Dance:

An art performed by individuals or groups of human beings, in which the human body is the instrument and movement is the medium. Dance is commonly performed to music or other rhythmic accompaniment. Dance has as a primary purpose the expression of inner feelings and emotions, although it is often performed for social, ritual, entertainment or other purposes.

Our Programme:

New Hampshire Academie of Dance provides quality dance education for students of all ages and levels. Our youngest students are 2 years old, and we teach up to adult and professional levels. Some of our dancers are recreational, while others are pursuing a pre-professional programme with the goal of a career in dance or dance education. Whenever possible, there are beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of each dance discipline for each age group in each discipline of dance. The director and staff will work with you to determine the appropriate level for each student to determine the most beneficial programme of study for the individual student's needs and goals.

Tap:

Step dance tapped out audibly by means of shoes with hard soles or soles and heels to which taps have been added. Our tap program focuses on a combination of classical and rhythm styles. Beginning students become acquainted with basic movements of the leg, foot, and shoe and learn to dance rhythmically. Intermediate students begin to build an extensive tap vocabulary and explore more complex rhythm patterns. Advanced programs include trick or flash steps, complex rhythm combinations, and more extensive tap vocabulary. Tap training may begin at age 3.

Ballet:

The foundation of all Western Theatrical Dance in which conventional poses and steps are combined with light flowing figures (as leaps and turns). Ballet classes begin with training at the barre to practice proper body placement, warm and strengthen muscles, and build technique that is brought to the center. In the center, dancers work on adagio (slow, controlled movements that combine strength and flexibility), petit allegro (small, quick jumps that build speed and ease of motion), allegro (more dramatic movements that are a natural extension of petit allegro), and grand allegro (large, spectacular steps that use a combination of skills learned throughout class). In our intermediate and advanced level classes, strength and flexibility training are incorporated to supplement technique. We teach a combination of ballet methods including RAD, Vaganova, and Cecchetti. RAD exams are available for students who wish to pursue them. Ballet training begins as early as age 3.

Pointe:

The raising of the body to the tips of one's toes, also used in the singular 'sur la pointe'. First introduced in the 1820s or early 1830s. Pointe dancers must have studied dance for a minimum of four years and study ballet at least twice each week. Dancers will not be permitted to begin pointe until age 12 or 13. When the teacher feels a student is ready to train for pointe work, she will be asked to study ballet en demi pointe for a minimum of six months. When the teacher sees the required strength of the foot, the student will be instructed in where to obtain a proper pointe fitting. In order to remain en pointe, the student must maintain good attendance in at least two ballet classes per week.

Jazz:

Dancing to a kind of music in which the accents fall at unusual places. It is native to the U.S., where it developed from ragtime. The players slide from tone to tone, introduced independent tones, and initiate vocal effects with their instruments. Our jazz program is influenced by a number of methods and styles including classical, theater/cabaret, funk, and Fosse. The jazz class begins with a choreographed warm-up followed by isolations, technique across the floor, turns, jumps, and choreography. Jazz training is begun in creative movement class. At ages 5-6 students generally move into jazz curriculum.

Lyrical:

A combination of ballet, jazz, and modern dance in which the dancer's primary objective is to tell a story or convey emotions. Lyrical classes begin with an alternating bar/center warmup and is followed by technique/turns/jumps across the floor, floorwork, and choreography. Emphasis is placed on interpreting the musical selection. Lyrical training may begin as early as ages 6-7.

Modern:

Name given to a dance tradition that arose as a reaction to ballet. It also arose out of a desire to express things and feelings that were thought appropriate to the new century, things that, it was felt, the traditional ballet vocabulary couldn't express. It rejected many of the conventions of ballet--turnout, pointed feet, the stated positions, the attempt to defy gravity with leaps and other steps of elevation, dancing on pointe, the use of ballet shoes, and so on. Warm up, technique, and choreography are covered in each class. Modern training begins at age 9.

Musical Theater:

Combines the skills of dance (with a heavy emphasis on jazz and tap) with drama and in some cases, voice. Specialized exercises will teach students how to project emotions to an audience. A variety of theater and cinematic themes are explored through choreography. Musical theater is covered in jazz classes until age 9. At this point, the student may decide to take a specialized class in this discipline.

Acro:

The floor exercise portion of a traditional gymnastics program combined with and connected by basic jazz dance technique. For the aspiring acrobat, this program will teach tumbling technique accompanied by grace and expression. For aspiring dancers, acro helps to keep them strong and limber. Our acro programs begin at age 3-4.

Hip-Hop:

A type of dance that arose in reaction to emerging music trends of the late 20th century. Sharp and fluid movements are combined to create a unique style many times incorporating the use of popping and locking movements. Hip hop is commonly seen in the music industry. Hip hop classes begin with a warm-up and progress toward isolations and coordination exercises, short combinations, floorwork, and routines. Hip hop classes may be taken starting at age 9.

Vocal:

Students may participate in a group chorus lesson and/or private vocal instruction. In addition to vocal technique and training, students will learn the basics of music theory.

Pre-school:

Our pre-school classes are geared toward ages 3-5. This class is split into ballet and tap. The class explores the very basic movements of dance and learn the workings of a dance class atmosphere. Games, songs, and other learning tools may be incorporated to engage children.

Primary:

This class welcomes children ages 4-6, and is the next natural progression following preschool classes. Comprised of ballet and tap technique, the class explores upbeat movements and expression through dance. Games and songs will help children to relate to the technique.