STAR BABIES™

KSD is very proud of our unique Star Babies™ program for young dancers. This program provides excellent dance instruction while engaging our youngsters in the magical world that is childhood! In addition to exploring ballet, jazz and tap, Star Babies™ will enjoy monthly crafts, holiday themed activities and social events. This program will provide opportunities for not just dance instruction but creative play and socialization as well.

SWEETHEARTS

Our Sweetheart program is for the young dancer (ranging from ages 4-8).  Sweethearts are selected by “letter invitation” from the owner, Karen Kern.  Sweethearts practice once a week (on a weekday) usually in the style of jazz.  Dancers learn one routine and compete in 2-3 regional competitions.  Attending nationals is optional, and families are given the opportunity to vote if they would like to attend.  If enough of the class votes “yes” for nationals (the proper amount of students for each class is at the teacher’s discretion), then the class may attend.

COMPANY

COMPETITION

Competition classes consist of dancers who are ready to compete, but do not wish to make as much of a commitment as dancers in Company, Crossover, or Pre-Company. Dancers wishing to join Competition classes must either be recommended by KSD staff and/or approved by Karen.  Dancers may take multiple competition classes in different styles (i.e., lyrical and tap, or any combination of styles).  Dancers who are new to Competition have the option after their first year to continue taking competition classes, or to audition for Company, Crossover, or Pre-Company.  We offer Competition classes for all ages and ability levels, so that dancers may continuously choose this program once they have started.  Classes meet once a week and compete in 2-3 regional competitions.  Attending nationals is optional, and families are given the opportunity to vote if they would like to attend.  If enough of the class votes “yes” for nationals (the proper amount of students for each class is at the teacher’s discretion), then the class may attend.

JAZZ

Jazz is the most popular style offered at KSD. Many brand new students begin with jazz, which can be associated with many different styles and subcategories. To sum it up, basic jazz at KSD combines technical skill with upbeat and fun choreography. Dancers usually perform to pop music with a quick tempo. Dancers work on technical skills such as battements, turns, extensions, and leaps, and incorporate them into their routine. As dancers progress, jazz routines can become more stylized and/or themed.

BALLET/POINTE

Ballet is quite often considered the foundation for most other styles of dance. Ballet is a poised, technique-based style that involves concentration and strength. Beginning ballet will focus on learning positions and basic ballet technique including barre work as well as work in center and across the floor. As dancers advance, they may (with permission) go on pointe, or “on toe”. This takes several years of preparation and strength training. At KSD we teach the Russian style Vaganova method, in which dancers are placed into one of six levels. For younger dancers who are interested we offer a pre-ballet class to get dancers started with basic ballet.

LYRICAL

Lyrical is a style that is usually learned once a dancer has taken classes in ballet and/or jazz. Lyrical combines technique that is learned in both jazz and ballet, while incorporating unique and graceful choreography to lyrical music. Music for lyrical is usually slower and softer; ballads are often used. Lyrical dance should tell a story and “paint a picture” through dance. Lyrical is similar to jazz, as lyrical choreography becomes more stylized and unique as dancers progress.

TAP

Tap is a style that is rather different from many other styles, as dancers must be aware of both the sight and sound of their movement. Dancers wear tap shoes with two pieces of metal on the soles and work to hit rhythmic patterns as well as steps that are intriguing to watch.

Dancers focus on staying in unison (within group dances), timing, and clarity of sound. At KSD a range of tap styles are taught including Broadway/Musical Theater tap and Street/Rhythmic tap.

HIP-HOP

Hip Hop is a funky style and is usually a favorite of those who are new to dance. It contains elements of jazz but is more about movements such as popping, locking, isolating, and breaking. Choreography for hip hop has elements of funk and the music used is usually upbeat. Dancers learn how to move in a controlled, yet loose style of dance. At KSD, the music used for hip hop routines is typically current and always fun!

CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary is a compilation of many styles; the routine may be influenced by lyrical, modern, jazz, ballet, or any combination of styles. Contemporary is expressive and allows dancers to “think outside the box”. Contemporary is a newly popular style of dance that focuses on creative choreography and movement while incorporating technical elements.

MUSICAL THEATER

Musical Theater is usually performed once dancers have learned at least basic jazz and/or ballet. Musical Theater routines include music from either Broadway musicals or from popular film. This style combines technique learned in jazz and ballet with acting (without words). Dancers lip sync to the music and take on the role of a specific character. Showmanship and overall performance are the focus of this style.