MIDDLE SCHOOL
12 to 13 years
Students in the Middle School Program dive into a deep study of our 7 Basic Principles in a dedicated CORE CURRICULUM class. In addition to the Core Class, students participate in discipline specific classes in Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip-Hop. Students may also audition for additional performances throughout the year.
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This is our signature class that teaches the 7 basic Future of Dance principles. The Upper Elementary Future of Dance Class explores complex musicality and rhythms informed by tap dance and the study of percussion, combined with dynamic dance styles influenced by ballet, jazz, modern and hip-hop dance forms. This class builds on the foundations of the Lower Elementary Program and continues to build strong dance technique and harmonious lines in the body while developing artistry and expression of movement. In this level, students are encouraged to begin working on identifying their own 'voice' as a dancer and have many opportunities to explore dance as a form of communication and expression as well as a tool for making a difference in the world.
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Class Length: 60 minutes
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Ballet originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century. Noblemen and women were treated to lavish events, especially wedding celebrations, where dancing and music created an elaborate spectacle. Throughout history, ballet has continued to play a major role in the European expressionism of dance and music and has been highly regarded as an influential form of art to many.
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Our ballet classes teach students a strong foundation of classical ballet technique which includes knowledge and understanding of the history of the art form. Students in the Lower Elementary Ballet division learn the appropriate use of 'turn-out,' classical posture and weight placement along with the development of a harmonious line in the body while learning to hear and respond to different musical rhythms and phrasings. Most students complete each level in one year. Students in Ballet 3 are encouraged to attend ballet class twice per week. Students in the Lower Elementary Ballet division will have the opportunity to perform in two showcases during the year, one in the Winter and one in the Spring. Students are also encouraged to audition for Nutcracker in a Nutshell. Class Length: 60 minutes, Ballet 1 and 90 minutes, Ballet 2 through Ballet 5.
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Tap dance originated in the Unites States at the crossroads of African and Irish American dance forms. Tap classes at Future of Dance are rooted in the African American history of tap dance and explore the rhythm and musicality of the art form. Classes begin with a warm up that teaches the different sounds of the shoe followed by a series of classical tap step which are performed in the center of the room. Students then learn traveling steps and move around the room or across the floor to practice locomotion and rhythm combined. Class typically ends with a group combination that fuses learned skills to appropriate music. As students progress in our tap curriculum, exercises develop into more complex movements and patterns and build sophisticated musical compilations. Students have the opportunity to perform in two showcases during the year, one in the Winter and one in the Spring. Class Length: 60 minutes
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Jazz dance is rooted in Black American society and was popularized in ballrooms by the big bands of the swing era in the 1930's and 1940's. It has since become one of American's most popular styles of dance.
The Future of Dance Lower Elementary Jazz Program teaches our students the basics of jazz dance technique through an inspiring and upbeat curriculum. Students work as a group on gross motor development, coordination, flexibility and strength along with developing harmonious and strong classical lines in the body. Classes begin with a group warm up and continue with across the floor progressions. Class typically ends back to the center for fun and exciting dance combinations that are sure to get everyone moving! Students have the opportunity to perform in two showcases during the year, one in the Winter and one in the Spring. Class Length: 60 minutes
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From the street corner to the world stage, hip hop has grown into one of the world’s most prominent musical genres and cultural influences. Hip hop is a subculture and an art movement that emerged from the Bronx in New York City during the early 1970s. Its development reflected the effects of post-industrial decline, political discourse, and a rapidly changing economy. (https://iconcollective.edu/)
Our Hip-Hop classes stay true to the origins and explore the movement and expression that has continued to evolve in the art form. Our classes are upbeat, energetic and perfectly suitable for our young dancers. As dancers progress in proficiency, they have an opportunity to explore more complex musical rhythms, dynamics and stylized movement. Students have the opportunity to perform in two showcases during the year, one in the Winter and one in the Spring.
Class Length: 60 minutes
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Contemporary dance developed during the mid-twentieth century and has since grown to become one of the dominant genres for formally trained dancers throughout the world. It's creative expressionism shares technical and artistic similarities to classical ballet, modern dance and jazz. The Contemporary classes at Future of Dance begin with a warm-up inspired by classical ballet and modern technique and move to across the floor progressions and variations that explore movement dynamic, levels and tempo. Class ends in the center with a guided combination that assimilate learned skills and technique with the ability to freely express through movement and music. Students have the opportunity to perform in two showcases during the year, one in the Winter and one in the Spring. Class Length: 60 minutes