WHAT WE OFFER....
DANCE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Click here to see the 09-10 DANCE Schedule

ACRO DANCE- This course combines acrobatic technique with elements of dance. Progressions of tumbling skills are taught in conjunction with creative movement and dance. The curriculum is designed to increase gross motor skills, muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, agility, coordination and an appreciation of the sport of gymnastics. Acro-dance classes are offered to children beginning at age 3. Classes range from beginner through advanced.

ADULT CLASSES- If you’re over the age of 21 and think you would like to give dancing a try, then this is the program for you. We have beginner and intermediate levels in tap, jazz, and hip-hop. Each class is designed to be technique based to teach the fundamentals in each class. The year-end performance is optional. Classes are offered based on enrollment.

BALLET- The ballet program is a structured class designed to teach the proper technique needed for ALL styles of dance. It helps with grace, balance, and coordination. It is the root of all dance, whether you're learning Vegonave or Chiquetti (the two most prominent styles of ballet; French and Russian). It is a beautiful art and teaches soft lines, strength and style. Dress code is enforced.

BALL ROOM- We now offer private couple classes in swing, salsa, mambo, cha cha, foxtrot, waltz, and much more! So bring a friend and learn to boogie with the best of them.

BEGINNER DANCE- is an introductory program designed to give small children a sample of the basics. They will learn how to stretch, terminology in tap and ballet, and get practice every week on the basic skills that will be implemented into their dances. We have found that repetition is the best way for these peanuts to learn, so the kids will develop a familiarity to the class, the teacher, and the skills that they will go over every week.

BROADWAY- is a class that will teach not only dance steps, but incorporate acting skills as well. They learn to show emotion through their body and face, while doing intricate dance movement. They will be doing selections and styles from many wonderful Broadway musicals.

GYMNASTICS- We offer classes in beam and floor tumbling, and springboard. We offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes, and also incorporate cheerleading tumbling and strength training.

HIP HOP - is the newest craze! It’s a fun, energetic class that teaches the newest and hottest moves found on M.T.V. There are two main styles we try to incorporate in class; street hip-hop and pop hip-hop. Street hip-hop is a funky fresh style that incorporates break dancing and a lot of “pop and lock” into the mix, while pop hip-hop is a lot of the dancing you’ll see from Brittany Spears and Beyonce. Hip-hop is a great work out for all of you looking for a little bit of cardio!

JAZZ- is one of the oldest forms of dance. There are many different styles, but in each class, the same fundamentals are taught; flexibility, rhythm, turns, leaps, strength, and agility. Jazz is fun and upbeat and will challenge all dancers in every shape and ability level.

LYRICAL- is a style of dance that incorporates jazz and ballet. It’s usually slow controlled movement that emphasizes on the lyrics of the music. It’s a very interpretational style and will help each student learn how to be more expressive and emotional while they perform.

MODERN- is also an interpretive and unconventional style of dance. Each movement has meaning and when you string them together, it tells a story. It’s a great way for students to try new moves that may be very different from the other styles of dance they have already learned.

POINTE- is a very difficult and disciplined style of dance. Only after the proper training and evaluation, can a student attempt a Pointe class. Pre-Pointe is recommended for all students who are considering going up on toe. Pre-Pointe will help strengthen your ankles and feet so that your body will be able to hold its self up while you’re dancing.

TAP- whether you are young or old, beginner or advance, tap is a fabulous way to learn coordination and rhythm. It’s a lot of footwork that will teach you how to make different sounds and rhythms using only your feet. There are many different forms of tap, such as Broadway tap, Rhythmic tap, and Funk tap, but all styles will teach you the basics so that you can expand your knowledge over time.

Cheerleading Descriptions

This program is designed to either introduce you to cheerleading so your ready for fall try outs, or give you extra practice so you can make the squad you’ve always dreamed of being on. It’s a great way to learn the fundamentals of cheering! You can choose to take classes to learn or imrove your skills OR join one of OUR cheerleading squads...Allstars or Elites!!

ALLSTARS

ELITES

TUMBLING

MOUNTS/STUNTS

Music Class Descriptions

VOICE- Voice lessons are designed to help each student sing the correct way. Your voice is an instrument and studying individually will help teach proper technique, breath control, pitch, intonation, rhythms, diction, and quality. Each student will work on different music selections and prepare for the winter and spring recitals.

GUITAR- Individual lessons are available to the beginner and advance student. You will be working on finger placement, chords and reading music. All students will work on a particular piece so that they can participate in the winter and spring recital.

PIANO- Individual piano lessons are available to a beginner or advanced student who is seeking extra help. For a beginner, you will need to purchase practice books so that the student can work on the piano in between lessons. For the more advanced student, each student will work on pieces of music in a variety of styles so to sharpen their piano skills. All students will work on mastering one or more particular pieces of music so that they can participate in the winter and spring recital.

VIOLIN - Individual lessons are available to the beginner and advance student. You will be working on finger placement, chords and reading music. All students will work on a particular piece so that they can participate in the winter and spring recital.

Drama Class Descriptions

JUNIOR MUSICAL THEATRE- The basis of this class is to explore the nature of acting and introlduce basic aspects of musical theatre. Students will learn such things as: basica acting, scene work, staging/stage directions, musical theatre dance, possible monologues and getting comfortable on stage!

SENIOR MUSICAL THEATRE- The basis of this class is to further explore the nature of acting and learn the aspects of musical theatre. We will build on basic theatrical skills or indruduce them on a more intense or advanced level. Students will work on such things as: basic acting, scene work, staging, musical theatre dance, vocal performance, basic tech awareness, movement techniques, meditation/relaxation, auditioning techniques and monologues.

PRIVATE ACTING LESSONS- Private acting lessons are offered on an individual basis for students who wish for personal instruction. Sessions are tailored to each student's needs allowing them to explore and grow where they are most in need in order to become a trained actor.

THE ART OF AUDITIONING- This class focuses on preparing students for college, local and regional auditions. Students will pick appropriate monologues and songs for both musical theatre and acting auditions. Audition packaging, wardrobe, resume, leading an accompaniest and slating are also addressed in these sessions.

SUMMER THEATRE CAMP- During the summer, SIU has a drama camp that teaches children what it is all about to put on a musical theatre show. They learn about auditioning, staging, costuming, finding props, building a set, lighting and sound with the end result of performing a show to an audience.

FAIRYTALES & FABLES- This class is for children between the ages of 6-10. They have a lot of fun working on staging, charagcter recognition, role playing, dancing, dress up, singing and costume design and construction. The students will periodically put on a little show for their friends and family to come and watch.

Fitness Class Descriptions

SILVER SNEAKERS FITNESS- Is a fun-filled physical fitness program designed specifically for senior citizens and is provided by Preferred Care. The classes are "go at your own pace", which means YOU decide whether to sit or stand during excersizes and choose the intensity of your tools. Not only will Silver Sneakers improve your health, but it will also create great opportunities to get to know people and have tons of fun with our exclusive social events!

STRETCH AND STRENGTH- This class combines Pilates with standard dance stretches. It targets each muscle group and tones the muscle. Once you are warmed up, it is the best time to stretch out your tendons. If you want to get into shape but you also would like to take a structured dance class, then this is the class for you.

YOGA/PILATES- Along the same lines as Yoga, Pilates is slow controlled movements that forces the body to use it’s own resistance to tone and strengthen. It is strongly recommended that you bring your own personal Pilates mat because 70% of the exercises are on the floor.

ZUMBA- Is a fitness program inspired by Latin dance. Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including merengue, salsa, hip-hop, and mambo.

Art Class Descriptions

CHARCOAL DRAWING I (ages 8-11)- Explore drawing, learning techniques to help our student figure out how to create form, deal with perspective and negative space as we teach kids how to make things look more real. Those who think they can't draw begin to see that they really can draw. Students will develop skills that make them more confident as they learn to see as an artist sees and apply what they learn to drawings. This class will provide a good foundation for the next 8 week sessions in watercolor and mixed media.

CHARCOAL DRAWING I (ages 12 and up)- Students will gain confidence in their drawing abilites as we learn what drawing pencils can do to create tone, value, texture and line. We will learn to draw and shade basic shapes at first and then learn to see as an artist sees to interpret nature's tones and textures. We will learn several rendering techniques, drawing objects in outline and in light and shade along with the basics of composition and perspective. We will learn how to tap into the right side of our brains where our expertise in spatial relationships are housed. Students will grow from "I can't draw" to having increased confidence in their ability to make something look realistic.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING I (ages 8-11)- This class introduces students to the exciting world of watercolor. Students will learn about color mixing, composition and perspective as they experiment with vaious watercolor techniques. We will learn techniques for controlling the paint and water to get various results both realisic and abstract.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING I (ages 12 and up)- This class introduces students to the exciting world of watercolor! Students will learn about color mixing, composition and perspective as they explore various techniques to discover what watercolor can do. We will work on both realism and some not so realistic abstractions.

MIXED MEDIA (ages 8-11)- Students will explore various tools (oil pastels, markers, crayons) as they learn the basics in drawing, composition and color theory. Focus will be on learning to paint realistically with some exploration into using color and form to express emotion. The emphasis will be on enjoying art as well as on learning the basics. Most materials will be supplied and included in the fee.

OIL PAINTING I (ages 12 and up)- Students will explore the rich colors of oil paint as they learn to mix colors and to achieve depth and perspective while painting along with the teacher. The focus will be on achieving realism in both a landscape and a still life.