We will limit the size of each of our classes based on studio location.

Tiny Dancer 3-4 yr.
A beginner dance program to introduce dancers to fundamental positions and movements while focusing on coordination, motor skills and rhythm; through song and dance activities.  (Pink tights, black leotard and pink ballet shoes)

Ballet and Tap Combination 4-8 year olds
Ballet and Jazz Combination 6-8 year olds
Jazz and Tap Combination 6-8 year olds
Ballet and Lyrical Combination 7-9 year olds (must have 2 years previous experience)
Ballet, Tap and Jazz Trio Combination 7-9 year olds (must have 2 years previous experience)

Combination classes are designed to introduce the developing dancer with their choice of art forms.  Combination classes are divided into levels according to age. (Pink Tights, black leotard pink ballet shoes and black tap, or tan jazz shoes, for lyrical we will be using Bloch Eclipse SO619)

Classical Ballet 8 year old and up
The Ballet program at ENCORE is designed for students who have completed fundamental study in dance techniques and strive to improve their ability. The focus of the program is on extension, flexibility endurance and technique. As students develop strength, they advance through all levels of Ballet prior to the Pointe Program. (Pink tights, black leotard and pink ballet shoes.  Absolutely no colored sports bras or leotards.  Shorts and skirts may be worn if instructor allows.)

Contemporary 10 year old and up
Enjoy the freedom of movement through music and physical interpretation of feelings. This art form allows you to experience your creativity on an advanced level by using your body and mind to think out of the box.  Contemporary dancers must also be enrolled in a ballet class. (Black leotard and tights with Bloch Eclipse SO619.  Intensive Dancers may wear black shorts and black sports bras.  T-Shirts may be worn at the instructors approval)

Modern 12 year old and up
An artform of dance that uses release techniques and Laban-Bartenieff Fundamentals to develop the use of the entire body in movements expressive of abstract ideas.  This skill  uses a wide range of techniques such as partnering, weigh shifting and lifting and other unlimited arrays of movements to help the body and mind develop.  Movement is encouraged through combinations and improvisations.  (Dancers need to wear loose fitting work out apparel and no shoes)

Jazz 6 year old and up
Jazz instruction is offered for students who have completed at least one level of fundamental dance training. Jazz training emphasizes flexibility and rhythmic movement as a group activity. (Black leotard, or black camisole top with black spandex shorts with tights.  Dancers must have tan slip on jazz shoes. TIGHTS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.  Intensive Dancers may wear black shorts and black sports bras.  T-Shirts may be worn at the instructors approval.  No Dance Sneakers or street clothes)

Tap 6 year old and up
Tap instruction is available for students who have mastered the fundamental skills of dance. Tap instruction focuses on rhythm, coordination and specific tap techniques.  (Leotard and tights. Dance pants or shorts may be worn OVER leotard and tights. TIGHTS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.  Intensive Dancers may wear black shorts and black sports bras.  T-Shirts may be worn at the instructors approval.  No street clothes.  Black tap shoes.  Please try Capezio CG55, CG55C or 3800.  Do not buy Capezio Tapster or Fluid tap shoes.  We do NOT use Bloch tap shoes.)

Lyrical 8 year old and up
Lyrical dancing combines the movements of Ballet, Jazz and Modern to project emotion and expression.  Improvisational techniques are also used for the dancer to develop deeper expression.  Lyrical Dancers must also be enrolled in a ballet class.  (Leotard, convertible tights and Bloch Eclipse SO619 shoes.  TIGHTS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.  Intensive Dancers may wear black shorts and black sports bras.  T-Shirts may be worn at the instructors approval.)

Intensive Training Classes
ENCORE STUDIO will offer classes to concentrate on continuing development of dance technique and training through our Intensive Training Classes. Dancers in the Intensive Training programs work to become well rounded dancers by studying dance in a minimum of three mandatory art forms; Ballet, Tap and Jazz. These students will have a minimum of two and a half hours of training a week. Intensive Training Students also take Contemporary and Lyrical as additional classes.  Students in the Intensive Training Classes may be selected to participate on the Encore Competition dance team “The Pink Ladies”.  Students must have previous training and invitation from the staff for class placement.  Intensive training classes run year round.  Intensive dancers are placed with dancers of the same ability.  Dancers participating in Intensive Training classes of Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary for a minimum of 4 years will have the opportunity to perform a Senior Solo in our annual recital performance.  Advanced level Intensive classes will require year round training to maintain placement in the program.

ADDITIONAL DRESS CODE

• Combination classes may wear economy ballet and tap shoes as long as the ballet shoes have a suede or leather sole.  DO NOT WEAR BEDROOM SLIPPERS! 
• All dancewear is available locally at Ellman's in Carytown and Pointe Dance Boutique or can be purchased from the link on our home page.
• All dancers must have their hair secured back for class.  A bun is mandatory for ballet class and ponytails and braids are acceptable for combo and all other classes. Hair must be secured back for any class, please make sure your dancer is prepared when she/he arrives for class.
• Cheer style shorts are not appropriate dance attire.  If shorts are worn, leotard and tights MUST also be worn.

CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR

ENCORE STUDIO strives to provide an encouraging, nurturing environment for all dancers.  To ensure that each dancer feels safe and comfortable during class, we have a zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior that may cause a disruptive learning environment or emotional harm to students and instructors in a class.  Teachers reserve the right to dismiss any student from a class due to discipline problems or verbal disrespect.  

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is essential for progression in dancing.  Tardiness and excessive absences are inexcusable and not tolerated.  All students are responsible for learning the choreography which requires regular attendance.  To be fair to all students, class time will not be used to review material missed.  If you miss more than three classes after January 15, your may be required to take private lessons in order to participate in the recital.  Make up classes are very difficult to arrange, so please make class attendance a priority.