Acro dance combines classical dance techniques with precise acrobatic elements. It is distinguished by its athletic character, including flips, splits, tumbling, tricks, and balance work, seamlessly integrated into dance routines. Acro requires dancers to have exceptional strength, flexibility, and control, as it blends the artistry of dance with the athleticism of acrobatics. This style is often featured in competitive dance and showcases the physical capabilities and artistry of the dancer.

Ballet is a classical dance form known for its grace, precision, and disciplined technique. Originating in the Italian Renaissance and further developed in France and Russia, ballet requires years of training to master its specific movements and poses. Performers often dance on the tips of their toes with the help of pointe shoes, executing fluid and highly controlled movements. Ballet can tell a story through a choreographed sequence of movements and is foundational to many other dance styles.

Contemporary dance is a fluid and expressive dance genre that combines elements of several dance styles including modern, jazz, ballet, and lyrical. Emerging in the mid-20th century, contemporary dance focuses on freedom of expression, both in the choreography and the way dancers interpret the music. It often explores the connection between mind and body, using movement to express complex emotions and stories. Unlike classical ballet, contemporary dance may utilize unconventional movements and is performed in bare feet or minimal footwear. It values versatility and innovation, allowing dancers to push the boundaries of traditional dance aesthetics.

Creative movement is an expressive dance form that emphasizes creativity and personal expression over specific techniques and steps. It’s designed to allow the youngest dancers to explore movement through imagination, improvisation, and exploration. This style encourages participants to express themselves through movement, using their bodies to explore space, time, and dynamics in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. It’s often used as an educational tool to develop physical skills, encourage creativity, promote emotional expression, and enhance cognitive development. Creative movement can include elements of storytelling, games, and problem-solving activities, making it a versatile and inclusive approach to dance. It’s particularly beneficial for fostering a sense of body awareness, confidence, and a creative outlet for emotional expression.

Join our Dance Wave Performance Company rehearsals for an exciting opportunity to enhance your dance journey with additional performance experiences throughout the year! These weekly sessions are designed for dedicated students eager to expand their skills and shine on stage. Each rehearsal begins with a brief warm-up, followed by learning and perfecting choreography that spans various dance styles. As a member of the Performance Company, you’ll enjoy additional casting opportunities in studio shows and have the chance to perform at local fairs, festivals, and community events throughout the year. This program is a fantastic way to gain confidence, build stage presence, and develop your versatility as a dancer. By participating regularly, you’ll become more adept at learning choreography quickly and performing with precision, setting you apart as a seasoned performer.

Please note: the only two requirements for registration in this weekly class are to have taken at least one year of either ballet or jazz classes AND to be enrolled in at least one technique class at Oregon Coast Dance. No additional fees are required beyond standard class registration in order to participate. Parents will be notified of performance opportunity dates as soon as we are made aware of them, so that you can save the date and/or opt out if your student is unavailable to perform. However, we do expect that students in the Performance Company will perform in both our holiday show in December and our spring show in June, and that they will make a good faith effort to perform in as many other studio opportunities as possible throughout the year.

Hip hop dance originates from the street and social dance scene of African American and Latinx communities in the United States during the late 20th century. It encompasses a variety of styles such as breaking, popping, and locking, characterized by its freestyle nature, rhythmic body movements, and often, a connection to hip-hop culture and music. Hip hop dance emphasizes expression, identity, and storytelling through powerful and often improvisational movements.

Improvisational (improv) dance is the art of spontaneously creating movement. Dancers improvise by responding to music, their environment, their emotions, or interactions with other dancers, without pre-planned choreography. Improv encourages creativity, flexibility, and personal expression, allowing dancers to explore new movements and ideas. It is a foundational practice in many dance forms, emphasizing the importance of being in the moment and connected to one’s body.

Irish Step is a high-energy class that introduces students to the rhythmic precision and lively footwork of traditional Irish step dance. Students learn basic steps, posture, artistry, and musicality, progressing to more intricate patterns and combinations as their skills grow. Irish Step builds stamina, coordination, and musicality in an exciting and supportive setting.

Jazz dance is a lively and rhythmic dance style that emerged from African American vernacular dances in the early 20th century, influenced by jazz music. It is known for its expressive movements, fast-paced footwork, and dynamic turns and leaps. Jazz dance incorporates elements of improvisation and showcases a dancer’s individual style within the structure of its technique. It often features in musical theater and is celebrated for its energy and theatricality.

Our next level up, Kinder Movers (ages 5-6), allows students to continue developing their dance classroom skills while incorporating ballet, tumbling, and tap at a faster pace than Mini Movers. Dance classes are held once per week in this program, and incorporate the use of props, dance games and books, and music.

Leaps & Turns is an exhilarating dance class designed to enhance your technique and elevate your performance. Starting with an energizing jazz warmup, this class combines the dynamic elements of jazz and the precision of ballet to refine your leaps, turns, and overall agility. Dancers will focus on building strength, flexibility, and coordination through a series of progressive exercises and combinations. Perfect for those looking to improve their technical skills and add flair to their routines, Leaps & Turns offers a fun and challenging environment to reach new heights in your dance journey.

Lyrical dance is a style that blends elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, focusing on expressing the emotion and storytelling of music lyrics through movement. It is characterized by fluid choreography and the use of gesture, facial expression, and controlled movements to convey the feelings conveyed in the music. Lyrical dance is noted for its expressiveness and the ability of dancers to convey deep emotions.

For our littlest independent dancers, we offer students the ability to learn pre-dance skills with friends close in age. Mini Movers students (ages 3-4) dance in a class designed to teach coordination, counting, and dance skills while focusing on important classroom behaviors like listening to the teacher, following directions, and taking turns. Mini Movers learn pre-ballet, creative movement, and basic tumbling. Dance classes are held once per week in this program, and incorporate the use of props, dance games and books, and music.

Modern dance is a broad genre of concert dance that originated in the early 20th century as a reaction against the strict rules of classical ballet. Pioneered by dancers and choreographers who believed dance should express inner feelings, modern dance focuses on the dancer’s interpretations instead of structured steps. It emphasizes freedom of movement, using gravity, breath, and natural motion to explore personal expression and emotional intensity. Modern dance can be abstract or narrative, often telling stories or exploring deep themes through innovative choreography and the use of the entire body. It rejects the limitations of classical ballet to offer a more fluid and expressive form of dance that mirrors contemporary sentiments.

Musical theater dance is a dynamic dance style that encompasses a wide range of techniques and genres, tailored to the demands of musical theater productions. It combines elements of ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance, among others, to tell a story and enhance the narrative of musical plays. This style is characterized by its versatility, expressive movements, and the ability to convey character and emotion through dance. Performers in musical theater often must be skilled in various dance forms as well as singing and acting, making this a highly interdisciplinary art form. 

Pointe is a specialized technique in classical ballet where a dancer supports all body weight on the tips of fully extended feet within pointe shoes. This technique allows for a floating and ethereal appearance, emphasizing the lightness and grace of ballet movements. Pointe work requires significant strength in the feet, ankles, and legs, as well as years of training to safely and effectively perform. The shoes used for pointe are meticulously designed with a rigid box made of densely packed layers of fabric, glue, and paper hardened by a pasting method, which supports the dancer’s toes. The shank, a piece of stiff material along the sole, provides additional support. Pointe technique is central to many classical ballet performances and is often seen as a hallmark of a ballerina’s technical skill and artistic expression.

Pre-Ballet (ages 5-6) introduces young dancers to the fundamentals of ballet in a fun and nurturing environment. This class focuses on basic ballet techniques, including simple positions and movements, while encouraging creativity and self-expression. Through imaginative play and engaging exercises, children develop coordination, balance, and a love for dance. Perfect for budding ballerinas and danseurs, Pre-Ballet lays the foundation for future dance training while fostering a positive and joyful experience.

Renaissance Dance offers a captivating journey into the elegant and expressive dance styles of the Renaissance period. This class explores traditional dances such as the pavane, galliard, and branle, emphasizing historical steps, patterns, and musicality. Participants will experience the grace and poise of courtly dances while gaining insights into the social and cultural contexts of the time. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a dance lover, this class provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of Renaissance dance.

Discover the power of rhythm in our dynamic and engaging Rhythm for Dance class. Designed for dancers of all levels, this class focuses on exploring rhythmic patterns and their connection to various dance styles. Through interactive activities, you’ll enhance your timing, coordination, and musicality, gaining a deeper connection to the music. Whether you’re refining your skills or building a solid foundation, this class offers a supportive and inspiring environment to grow your rhythmic abilities and elevate your dance performance.

Tap dance is characterized by the sound of shoes hitting the floor as a form of percussion. Dancers wear shoes fitted with metal taps and use their feet to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats. Originating in the fusion of African and Irish dance forms, tap emphasizes timing, rhythm, and precision. It can be performed as a solo or in groups, often improvisationally, and is known for its vibrancy and the intricate sounds dancers produce.

Tumbling is an energetic and exciting class that focuses on developing acrobatic skills and techniques. Participants will learn a variety of movements, including rolls, cartwheels, handstands, and flips, progressing at their own pace. Emphasizing strength, flexibility, and coordination, this class provides a supportive environment where students can build confidence and body awareness. Perfect for dancers, gymnasts, or anyone looking to enhance their physical abilities, Tumbling offers a fun and dynamic way to explore the world of acrobatics.