Dance Mission Statement
- Foster self-esteem, discipline, creativity, and confidence
- Demonstrate a healthy lifestyle
- Define a role on a team and how to be a leader
- Allow every participant the opportunity to shine!
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Meet the Dance staff
Recreation Dance – Preschool Classes
Creative Dance
This class introduces motion and exploration of the magical world of dance! Using make-believe imagery and interactive music children explore dance concepts. Classroom etiquette; taking turns, listening, and following direction is taught.
Intro to Tumbling/Acro
Children learn basic body positions to stretch and strengthen. The class focuses on form to help children advance toward complex tricks and skills. Ages 3-6
Joy of Motion
Wiggle and giggle! Little groovers are guided through the room using creative locomotor movements to explore the dynamics of space. Activities focus on shapes and space to develop coordination, balance, flexibility, strength and spatial awareness. The goal of this class is for each child to find their own pleasure through music and movement while developing fine and gross motor skills. This class is ideal for dancers ages 3-6.
Parent Tot Pre-Dance
Move and groove with your little one! A great way to get your child active and moving while helping them understand the joy and routine of class. Learning happens through physical feedback to perform movements in dance classes. In this class, caretakers or parents help move little dancers into the right steps and spots around the room. Ideal for ages 2-3. Recommended for safe physical distancing activities with your little ones!
Pre-Ballet
For beginners who want to build a strong dance foundation. This class focuses on ballet technique and prepares students for higher-level classes. Ages 2-3.
Pre-Ballet/Jazz
An introduction to the routines of dance class as well as two of the great dance genres! Combine the foundational skills and beauty of ballet with the creative and dynamic movements of jazz. Learn techniques and terminology in both forms of dance. Perform basic movements in the center floor. This class is ideal for dancers ages 3-6.
Pre-Ballet/Tap
A great introduction to the routines of dance class. The elegant grace of ballet mixed with the percussive musicality of tap. Build rhythm and creativity while learning techniques and terminology in both forms of dance. Perform basic movements in the center floor sitting and standing for ballet, at the barre for tap. This class is ideal for dancers ages 3-6.
Pre-Hip Hop/Jazz
Explore the beginnings of Jazz and Hip Hop-style movement and gain awareness of muscle memory. Express yourself while learning an age-appropriate dance foundation and vocabulary in a fun environment. Ages 3-6
Pre-Ballet/Tap
A great introduction to the routines of dance class. The elegant grace of ballet mixed with the percussive musicality of tap. Build rhythm and creativity while learning techniques and terminology in both forms of dance. Perform basic movements in the center floor sitting and standing for ballet, at the barre for tap. This class is ideal for dancers ages 3-6.
Tap
Build rhythm and creativity while learning techniques and terminology of Tap.
Recreation Dance – Youth Classes
Class Levels
Class Levels are a guide to help place youth students in the best class for them based on a combination of skill level, age, and years of experience. Please carefully read class descriptions and place your child in the class that seems best to you. If a child is placed in a class level that doesn’t fit them, instructors have the discretion to switch a child to a different level. If you are unsure what level to select, feel free to contact Mackenzie Derrick at mderrick@westminsterco.gov
Level 1 – For kids who are new to dance. No requirement for previous classes, years of experience, or skill level. Ballet has some stricter requirements, Ballet 1 is for ages 6+. Classes are designed to teach fundamentals. Recommended age: 5-8
Level 2 – For kids who have some experience and have at least baseline ballet skills. Classes are designed to expand skills and fitness. Recommended age: 7-10
Level 3 – Advanced classes for kids who are at or near Company level skills and experience. Classes are designed to maximize dance fitness, skills, and potential. Recommended age: 8 and up, with at least 2-3 years of dance experience and a high level of ballet competency.
Ballet
Grace and elegance combined with a basic foundation in ballet technique, the backbone of most dance styles. Start with beginner movements and progress into the intermediate, while learning techniques and terminology. Strength and stamina building for the feet, legs, and arms.
Ballet/Tap
A faster paced introduction to the routines of dance class. The elegant grace of ballet mixed with the percussive musicality of tap. Build a sense of rhythm and creativity while learning techniques and terminology in both forms of dance. Perform intermediate movements starting at the barre to progress into the center floor.
Baton
Twirling is a fun, active, and different way to promote fitness, flexibility, hand-eye coordination, poise, and self-confidence. Taught by instructors with decades of experience, the Baton program has Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced class levels.
Boy’s Hip Hop/Break
This high energy class teaches rhythm, coordination, control, and balance through age-appropriate movements set to exciting, upbeat music. Great for freedom of expression while still learning technique.
Cheer/Pom
This is the perfect opportunity to prepare for your school’s Spirit Team! This class will cover all the expected skills for a Poms team including sideline and floor routines as well as audition tips.
Hip Hop
This high-energy class teaches rhythm, coordination, control, and balance through age-appropriate movements set to exciting, upbeat music. This style is great for kids who like to move, love music, and want to develop self-confidence. Great for freedom of expression while still learning technique.
Intro to Competitive Dance
nterested in being a part of the Westminster Dance Company? This class provides technical skills required to join competition groups, gives and inside look at company classes, and prepares dancers for auditions. Students also get to know other dancers and instructors prior to auditions.
Lyrical/Jazz
Students who are looking to challenge themselves by learning two separate techniques each week will enjoy this class. We will alternate between classical and new age jazz, and a technical lyrical style. Recommended to have taken higher level technique classes previously. Ages 10+
Musical Theater Jazz
Enjoy singing, dancing, and acting, while learning jazz skills. Build self-confidence, character building, and stage presence/performance techniques.
Stretch and Strength
For any athlete who is looking to improve their skills through stretching and strengthening their muscles. A series of stretches to help wit flexibility, range of motion, balance, and posture. Various body weight and light weight exercises to increase overall strength.
Tap/Jazz 1
Provides a rhythmic journey with syncopated beats in tap and the expressive movements of jazz. Build a solid foundation in both dance styles.
Private Lessons
Instructor Approval Required. Enhance your dance skills with lessons tailored to your style and pace, helping you refine technique, improve confidence, and achieve your dance goals. Whether a beginner or looking to master advanced moves, our lessons cater to your specific needs.
Recreation Dance – Adult Classes
Adult Ballet Beginner
A perfect introduction for those longing to learn ballet or for those who have stopped dancing and just miss it too much! The class follows a traditional structure beginning with ballet barre to transitioning into the center floor for jumping and other combinations of movement that build balance and coordination skills. Ideal for ages 18+
Adult Hip Hop
Let’s get funky! Move and groove to classic hip-hop hits. Students will learn the most recent styles and trends, isolate their muscles, and let loose.
Adult Dance Drop In
Not sure which class is best for you? Drop in to either Adult Class option for $12/$14.
The Westminster Dance Company
If you are interested in taking your dance to the next level, consider joining the Westminster Dance Team! Company members have access to company-only opportunities, designed to push their abilities and improve their dance skills. Company members dance in various events in Westminster and participate in a few competitions each year.
The 2024-2025 Dance Company Session begins in the Fall. To participate, please plan on attending Company tryouts on August 17 at City Park Rec Center. You can also sign up for the Intro to Competitive Dance class this summer! For more information or if you have questions, please contact Dance Director Mackenzie Derrick at mderrick@westminsterco.gov