2026-2027 Curriculum
Placement begins at the Pre-School Level and increases to Level VI. Every student is evaluated on a regular basis to ensure proper placement. Changes in a student’s class placement are based on the recommendations of DDC Director and Faculty. Do not be concerned if your child repeats a level of training, students will not necessarily be promoted to a higher level on an annual basis. Placement and advancement from one level to the next is based on the student’s own merit; overall strength and maturity; knowledge of vocabulary and technique, and the ability to demonstrate those skills.
All students must meet the age requirement by September 30, 2026 for class participation.
Ballet
Pre-Ballet
(Ages 4-6)
This program is designed to introduce students to a more formal study of classical ballet through age appropriate skill development, creative expression and music appreciation, while exploring the connection between dance, rhythm and music. Age appropriate ballet vocabulary is included in the lessons complemented by stretching and strengthening exercises in preparation for more formal training.
Beginning Ballet
(Age 6 & up)
Provides students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of classical ballet technique. Encourages students to achieve a significant level of self-discipline, physical control and flexibility, and correct body placement and alignment. Students will learn to develop a sincere appreciation of the historical contributions of ballet to the overall development of dance as an art form.
Ballet I
(Age 8 & up)
Provides students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of classical ballet technique. Encourages students to achieve a significant level of self-discipline, physical control and flexibility, and correct body placement and alignment. Students will learn to develop a sincere appreciation of the historical contributions of ballet to the overall development of dance as an art form.
Ballet II
(Age 8 & up)
Provides students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of classical ballet technique. Encourages students to achieve a significant level of self-discipline, physical control and flexibility, and correct body placement and alignment. Students will learn to develop a sincere appreciation of the historical contributions of ballet to the overall development of dance as an art form.
Ballet II/III
(Age 8 & up)
Ballet II/III is designed for dancers who have developed a strong foundation in ballet and are ready to continue advancing their technique, strength, and artistry. Students will refine ballet fundamentals while progressing to more challenging barre, center, and across-the-floor exercises. Class focuses on proper alignment, turnout, musicality, flexibility, balance, coordination, turns, jumps, and overall movement quality. Dancers will continue building confidence and performance skills while learning more complex combinations and expanding their ballet vocabulary. Ballet II/III provides a supportive environment for dancers to grow in discipline, technical ability, and artistic expression while preparing for more advanced levels of ballet training. Placement is based on age, experience, technical ability, and instructor recommendation.
Ballet III/IV
(Age 10 & up)
Ballet III/IV is designed for dancers who are ready to build on a strong technical foundation. Classes emphasize proper ballet technique, alignment, strength, flexibility, artistry, and musicality while introducing more complex combinations and movement vocabulary. Dancers will continue developing coordination, balance, turns, jumps, and extensions while refining performance quality and confidence. Barre and center work focus on precision, control, and expressive movement, preparing students for more advanced training and performance opportunities. Placement is based on age, experience, technical ability, and instructor recommendation.
Ballet IV/V
(Age 12 & up)
Provides students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of classical ballet technique. Encourages students to achieve a significant level of self-discipline, physical control, and flexibility, and correct body placement and alignment. Students will learn to develop a sincere appreciation of the historical contributions of ballet to the overall development of dance as an art form.
Ballet V/VI
(Age 12 & up)
Ballet V/VI is designed for advanced dancers who are ready to refine their technique, artistry, and performance skills at a high level. This class emphasizes strong ballet foundations while challenging dancers through advanced barre, center, and across-the-floor work. Students will continue developing strength, flexibility, balance, control, turns, jumps, extensions, and pointe or pre-pointe skills (as appropriate) while focusing on musicality, precision, and expressive movement quality. Dancers will deepen their understanding of ballet vocabulary, refine technical details, and build confidence as performers. Ballet V/VI provides a challenging and supportive environment for dedicated dancers who are committed to advanced training, artistic growth, and performance excellence.
Advanced Ballet
(Age 12 & up)
Provides students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of classical ballet technique. Encourages students to achieve a significant level of self-discipline, physical control, and flexibility, and correct body placement and alignment. Students will learn to develop a sincere appreciation of the historical contributions of ballet to the overall development of dance as an art form.
Adult Ballet
(Age 13 & Up)
Adult Ballet offers a welcoming and supportive environment for adults who want to experience the joy and artistry of ballet, regardless of previous dance experience. Whether you are returning to ballet, continuing your training, or stepping into the studio for the first time, this class provides an opportunity to build strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence. Classes focus on ballet fundamentals including proper alignment, posture, barre exercises, center work, balance, musicality, and graceful movement. Dancers will develop technique while enjoying the physical and artistic benefits of ballet in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. Adult Ballet is a wonderful way to stay active, improve body awareness, reduce stress, and reconnect with the joy of dance at any age.
Pointe
Pointe Prep
(Age 10 & up)
Pointe Prep is designed to prepare dancers for the strength, technique, and discipline required for pointe work. This class focuses on building the foundational skills necessary for a safe and successful transition to pointe, including proper alignment, core strength, foot articulation, ankle stability, balance, and overall body awareness. Dancers will work on exercises that strengthen the feet, ankles, and legs while improving turnout, control, placement, and ballet technique. Emphasis is placed on developing proper habits, injury prevention, and confidence through focused training. Pointe Prep is recommended for dancers who are working toward pointe readiness and is offered based on instructor recommendation and individual technical development.
Beginning/Intermediate Pointe
(Age 10 & up)
Requires Director permission and enrollment in 3 ballet classes per week. Pointe work is undertaken when the student has developed a strong foundation of ballet technique, and when the legs and feet are sufficiently developed. Requires Director permission and enrollment in 3 ballet classes per week.
Advanced Pointe
(Age 12 & up)
Requires Director permission and enrollment in 3 ballet classes per week. Pointe work is undertaken when the student has developed a strong foundation of ballet technique, and when the legs and feet are sufficiently developed. Requires Director permission and enrollment in 3 ballet classes per week.
Variations
Beginning Variations
(Age 8 & up)
The studio becomes a stage in Variations class as students learn excerpts from classical and contemporary ballets. A portion of the repertoire will be performed in Act II of our Annual Spring Performance. **Requires enrollment in 1 ballet level III or higher class per week.
Intermediate & Advanced Variations
(Age 8 & up)
The studio becomes a stage in Variations class as students learn excerpts from classical and contemporary ballets. A portion of the repertoire will be performed in Act II of our Annual Spring Performance. **Requires enrollment in 1 ballet level III or higher class per week.
Tap
Pre-Tap
(Ages 4-6)
Pre-Tap introduces young dancers to the fundamentals of tap dance in a fun, energetic, and supportive environment. Students will learn basic tap steps, rhythms, and terminology while developing coordination, musicality, balance, and confidence.
Through creative movement activities, dancers will explore how to make sounds with their feet, connect movement to music, and build foundational tap skills. Classes also incorporate age-appropriate exercises that encourage listening, focus, teamwork, and a love for dance.
Pre-Tap is perfect for young dancers who are beginning their tap journey and are ready to explore rhythm, movement, and performance in a positive and engaging setting.
Beginning Tap
(Age 6 & up)
Building a strong foundation in rhythm, coordination, and musicality. Students will learn basic tap steps, terminology, and combinations while developing control, timing, and confidence. Class focuses on creating clear sounds, understanding musical patterns, improving balance and coordination, and learning how movement and music work together. Dancers will explore age-appropriate choreography while building focus, discipline, and performance skills in a fun and supportive environment. Beginning Tap is designed for dancers who are new to tap or ready to continue developing their foundational tap skills.
Tap I
(Age 6 & up)
Tap I introduces dancers to the fundamentals of tap technique while continuing to develop rhythm, coordination, musicality, and confidence. Students will build upon basic tap skills while learning new steps, combinations, and terminology in a fun and supportive environment. Class focuses on creating clear sounds, understanding musical patterns, improving timing, coordination, and balance, and developing the ability to execute choreography with precision and expression. Dancers will explore a variety of tap styles while strengthening their technique and performance skills. Tap I is designed for dancers who have some previous tap experience and are ready to continue building their foundation and growing as tap dancers.
Tap II
(Age 8 & up)
A form of dance where rhythmic sounds are created with the feet. Works to develop rhythm, musicality, precision, and physical expression.
Tap III
(Age 10 & up)
Tap III is designed for experienced tap dancers who are ready to further develop their technique, musicality, and performance skills. Students will continue refining foundational tap vocabulary while progressing to more advanced steps, combinations, and choreography. Class focuses on precision, clarity of sound, rhythm, timing, speed, coordination, and stylistic expression. Dancers will explore increasingly complex patterns, intricate footwork, and challenging choreography while developing confidence, stage presence, and individual artistry. Tap III provides a challenging and supportive environment for dedicated dancers who are committed to advancing their tap technique and becoming more versatile performers.
Tap IV/V
(Age 12 & up)
Tap IV/V is designed for advanced tap dancers who are ready to refine their technique, artistry, and performance skills at a higher level. Students will continue developing advanced tap vocabulary while exploring complex rhythms, intricate footwork, musical interpretation, and stylistic versatility. Class focuses on precision, speed, clarity of sound, coordination, improvisation, and the ability to execute challenging choreography with confidence and expression. Dancers will strengthen their understanding of rhythm, dynamics, and performance quality while developing their individual style as tap artists. Tap IV/V provides a challenging and inspiring environment for dedicated dancers preparing for advanced performance opportunities and continued growth in tap technique.
Advanced Tap
(Age 12 & up)
Advanced Tap is designed for highly skilled and experienced tap dancers who are ready to refine their technique, artistry, and performance abilities at an advanced level. Class emphasizes complex footwork, intricate rhythms, musical interpretation, speed, precision, and stylistic versatility. Dancers will challenge themselves through advanced combinations, choreography, improvisation, and exploration of different tap styles while developing greater control, confidence, and individual expression. Emphasis is placed on strong technique, clean execution, listening skills, and the ability to perform with musicality and stage presence. Advanced Tap provides a challenging and inspiring environment for dedicated dancers preparing for advanced performance opportunities and continued growth as tap artists.
Jazz
Beginning Jazz
(Age 5 & up)
Emphasis is placed on appropriate technique of jazz dance skills and its application in the development of rhythm, syncopation, coordination, musicality, and variation of style. Coordination of these elements will focus on increasing body strength, flexibility, and kinesthetic awareness. Students will study current and traditional jazz vocabulary and styles.
Jazz I
(Age 7 & up)
Jazz I introduces dancers to the fundamentals of jazz technique while building strength, coordination, flexibility, musicality, and confidence. Students will learn foundational jazz movements, terminology, and choreography while exploring the energy, style, and creativity that make jazz dance unique. Class focuses on proper technique, isolations, across-the-floor exercises, turns, jumps, and performance skills in a fun and supportive environment. Dancers will develop their ability to move with musicality, learn choreography, and express themselves through movement. Jazz I is designed for dancers who are beginning their jazz training or are ready to continue developing their foundational skills and love of dance.
Jazz II
(Age 9 & up)
Emphasis is placed on appropriate technique of jazz dance skills and its application in the development of rhythm, syncopation, coordination, musicality, and variation of style. Coordination of these elements will focus on increasing body strength, flexibility, and kinesthetic awareness. Students will study current and traditional jazz vocabulary and styles.
Jazz III/IV
(Age 10 & up)
Emphasis is placed on appropriate technique of jazz dance skills and its application in the development of rhythm, syncopation, coordination, musicality, and variation of style. Coordination of these elements will focus on increasing body strength, flexibility and kinesthetic awareness. Students will study current and traditional jazz vocabulary and styles.
Jazz V/VI
(Age 12 & up)
Jazz V/VI is designed for advanced dancers who are ready to refine their technical skills, artistry, and performance quality at a higher level. Class emphasizes strong jazz technique while challenging dancers with complex choreography, advanced movement combinations, and a variety of jazz styles. Students will continue developing turns, leaps, jumps, flexibility, strength, control, and musicality while focusing on dynamics, versatility, and individual expression. Dancers will strengthen their ability to learn and perform challenging choreography, improve stage presence, and develop confidence as well-rounded performers. Jazz V/VI provides a challenging and encouraging environment for dedicated dancers who are committed to continued growth, advanced training, and performance excellence.
Advanced Jazz
(Age 12 & up)
Advanced Jazz is designed for experienced dancers who are ready to refine their technique, performance quality, and artistry at a higher level. Class emphasizes strong jazz foundations while challenging dancers with more complex choreography, musicality, dynamics, and stylistic versatility. Students will focus on advanced turns, leaps, jumps, flexibility, strength, coordination, and control while developing confidence and individual expression. Dancers will explore different styles of jazz movement, improve their ability to pick up and perform choreography, and strengthen their stage presence. Advanced Jazz provides a challenging and encouraging environment for dedicated dancers who are committed to continued growth and preparing for advanced performance opportunities. Placement is based on age, experience, technical ability, and instructor recommendation.
Modern
Modern I
(Age 7 & up)
Modern I introduces dancers to the foundational techniques and creative principles of modern dance. Through exploration of movement, space, breath, and musicality, dancers will develop a deeper understanding of how the body can communicate ideas and emotions through dance.
Class focuses on building strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, floor work, and expressive movement quality. Students will explore foundational modern concepts, improvisation, and choreography while developing confidence, creativity, and individual artistry in a supportive environment.
Modern I is ideal for dancers who are interested in expanding their movement vocabulary and exploring a style that emphasizes expression, freedom of movement, and connection to the body.
Modern II/III
(Age 9 & up)
Requires enrollment in 1 ballet class per week. Introduces the fundamental principles of Horton modern technique, which is reputed to fortify, stretch and strengthen the human body. It is anatomically corrective and utilized in the widest possible range of motion, with an emphasis on large, full movements done to musical phrases of varying lengths and dynamics. Requires enrollment in 1 ballet class per week.
Modern IV/V
(Age 11 & up)
Requires enrollment in 1 ballet class per week. Introduces the fundamental principles of Horton modern technique, which is reputed to fortify, stretch and strengthen the human body. It is anatomically corrective and utilized in the widest possible range of motion, with an emphasis on large, full movements done to musical phrases of varying lengths and dynamics. Requires enrollment in 1 ballet class per week.
Advanced Modern
(Age 12 & up)
Emphasis is placed on appropriate technique of jazz dance skills and its application in the development of rhythm, syncopation, coordination, musicality, and variation of style. Coordination of these elements will focus on increasing body strength, flexibility and kinesthetic awareness. Students will study current and traditional jazz vocabulary and styles.
Hip Hop
Beginning Hip Hop
(Age 5 & Up)
Beginning Hip Hop introduces dancers to the fundamentals of hip hop in a fun, energetic, and supportive environment. Students will learn foundational hip hop movements, grooves, rhythms, and choreography while developing coordination, musicality, confidence, and personal style.
Class focuses on learning how to move with the music, building body awareness, improving rhythm and timing, and exploring the creativity and individuality that make hip hop unique. Dancers will develop performance skills while gaining confidence through age-appropriate choreography and movement exploration.
Beginning Hip Hop is perfect for dancers who are new to hip hop or looking to build a strong foundation in this exciting and expressive style.
Hip Hop I
(Age 7 & Up)
Hip Hop I introduces dancers to the fundamentals of hip hop while building confidence, coordination, musicality, and performance skills. Students will learn foundational hip hop movements, grooves, isolations, and choreography while exploring the creativity and individuality that make hip hop unique.
Class focuses on rhythm, timing, body control, movement quality, and learning how to connect with the music. Dancers will develop strength, coordination, and stage presence through energetic and age-appropriate choreography in a fun and supportive environment.
Hip Hop I is designed for dancers who have some experience with movement or are ready to begin building their hip hop foundation while developing their own style and confidence.
Hip Hop II/III
(Age 9 & Up)
Hip Hop II/III is designed for dancers who have a strong foundation in hip hop and are ready to advance their skills, style, and performance quality. Class focuses on developing confidence, musicality, rhythm, coordination, and the ability to execute more complex choreography with precision and personality.
Dancers will explore a variety of hip hop styles and influences while working on grooves, isolations, footwork, strength, and freestyle skills. Emphasis is placed on learning choreography, understanding musicality, building stage presence, and developing an individual sense of style.
Hip Hop II/III provides a high-energy and supportive environment where dancers can challenge themselves, grow as performers, and continue developing their versatility as artists.
Placement is based on experience, skill level, and instructor recommendation.
Advanced Hip Hop
(Age 12 & Up)
Advanced Hip Hop is designed for experienced dancers who are ready to push their technique, performance quality, and individual style to the next level. Class focuses on advanced hip hop movement, musicality, choreography retention, freestyle skills, and the ability to perform with confidence and authenticity. Dancers will explore a variety of hip hop styles while developing complex footwork, grooves, isolations, dynamics, strength, and coordination. Emphasis is placed on precision, versatility, stage presence, and understanding how to connect movement with music and personal expression. Advanced Hip Hop provides a challenging and high-energy environment for dedicated dancers who are committed to growth, creativity, and becoming stronger performers.
Adult Hip Hop
(Age 13 & Up)
Adult Hip Hop is a fun, energetic class designed for adults who want to experience the excitement of hip hop in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you are new to dance or looking to reconnect with movement, this class focuses on learning choreography, building confidence, and enjoying the freedom and creativity of hip hop.
Participants will explore foundational hip hop movements, grooves, rhythm, musicality, and performance quality while improving coordination, balance, and body awareness. Classes provide a great way to stay active, relieve stress, and have fun while moving to today’s music and classic hip hop favorites.
No prior dance experience is required—just bring your energy, a willingness to learn, and a love of music and movement!
Contemporary
Beginning Contemporary
(Age 7 & up)
Beginning Contemporary introduces dancers to the expressive and creative style of contemporary dance while building a strong foundation of technique and movement exploration. Dancers will learn how to use their bodies with intention through a combination of ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisational influences. Class focuses on developing musicality, flexibility, strength, coordination, floor work, and dynamic movement quality. Students will explore storytelling through movement while gaining confidence, improving body awareness, and learning foundational contemporary choreography in a supportive environment. This class is designed for dancers who are new to contemporary or looking to build their skills in this versatile and expressive style.
Adv. Beginner Contemporary
(Age 9 & up)
Advanced Beginner Contemporary is designed for dancers who have a foundation in dance technique and are ready to further explore the expressive and dynamic style of contemporary dance. This class blends elements of ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation while encouraging dancers to connect movement with emotion and storytelling. Students will continue developing strength, flexibility, musicality, coordination, floor work, and movement quality while learning more complex combinations and choreography. Emphasis is placed on technique, artistry, performance quality, and building confidence as dancers explore different ways to express themselves through movement. Advanced Beginner Contemporary provides a supportive environment for dancers who are ready to grow their skills, expand their movement vocabulary, and develop their individual artistry.
Intermediate/Advance Contemporary
(Age 12 & up)
Based on a blend of ballet, modern and jazz, dancers will challenge their technique and artistic expressions while deepening their exploration of movement in this grounded and explorative style of dance. Enrollment in 1 ballet class.
Musical Theater
Musical Theater I
(Age 7 & up)
Musical theatre dance is a jazz-based class filled with Broadway style dancing and music. Classes will incorporate a variety of dance styles including tap! (Tap shoes not required but optional). We will learn performance skills such as connecting with the audience and facial expression. In addition to movement, we will also incorporate basic acting skills, learn stage directions and terminology. Study and watch snippets of videos from Broadway musicals featuring well known choreographers and learn to perform excerpts from well-known age-appropriate musicals. If you love show tunes and all things Theatre, this class is perfect for your rising star! Key skills include: coordination, strength, rhythm, musicality. Create a safe environment for students to explore, experience and enjoy.
Musical Theater II
(Age 7 & up)
Musical Theater II is designed for dancers who have experience with musical theater and are ready to continue developing their performance skills, storytelling abilities, and stage presence. This class combines elements of dance, acting, and vocal expression while exploring choreography inspired by Broadway and musical theater styles. Students will work on jazz-based movement, character development, musicality, choreography retention, and performance techniques. Dancers will learn how to bring characters to life, connect movement with emotion, and perform with confidence and expression. Musical Theater II provides a fun and challenging environment for performers who want to expand their versatility, strengthen their stage presence, and grow as triple-threat artists.
Specialty & Fitness
Creative Movement
(Ages 3-5*)
This program focuses on coordination, motor skill development, listening skills, and creative expression. Promoting imagination, while building physical ability; this program introduces the concepts of warming up, stretching and using movement to communicate both concrete story lines and abstract idea with interactive group exercises. Students develop classroom discipline, body awareness and control while exploring their own creativity, and begin to develop an understanding of the connection between dance, rhythm and music. *Must be potty trained.
Ballet/Jazz Combo
(Age 8 & up)
Ballet/Jazz Combo is designed for dancers ages 8 and older who are looking to build strong technique while exploring two dynamic styles of dance. This class combines the grace, discipline, and precision of ballet with the energy, expression, and versatility of jazz. Students will develop proper alignment, strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, musicality, and performance skills through ballet barre and center work, as well as jazz technique and choreography. Dancers will learn how to apply technical foundations while building confidence, creativity, and artistry. This class is a great option for homeschool students seeking quality dance training in a supportive and engaging environment while connecting with other dancers during the school week.
DDCC Conditioning
Dance Fit
(Age 13 & Up)
Dance Fit is a fun, energetic fitness class that combines dance-inspired movement with cardio, strength, and conditioning exercises. Designed for all fitness levels, this class provides a motivating way to improve endurance, flexibility, coordination, and overall body strength while enjoying the joy of movement.
Participants will move to upbeat music through a variety of dance styles and fitness-based exercises, focusing on cardiovascular health, muscle tone, balance, and confidence. No prior dance experience is required—just a willingness to move, have fun, and get active!
Dance Fit is the perfect class for anyone looking to stay active, relieve stress, and experience the benefits of dance in a welcoming and encouraging environment.
