Ballet
Wabash Valley Dance Theater offers several ballet classes tailored by age and skill. Emphasis is placed on technique, including proper body alignment and posture. Class will also include center floor work and across the floor combination to strengthen the feet and ankles.
Class Age Range: 1st grade through 12 grade
*Older students without prior ballet experience may be placed with younger students, but can move up levels at the discretion of the instructors and director.
Ballet Level A - Grades 1-2
Ballet Level B - Grades 2-4
Ballet Level C - Grades 3-5
Ballet Level D - Grades 5-7
Ballet Level E - Grades 6+
Adult - 18+
Ballet Technique for all ages is also offered at $10.00/month
Our Classes
Ballet Technique
Wabash Valley Dance Theater offers a classical ballet technique class, in which students learn and practice
solid ballet technique with an emphasis on understanding correct body placement, pointed toes, proper use of turn out, strong arms, coordination, turns etc. This year, there are three technique classes offered throughout the week, and the focus of the class will change each month. One class is 60 minutes and two classes are 30 minutes. Tuition is $10.00/month, which allows students to attend as many technique classes as they can throughout the month. Ballet technique class is also a great class to use as a make-up for missed classes.
Ballet Technique for students in Ballet C and higher. Tuition is $10.00/month.
Pointe Foundations
Pointe Foundations is designed for students with previous ballet training. Students will utilize ballet technique while working first in ballet shoes, and then, in pointe shoes at the discretion of the instructor. Each class includes barre exercises, center floor work, and across the floor combinations to strengthen the feet and ankles and ensure proper alignment to be able to go on pointe safely and prevent injury.
Class Grade Range: Grades 6+ (Ballet E)
*Students must have at least 3 years of ballet prior to taking pointe
Tap
Tap classes are designed to develop rhythm, style and sound. Exercises focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement. The class emphasis is on developing proper tap technique, producing clear tap sounds, and having fun. As students progress, the curriculum will become increasingly complex and intricate.
Class Grade Range:
Tap A - Grades 3-5
Tap B- Grades 5-8
Tap C - Grades 8-10
Tap D - Grades 10-12
Lyrical
In lyrical, students will explore partnering and weight sharing exercises combined with basic techniques and skills from ballet, jazz and modern. It emphasizes interpretation of music lyrics while telling a story with movement that can be fluid or abstract.
Class Grade Range:
Lyrical A: Grades 4 - 6
Lyrical B: Grades 6 - 8
Lyrical C: Grades 8 - 12
*Students must have taken at least 2 years of ballet prior to taking lyrical and be simultaneously enrolled in a ballet or ballet technique class.
Jazz
Jazz class will focus on learning proper dance technique such as isolations of the body and developing complex rhythms and patterns. Class curriculum is based on ballet technique layered with traditional jazz movement and includes a proper warm-up, stretches, across-the-floor progressions, and combinations.
Class Grade Range:
Jazz A - Grades 3-5
Jazz B - Grades 5-7
Jazz C - Grades 7+
*Students must have ballet experience to take jazz.
Modern
Modern incorporates many of the foundations of modern dance technique, including suspension and release, fall and recovery, the use of momentum and connecting breath with movement. Dancers will explore new ways of moving in combinations, floor work and partnering.
Class Grade Range:
Modern: Grades 8+
*It's recommended to have some ballet experience
Hip Hop
Hip hop is a high-energy class that encourages students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements. Class includes upper and lower body conditioning to help build stamina and prepare students for more intense movements. In 2023, we are excited to offer a boys hip hop!
Class Grade Range:
Hip Hop A: Grades 3-5
Hip Hop B: Grades 5-8
Hip Hop C: Grades 8-12
Boys Hip Hop: Grades 2-6
Senior Company
Wabash Valley Dance Theater offers several ballet classes tailored by age and skill. Emphasis is placed on technique, including proper body alignment and posture.
Dancers must audition to be in the Senior Company. Dancers are welcome to audition as rising 9th graders unless invited to audition as an 8th grader. Company dancers must have taken at least 5 years of ballet, 2 years of pointe, and 2 years of jazz or lyrical.
Junior Company
New in 2023, Junior Company is a 90 minute combination ballet and pointe class for dancers who intend to audition for Senior Company later in their dance careers.
To be in Junior Company, dancers must have taken at least 4 years of ballet, Pointe Foundations, and 1 year of jazz or lyrical. It is expected for dancers who elect to take junior company ballet and pointe, to be concurrently enrolled in a jazz or lyrical class should they wish to audition for Senior Company.
Mommy & Me
Mommy & Me is a 30 minute class for your toddler who loves to dance. This class is an excellent introduction to dance and creative movement. Dads, Grandparents and/or caregivers are welcome to do the class with the toddler. One parent/caregiver per toddler.
Class Age Range: 2-3 years olds
Creative
Creative is the 45 minute ballet and tap class for your pre-K and Kindergarteners who are ready to take their dancing skills to the next level without depending on their caregivers. This class will be a fun introduction to basic tap skills and fun props will be used.
Class Age Range: Pre-K & Kindergarten
Adult Tap
New this year, WVDT is offering a 45 minute beginning tap class and a 45 minute intermediate/advanced tap for adults! The classes emphasize developing proper tap technique and producing clear tap sounds, and exercises will focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement.
Class Age Range: 18+
Adult Ballet
Dance is for every age and skill! We offer two adult ballet classes, non-performing and performing. The adult ballet classes are similar to other ballet classes with its emphasis on technique, including proper body alignment and posture. Class will also include center floor work and across the floor combination to strengthen the feet and ankles.
Class Age Range: 18+
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Heated Flow Yoga is an intelligently designed vinyasa sequence that allows the practitioner to explore their flexibility and strength. This class is heated between 86 - 96 degrees.
Yoga
Ballroom classes are for beginners and experienced dancers alike! No partner necessary! Classes are taught by Matthew S. Smith and take place on Sundays from 2-3 p.m. You will have the opportunity to learn a variety of styles and techniques that are sure to impress on the dance floor. See here for current May-August 2023 schedule.
Ballroom
