Absolutely NO jewelry or gum allowed in class!

Progressive offers techniques from both the Russian and French schools. All classes start with a barre and finish with center combinations. Classes range from 1 hour in length to two hours depending on the level. Ballet is the foundation for all types of dance and is highly recommended for becoming a well trained dancer with strong technique. Our ballet classes require class discipline, and respect for one another and the teacher.

Pointe is appropriate when a student is ready to graduate to the “hard shoe” and dance on the pointe of their feet. This takes years of preparation to graduate to this level. Students are able to take pointe only after age 11 or when the growth plate in their feet have stopped growing. PDS teachers will evaluate each student as to when he/she is ready for pointe. There is a 2 class per week minimum in ballet class for a student to take pointe.

PDS offers “Broadway” Tap as well as Rhythm Tap. Tap teaches the student rhythm, syncopation, and develops the student’s “ear” much like a musician. Tap shoes are considered your instrument with your treble and bass sounds. You are a musician as well as a dancer!

These classes teach syncopation in movement. Movements can be sharp and staccato or lyrical. Class starts with a warm-up, then moves to practice combinations for technique across the floor, and ends with a combination of “dance. ” Jazz has a wide range of styles and interpretations. Jazz is a structured class that teaches the discipline of dance and a strong technique. Jazz classes are high energy, upbeat and fun!

Funk Jazz is a fusion of jazz which has a technical foundation, then is mixed with the movement of Hip Hop (street and club dancing). Music ranges from pop to hip hop.

Modern dance is a free form movement and is a wonderful venue to explore your own creative style. There are many techniques in modern. Our classes are a fusion of Horton, Graham, Limon, etc. Our teachers are experienced in many styles. Modern class is performed bare foot.

Theater Dance incorporates acting and sometimes singing with the movement. Students learn original choreography from Broadway shows, such as classic choreography by Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, Michael Bennett, etc. Students also learn works from our own renowned teachers.

Class starts with a warm up that incorporates stretching, strengthening, and isolations. The main goal is to focus on the combination, but more importantly, the attitude that makes Hip Hop, Hip Hop.

The children are introduced to the basic concepts of rhythm and movement using creative games that expand their individual creativity. They will strengthen their bodies and learn coordination to ready themselves for the next step in dance, which is pre-ballet and/or pre-jazz/tap. Our goal is to make sure we are building the love of dance in each child; nurturing their natural creativity in a fun and loving atmosphere. Additionally, our goal is to awaken interest, enthusiasm, and self-confidence through dance.

This class is for the child who has taken creative movement and is now 5 or 6 years of age. This class teaches the basic concepts of ballet, and this class will develop the child’s self-discipline, proper conduct required for ballet class, as well as basic ballet steps. They learn proper stretching and start to memorize ballet terminology.

This is a fun acting class where improvisation and sensory exploration will enable the student to become more comfortable being on stage and discover their “acting persona”! 

This class will take the teen actor to greater heights focusing on technique, exercises, monologues, and scene study. The class will prepare students for future auditions under the watchful eyes of an experienced actor/teacher.