Ballet Program - New for the 2008-2009 season, the 360 Dance Ballet Program
offers students of all ages a serious, disciplined approach to
classical ballet technique. Whether students wish to continue
their ballet training at the university level, enhance their overall
dance abilities, pursue a professional career or just enjoy being
part of the beauty of ballet, 360 Dance offers classes that will
appeal to all! Benefits of ballet training include a solid
foundation in ballet technique, understanding of ballet
vocabulary and history of dance, growing artistry in
performance and increased mastery and control of one's body.
Students in the ballet program are also exposed to a variety of
dance styles to expand their versatility and dance vocabulary.
This includes tap, jazz and modern. Beginning level ballet
students learn basic tap skills, short tap combinations and enjoy
their developing rhythmic foot work. As they progress, the
unique American dance forms of jazz and modern are added
to the program. Pointe classes are also available to members of
the Ballet Program through faculty invitation only. This year, the
360 Dance Ballet Program students will present a house
performance of the “Nutcracker” in mid-December. In the spring
of 2009, a story ballet will be performed and jazz and modern
pieces will be included in the program. Additionally, there will
be various opportunities throughout the year for students to
increase their dance enrichment by attending local or touring
ballet, modern or contemporary dance performances.
Competitive Dance Program - 360 Dance offers a variety of National and Regional
Competitive Dance Groups for all ages. Students participating
in this program undergo a rigorous training and rehearsal
regimen that culminates in performance opportunities between
January and May with a grand national competition in June or
July. August auditions determine which 360 students will
appear in the programʼs regional and national competitive
dance groups. Staff and/or professional choreographers
create unique dance pieces for the groups which travel to
dance conventions and competitions throughout the country
performing in ballet, jazz, lyrical, musical theater and hip-hop
categories. Our competitive dance groups dominate the tri-state
area in winning numerous Regional and National
Championships. Students in the competitive dance program
take a pre-determined number of ballet and jazz technique
classes each week in addition to hip-hop. They may also be
eligible for additional classes to help maintain their
performance skills edge.
Open Dance Program - The open dance program is designed for students three years
through adult and includes the 360 KIDS, Open (Recreational)
Dance, Technique and Hip-Hop classes. These classes are open to
all students new to dance and 360, as well as continuing 360
dancers. Students may enroll in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and
technique. All students in the Open Dance Program are
encouraged to participate in the performance opportunities
available at 360 Dance including our mid-year show and 360 Live!
(our end-of-the-year show). Descriptions of each division within our
Open Dance Program are listed below.
360 KIDS - 360 KIDS dance classes give children three to six years of age
the freedom to express their creativity through dance, tap or jazz
movement. Using music, props and inventive exercises, our staff
provides a fun and loving atmosphere that sets the stage for future
advancement into other 360 programs. Activities are designed to
develop self esteem and an awareness of others. Benefits to your
child include increased motor/skill coordination, physical
flexibility, social skills, such as following directions and learning
physical concepts like energy and speed. This program is offered
in two sessions throughout the year to increase interest and
enhance creativity. Session 1 will last from September-December
and Session 2 will last from January-May. Performance
opportunities will be available at our 360 show upon the
completion of each session. Though it is not mandatory, students
are encouraged to participate in both sessions.
Open (Recreational) Dance - Anyone between the ages of 7 and 14 can participate in a
recreational dance class. No try-out is required! These classes
exist to highlight the basic fundamentals of dance and give
students the chance to learn and perform in front of an audience.
Each class will learn either a jazz and tap routine (ages 7-8) or a
jazz and hip-hop routine (ages 9-14). This program is offered in
two sessions throughout the year to increase interest and enhance
creativity. Session 1 will last from September-December and
Session 2s will last from January-May. Performance opportunities
will be available at our 360 show upon the completion of each
session. Though it is not mandatory, students are encouraged to
participate in both sessions.
Technique - These classes are excellent for anyone who is serious about
advancing his/her skills as a dancer. Technique classes at 360
Dance are offered at 5 levels. An instructor will determine which
level is appropriate for each dancer. Technique classes focus on
correct body and arm placement on turns, leaps, jumps, etc.
These classes also offer strength building exercises and improve
flexibility. Technique classes are ideal for individuals as well as
school dance teams.
Hip-Hop - Hip-hop is offered to youth, teens and adults with separate classes
for male students. Hip-hop students do not need to enroll in other
classes but all open class options are available to them. Come learn
some of the hottest new hip-hop moves and music video dances!
