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Classes

Overview

JDS holds two sessions per year. The school year session runs from August through May culminating with the spring recital on the first Sunday in June at the RiverPark Center. Registration for the school year begins in August, with additional registration opportunities in January for any classes with openings.
Our summer session starts mid-June and runs for 5 weeks. Summer schedules are published to the class and registration pages of the website when they become available in early May each year. (Students who have registered for the school year session will not be charged the registration fee for the summer session)
Class descriptions

JDS 2020-2021 Schedule

Please note that the current JDS 2020-2021 Fall Schedule is tentative and subject to change due to COVID-19 and the health & safety of all students, their families, and JDS staff.

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Class Descriptions

Creative 2's

Young dancers will learn the basic steps while learning how to follow direction and imitate movement in a positive environment. Engaging music is used to get these little guys inspired to dance and develop coordination, balance, andrhythm.. The use of props such as scarves, hula hoops, and more enables the young dancers to use their imagination, creativity and, most of all, have fun!

Combination Classes (3-5 year olds)

This popular class combines the basics of ballet, tap, and tumbling. Students will learn proper dance terminology and basic technique. This class teaches proper classroom etiquette and is a continuation in preparing students to perform in the classroom setting and on stage. These young dancers have fun dancing to creative movement filled music and learning with props and games.

Combination Classes (6-7 year olds)

Students will learn proper dance terminology and dance technique. This class teaches proper classroom etiquette and increased performance skills. Emphasis will be placed on memorizing choreography and learning to work together as a group during performances. Designed to provide the young dancer with an excellent foundation, this class includes ballet, tap, tumbling, and jazz.

Ballet (8 years & up)

Ballet is the foundation of all dance. Students are highly encouraged to study it first or in combination with other classes. Students will learn proper terminology and technique. Classes willl include ballet stretches, barre work, center work, across the floor, and choreography. With age and experience, students will move to more advanced level classes.

Jazz (8 years & up)

Jazz classes are fun and energetic. They include elements from multiple styles of jazz. Classes include stretch and strengthening exercises, floor work, and across the floor progressions in addition to a center floor combinations. With age and experience, students will move to more advanced level classes.

Tap (8 years & up)

Tap classes are designed to develop rhythm, style and sound. Students will learn a variety of tap styles from Broadway to Rhythm tap. Exercises focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement. The class emphasis is on developing proper tap technique, producing clear tap sounds, and having fun. As students progress through each level curriculum will become increasingly more complex and intricate.

Hip Hop (8 years & up)

Hip Hop is a high energy class combining street dance with funk and jazz commonly seen on TV and in music videos. Hip-Hop teaches, coordination, strength, flexibility, rhythm and endurance.

Lyrical

Lyrical is a fluid form of dance done to popular ballads and slower contemporary music. The dancer is taught to interpret his or her movement with feeling, motion and style. They will learn to tell a story or create the picture of the song. This style combines the fluid beauty of ballet with the more sharp moves in jazz. A ballet and/or jazz class is recommended along with lyrical to build in technique.

Pre-Pointe

Beginning pointe class can be taken on flat or in pointe shoes at the instructors discrection. All pointe classes are designed for students with previous ballet training. Students will utilize previously learned ballet technique while working in pointe shoes. Each class includes barre exercises, center floor work and across the floor combinations. These exercises focus on strengthening the feet and ankles.

Acro Dance

Acro is the beautiful fusion of classic dance technique and the precision and athleticism of acrobatic/gymnastics elements. The class emphasizes safety and learning elements correctly, and the class will foster values such as confidence, hard work, dedication, body awareness, etc.

Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. These classes focus on a dancer's technique and development of style, expression, and creative spirit.

Aerial Dance

A popular class, aerial dance is designed to teach you how to balance, utilizing your core and arm muscles while staying close to the ground. You will learn basic skills in aerial fabric (also called aerial silks), how to transition in and out of poses, and even go upside down. Beginner classes build upper body and core strength as well as leg and shoulder flexibility. These classes focus on fundamental moves, aerial vocabulary, conditioning for future skills,