Chrissy’s Dance Academy

dDisciplines

• Hip Hop

  Hip hop is a dance style, usually danced to hip hop music, that evolved from the hip hop culture.

  The first dance associated with hip hop was breakdancing. While breakdancing consists primarily of moves executed close to the ground, the majority of hip hop moves are done standing up.

  Hip hop dance steps require skill and experience to perfect. Hip hop dancers practice a lot in order to master basic steps and movements that appear simple when performed. Dancers with a good sense of rhythm find it easier to learn hip hop steps.* Learn more

• Tap

  Tap is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats.

  The term “tap dancing” is derived from the tapping sound produced when the small metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch a hard floor or surface.

  Typical tap classes last about an hour, beginning with a warm-up to stretch the muscles of the legs and feet. Dancers practice a series of basic steps, adding more difficult combinations as they become more proficient.* Learn more

• Clogging

  Clogging is a distinctive form of American folk dance, characterized by double-time stomping and steps executed with the body held straight and upright. Clogging is performed to the downbeat of the music, usually with the heel keeping rhythm.*

  What is the difference between tap dancing and clogging? Clogging is similar to tap dancing, but has a different style. Cloggers perform with an up-and-down body motion and tend to make the most sounds with their heels.

  Tap dancers stay light on their feet and tend to dance to the melodies of music, rather than to the beats.* Tappers use a shoe with a stationary tap, while cloggers use a shoe that have jingle taps. Learn more

• Jazz

  Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles in recent years, mainly due to its popularity on television shows, movies, music videos and commercials. People enjoy watching jazz dancers, as the dancing is fun and energetic.

  Jazz dancing is a form of dance that showcases a dancer’s individual style and originality. Every jazz dancer interprets and executes moves and steps in their own way.

  Jazz dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet, as it encourages grace and balance.

  In a jazz class, dancers are encouraged to add their own personality to make each step unique and fun. Jazz steps include basic turns including chaines, piques, pirouettes, jazz turns, and some ballet turns, to name a few. Leaps include grande jetes, turning jumps, and tour jetes.

  Signature to jazz dancing is the “jazz walk.” Jazz walks can be performed in many different styles. Another popular jazz move is the “contraction.” A contraction is accomplished by contracting the torso, with the back curved outward and the pelvis pulled forward.* Learn more

• Ballet

  Many positive benefits are associated with learning the art of ballet. Besides learning the traditional techniques of ballet, ballet lessons can also foster a positive self image in young girls, as well as young boys. Ballet teaches skill, grace, poise, self discipline and self confidence.

  If your dream is to become a ballerina, you must practice a lot in order to master the many challenging poses and steps of ballet. You will begin by learning the rules and traditional techniques of ballet which have been handed down over the centuries.* Learn more

• Jumps & Turns

  This is a class that is solely dedicated to the technique of jumps and turns. The class time will consist of warming up, center floor, and across the floor activities. Many pep squad members in area high schools join this class to brush up on skills for dance team try-outs.

• Pre-School Classes

  These classes are designed for children 2-5 years old. They are designed to teach grace, respect, confidence, and the workings of a classroom environment.
  The classes are 1 hour once a week and consist of 20 minutes of tap, 20 minutes of ballet, and 20 minutes of tumbling. Pre-I is designed for 2 & 3 year olds. Pre-II is geared towards for 3 & 4 year olds. Pre-III is designated to our 4 & 5 year olds.* Learn more

* Definitions provided by About.com