Modern

This class utilizes technique developed by Lester Horton. This technique uses linear movements to strengthen and stretch all parts of the body. This class will also incorporate the styles and forms that are unique to the Rod Rodgers Dance Company. The dancers will experience a series of exercises and combinations that will allow them to become familiar with anatomy and alignment. Also acquiring the idea of individual dancer's preparation for performance while enhancing self-esteem via his/her performance or artistic creation. Through expressive theatrical movement, this class will help dancers articulate and link vocabulary words with actual movements, and/or choreographed combinations and related concepts (i.e., spatial, time, dynamics, culture and become more aware of social issues) while expressing their own ideas and feelings. Dancers will also acquire positive attitudes needed for creative self-expression. 

 

Pre-Ballet (available only in Fall through Spring Program)

This class is designed as an introduction class for children between age 3 to 5 years old, combining ballet instruction and creative movements through various kinds of music and exercises. The class will be taught through a structured progression that emphasizes creativity, imagination, self-expression, ability to follow instruction and group interaction. By introducing students to the basic shapes, positions, postures, basic locomotor movements and traditions of classical ballet, the Pre-Ballet class enhances both cognitive and physical development.

 

Ballet

Ballet is a form of theatrical dance that uses formal, set movements and poses characterized by elegance and grace. This class is structured with basic, but essential elements of ballet techniques. Emphasizing students learning to stand in correct form, while developing body control and expressing movements through Music and Dance Theater. The class begins with basic barré exercises to help students develop strength and endurance. Ballet terminology will be given during the class as well. Discipline plays an important role because students are required to learn and retain information as the class gradually becomes more advanced. Center work is given, based on similar barré techniques to test the ability to control the body. Students are required to demonstrate the elements in ballet and to transfer all the given information into choreography.

 

Tap  (Fall through Spring Program only)

This class explores the rhythms of the feet requiring stamina and quick moves. Learning terminology and basic dance movements, these classes provides a foundation for Tap technique which includes coordination, teaching rhythms and learning musicality while becoming athletic and continuing to improve upon skills (i.e. phrasing, timing and balance.)

 

Hip Hop (Fall through Spring Program only)

Hip Hop is a style generated by the streets of New York. In this class dancers learn to be interpretive and physically aware, of what the body is capable of doing when music is heard. Hip Hop has a small general foundation, but mostly is inspired by the rhythms that are heart felt. This class consists of upbeat energetic movements that encourage students to insert their personality within what's given. Though there is no outline on how Hip Hop dance should be particularly done, there is a steady bounce that naturally fuels the soul with enjoyment. Hip Hop primarily allowed people to pop, lock and groove to just Hip Hop music, but today this style has been altered to mold with any genre of music. Hip Hop movements vary from being done on your hands, knees and even your head at some points. The beautiful thing about Hip Hop is its never predictable, and you never know what to expect. The main requirement of students in Hip Hop class is to be free-willing and allow your body to move however it is inspired.

 

Jazz

This class will teach technique in the area of Classical, Theater and Street style Jazz. The dancers will also focus on character and performance training and how it relates to self-expression and self-esteem. Students can expect a lot of teamwork, sweating, FUN and an exciting performance presentation.

 

Conga Drums (Fall through Spring Program only)

Latin Conga Drum is a culturally conceived rhythms that finds it foundation in African Rhythms. This class also introduces students to Latin Rhythms. Students will learn basic sound patterns, develop eye and hand coordination, and posture to allow maximum upper body strength. Students will be required to develop coordination among several drummers to maintain timing and a musical pattern.

 

West African (Summer Program only)

This class will allow students to gain knowledge of African Culture through dance, song and rhythm. Class will start off with a warm-up followed by a quick dance routine. The dance routine will be continued across the floor with various steps and rhythms. The students will then return to center floor to learn a dance to be presented at the summer program performance. From there the class will have an open circle where students will have a chance to show what they know or have learned by themselves. The dance circle is a very important part of African Dance because it shows how well a student interacts with the drum. Students are encouraged to join the dance circle and it is mandatory that each student take part at least three times before the program ends. Students will need a notebook to write down lyrics to songs taught in class. Also they need to write names of dances and rhythms as well as their meanings.

 

Dance Theater (Summer Program only)

This class will explore the connection between dance and theater through "themes" and "music" such as Broadway tunes and other music eras to add another layer to students performance technique learning experience.

 

Composition/ Repertory (Summer Program only)

This class is designed to give each student the opportunity to explore and develop a level of individual creativity through a structured and collaborative environment., while continuing to encourage students' growth and learning by achieving common goals.

 

Guest Artist Workshops (Summer Program only)

In these workshops students will be exposed to multi-disciplinary forms of dance, which may include Traditional Haitian, Afro-Brazilian, Belly Dance, Flamenco, Hawaiian Hula and more.

 

Yoga (Summer Program only)

Yoga class is tailored for young dancers with all the basic elements and the most beneficial movements taught to our students.