CLASSES

 

Pre-Dance

PRE-DANCE CURRICULUM (Ages 3 – 6 Year Olds)

Each class begins by warming up our muscles, stretching and reviewing our ballet foot & arm positions during a circle warm-up.

We practice our dance moves and review their proper names – releve, plie, passe and jete.

We travel on magical journeys that allow us to pretend to be things like flowers, fairies, birds, bees and butterflies.

Each unit is based on a magical theme like Super Sweet Adventure, Halloween Magic, Thankful Harvest, Winter Wonderland, A Royal Ball, Jungle Safari, Mermaid Adventure and Tea Party Picnic.

We practice our routine that will be demonstrated at the end of each unit.

Each class ends with your child getting a reward stamp or sticker to celebrate their success.

Coordinating coloring pages, stories and Achievement certificates culminate each unit.

Your little dancer will be excited to attend class each week! And best of all – we too are excited for class and can’t wait to share our love of dance!

 

Hip Hop

Hip Hop: This class will break down steps and technique and also emphasize bringing style and personality to the movement. A high energy class that uses the latest sounds in rap, R&B and pop music together with movements influenced by some of today’s best choreographers. OPAA is very careful to teach only age appropriate moves.

Shoes Required: Street Sneakers

 

Contemporary

Contemporary: Contemporary is the fusion of ballet and jazz technique. Expression from the inner emotion is a primary in choreographing and interpreting this art form.

 

Storybook Theatre

For children ages 4 through 2nd grade. This engaging class sparks creativity, builds confidence, and encourages collaboration. Students will explore storytelling through improvisation games, character development, dress-up, puppetry, and more!

 

Musical Theatre Dance

*Invitation Only*

This class combines dance, acting, and storytelling to capture the style, energy, and emotion of Broadway performances. Each class focuses on technique, character, and choreography—helping students build confidence, stage presence, and expressive movement while dancing to classic and contemporary musical theatre hits.

Ballet I

Ballet I: A beginning level of true classical ballet. This level is for students between the ages of 5 and 10 that have never taken or have only taken combination classes. The class will cover terminology, dance history, basic floor patterning, body strength building and choreography. Due to the amount of material and the need to develop muscle memory a student may remain 2 to 3 years in this level. This class can be taken 1 time a week.

UNIFORM: Black Leotard, Pink Tights, Pink Ballet Shoes, Optional Black Ballet Skirt, Hair pulled back from face in secure bun.

 

Jazz

Jazz: Combines many styles and techniques. Rhythm is integral to jazz dance. The first half of class consists of exercises to stretch, tone muscles, and develop support for proper alignment of the body. Using jazz, soul, R&B and pop music, jazz classes are a great work-out and a fun way to learn dance. Jazz dance is a uniquely American art form. A variety of styles will be taught from the classic Jazz styles, Musical Theatre, and through the contemporary steps of today.

Shoes Required: Black or Tan Jazz Shoes

 

Lyrical

Lyrical: Lyrical dance interprets music or words, showing the audience the emotion of the particular piece. Student must have Ballet II and above skills.

Shoes Required: Modern Shoes

 

Elementary Acting

For 3rd through 5th graders, this class teaches students the fundamentals of acting, from character development to stage presence. The class ends with a live performance, giving students a chance to showcase their skills in front of family and friends!

 

Leaps and Turns

For levels 3 & 4, students will focus on mastering jumps, turns, and other advanced movement techniques. Students will work on improving their height, control, and precision. This class is perfect for dancers looking to take their skills to the next level.

Ballet II

Ballet II Intermediate: Requires a pre-requisite of 2-3 years of ballet or an equivalent from another studio. Evaluation will be required by the Instructor. This level is for ages 8 and up that have an understanding of barre and center work. Students need to know all barre exercises, movements and center terminology. Students will be required to know and understand verbal terms. Students will learn multiple rotations, more difficult jumps, and intricate steps. This class can be taken 1 time a week.

UNIFORM: Black Leotard, Pink Tights, Split Sole Ballet Shoes, Optional Black Ballet Skirt, Hair pulled back from face in secure bun.

 

Modern

Modern: Modern Dance uses modern, Ballet and Jazz based steps to emphasize emotional portrayal of a story or event. These classes will cover both the foundations of modern dance through a variety of exercises, improvisations, and movement combinations allowing students to become comfortable moving the body in new ways. Students are required to take Ballet to register for this class.

No Shoes Required

 

Adult Classes

Adult Classes

Ready to get moving? Our adult dance classes offer a fun and dynamic way to stay active and explore your passion for dance. Whether it’s tap, ballet, or hip hop, we have something for everyone. All skill levels welcome – it’s never too late to start dancing!

Shoes Required: Black Lace Up Tap Shoes/ Pink Ballet Shoes/ Street Sneakers

 

Elementary Production

Elementary Production: Class focusing on dance, voice, performance skills, and acting with an emphasis on confident, outward exploration of personality and attitude. Students will learn how to work together as a team and experience all the steps of putting on a show, from rehearsals to the final performance.

*Two classes offered based on grade level*

 

Technique

For levels 1 and 2, students will build a solid foundation in dance. Students will work on basic moves, body control, and balance while having fun. The class focuses on improving technique helping them progress to more advanced skills as they go.

Ballet III/IV + Pointe

Ballet III/ IV:: Requires a pre-requisite of 3 continual years of ballet. This level is for ages 12 and up. The student needs to know the basics of barre, center, and diagonal work, and be able to execute these with grace and precision. The student needs to be familiar with more intricate steps. Students at this level will be polishing their technique. This level is designed to build endurance and push the envelope of training. Students at this level need little to no explanation of terms or execution. The dancer will develop more of what they have already achieved. Will continue to grow in Variation/Adage/Allegro. This class is great for dancers wanting to go on to dance at a university or professionally. This is a 1 hour class and must be taken once a week.

Pointe: Students must receive approval from the instructor prior to enrolling and being fit for pointe shoes. Placement is based on technical readiness, strength, and previous ballet experience to ensure safety and appropriate progression.


UNIFORM: Black Leotard, Pink Tights , Pink Ballet Shoes, Optional Black Ballet Skirt, Hair pulled back from face in secure bun.

 

Tap

Tap: The emphasis in tap is on creating rhythms using our feet and body as our instrument. Tap Classes focus on technique progressions from basic steps, speed and clarity, across the floor, and center combinations.

Shoes Required: Black Lace Up Tap Shoes

 

Secondary Acting

For middle and high school students, this class teaches students the fundamentals of acting, from character development to stage presence. The class ends with a live performance, giving students a chance to showcase their skills in front of family and friends!

 

Secondary Production

Secondary Production: This class for middle and high school students focuses on dance, voice, acting, and performance skills, with an emphasis on confident self-expression. Students will work as a team and experience every step of putting on a show, from rehearsals to the final performance.