2024-2025 Class Schedule

Classes begin Monday, September 9th, 2024 and go through May 2025

Registration opens, Wednesday August 14th, 2024

You can now dance with The Dance Center at two locations, 16 Western Ave. and Toddle Inn Child Care in Auburn!

2024-2025 Class Schedule The Dance Center Location / 16 Western Ave. Auburn

2024-2025 Class Schedule Toddle Inn Child Care Location / 48 Merrow Rd. Auburn (only students of Toddle Inn can register for a class at this location)

For tuition rates, click here.

Pre-registration is required! We look forward to another wonderful year!

Intro to Dance Level a: 2-3 years

Intro to Dance Level A will introduce children to ballet positions, strengthening, flexibility, character dance, ballet centre work, creative expression, musicality and dance etiquette. In the Intro to Dance classes, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the enjoyment of the art of dance while maintaining the discipline required for any artistic endeavor. As the children age, we introduce ballet, modern, tap, hip hop and jazz technique to prepare our dancers for more rigorous technique classes as they age.

Monday Intro to Dance Level A 2/3 year, from 4:00-4:45 PM class will be taken with a Dance Center staff member and if needed a Guardian, Mommy, Daddy, or Grandparent (please only one family member per child in the room). We find at this age that many little dancers still need some encouragement in their new adventure of learning dance. This class will also offer a Teacher Assistant for dancers participating in the class independently.

Wednesday Intro to Dance Level A 3 year, from 5:00-5:45 PM class will be taken independently with a Dance Center Staff Member and a Teacher Assistant.

Dance with us at a new location! Toddle Inn Auburn

The Dance Center is happy to partner with Toddle Inn, Auburn Me with an Intro to Dance Level A class for 2-3 years. Please note that you have to be a student of Toddle Inn to attend this dance class. If not a student at Toddle Inn, please register for one of our Intro to Dance Level A classes mentioned above. Toddle Inn classes will perform in both The Mini Nutcracker and Spring Recital. Please register through our system with Dance Studio Pro.

Toddle Inn, Wednesday Intro to Dance Level A 2-3 years, from 9:30-10:15 AM.

Dance Attire INtro to Dance Level A: 2-3 years

Non-restrictive clothing, pink ballet slippers (girls) Black ballet slippers (boys). No Hip Hop, Tap or Jazz shoes required.

INtro to Dance Level b: 4-5 years

Intro to Dance Level B will introduce children to ballet positions, strengthening, flexibility, character dance, ballet barre work, ballet centre, ballet alligment, hip hop centre, tap centre, creative expression, musicality and dance etiquette. In the Intro to Dance classes, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the enjoyment of the art of dance while maintaining the discipline required for any artistic endeavor. As the children age, we introduce ballet, modern, tap, hip hop and jazz technique to prepare our dancers for more rigorous technique classes. This class is taken independently with a Dance Center staff member and Teacher Assistant.

Dance Attire intro to dance Level B: 4-5 years

Non-restrictive clothing, pink ballet slippers (girls) Black ballet slippers (boys). No Hip Hop, Tap or Jazz shoes required.

A mini nutcracker christmas

The Dance Center will be offering “A Mini Nutcracker Christmas” for ages 2 through 6 in all of our Intro to Dance and Technique classes. If you sign up for any “Intro to Dance” or “Intro to Technique” classes you will be automatically enrolled in that show. All rehearsal and practice times will be held during your dancers class time. There are no requirements beyond registering for an Intro to Dance or Intro to Technique class in order to be in the show, and no additional fees or costume fees. A ticket purchase will be required to attend the performance. This show will be held at The Gendron Franco Center on The Nutcracker stage, Thursday evening, December 5th, 2024. Please ask your dance instructor for any further inquires about “A Mini Nutcracker Christmas” or inform them if your dancer will not be participating.

Intro to Technique Level C Ballet / Hip Hop / Tap: 6 years

Building upon the foundations of Intro to Dance, dancers in Intro to Technique will have a weekly rotation of Ballet Barre, Ballet Centre, Hip Hop Centre, Tap Centre, and Modern/Jazz Centre. In addition to the variety of Dance Techniques, this level will also focus on core elements of strengthening and flexibility, dance conditioning, musicality, character dance, ballet positions, proper ballet alignment, and dance etiquette delivered in a fun and inviting environment.

Dance Attire Intro to technique Level C Ballet / Hip Hop / Tap: 6 Years

Non-restrictive clothing, pink ballet slippers (girls) Black ballet slippers (boys). No Hip Hop, Tap or Jazz shoes required.

A mini nutcracker christmas

Click on The vimeo look for a look at ballet 🩰 at The Dance Center

Ballet at The Dance Center

Ballet/Pointe Technique: 7 years and up

Ballet classes are designed to expose students to the disciplined beauty of classical ballet. Proper body alignment as well as strengthening and stretching are emphasized. We use an Americanized ballet curriculum focused on the well-being and artistry of the individual dancer, drawing from the best of the Russian, French, and Italian traditions.

Pre-Pointe

Students in Level 2, will be required to take two ballet classes a week (Ballet Pre/Pointe Level 2 and Ballet Level 2). With taking the two required classes and meeting the physical requirements students will be permitted to go on pointe at 11 years old in Level 3. If you missed this Level please ask an instructor about Ballet and Pointe options at the studio.

Pointe / VARIATIONS Classes

Ages 11 and up (Levels 3/4/5) and up require three 90 minute technique classes per week. Two Ballet technique and a 3rd technique class, Ballet, Jazz or Modern, this does not include tap or hip hop.

Level 5 dancers will have the opportunity to take an en pointe class (1.75 hours), pointe partnering class, and a variations class en pointe. Variations class is taking classical ballet choreography from known ballet’s and mastering them in class. This is a great way for dancers to apply their strength and knowledge of pointe work and put it to the test with complicated and difficult choreography. As well as expanding their appreciation of classes art and music.

Pilates / Progressing Ballet Technique

Levels 4 takes Pilates / Progressing Ballet Technique during their Jazz class on Tuesday evenings. Level 5 has a class entirely dedicated to Pilates/Progressing Ballet Technique on Tuesday evenings (Level 5 Pilates is a pre-requisite for Level 5 Ballet). The combination of conditioning, stretching and creating awareness of the body improves technique, flexibility and posture as well as elongating lines and muscles to create a more sculptured physique.

Men’s class

Men’s class is to further equip our male dancers in their core-strength, turn-out, ballone, presentation, and turning ability.

Ballet Partnering Level 4/5

Partnering class focuses on understanding how girls and boys dance together. Our curriculum focuses on technique, support, balance, coordination and lifting while incorporating Pas de Deux into instruction.

Dance Attire Ballet

Girls Ballet: Leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet split-sole slippers, skirt or fitted shorts (optional), no baggy clothing, hair pulled back in a bun
Variations Class Level 5: White Practice Tutu Discount Dance Practice Tutu
Boys Ballet: fitted shirt, black tights, black or white canvas split-sole ballet slippers, no baggy clothing, hair pulled back if necessary

Jazz: 7 years and up

Jazz classes include a combination of many styles and techniques including Broadway, Latin, African, and social dance. Proper technique, body placement, and healthy work habits will be stressed. Musicality and expression are emphasized.

Levels 4 and 5 with have Dance Conditioning within a fun and energetic Jazz Technique class. Dance Conditioning with work on core and back strength, turn out, flexibility, and foot and ankle strength.

Modern: 7 years and up

Modern classes build strength and flexibility through experimentation with the full range of movement possibilities. Techniques from the traditions of Graham, Humphrey, Limón, Horton, and others build upon a foundation of ballet technique. Students are encouraged to develop an individual style driven by their experiences and specific to each dancer’s body.

Dance attire Modern/jazz

Modern – Leotard, leggings or fitted shorts, no baggy clothing, modest clothing (no crop tops) hair pulled back, socks or ballet slippers (optional)
Jazz: Leotard, leggings or fitted shorts, no baggy clothing, modest clothing (no crop tops), hair pulled back, ballet slippers, socks, or black split-sole suede sole jazz shoes (optional)

Hip-Hop: 7 years and up

Hip Hop classes build stamina, strength, and flexibility while moving to high energy music. Skills including popping and locking, musicality, core strengthening, coordination, across the floor work and a centre combination.

Dance attire hip hop

Non-restrictive workout pants, modest clothing (no crop tops), no baggy clothing, hair pulled back, clean sneakers (not worn outdoors).

Tap: 7 years and up

Classes are designed to teach the rhythmic, precise sounds and movements of tap in a fun and accessible way. Balance, rhythm, musicality, leg/foot coordination, and core strength are emphasized. Technique includes Classical, Broadway, and Contemporary styles done to various types of music. Students will be introduced to the history and various styles of tap dance.

Dance attire tap

Black oxford tap shoe (split soles preferred), non-restrictive clothing (pants must be hemmed at least 1 inch from the floor), no baggy clothing, modest clothing (no crop tops), hair pulled back