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jazz
Jazz is a genre based heavily on technique. Whether it is classic, stylized, or a fuse of genres- technique is the overall backbone of the jazz genre. Battements, extensions, pirouettes, and jumps are all examples of the material and vocabulary developed in jazz class. Finding your centre and increasing flexibility are also imperative to your progression as a jazz dancer.
tap
Tap is an upbeat class based mostly on rhythms and musicality. This style is one that helps a dancer in all other genres. With an emphasis on counting and understanding different beats, students will learn to make music with their bodies and their feet. Articulation and separation are often a main focus throughout new tap vocabulary, and the exploration of sounds, rhythms and the physical tap shoe are also common practices during this class.
Ballet
Ballet is a traditional dance form that focuses on developing students technique, posture, musicality and artistry. Foundations Dance Company follows the Royal Academy of Dance syllabi, and offers exams annually to qualifying candidates.
modern
Modern dance is based on the opposition between contraction and release of the body. It largely surrounds itself with a concept based on the breathing cycle which provides emphasis on the movement. Its other dominant feature is the “spiraling" of the torso around the axis of the spine. Modern technique is known for its unique dramatic and expressive qualities and distinctive floorwork.
acro
Acro is a class designed to build muscle, improve flexibility in multiple areas and strengthen a dancer's foundation. It combines acrobatic tricks with dance technique. Students will be trained in a group class, but on an individual basis, according to their skill level and the progression pace they will succeed the fastest at, while remaining safe. Stationary and floor skills in addition to moving/travelling skills will be introduced. Modifications and variations will be selected for each dancer to push their strengths and continue to develop their overall acro technique.
lyrical
Lyrical dance combines the foundations achieved through ballet and jazz technical training. It is a movement that encompasses fluidity and opportunities for expression. Lyrical can be both fast and slow moving and allows a dancer to tell a story through their movement.
hip hop
Within the Hip Hop genre, there are many different styles of technique that dancers are exposed to (Popping, Locking, Breakdance, Old School, etc). Students learn to isolate their bodies, control their movements, and dance with full-body motion. Dancers are encouraged to practice freestyle, and develop their musicality, by letting loose, and ‘grooving’ in ‘the pocket.’ While it is important for dancers to know basic steps and moves, putting them into a style that is specific to their personality is what makes Hip Hop dance so unique.
contemporary
Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation. It takes from the technical training of genres such as ballet, jazz and modern and encourages a strong connection between mind and body. The use of breath to enhance the dancers movement and expression, as well as creating pictures with the body are both important elements within this genre.