Class Descriptions

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Pre-Dance

The main objectives for this class are to help your child…

  • Develop coordination and motor skills
  • Learn the correct names and technique for beginning dance steps
  • Work on balance
  • Follow directions
  • Understand rhythm
  • Working well while dancing with other children
  • Have a good time learning

And most important to leave with a good self-esteem and courage to try new things.

Please see our Pre-Dance Parents guide for more information.


Modern I-III

This class is referred to has the Flow of Movement.  Modern Dance explores movement, space, rhythm, and the dancer’s own creativity.  It is inspired by nature, music, art, and human emotions.  There is constant movement, across the floor, elevations & turns.  Modern I will contain a very basic technique study and improvisation.  Modern II contains a more in depth look at different techniques of Modern and requires at least one level II ballet per week.  Modern III is a more intense study of Graham, Limon, Horton, and other Modern Dance Techniques. It requires previous Modern training and at least two level III ballet classes per week.


Hip Hop I-III

A smooth, organic blend of urban/hip-hop, contemporary jazz, modern, Latin, techno, and even some lyrical dance with emphasis on staging, presentation and good ol' fashion style. An eclectic interpretation of hip hop and R&B music, the class encourages students to shed their inhibitions, express themselves and to exercise the biggest challenge of all: TO HAVE FUN. "It doesn't work if you don't smile!" The class includes a warm-up focusing on strength, stretch, isolations, and breathing. Then, moves on to a variety of movements across the floor which prepares them to dance. Combinations and choreography are always energetic and fun. A mix of jazz, funk and high energy best describes this class.


Tap

This form of Dance teaches the student the basic fundamental tap sounds and steps leading to advanced rhythms and syncopation. Dancers progress to tap combinations and later, routines incorporate many tap styles such as Broadway, Hoofin, Rythym Tap & Stomp. Emphasis is placed on proper body placement, positioning, weight shifts, clarity of tap sound and rhythms.


Jazz / Hip Hop

This program allows students to take the 2 most popular forms of dance in one class. The Jazz/ Hip Hop class teaches fundamental jazz steps and combines the element of hip hop moves and contemporary music. We have found that the combination of jazz and hip hop is ideal for this age. Students learn the necessary elements of jazz which are crucial to success in hip hop, but also get to learn hip hop moves which require the coordination and balance learned from jazz.  Jazz style of dance is what is seen in many Broadway type shows. It is a more structured and technical stage style of dance. Hip Hop is a fast, high energy type of dance. Hip Hop is the style of dance typically seen in Brittany Spears, Beyonce’ and N' Sync videos.  All music used and moves taught are age appropriate. Class placement is determined by age and ability.


Musical Theater I-II

this is a class that combines singing and dancing! The class will be a combination of original and sometimes zany choreography; often combining ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance with singing. Music of all genres will be used and interpreted providing a truly theatrical experience. Be ready to have some fun! This class is a great workshop for students to use their dance in local theatre productions.

  • Acting: Students will learn improvisation skills, how to break down a scene, perform a monologue, and auditioning skills for television and theater.
  • Broadway Dance / Musical Theatre: Students will explore all aspects of musical theatre including acting games, vocal exercises, and Broadway style jazz.
  • Musical Theatre: Course includes basic vocal instruction and exercises, acting, and dance for musical theatre.

Summer Fall Acting Class

This class by Thomas White. Covers Goals and getting auditions, cold reads and audition prep., monologue, research, partner/scene work, headshots and resumes.


Acting, Voice & Musical

Students will learn basic acting and musical theatre performance techniques  While developing self confidence, poise and stage presence.  Emphasis on vocal Projection, character development, memorization, stage directions and Audition Techniques.


Honors Classes IV-V

In-Step Dance honors classes goal is to enrich student’s lives through dance, enhance self-awareness and self-discipline and introduce them to other art forms. Each student must be encouraged to fulfill a professional etiquette of the highest standards. This mission is to creating a pleasant environment for artistic endeavors to thrive. 

Acceptance Requirements: At least 3-5 years of dance, Instructor Recommendation, Community Involvement, Summer – ages 12-up Spring/Fall - ages 15-up, Grades above a B average Benefits : Private Master Classes, Audition Classes, Performance Classes, Resume’ Development, Group Discussions, Professional Mentoring, Early Release – early release from school, 3:00 pm classes


Private Lessons

Private lessons may be booked with individual teachers in ½ hr or full hour sessions.  Privates dance lessons are completely personalized to suit your needs.  We offer privates and semi privates in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Technique, Ballroom, Modern/Contemporary and Musical Theatre/Acting.  Drill team Try-Outs, Auditions, Pageants and more.  Call to schedule your session.  Each Instructor has different rates depending on the style and experience.  -Download our Contract-

Ballet

This class exposes the young dancer to the skill of ballet that will create a solid foundation for the next level or training.

In-Step is proud to offer several ballet techniques. Russian (Vaganova), R.A.D. Bournonville & Cecchetti. Upper level classes have Pointe, character & Pas de deux classes as well. The dancer maintains and increases their ballet performance in areas such as body alignment, technique, musicality and purity of line and grace. (Pointe is invitation only)

Also see our Ballet Division information


Jazz

Introduces the style of Jazz Dance to the young dancer. Students are taught basic isolation movements, which will help, further & improve their dance coordination.

This ever popular form of dance incorporates many styles such as Fosse, Lyrical, Character, Hip-Hop, to name a few. The classes are divided to include a warm-up, cross-floor, and technique, ending with choreography set to contemporary music.


Modern Dance (Graham)

Children are introduced to creative movement and encouraged to discover the unique ways in which the body may express itself.  Techniques for enhancing flexibility and building strength are systematically introduced within a nurturing environment suitable for children of this age.

Graham Level I- begin to explore basic elements of Martha Graham technique, including use of breath, shift of weight and concepts of spiral. Emphasis is on expanding the possibilities of movement through focus on proper alignment and development of technical skills within a creative environment.

Graham Level II- are introduced formally to basic Martha Graham vocabulary, including physical contraction and release, use of spiral and shift of weight. Learning about the relationship of Martha Graham technique to other art forms such as music, art, and literature helps students experience the power of dance and the process of creative collaboration. Children create their own short dance studies and perform them for their peers.

Graham Level III- learn the classic exercises level I-II  of the Martha Graham technique, including floor work, center work, and combinations across the floor.  In addition, they are introduced to the formal elements of the creative process through study of composition and repertory.  Works suitable to their age and development are choreographed specifically for them. In all programs, placement is by age and teacher recommendation.


Pilates

Joseph Pilates invented this form of exercise and conditioning for dancers several years ago. Now it is an exercise class being taught all over the world for all other people in addition to our fellow dancers. Pilates is designed to lengthen the muscles, increase flexibility and tone the body. Pilates will leave you feeling healthy, toned and lean.

To learn more please see our Pilates page.


Adult Ballroom

At least 3 couples must be signed up Private Lessons and Private Group Classes are also available

For more information contact Mr. Calvin at 713-823-1139
or email
Mr. Calvin


Lyrical I-III

Classes integrate jazz, ballet, and modern techniques, while focusing on interpreting the lyrics of contemporary music through personal emotions and feelings.  Focus is on fluidity of movement while nurturing the dancer to explore his/her inner passion for dance through lyrical interpretation.


Middle Eastern Belly Dancing I-II

Students will be taught techniques for learning and improving the quality of movements, body awareness, stretching, and strengthening, expression of the music through the body, rhythms typically found in Middle Eastern music, folkloric and cabaret style dance steps, combinations and transitions. The use of finger cymbals and veils will be incorporated.


Turns/Elevations

This class will increase a student’s vocabulary by introducing a variety of turns and leaps and the methods and mechanics to stronger dancing. This class will work on correct alignment and strength nedded to improve turning technique and to jump more efficiently.


GUITAR LESSONS

Ages 7+
Group lessons
Private Lessons
Get more information


My Voice and Piano

My Voice and Piano offers more than just a once a week 30 minute private lesson. We offer artistry. Included in your tuition, you will receive weekly private lessons, group lessons and multiple performances to gain the confidence needed to entertain. For more information see our web site: myvoiceandpiano.com


Chinese Traditional

Through dance classes we introduce Chinese heritage to the children from China and children of Chinese families. In-Step Dance collaborates with schools, libraries, community centers and adopted families to conduct Chinese dance classes at the studio.  In-Step Dance provides the teacher, curriculum, and music.

Through a progression of songs and dances, the dance classes teach hand movements, foot steps, breathing method, body stance and coordination.  The emphasis is on balance, harmony, self-confidence, and teamwork.  In the class, the teacher also teaches Chinese for the beginners: "How are you?", "It is OK", "Let's try again", "We are friends", "Let's dance", “and thank you for today’s class”.

CHINESE DANCE HISTORY  According to archeological findings, Chinese dance has a history of over five thousand years. Until the Han dynasty (206 B. C. - A. D. 220), most of the Chinese dances were originated from the folks. During the Han period, a musical entertainment court was established for the imperial family, which was essentially a center for systematically documenting and enhancing folk songs and dances. Because of the political stability and the economic prosperity of the Tang dynasty (A. D. 618 - 907), poetry, music and dance were given opportunities to flourish. The Tang dynasty has been regarded as the golden age for dance in ancient China.

Dances in the Tang dynasty inherited techniques that were developed in the past dynasties such as Zhou, Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, and Nanbei. During the early Tang period, Buddhism was introduced to China and because trade and social relationship with other countries rapidly expanded, dances were influenced by folk dances of other countries such as India, Rome, Persia (Iran), Korea, Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam, and other Central Asian countries. In addition, it also combined with other forms of fine arts such as painting, scenery, and colorful costumes as well as poetry, classical music and drama. The combination of these colorful traditions brought the performing arts to a new peak of entertainment.

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449 Sawdust Road
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Phone: 281.298.STEP (7837)

Fax: 281.298.1094  •  Email: instepdancecenter@sbcglobal.net

 Copyright © 2009