CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
CREATIVE MOVEMENT & PRE-BALLET
Our youngest students discover their love for music and dance in this fun and energetic class! Dancers explore movement through different fairy tales and season inspired themes. Students build skills such as musicality and coordination with a focus on fun.
BALLET (Levels 1-6)
Considered the foundation of all dance, ballet teaches precision, grace, and expression through movement. Classes focus on classical ballet techniques with an emphasis on terminology and body alignment. Students practice the art of storytelling through gestures and theatrical performance while learning various historical Ballets. Lessons include a warm-up at the barre with center floor work and combinations. MDM is proud to have two ABT® Certified Teachers (Katie Higuchi and Kathleen McKeon), who successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
POINTE
The pinnacle of every dancer’s training is getting their first pair of pointe shoes. At MDM safety is first and foremost when deciding if a dancer is ready to go en pointe. Pre-Pointe students must be tested to determine placement. Each level of Pointe class corresponds to technical skill and strength.
JAZZ
This high energy dance form combines techniques of classical ballet and modern dance with forms of commercial dance. Jazz emphasizes percussive movements, isolations, turns, and jumps. Dancers focus on strength, endurance, and flexibility while developing their musicality, style and performance skills. Different jazz styles and techniques include street jazz, Broadway, Lyrical, Fosse and Jazz Funk.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary dance focuses on expression and creativity. Dancers develop their mind-body connection through guided exercises in improvisation, floor work, and phrase work. Contemporary dance features a wide variety of dance techniques, creating a versatile and well-rounded experience that inspires both technical and artistic growth.
HIP HOP
Hip Hop at MDM is all about good vibes and fun times! Students explore different sub-styles of hip hop dance, learn energetic choreography, and are guided through exercises in improvisation. Dancers are encouraged to develop their unique style and most importantly, have a good time!
KID'S BOP
This intro to Hip Hop Class is the place to be for little ones who love grooving to all the top music trends! Students participate in fun dance improvisation games and learn choreography set to popular Kidz Bop® music. Dancers leave the studio excited to show off their new moves to friends and family!
INDUSTRY
This specialized class dives into the many different styles that make up the commercial dance industry including hip hop and jazz funk. Students develop their dynamics, musicality, performance quality, and artistry while learning intricate choreography. Dancers will have opportunities to grow their confidence in a supportive class environment.
TAP
The rhythm and movement of tap, created by the metal taps on the heels and toes of a dancer’s shoes, transforms the dancer into a percussive musician. Tap dance emphasizes the flow of movement by teaching the dancer to find rhythms and beats not only in music but in their own bodies. Students will be introduced to both Rhythm and Broadway styles of this classic American dance form.
ADULT CLASSES
BALLET (ages 21+)
Dancing in a sea of beautiful classical and contemporary music, students will learn exercises to condition the body for ballet. Class will include a barre and center work that will focus on alignment, leg, core, and upper body strength. Basic ballet steps, vocabulary, and choreography will be taught in this non-competitive, fun, and nurturing environment. No prior experience needed. Athletic wear and ballet slippers recommended.
JAZZ (ages 21+)
Spice up your life with this weekly class that includes total body conditioning exercises and various jazz techniques. Students will revisit jazz steps and learn fun choreography in an easy going and motivating atmosphere. Prior experience with Jazz and/or Ballet technique is highly recommended.