Dance Class Descriptions

STARLET ACADEMY CLASSES:  
The "Starlet Academy" is designed to inspire, educate, and stimulate the creativity of the young, first-time, or recreational dancer. These classes are offered in combination format of Tap, Jazz and Ballet. They are geared to promote camaraderie among dancers and instructors, nurturance in the teaching-learning process, and time to smile and enjoy the class. We also use a variety of music, making sure that they are always enjoyable and age-appropriate. 

Twinkle Tots (TT)- For ages 3-4, Twinkle Tots is an introduction to dance. The primary goal is to foster a love of movement. The creative component is quite large. Several fun or special activities happen in each class. For example, a scarf or teddy bear dance at the end can facilitate the dancer's own physical expression. Taking part in dancing out a narrative helps children to understand that dancing is expression.  It is a means of communicating feelings and actions. The vocabulary covered in Twinkle Tots-1 and Twinkle Tots-2 is all steps that a 3-4 year old can master while building self-confidence. The vocabulary is also set up to prepare students for Kinder Stars.

Kinder Stars (KS) - For kindergartners, ages 5-6, Kinder Stars covers a basis of movement found in all dance forms. The goal of Kinder Stars is to foster creativity, freedom and expression in movement, and a love for dance. The concepts will prepare the students for the following year when they graduate to Shining Stars for 1-3 graders, or Level 1 Ballet, Jazz or Tap. Creative or free components are also included within each class~ ie; Circle Improvisation, Freeze Dance, Free Dance, etc. By the end of the year the students can dance set work independent of the teacher, memorize simple exercises and sequences, and make a start of musical interpretation.

Shining Stars (1-2 grade) , Rising Stars (3-4 grade), Super Stars (5-7 grade) and All Stars (8-12 grade):  These classes are all part of the "Starlet Academy". They are geared towards the recreational dancer who wishes to take combination classes of tap, jazz and ballet one day per week. The Starlet Academy is a great introduction to dance and set up according to their school grade. The classes focus on building technique in a stress free atmosphere while singing and dancing to training aids that are helping to build muscle memory, instilling vocabulary, and building self-esteem. Most students are assigned to class according to their grade level in school, but it is not uncommon for a more advanced dancer to move ahead to the next class level. 

INTENSIVE STUDY CLASSES
Intensive Classes are offered in all genres in either 45 minute, 1 hour , or 1 1/2 hour increments. These classes are for the dancer who wishes to focus more intensely on a particular subject of dance. As dancers gain more experience and advancement, it's to their advantage to move into the leveled classes. Students may wish to take from one class per week to unlimited classes per week. *Please inquire about our discounts for those wishing to take unlimited courses! 

JAZZ:   Jazz is a traditional style of dance that evolved from a mixture of ballet and modern.
In Levels 1-5 students will be incorporating a rigorous warm up with an emphasis on flexibility, and the proper technical skills to achieve turns and leaps. Using upbeat choreography and combinations this class is geared towards helping dancers to gain confidence, performance ability and style.

BALLET:   Ballet combines grace, line and beauty to provide the technical foundation for all dance forms.
The classes offered begin with "Ballet Level 1" for children ages 6 and older, "Ballet Level 2" for children aged 8 and older, "Ballet Level 3" for ages 11 and up, and so on. The grades of ballet do not follow the same ages as public school grades. Our office staff can assist in selecting the proper class for a beginning, intermediate or advanced ballet student. Ballet Levels are available up to Level 5.
*Levels 3, 4 and 5 incorporate choreographical elements of Lyrical and Contemporary styles of dance.

POINTE:   En Pointe (Pointe) is a form of Ballet presented on the tips of the toes.
We offer beginning Pointe and student placement is by teacher appointment only. These classes are now being offered to Levels 3, 4 and 5.

TAP:   Tap requires a great deal of rhythm and coordination and can be a challenging style of dance. We believe that any student can be taught to Tap dance here at MYM! Between the ages of 3-7 our tap classes are traditional tap, offered in our combination classes (Starlet Academy). Ages 8 and older can participate in our leveled classes, which offer traditional tap as well as Hoofing (a funky, street-style of tap).
Our Tap syllabus varies from traditional to free style, incorporating a rigorous warm up, across the floor technique and "quick-fire" combinations to prepare the student's memorization skills for more difficult choreography.

HIP-HOP:  A Street dance class mixing funk and hip hop with video dance styles.
Levels 1 and 2 hip-hop classes introduce the acrobatics of "breakdancing".  Students can expect to learn holla backs, stalls (freezes), turtles, k-kicks and much more! Levels 3,4 and 5 concentrate on the fluidity, emotion, and style of hip hop associated with much of the edgier music videos you see produced in today's market.  This class has an intense warm up then focuses on choreography, combinations and connecting with the "performer" inside of you!

KIDZ HOP:  An introduction to hip hop using age-appropriate moves and music. This class focuses on mastering the beginner stalls, footwork and hip hop style with a little "attitude" thrown in! Ages 5-8

ACRO:  The art form of using slow, controlled movements to achieve flexibility, balance and agility.  Students learn the proper technique necessary to achieve and further develop their acrobatic skills. Skills include but not limited to: splits, hand stands, head stands, forward/backward rolls, back bends, walk overs, arabians, aerials, front/back handsprings, kip-ups, introductory contortion movements,etc. 

CHEER-HOP:   A Cheer and Hip Hop combination class designed to help dancers learn the basics of cheering, arm movements, cheer jumps and chants mixed with the funky dance moves of Hip Hop class. A great class to take if your dancer plans to try out for jr high-high school cheer teams. This class is usually offered beginning in January in a 6 week course format. *Private lessons are also available year round. 

STRETCH/TURNS/LEAPS:   An intensive class that focuses on flexibility, strengthening the dancer's center and learning the physics of leaps and jumps.  This is an ideal class for those wishing to take their jazz/ballet technique to the next level, getting prepped for dance team or kickline tryouts, etc. This class is usually offered beginning in January in a 6 week course format.

ZUMBATOMIC!:   A dance-fitness program designed exclusively for kids. They will learn dances with choreography to multi-cultural music. Kids love to crank up the music, dance, wiggle, shake and have a blast with their friends. So why not get fit while they're at it? Zumbatomic is usually offered beginning in the winter months in a 6 week format.

COMPETITIVE DANCE
At MYM dancers are able to compete and perform at Competitive Dance Venues if they choose to be a part of the Competition Teams.
All Members are able to raise extra funds needed through various fundraisers made available through out the dance season.  

HOT TOTS:  An introductory combination class of tap, jazz and ballet. Offered to those interested in competitive dance for students ages 5-7. 
These dancers must have at least one year of dance and/or be pre-approved by the Director to participate.
This combination class focuses on learning choreography, teamwork, attendance and moves quicker than the traditional "Kinder Stars" or "Shining Stars" of the same age levels.  

SHOWTROOP:   A Competiton Team that focuses on attending 1-2 conventions in the fall/winter months and  1-2 competitions during the spring months. These teams usually rehearse and learn choreography on the weekends beginning in the winter months. Available to ages 7 and up. All dancers are required to have excellent attendance records, retain good grades in school, and love being in a "team atmosphere". A team Fee, Tee Shirt, and Handbook agreement is required as well as 1 or more extra costumes based on routine placement. All members are guaranteed to compete one routine at competition. Some members may compete up to 10 routines, depending on placement in duets/trios and small groups. *Team placement is sole discretion of Showtroop Director.

COMPANY:    Company membership is for the more serious competitive dancer. Emphasis is on creating a very strong technician/performer by attending more conventions, workshops and master classes as well as 2-4 competitions during the dance season. Company members are required to attend Company Classes held on Wednesdays, and Choreography Classes on the weekends during the dance season. Company members must strive to be "good will" ambassadors of MYM, positive role models, mentors to younger students and have excellent behavior.
Requirements include: Company Fees, Company Uniform, Handbook Agreement and required costume fees. Company Members must take the required classes to participate (available in the Company Handbook). *Company placement is by Audition and Director placement only. 

ADULTS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS:
Adults and College Students are always welcome at MYM. Whether you are returning to "re-ignite"your love of dance, or just beginning~ there is always a place for you here at MYM. 

 

ZUMBA!:  The fitness craze that is sweeping the nation! Learn easy to follow dance moves and choreography to a variety of music ranging from 80's, pop, funk, latin and R & B. Groove yourself to a healthier you with this dynamic, exciting and effective fitness system! 
Zumba classes are offered 4-6 times per week- varying from month to month. *Please email us to receive the latest newsletter and calendar in regards to ZUMBA fitness! *$5 per class, or $40 per month for unlimited classes! 

COLLEGE AND ADULT CLASSES:  Most of our adult classes are geared for beginning/intermediate students. Classes for more advanced college and adult students are on our schedules as intermediate/advanced. Adult classes are offered in tap and jazz/hip-hop. *Adult classes are offered Starting in October in a 6 week course format. **Please inquire about our Special Discounts for Parents of MYM dancers and College Students!

MISCELLANEOUS:
We offer many different types of private and semi-private lessons for many different needs. Please inquire to see if we can assist you in your choreography or training needs!

PRIVATE LESSONS:   Private classes are for dancers hoping to focus more on dance in a personalized setting or who wish to reinforce what they have learned without interrupting a class setting. We also offer private lessons to those who wish to compete a "solo" in a pageant, cheer, dance team, kickline try-outs, auditions or competitive dance setting. *Rates begin at $40 per hour. 

WEDDINGS:   We offer unique choreography for the bride, groom and attendants. You pick the song/songs and we'll create something fun, upbeat, sassy or sweet for your special day! *Rates begin at $40 per hour, depending on performance length, number in party, etc. 

TEAM CHOREOGRAPHY:    MYM is home to the Award winning "Showstoppers" Kickline of the "OHS Spirit of the South" Marching Band from 2007-Present, and the Award Winning Wacoochee Jr High and Smith Station Pantherettes from 2003-2009. 
We are available for high kick, hip hop, prop, jazz, contemporary, cheer and pom choreography, as well as offering special technique/training camps for your school team during the spring and summer months. *Please inquire about our private rates and dates of availability.