Preschool and Kindergarten (The dancer must be 3 years old by September and be able to “potty” without help.): These classes give the young dancer an outlet for expression and knowledge of tempo, levels, energy and shapes. Imagery such as colors, emotions and nature help excite the young dancer’s imagination. Costumes and props are a special treat. Pre-ballet and dance skills will also be introduced. Tap skills are introduced in Kindergarten.
Ballet: All students are encouraged to study the foundation of dance technique. Nothing is better for developing coordination, balance, strength and flexibility. Knowledge of ballet steps and terminology is essential to the study of jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and modern dance.
Tap: Develops rhythmic skill and coordination. This is a favorite with children because they get to make noise with their feet! The students will be exposed to musical theatre, swing, boogie-woogie, and be-bop music. Tap is included in 1st/2nd grade ballet. In the 3rd through 6th grade Tap is combined with Jazz.
Jazz: Contemporary music makes this class extra fun while the dancer gains flexibility, strength and classic technique. Some of the many forms of jazz dance are musical theater, lyrical and classic. A knowledge of ballet is helpful.
Hip Hop: Danced to Hip-Hop music, this style incorporates a broad spectrum of today’s movement while emphasizing individual expression. Recommended for age 3rd grade and up. A knowledge of ballet or jazz is helpful.
Modern Dance, Age 12 - Adult: Various modern dance techniques will be taught as well as movement improvisation. Concepts introduced include space, rhythm, levels and dynamics. The students will be encouraged to develop their own choreography. A knowledge of ballet is helpful.
Pointe, Age 11 and older: This is what every little ballet dancer dreams of: to seemingly float above the ground. Pointe should be studied when the student is sufficiently strong in ballet technique. Not all students should or will be allowed to study pointe. Pointe students must be enrolled in a ballet class.
Lyrical/Contemporary, Age teen and older, Intermediate/Advanced: Utilizing Jazz, Ballet and Modern techniques this class will give the experienced dancers an opportunity to add expressive style to their dancing. This class will allow the students to express emotion through their body and develop a more powerful stage presence. Attendance in the Teen/Adult Jazz class is a prerequisite. .
Ballroom/Social Dance: Recent television, motion pictures and musical trends have renewed interest in the social dances which include Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, Rhumba, Swing, Tango, Waltz and others. Non-dancers and dancers alike can experience the grace, challenge and fun of ballroom dance. For more information about the beginning class on Monday nights at 8:00pm or private lessons contact Robin at 336-877-4979.
S.H.I.N.E. Worship Dance Ensemble For more information go to their facebook page here.
PERFORMANCES: Northwestern Studios gives your dance student the opportunity to perform in two separate high-quality productions. The studio pulls out all the stops when it gives two performances of a full-length ballet. These have included “Sleeping Beauty”, “Cinderella” and “La Fille Mal Gardée”. The jazz & tap students strut their stuff twice in the “Jazz, Tap & More Revue”. These are scheduled for one of the last two weekends in May.
NORTHWESTERN STARZ Competition Team: The Starz consistently win top honors at regional and national dance competitions. They also attend dance conventions and study with nationally recognized dance professionals. Competition dancers are invited from the dance classes based on outstanding dedication, attitude and performance ability. The team is separate from dance classes. All Starz team members must be enrolled in classes.