Courses for Pre-K & K (Ages 3-5)


Creative Play for Pre K & K
This course is for our young pre-reader and early reader MVPs who are interested in exploring creativity as it applies to character creation. Story-telling and the imagination will be explored through play as an ensemble in this class. This course will allow the interested MVP to transition smoothly into Fundamentals of Acting. Instead of the students in this class participating in the end of the year Showcase, parents of the students will be invited into the classroom at the end of units to observe the lessons learned. Course instructor will let you know when that will be.

Creative Movement
This course is intended for our pre-K & K MVPs and is the companion class to Creative Play. Creative Movement is designed to explore dance related motor skills. Students awaken and strengthen coordination and self-expression through simple dance movement and music. This class uses a wide variety of music, props, and balancing techniques. Instead of the students in this class participating in the end of the year Showcase, parents of the students will be invited into the classroom at the end of units to observe the lessons learned. Course instructor will let you know when that will be.


Courses for Grades 1-3 (ages 6-8)


Ballet Technique I

Students in this course will develop a solid foundation in ballet including proper body placement and alignment; as well as knowledge of basic ballet vocabulary.  Barre exercises and center floor work will focus on technique. 

Dance Combo I (primary students)
This course is designed to familiarize and strengthen a student’s knowledge of dance types that are used in musical theatre and will rotate through ballet, tap, jazz and tumbling. This course is the next level for those who have moved up from Creative Movement or Introduction to Dance for Pre-K/K or for an early elementary student with minimal dance experience. Parent performance will occur at the end of each unit (approximately every 6 weeks).

Fundamentals of Acting
This course is for the student who wishes to develop his or her craft of acting. The Academy teaches the Cohen acting method of character analysis. An emphasis will be placed on mastering the craft of acting when performing solo (monologues) and in scene (with one or more partners). Included in the curriculum is a close study of the general theatre world.


Courses for Grades 4-6 (ages 8-11)


Ballet Technique II
Students will focus on ballet technique through class progression and will build upon skills learned in Ballet Technique I.   Barre work, center and across the floor exercises will focus on technique, performance quality and confidence in an encouraging environment.

Dance Combo II (upper elementary students)
This course is designed to familiarize and strengthen a student’s knowledge of dance types that are used in musical theatre and will rotate through ballet, tap, jazz and tumbling. This course is the next level for those who have completed Dance Combo I. Course instructor determines an individual student’s readiness to move up. Parent performance will occur at the end of each unit (approximately every 6 weeks).

Intermediate Jazz/Tap
This course is for students who seek to challenge and expand their abilities in these dance styles. Fundamentals such as balance and general alignment are introduced at this level. The course will include a warm-up with stretching and cardio, and floor combinations. Focus will be placed on working safely and efficiently.

Intermediate Acting
This course is for the student who has mastered the introductory acting method and is ready to explore scenes and monologues on a deeper level. Continued study of the analysis process, use of the body to create truth, basic audition preparation will also be explored. Instructor and Artistic Director will determine student readiness for this course.

Musical Theatre DANCE I
This course will include a warm up of stretching ,cardio, and conditioning. Basic technique will also be addressed as students learn combinations in styles of dance used in musical theatre. The goal will be for students to become familiar with vocabulary and individual skills to better prepare themselves for success in not only musical theatre auditions, but anytime they are on stage.


Courses for Middle and High School (Grades 7-12, ages 12+)


Contemporary/Lyrical

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including

modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body

through fluid dance movements stressing versatility and improvisation. Contemporary dancers focus on

floor work, using gravity to pull them down to the floor.

Advanced Acting
This course is for the student who has mastered the introductory acting method and is ready to explore scenes and monologues on a deeper level. Continued study of the analysis process, use of the body to create truth, basic audition preparation, and the development of a basic resume will be included in this course. Instructor and Artistic Director will determine student readiness for this course.

Advanced Jazz/Tap
This course is the final in the Jazz/Tap combination courses. In the jazz unit, dancers will be challenged with complex choreography, intricate footwork, and dynamic movements.  In tap, dancers will strive for clean sounds while executing difficult combinations. Higher speed steps, more complex rhythms, and tricks are taught to challenge our students at this level. Dancers are taught to perform, not to just execute their steps.


Musical Theatre DANCE II
This course will include a warm up of stretching ,cardio, and conditioning. More advanced techniques will be addressed as students learn combinations in styles of dance used in musical theatre. The goal will be for students to increase their ability to learn choreography quickly and accurately for greater success in musical theatre auditions. Increased intensity, additional vocabulary and more challenging combinations will be utilized to aid students in reaching their goals.


Saturday Course Offerings (9:30-11:30am)

Musical Theatre Performance I (ages 8-11)
This class will unite the individual work in acting, dance, and music into a performance. Acting the song and character in dance will be the focus as students increase their awareness of complete character development. Material will focus primarily on the performance of an ensemble and how one can create a unique and interesting character within the group. Improvisation will also be utilized as a tool for making unique choices. Previous enrollment in acting and dance/movement classes is required. (Classes do not have to have been with the Academy).


Musical Theatre Performance II (ages 12+)
This class will continue to unite the individual work in acting, dance, and music into a performance. Acting the song and character in dance will be the focus as students increase their awareness of complete character development. Material will include scenes, duets, trio and ensemble work, with the goal of creating complete and vibrant characters. Improvisation will also be utilized as a tool for making choices and creating individual characters. Previous enrollment in acting and dance/movement classes is required. (Classes do not have to have been with the Academy).

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Course instructors reserve the right to recommend which course you or your child may enter that will best suit skill level and experience. Advancing to the next level of study is only allowed when the course instructor has determined that all skills taught at the current level have been mastered by the MVP (Mon Valley Performer) and when the MVP has demonstrated proper personal discipline, responsibility, and maturity.