Class Descriptions

I'M SHY, Performing Arts for Quiet Kids (Ages 7 - 10

Fridays 4:30-5:30pm

Class will focus on integration of spoken word and characterization with movement, music and creative visual arts as a transitional tool. The goal is simply to create a nurturing and irresistibly fun environment that coaxes introverted kids
out of their shell. They will gain a supported sense of identity, a community of like minded kids to share with, and an offering to engage with the arts in a nonpressurized environment where they can truly take risks without fear of failure.

Acting for TV, Commercials, & Film (Ages 10 & up)

Thursdays 4:30-6pm

Ever dreamed of being up on the screen?  In this class, you'll get hands-on practice and detailed instruction on the differences between acting for the stage and acting on-camera. We will work with real commercial and scene scripts, in both solos and pairs, leading to real DVD recordings of our work.  Each student will also leave with a knowledge of on-camera auditioning technique, and information on acquiring a film/tv agent.
 

 

Stage Combat for Theatre, TV, and Film (Ages 10 & Up) 

Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm 

Learn the techniques and skills necessary for stage combat for theatre, TV, and film. Learn the “magic” behind your favorite action scenes and how to do them too! Stage combat is the theatrical illusion of violence to tell a story. This includes a slap to the face, shove, kick, punch, throws, and falls. The skills learned in this class can be carried over from stage to TV and film. Enhance your actor’s resume by learning stage combat now!

 Students will explore a different fighting style or theme (i.e.The Force Academy: Jedi or Sith?, Sword-based Pirate Combat, Comic Book Superheros vs. Villains)  about every six weeks. Students are encouraged to create their own characters and functional costumes for each new section.

Introduction to Group Voice (Ages 4-6)

Mondays 2:45-3:30pm

In this fun filled class students will exposed to the world of singing in a group setting.  The class will focus on breathing technique, posture, diction & characterization.  Students will also learn basic music theory. (No pre-requisite)

 

Beginning Group Voice (Ages 6-9)

Mondays 3:30-4:30pm

Students will learn the fundamentals of singing in a group setting.  The class will focus on breathing technique, vocal placement, posture, diction & characterization.  Students will also learn basic music theory. (No pre-requisite)

Beginning BOYS Group Voice (Ages 5-10)

Tuesdays 3:30-4:30pm

A Boys only class. Students will learn the fundamentals of singing in a group setting.  The class will focus on breathing technique, vocal placement, posture, diction & characterization.  Students will also learn basic music theory.
(No pre-requisite)

 

Creative Dance (Ages 2-3.5)

Fridays 10:30-11:15am

This class is a wonderful introduction to dance, music and creative expression! Kids use their imagination while developing excellent motor skills! All classes begin with a warm-up of stretches and groups exercises. The remaining portion of class is full of games and activities using props, story telling, dance, and singing. Students are encouraged to use their imagination and feel free to express them selves through movement and voice. Skills taught: independence, taking turns, listening to directions, developing self-discipline, body awareness, gaining confidence in a group, using your imagination, coordination, and rhythm. Only if necessary parents & caregivers can attend the class with their child, but we encourage working towards independence. No dress code, just be comfortable.
 

Ballet: First Position (Ages 3.5-5)

Saturdays 9-9:45am

Basic ballet skills, terminology, rhythm, flexibility and coordination are taught.  The class offers an atmosphere of creativity and discipline so the children can gain a sense of accomplishment as well as exploring their love of dance and music. DRESS CODE: black leotard, pink footed tights, pink ballet shoes, and hair pulled back. Ballet skirts and tutus are optional.

Ballet: Second Position (Ages 6-8)

Saturdays 10-11am

Ballet for this age group reinforces the basic concepts taught in First Position and then gradually moves the students into the traditional ballet class format of barre followed by center exercises. Moving in time with the music becomes more important, as well as memorization of ballet terminology. More complex combinations are given as students progress. DRESS CODE: black leotard, pink footed tights, pink ballet shoes, and hair pulled back in a ballet bun.

Ballet for Musical Theatre (Ages 9-12)

Saturdays 11am - 12pm

To excel in any form of dance you need the technique, poise and strength only a ballet class can offer. This class is designed for students who do not necessarily what to pursue a career in classical ballet but recognize the value in the training. This class will focus on the technique and skills needed to support student's other dance forms and provide a foundation to make them a better all round performer. DRESS CODE: black leotard, pink footed tights, pink ballet shoes, and hair pulled back in a ballet bun.

 

Beginning Jazz/Hip-Hop (Ages 6-9)

Mondays 4:30-5:30pm

Learn basic Jazz technique mixed with the flair and performance quality of contemporary hip-hop. This high energy class starts with a short warm-up incorporating pattern, isolation and stretch, followed by a brand new routine each week. Students will be coached on picking up choreography quickly and performing full out every time. Come and see yourself improve as a dancer, actor, and athlete!

Intermediate Jazz/Hip Hop (Ages 10 - 12)

Mondays 5:30-6:30pm

Expand your ability in both Jazz and Hip-Hop with this high energy class. Warm up will include Pirouettes, Jumps and stretch combined with the style and flair of contemporary hip-hop. More than just a technique class, students will be coached in freestyle, given freedom to explore dynamics and encouraged to individualize themselves as dancers. Each week will also feature a brand new routine meant to stretch the limitations of the body and mind while encouraging a playful performance quality. Learn from this professional environment what it means to 'Leave it all on the dance floor'

Intermediate Advanced Jazz/Hip Hop (Ages 13 - 18)

Mondays 6:30-7:30pm

The same class structure as Intermediate Jazz/Hip Hop but with more advanced choreography and concepts taught. Hip Hop is all about the "attitude". Expand your dance technique and skills along with learning how to put expression with your movement creating the whole package.

 

Musical Theatre Dance I (Ages 6-9)

Fridays 3:30-4:30pm

Musical Theater is full of turns, kicks, jumps and traveling steps. Your future star will learn all these crucial skills by name and have fun dancing to songs from classic & contemporary musicals! This class is great in preparation for any audition or show. No previous dance experience required.

 Musical Theatre Dance II (Ages 10 & Up)

Fridays 4:30-5:30pm

In addition to continuing the development of dance skills & technique, young performers will learn exciting and challenging Musical Theater choreography. This class will emphasize how to put steps together in sequence, how to physically express a character and tell a story through movement. No previous dance experience required.

 

Tiny Tappers (Ages 3-5)

Tuesdays 2:15-3pm

If you have a young child who can’t stand still and loves to make noise, try TAP! Tap dancing will teach students how to make their feet and body into a musical instrument. Miss Renee has a wonderful and positive energy with students that will make them feel comfortable and willing to learn. Skills taught: basic tap terminology and technique, coordination, rhythm, and body control. * 

Beginning Tap (Ages 7-12)

Mondays 10-10:50am (8 week sessions held in the fall and spring)

In every class students will start with a warm-up routine, do across the floor exercises, and finish with a combo. You and your student will be surprised how fun and quickly new steps can be taught and mastered! Miss Renee has a wonderful and positive energy with students that will make them feel comfortable and willing to learn. Skills taught: tap terminology and technique, coordination, rhythm, sequencing of steps, tap history, and body control. No previous dance experience required. * 

*ALL TAP CLASSES: Feel free to try a class without tap shoes first, and then once you decide to continue, tap shoes are sold at the Lamorinda Music store directly under our studio.

Intermediate Tap (Ages 10 & up)

Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm

In every class students will start with a warm-up routine, do across the floor exercises, learn new steps and finish with a combo. Clarity of sound and the ability to pick up steps quickly is an important skill all tap dancers must master. Once new steps are introduced, students will be asked to execute steps on their own with increasing speed and level of difficultly. Skills taught: tap terminology and technique, coordination, rhythm, sequencing of steps, tap history, styles & expression, choreography and body control. Students must have attended Intermediate Tap or have prior dance dance experience. * 

*ALL TAP CLASSES: Feel free to try a class without tap shoes first, and then once you decide to continue, tap shoes are sold at the Lamorinda Music store directly under our studio.

Mommy and Me (Ages 1 - 3.5)

Tuesdays 2:15-3pm

Over an 8 week session children and their caregivers explore seasonal themes through arts and crafts, storytelling and music! The goal of the class is to establish a routine so children become familiar and comfortable in a classroom environment, model ways to communicate clearly and effectively, and enjoy time together.