Not sure what level is best? Below are loose guidelines to help guide your selection of classes. Of course, each dancer is unique, and our instructors are available to offer suggestions and guidance to ensure each dancer receives the best possible experience.

CLASS TYPES

• Ages 1.5-3: Creative Movement
• Ages 3-5: Combo Classes
• Ages 6-7: Junior Classes
• Ages 8+: Step 1 - Beginner/Intermediate, Step 2 - Intermediate/Advanced (by placement only)

BEGINNER

Level 1: No experience needed
These dancers have little to no experience with dance or dance terminology. We teach these students from the beginning foundation steps to more advanced skills.

Level 2: Approximately 2 years of training
These dancers have some experience in dance and foundation steps and terms. They have a basic understanding of the discipline and general dance terminology.

INTERMEDIATE

Level 1: Approximately 4 years of training
These dancers have a strong understanding and proficiency in the discipline and general dance terminology. They correctly perform foundational skills and are ready to build to more difficult steps.

Level 2: Approximately 6 years of training
These dancers have a strong understanding and proficiency in the discipline and terminology. They correctly perform foundational skills, are able to perform more difficult skills, and are ready to be challenged more.

ADVANCED

Level 1: Approximately 7 years of training
These dancers have a strong understanding and proficiency in the discipline and terminology. They correctly perform foundational skills, are able to perform more difficult skills, and learn choreography with ease.

Level 2: Approximately 8 years of training
These dancers have the highest level of dance training. They learn and perform choreography with ease and great execution.

*The above are suggested guidelines to help guide your selection of classes; however, please contact us to discuss your dancer specifically and ask questions. We are more than happy to have a conversation about the right fit for your dancer - Info@TheStudioMN.com.

Ballet genre classes begin with pre-ballet and ballet 101 where no experience is required. Previous experience or faculty approval is required for all other levels. Dancers at the level three and above should expect to enroll in two ballet classes per week.

Junior Pre-Ballet: Designed to introduce little dancers to the beautiful art of ballet! This class will enhance dancer’s coordination, balance, and flexibility. They will learn basic ballet positions, steps, and terminology through standing barre work and simple center floor exercises. Simple and fun exercises in creative dance and music exploration will also be incorporated.

101: Designed for adult and teen beginners with no (or very limited) previous ballet experience. This class will cover basic ballet positions, steps, and vocabulary with a focus on the student's awareness of proper posture and body alignment. Standing barre work and center floor exercises will be given to enhance coordination, strength, balance, and flexibility.

Level 1: Dancers will use the barre to develop techniques and important foundational ballet skills. The structure is simple and fun with a goal to build a strong foundation for all future genres of dance.

Level 2/3: Dancers will begin pirouette from 5th preparations while incorporating more leaps and jumps. They will enhance their vocabulary of steps and begin preparation for pointe work.

Level 4/5: Dancers will begin pointe and intermediate ballet level instruction. They will start to add in double pirouettes and battu to their jumps. Each class will include at least 30 minutes of pointe work.

Combination classes are available for dancers 4-8 years of age. These classes are the entry point for all new dancers in this age group and will teach children the beginning fundamentals of ballet, tap, jazz, and tumbling.

Dancers will gain flexibility, basic technique, and self-confidence through repetitive motor skills, coordination, and rhythm practice. They will perform two dances in The Studio's end-of-the-year recital.

Following completion of a combo class, instructors will suggest a direction for future instruction.

Contemporary classes are available for dancers with at least one year of ballet training or concurrent enrollment. Contemporary as a dance style is defined, in part, as a fusion of ballet and jazz, demanding technical skill, musicality, and an expression of emotion. Dancers will need a solid, ballet-based technique, proper placement, and body alignment.

Dance with Me and Creative Movement classes are available for dancers ages 1.5-5 years. Each option is a joyful way for children to explore movement through music and dance. Dancers will work on developing physical skills, channeling energy, and stimulating imagination and creativity.

Dance with Me classes involve parents who will learn the dance and perform on stage with their child. Creative Movement are designed for dancers who are ready to practice and perform independently. 

Hip-hop classes are available for children of all ages. Experience is not required to join the beginner/intermediate class. Dancers will learn this contemporary style of dance which can combine elements of funk, popping, locking, break dancing, and more. Dancers will progress as they build their skills and will be eligible for intermediate/advanced with previous experience or when advanced by faculty.

Jazz classes are available for dancers ages 8+. Experience is not required to join the beginner/intermediate class. Dancers will learn to combine classical ballet and modern dance techniques with contemporary influences. A strong emphasis will be placed on energy, rhythmic accuracy, and style. Dancers will progress as they build their skills and will be eligible for intermediate/advanced with one year of previous experience or when advanced by faculty.

Street jazz classes are available for dancers ages 10+ with at least one year of jazz training, concurrent enrollment, or faculty approval. Dancers will learn to combine jazz dance, hip-hop, and funk. Street jazz dance is a term used to describe dance styles that evolved outside dance studios in everyday spaces such as streets, dance parties, block parties, parks, school yards, raves, and nightclubs.

Lyrical classes are available for dancers ages 8+ with at least one year of ballet training, concurrent enrollment, or faculty approval. Dancers will learn this expressive style of dance incorporating classical ballet technique and interpreting lyrics of music through movement. Dancers will progress as they build their skills and will be eligible for intermediate/advanced with one year of previous experience or when advanced by faculty.

Tap classes are available for dancers ages 6+. Experience is not required to join the level one class. Dancers will learn to use metal taps on the heels and toes of their shoes to find the rhythm and beat in the music but in their body. They will progress as they build their skills and will be eligible for level two with one year of previous experience or when advanced by faculty.

Technique and strengthening classes are available for recreational dancers of all ages who wish to spend more time developing their skills. Dancers will work on isolated technique skills and work on beginning combinations. Dancers will progress as they build their skills and will be eligible for the intermediate/advanced class with one year of previous experience or when advanced by faculty.