At Ann Arbor Dance Classics (AADC) we understand and value the importance of a young person's first dance class. Our preschoolers are always highly motivated, enthusiastic, and creative. We want your child's first dance class to be a positive one!

Our children's classes are structured around basic movements such as hopping, skipping, and jumping. With the introduction of music and the structure of a basic ballet class, we are able to guide young dancers in transforming these movements into dance steps! At the same time, dancers develop socialization, self-confidence, musicality, and large motor skills.

Creative Movement (Age 3)

Creative movement is a 30-minute class which is based on the basic motions of hopping, jumping and teaching. We introduce the most elementary dance concepts of plie (bending) releve (rising on the toes) and turning, and soon we see our young dancers starting to grow! Classes expose students to a variety of music - classical, jazz, swing, African, Latin - to help develop a strong sense of rhythm, and we incorporate improvisation and imaginative exercises to help build a child's understanding of dance as a means of artistic expression. Although 3-year olds are not ready for the discipline of a formal ballet class, we do introduce the discipline of dance by enforcing the importance of speaking one at a time, taking turns and respecting others.

Preballet (Ages 4-5)

Preballet is a 45-minute class which builds on the structure of Creative Movement by adding more elements of a ballet technique class. Preballet class is broken into three distinct segments: barre work, center work, and progressionals (dance steps performed across the floor). Typically, each class will also spend some time on either improvisation activities or choreography.

Pretap (Ags 4-5)

Because ballet provides the foundation for all forms of dance, we always recommend ballet for a first class. Nevertheless, there are youngsters who express a clear preference for a class which "moves more" at an early age. For the dancer interested in moving faster or to more lively music, pretap provides the opportunity for a young dancer to use his or her feet to create rhythmic sounds as they also begin to explore basic dance movement.

Recital

All dancers enrolled in the winter semester of our preschool program have the opportunity to participate in our annual recital held in June. Although the recital is not required, most dancers choose to participate, and all dancers learn recital choreography in their class. For most children, it is exciting and rewarding to finish the year with a formal performance. Costumes and ticket purchases are required for the recital.

Having Fun!

The most import element of a preschool dance class is that the children have fun! We encourage everyone to try dance, as it can provide a great sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, and physical exercise. Still, we encourage parents to be sure that the child enjoys coming to and participating in the class.

Note: All young dancers must be potty-trained, and must be able to enter the classroom without a parent present (visitors may watch class through the observation windows).

Price Structure

Fall Semester Sept. 5 - Dec. 19, 2006

Creative Movement	$125.00
Preballet/ PreTap	$140.00

Winter Semester Jan. 6 - June 16, 2007

Creative Movement	$185.00
Preballet/ Pretap	$205.00