Dance Program Descriptions

The Pulse Performing Arts Studio offers dance classes for children ages 6 and older in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, theatre dance, theatre tap and tumbling. In addition, early childhood classes are offered for 2-6 year olds, as well as classes for boys and adults. Ballet is a classical dance form characterized by grace and precision of movement that strengthens the dancer’s technique as well as artistic skills. Ballet is the foundation of all forms of dance. Creative Ballet (for 4-5 year olds) introduces dancers to the fundamentals of ballet while incorporating free play, improvisation, and body awareness. Creative Movement (for 2-4 year olds) introduces rhythmic movements in a fun and nurturing environment. Children learn to express ideas and feelings while developing body awareness. Hip-Hop has its roots in street dance from the Bronx which developed during the late 1970’s. It has evolved to become a main-stream dance form utilized extensively in music videos. This style of dance promises a high- energy cardiac workout choreographed to today’s hottest Hip-Hop, R&B and Pop songs. Hoofin It is a tap class available only for guys. Jumps & Turns is a technique based class focusing solely on power, strength, and technique as it applies to the many of varieties of jumps, turns, and progressive. Jazz dance has evolved over time, combining influences of African and European jazz dance as well as folk dance, ballet, modern, jitterbugging, acrobatics, and tap. Jazz emphasizes fast-paced, exaggerated rhythmic movement. Specialty jazz classes focusing on Jumps & Turns are also offered. Lyrical Jazz is a fluid style of jazz dance blending movements from European classical ballet, American modern dance and ethnic dance forms. The expression of the performer interprets the lyrics and music. Modern dance is a dance style that centers on a dancers own interpretation of structured steps, not as traditional as ballet. Tap classes teach the fundamentals of this high-energy, audible style of dance. Knowledge of terminology is developed and rhythmic awareness is introduced and expanded upon. Broadway Dance combines singing and jazz style dancing to Broadway show music. Focus on technique is combined with character development to produce a knowledge and understanding of how to perform Broadway choreography. Acro offers a multitude of gymnastics skills, with an emphasis on proper form and technique. Classes help students improve flexibility and strength, as well as build confidence in their ability to integrate acrobatics with dance performances.