Level Descriptions
Beginner
Recommended dance experience: None
Beginner classes are for students who have never taken a dance class before, or those who have very little dance experience. If you are interested in trying a dance style for the first time or have no previous dance experience, this level is for you!
intermediate
Recommended dance experience: 2+ years of training and/or 1+ years of experience with the chosen discipline
This level is for dancers who have some dance experience and have taken dance classes in the past. Students who feel that they have mastered basic technique and musicality and who are comfortable with more complex choreography in their chosen style should take intermediate classes.
PRE-ADVANCED
Recommended dance experience: 4+ years of training and/or approximately 2+ years of experience with the chosen discipline
This level is for students who have several years of dance training and experience. Students who take pre-advanced classes should be comfortable challenging themselves and expanding their dance knowledge through more difficult and intricate choreography. Pre-Advanced dancers will be challenged to discover themselves stylistically and to learn more about their individual movement quality.
ADVANCED
Required dance experience: 6+ years of training and/or approximately 4+ years of experience with the chosen discipline
This level is for dancers who have extensive dance training and experience. Students who take advanced classes should have a strong technical base and be able to pick up complex choreography quickly. Advanced dancers will be challenged to enhance their individual style, and improve their performance quality, improvisation skills, ability to execute intricate choreography, and teamwork.
Beginner/Intermediate
Welcome to beginner ballet! This class is designed for those with little experience in the discipline. This semester we will work through the fundamental positions and movements. You will learn how to enhance expression and individuality in your ballet performances in preparation for the end-of-semester recital.
Pre-Advanced
In Pre-Advanced Ballet, dancers will work on refining their technical foundations while developing strength, flexibility, musicality, and control with the goal of showcasing more complex choreography. Each class will consist of barre, centre, and variation/choreographic work where dancers will train in a range of movements including adagio, pirouettes, and allegro. Additionally, dancers will have the opportunity to explore ballet through a contemporary lens where classical techniques are blended with more modern music and individual artistry. This class is recommended for those with a minimum of 4+ years of dance experience or 2+ years of focused ballet training. Pre-Advanced Ballet will also culminate in a recital dance at the end of each semester, offering dancers the chance to bring their technique, creativity, and inner artistry to life on stage!
Advanced (with Pointe)
Embrace your inner prima! Advanced Ballet will allow you to focus on fine-tuning your technique rather than learning new steps. Dancers will be challenged with both the technical and musical aspects of ballet through various barre and centre exercises along with variations. Throughout the term, you will build strength, control, and musicality as you prepare to showcase advanced ballet choreography in our end-of-term culminating recital! Dancers with 8+ years of dance experience or competitive/ballet intensive training will succeed in this class. There may be an opportunity for pointe work, but it is not required for the class.
Ballet Technique
In this class, dancers will have the opportunity to refine their ballet technique weekly through a modifiable repertoire. Class will open with a traditional ballet barre, followed by exercises based in adage, pirouettes, and allegro. Every few weeks students will learn a variation from ballets such as The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Coppelia, and more. There is no recital performance for this class which makes it a great space for students to work on their ballet technique at an individual level in a low-stakes setting. This class is recommended for dancers who have previous ballet experience at an intermediate/advanced level, as understanding the technical rules of ballet will be necessary when learning new exercises and working on variations!
Beginner/Intermediate
As “Beginner” in the name implies, this class is a great place to start or get reacquainted after a long break from dance, no previous dance experience is required! It is taught at a slower pace, so anyone can follow along comfortably. Dancers will learn and refine foundational jazz technique, with moves such as battements, chaines, and jetes, among others. Intermediate dancers will also feel challenged, as many exercises can be modified to include more advanced variations, such as axels and double stag jumps. Classes will begin with a full-body warmup, then transition into across-the-floor progressions, a combo, or rehearsing for the performance at the end of each semester.
Pre-Advanced
In Pre-Advanced Jazz, dancers can expect a high focus on dynamics and movement quality, with the use and practice of foundational jazz technique. This will be explored in recital choreography throughout the semester, with occasional technique practice through across-the-floor exercises and center work. At the Pre-Advanced level, dancers should have foundational jazz technique, as we build on that and work towards developing strong musicality and personal style. Technical skills you should be familiar with and may see in this class: double pirouette, grand jetés, kicks/grand battements (front & side), counting music and fast choreography. Things we hope you take away from this class are stronger dynamics, growth in technique, and a fun experience fostering love for dance! Pre-advanced jazz is recommended to dancers with 4+ years of previous dance training or at least 2+ years of experience in the jazz discipline, and this class will perform a recital dance each semester!
Advanced
In this class, dancers will explore different genres of jazz dance through across-the-floor and center combinations, as well as through the choreography of their recital routine. Catered to an advanced level, dancers will be pushed to use their technical dance foundation/ability to better understand and improve their individual style/movement quality, while exploring musical dynamics and unique choreographic structures. Some skills that would be helpful to have mastered before joining the class are: double pirouettes (parallel), grand jetés, kicks/grand battements (front & side), counting music & quickly picking up choreography. Dancers should expect an upbeat class environment, with lots of technical elements, and clean lines! This class is recommended for dancers with 6+ years of previous dance training and/or approximately 4+ years of experience with the jazz discipline, and will perform a dance in recital.
Jazz Technique
In this class dancers will develop technical skills through jazz-based training. This class will focus on developing the fundamentals of jumps, kicks, and turns, while incorporating common stylistic elements of jazz dance. Through the semester students will be able to progress at their own pace with modifications being available to increase or decrease difficulty based on their previous experience in jazz training. This class is recommended for intermediate to advanced level dancers, and will not perform choreography in QDC recitals.
Beginner/Intermediate
This class is meant for anyone from little to no tap experience. The class will be tailored to the students and modifications will be available so that everyone with different experiences can feel comfortable and challenged at their own level! The class will emphasize basic rhythm and collaborative tapping so that dancers can develop their skills while tapping together! Dancers will learn foundational tap steps and learn to apply them rhythmically with a recital piece each semester. So excited to see you in class!
Pre-Advanced
Pre-Advanced Tap aims to bridge the gap between our Beg/Int and Advanced tap classes. This class is intended for students who may not have extensive tap experience, but have enough experience to dance above a beginner level (2-3+ years). Pre-Advanced focuses on introducing new tap techniques, more complex rhythms, and steps to add to your dance repertoire. This class finds creative ways to introduce choreography at a slower pace, and build difficulty as the semester progresses. Pre-Advanced Tap will have one dance each semester in both the Mid-Year and Year-End Recitals. Can’t wait to see you in class!
Advanced
Elevate your tap technique, style, and comprehension of choreography in Advanced Tap! This class is suitable for tap dancers looking to work with complicated rhythms and time signatures. You will be introduced to several new pieces of choreography with a focus on intricate, quick, and exciting steps, as well as a variety of styles. Technical steps you should be able to do and/or learn include all variations of wings, pickups, shiggy bops, and more. 3-5 years of tap experience (ideally at an advanced difficulty level) is recommended! Advanced Tap will have one recital dance in both the Mid-Year and Year-End Recitals (one per semester). Can’t wait to see you there!
Beginner/Intermediate
The Beginner/Intermediate Hip Hop class is an energetic and inclusive dance experience designed for those just starting their journey into hip-hop dance. This class requires no previous dance knowledge and students can expect to learn the fundamental techniques and movements that define hip-hop. You will be learning a different combo each week in order to build and work towards the recital at the end of the semester! The choreography will be broken down step by step, focusing on rhythm, coordination, and style. Whether you're a complete novice or have some dance experience, this class is a fun and supportive environment to groove, build confidence, and express yourself through the dynamic art of hip-hop dance!
Pre-Advanced
In Pre-Advanced Hip Hop, aspiring dancers will delve into the world of hip-hop and its various styles, including techniques like tutting and more. Prior experience with skills such as intricate isolations, precise footwork, and rhythm comprehension is beneficial for prospective students. Be ready for a dynamic and energetic class that won't disappoint. This class is ideal for dancers who have spent approximately 4 or more years cultivating their hip-hop dance skills and are looking to further develop their abilities while preparing for performances.
Advanced
This class will incorporate a variety of hip hop styles, such as house, tutting, crumping, popping and locking, break dancing and more. It will focus on continuing to develop a dancer’s ability to pick up choreography, and ideally challenge Hip Hop dancers in different qualities of movement. This class requires a previous dance foundation and strong abilities to pick up more advanced choreography. This class aims to challenge a dancer’s musicality, stylistic expression, and previous knowledge surrounding the style of Hip Hop through a variety of combinations, working up to a recital dance at the end of the semester. Advanced Hip Hop is a high energy class where Hip Hop dancers can continue to practice and grow, alongside peers with a shared love for dance.
Beginner/Intermediate
In this class, dancers will get the opportunity to explore different genres. Intermediate lyrical is a class focused on building on previously learned elemental skills and working on personal style. Weekly classes will include a warm up, short across the floor and a combo. In the across the floor section we will work to learn movement sequences at a slower pace which will then carry through to that week's combo. This class is also heavily focused on creating a lyrical piece to perform at this term's recital. This level of lyrical is recommended for dancers with 1+ years of experience in this style who are looking to become more confident dancers.
Pre-Advanced
Pre-Advanced Lyrical is designed for dancers with a strong technical foundation and are interested in developing their individual movement style. Emphasis will be placed on emotion authenticity, musical interpretation, and making choices that reflect personal expression. Dancers should be comfortable with completing battements, grand jetes, and floor work transitions. Each semester will incorporate technical elements and refined movements into an end of term routine that performs in QDC recitals.
Advanced
This class is designed for intermediate to advanced dancers seeking to dive deeper into lyrical’s diverse dynamics and movement qualities while maintaining a strong technical foundation. A mature grasp of the style and discipline is expected and recommended, though competitive experience or extensive years of training are not requirements, with modifications made available always. This class will include challenging skills, such as jumps, turns, and extensions, and will also actively participate in QDC recitals! Overall, the year will focus on fostering personal growth in an encouraging environment where students are motivated to take technical, emotional and creative risks through advanced-level choreography.
Beginner/Intermediate
In Beginner/Intermediate Contemporary, dancers will explore the expressive and dynamic movement style of contemporary. This level is designed to build on fundamental technique while also finding individual style and emotional connection to movement. Each class will include a guided warm-up and stretch, learning steps and sequences, and working towards our end-of-semester recital. New moves will be taught gradually to help dancers feel confident before applying them to choreography. This level is recommended for dancers with 1–3 years of experience in contemporary who are looking to grow as both technical and expressive performers.
Pre-Advanced
Pre-Advanced Contemporary is a class that caters to dancers of many different dance backgrounds and abilities. The skill level recommended for this class is previous experience in a competitive dance program or an equivalent dance background (i.e. 4+ years give or take of recreational dance). In this class, we will explore the freedom and fluidity of contemporary dancing. It will be centred around self-expression and gaining confidence in your movements, paired with intricate choreography to create a recital piece to share at both the mid-year and end of year recitals.
Advanced
In this class, dancers will have the opportunity to develop their contemporary movements through centre combinations, across-the-floor, improv, as well as through choreography of their recital routine. Catering to an advanced level, dancers will be pushed to improve and develop their personal style and movement quality, both with choreography and improvisation. Dancers should expect a welcoming environment with room for growth and development, exploring different textures and elements of contemporary! This class is recommended for dancers with 6 or more years of previous dance training and/or approximately 4 years of experience with contemporary dance.
Beginner/Intermediate
Dancers will get the opportunity to explore a blend of Jazz Funk, Hip Hop, and Commercial dance styles in this fun and upbeat class. There will be a focus on learning to perform with confidence, feeling empowered, and channeling your inner diva! Class structure will include a warm up and learning choreography to music from pop divas loved around the world. Dancers will learn about movement quality to different styles of music and work towards a dance performance in the QDC recitals. This class is recommended for dancers with no previous experience and/or dancers with a few years previous technical dance experience looking to learn a new style and broaden their performance capabilities.
Pre-Advanced/Advanced
This class is all about feeling empowered, confident, and fierce. In pre-adv./adv diva bootcamp, dancers are encouraged to learn challenging choreography with a significant focus on loving and expressing themselves. Dancers have the opportunity to learn different styles such as whacking, voguing, and strutting. The choreography taught in this class can also be done in heels if dancers feel comfortable doing so! Throughout the semester, students will progress at their own pace while learning these new skills, allowing their inner diva to shine! This class is recommended for pre-advanced and advanced dancers and will perform choreography at QDC recitals.
Cardio Funk
The class will provide students with an opportunity to explore a variety of upbeat dance styles in the form of a cardio workout. It caters to students of any dance level, with no experience necessary. Throughout the term, the class will work towards a fun piece to perform at the recital!
Swing
Welcome to Swing! Swing dance comes from Harlem, New York with African-American roots, and was developed to swing music popular in the 1920s-40s. In this class we will focus on the rhythms and grooves that are signature to this style, with our goal being to encapsulate the 'feeling' of this style using musicality and lots of energy. Swing is very jazzy, grounded and rhythmic. This class is targeted to all levels of experience, and will encourage dancers to step outside of their comfort zone and move in groovy new ways! Partnering will be taught in this class, but dancers do not need to have a partner coming in. This class will work to a recital dance to showcase everything we learn!
Musical Theatre
If you love singing in the car with your friends, then this class is for you! QDC’s dance-focused Musical Theatre class will add elements of acting and singing into your dance repertoire, in true ‘triple threat’ fashion. This upbeat class will give students an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and become their most creative, silly, and confident selves by dancing to popular show-tunes during class and in the QDC recital (don’t worry, we won’t ‘mic’ you!). Open to all dancers - no experience required!
Advanced Modern/Contemporary Movement
An opportunity for advanced dancers to explore contemporary/modern movement in a supportive space. Personal movement style and movement quality will be expanded through combinations and creativity exercises. The fundamental dynamics of contemporary and modern dance are used as tools in class. Musicality and how musical accents translate into movement is a main focus. A dance will be choreographed and performed at recitals.
Advanced Open
Advanced open is a class which will feature elements of jazz and contemporary. The combinations and choreography will include stylistic movement with hip-hop influence. Choreography will be highly influenced by the chosen song as the goal will be to create a visual representation of what the music would look like should it appear on the human body. Precise and fast movement quality and intricate musicality are two areas we will explore and help dancers perfect throughout the semester.
Questions & Contact
Any questions regarding QDC classes, including registration, drop-dates and scheduling can be directed to our Operations Manager at operations@queensdanceclub.com.