here at
Bluegrass Dance Center).

Level III A continuation of Level II. Level III students meet the physical requirements needed to attempt various
movements of any given dance style safely and comfortably. At this level students are given the
opportunity at add increased body awareness, performance skills, and multiple technical concepts to
fundamental movements learned while attending previous levels.

We realize there are varied circumstances when it comes to finding the right class. Please keep in mind that children’s
scheduling needs and friendships are not a consideration when placing them for a class. The correct level, style, and
oftentimes age category are what are considered when finding the right class for your child. The director reserves the right to
modify and alter class placements if needed. The best interest of the child is always what is most important.

Prep Program Description

Designed for those students that place dance at the top of their extra curricular activities, the Prep Program is an invitation-
based non-competitive cross training system. Students must be actively participating in dance classes, here at Bluegrass
Dance Center for at least three (3) months in order to qualify for consideration.

The dancers who have demonstrated determination, self-discipline, and the aptitude and desire to place a high priority on
their dance training have been observed and selected to participate in this program. We know that while many children take
dance as a recreational activity, others will thrive in an environment where they are exposed to multiple dance disciplines
simultaneously. Students in the Prep Program are required to study ballet, jazz and tap dance technique. Selected students are
physically and emotionally able to sustain the rigors of this program. Furthermore, they have been placed in the appropriate
group based on: attention span, ability to implement corrections, strength, speed, endurance, posture, flexibility, musicality,
and team work.

Recital Description
Bluegrass Dance Center strives to provide a safe, fun, and entertaining year-end dance recital. Participation is encouraged,
but not required to attend dance classes throughout the year. Our recital theme and costume selections are always presented at
our yearly Pizza Party held one Saturday in December. Our Winter Program students that join us in January will find out their
class selections at the start of February. For more information about our Dance Recital, you can read our Dance Recital
Handbook.

Bluegrass Dance Center www.bluegrassdancecenter.com (859) 625-9393

2187 Lexington Road Richmond, KY 40475