Mapping your Gotta Dance Path…A Guide for Graduating “Aqua” DancersAqua level dancers have been dancing down the “Gotta Dance Path” for some time now. It’s time to consider the many paths which are available to you at Gotta Dance: Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Modern, Street HipHop, Con-temporary, Broadway, Jazz & Acrobatics.  Eligible dancers may start Pointe at the Pearl level if they have taken Ballet twice a week at the Aqua level and received a teacher recommendation. Classes are offered “back to back” to allow dancers to easily take multiple classes per week . Our goal is to offer the most opportunities for educating well-rounded dancers.  Best of luck in your decision…and your journey!

Pointe Think: Swan LakeWhat to Expect in Pointe• Requires recommendation by your Ballet Dance

Educator and The Gotta Dance Pointe Panel. Review Gotta Dance’s Ballet Pointe Program Guide on Gotta-Dance.com/Classes/Ballet.

• Consideration given to Aqua level dancers and higher taking 2+ ballet classes per week; must have taken 2 ballet classes in the 2016/2017 season and will plan to take at least 2 ballet classes in the

• coming season.

• Suitable for dedicated dancers who are passionate and committed to technical mastery.

• Eligible dancers must: 1. Be able to maintain turnout.2. Sustain a strong, straight back while dancing.3. Have adequately stretched & accurately placed feet.4. Demonstrate a good use of plie.5. Have a strong, high releve.6. Have good balance.7. Demonstrate a good work ethic and attire.8. Not prone to injury and illness.

Pointe

Ballet Think: Swan LakeWhat to Expect in Garnet Middle/High School Ballet

• The foundation of every dance discipline.

• Improves strength, coordination, flexibility,and movement fluidity.

• Dancers progress through the Gotta Danceballet syllabi as they advance, learning andperfecting new ballet steps to challenge themind and body.

• Dancers wear ballet slippers for all classes.

• Opportunity to audition for Gotta DanceNutcracker Ensemble’s Top Twelve!

Ballet

TapTapThink: RockettesWhat to Expect in Garnet Middle/High SchoolTap

• Establish rhythm and musicality.

• Variety of music ranging from Big Band to Swing to Pop.

• Focus is on dancing as a group, just as in a chorus or band.

• Learn to isolate the different parts of their shoes in a variety of motions; creating different sounds, tones, and volumes.

• Work towards increasing the complexity of combinations, adding speed, turns, and jumps.

Modern Think: Martha Graham What to Expect in Modern

• A combination of dance techniques that • balance both expressiveness and technicality.

• Open to intermediate - advanced students; Pearl level or higher, enrolled in ballet or jazz in the current season.

• Modern dance is done barefoot to help dancers ground their movement.

• Encourages dancers to find styles and modes of physical expression that expand their creativity and movement vocabulary.

• Dancers explore techniques such as contract, release, fall and recovery.

• Explores body awareness and movement through use of space, time, weight and flow.

• Learning about different modern dance pioneers and experiencing varied techniques.

Modern

Street HipHopThink: America’s Best Dance CrewWhat to Expect in Street HipHop

• Dancers wear street clothes and comfortable sneakers.

• Street HipHop is a high-energy aerobic activity and incorporates body isolations.

• Dancers begin taking a Street Hip-Hop Level 1 class.

• Focus on fundamental skills: Popping, Locking, Boogaloo, Gliding, and Floor Moves.

• Warm-ups include strength training; push-ups, abdominal exercises and stretches before moving onto movement technique.

• Dancers learn complex movement combinations that unite different styles and movements into fast paced routines.

• Classes are recommended to any dancer seeking to learn cool moves in a fast upbeat environment.

Contemporary Think: So You Think You Can DanceWhat to Expect in Contemporary

• Contemporary dance is a fusion of lyrical jazz, ballet and modern, focusing on strength and athleticism.

• Open to intermediate and advanced students; Pearl level or higher, enrolled in both ballet and jazz this season, and ballet and jazz next season.

• Dancers examine the emotive possibilities for movement as a catalyst for self-expression.

• Dancers learn the significance of dynamic variation and movement quality.

• Movements are varied; sharp, dynamic, edgy, with non-classical turns, extensions and leaps.

• Contemporary dance also allows the creative dancer room for personal interpretation.

Street HipHop

Contemporary

BroadwayThink: A Chorus LineWhat to Expect in Broadway

• Introduction to acting, singing and movement.

• Learn to use voice properly with a variety of vocal exercises.

• Explore acting including: improvisation, character development, pantomime and scripted scenes.

• Create a character and learn about creating a stage presence.

• Learn high-energy musical theater pieces with Broadway-style movement.

JazzThink: Just Dance Video GameWhat to Expect at the Garnet Middle/High School Jazz

• Introduction to jazz technique as a fundamental aspect of a well-rounded dance education.

• High intensity, energetic, physical workout where students are inspired in a challenging, and motivating environment.

• Learn funky moves as your dancer grooves to all styles of popular music.

• Learn proper technique, focusing on strength, flexibility, and alignment.

Jazz

Broadway

AcrobaticsThink: Cirque de SoleilWhat to Expect in Acrobatics:

• Introduction to acrobatics focusing on tumbling, floor work and acrobatics done on mats.

• Learn basic skills and work towards combining acrobatic skills in a sequence.

• Improve balance, posture, strength and aerobic ability.

• Dancers will increase their flexibility and add a new type of movement repertoire.

• Learn proper technique, focusing on strength, flexibility, and alignment.

• Participants will be safely spotted by experienced teachers.Acrobatics