Ballet
A child is accepted into our beginning ballet class at 6 years of age or as soon as they reach first grade. Our beginning students are instructed though the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) method, which consists of a graded syllabus and examination schedule. More serious students may take additional classes, which combine Cecchetti (Russian and Italian), and Balanchine techniques. Advanced students require more than one ballet class per week. The ballet faculty at the center is trained to provide individualized instruction to each student in order to produce quality technique, strength, and flexibility. Our ballet classes consist of a structured ballet barre', along with stretching and strengthening exercises. Center work focuses on coordination, musicality, and performance quality. Ballet students will gain the benefits of poise, grace, proper posture, and self-assurance, along with a solid foundation for all forms of dance. Adult Ballet Classes are offered for beginning through advanced levels.
Ballet Tech
Ballet Tech is a fundamental ballet class that stresses proper technique and placement of classical ballet. Technique of classical ballet is taught with respect to the tradition of ballet history. Correct placement of head and arms in coordination with leg and body movements is stressed in the class. Students are coached thoughtfully and kindly to eventually master the finer points of technique. They are also encouraged to develop a through understanding of basic ballet fundamentals and the vocabulary necessary for genuine mastery of classical dance. A scientific approach to movement involving kinetics and anatomical principles is utilized in the instruction of advanced ballet tech classes.
RAD Ballet Exam Classes
MFAC students have the opportunity to study the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Method and have the opportunity to participate in annual RAD Exams. Based in London, the RAD is an internationally recognized Dance Organization with over 5800 Certified Teachers across the world. The RAD offers a holistic approach to learning ballet and emphasizes the importance of inspiration and dedication. The RAD is an accredited educational program in Europe at the University Level and offers University Credit for their teaching programs. “With over 15,500 members' spread across 82 countries, The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organisations in the world (www.rad.org.uk).”
Combination Classes
Our 3 through 4 year olds and 5 through 6 year olds participate in a 45-minute class once a week, which includes approximately 25 minutes of beginning tap and 20 minutes of primary ballet. The basic dance concepts learned throughout this class build a solid foundation for children to grow upon as they begin to relate music to movement. With an incorporation of many fun props and imaginative music, children will learn a sense of rhythm, coordination, as a love for dance is instilled in their lives.
Combination II: A specialized combination class for 6-8 year olds! This specialized class created for 1st and 2nd graders will give students a solid foundation in both tap and jazz. Each week, students will participate in approximately 45 minutes of Tap I and Jazz I syllabus work. This class is a great transition class between Combination I and hour-long tap and jazz classes! The focus is FUN, FUN, FUN!
Jazz
Jazz is a stylized theatrical form of dancing that originated in America and transgressed throughout the world. Jazz dance varies from classical and folk forms, such as Lyrical Jazz, to more contemporary and modern styles, such as Hip-Hop, Jazz dance is typically performed in music videos, Broadway musicals, and in many other theatrical venues throughout the world.
Hip-Hop
Learn the dance style so popular on music videos and concerts. This style of dance can be seen in videos of artists such as Janet Jackson, Usher and more. A fun and highly energetic dance form and a great form of exercise! You will learn the most current and up to date styles of this ever-changing dance form. Students must have some background in jazz and hip-hop along with a desire to strive for their best in class.
Lyrical
Lyrical jazz is a stylized form of classical jazz technique. Our lyrical instructors utilize many principles of classical ballet, classical jazz, and modern to create a beautiful expression through dance.
Modern
Modern classes at MFAC emphasize grounding oneself in movement. In addition, modern dance brings its own focus on the use of breath, which essentially leads to a higher quality of movement in all dance forms. Concepts of overcurve/undercurve, contraction/release, musicality and rhythm are explored. Teachers incorporate an eclectic blend of contemporary and post modern movement into their classes. Styles taught include Graham, Horton and Ailey.
Musical Theater
Our musical theater class is designed to teach each aspect of Musical Theater--singing, dancing and acting. Students will be introduced to the basic mouth and body positioning necessary for good vocal production as well as principles of proper breath support. Through a series of improvisational games and exploration of text and lyrics, students will gain a better understanding of character and be introduced to the physical and emotional expressions necessary for any stage performer.
Social Dance
Learn to dance comfortably and confidently to 90% of the music played at any dancing event (i.e. Weddings, balls, inaugurations, etc.) Also, learn music recognition, leading and following, style and technique. This class is for the newest dancers and is the best way to start your dance education by itself, or as a compliment to your private instruction. No partner necessary as we will switch partners frequently during each class.
Salsa
With the growing Latin influence in today’s popular music, every club now has at least one Latin Night where everyone dance Salsa. The beginning level covers the basic movements, patterns and ‘lead and follow’ which allows one to dance with anyone you meet. This wild and sexy dance is infectious in rhythm and style and leaves plenty of room for freedom of expression. No partner necessary!
Swing
The inter-generational resiliency of this American past time is evident in Swing Clubs all over the country. This class is perfect for the new dancer or anyone who wishes to review and really understand the basics of good ‘lead and follow’ skills. Learn the difference and similarities of Jitterbug, Jive, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing and Hustle. This class emphasizes timing and connection with your partner and will allow you to dance with anyone of any style of Swing. No partner necessary!
Tap
Tap classes at the Center combine a classical "Broadway" style warm-up with new and innovative "Rhythm Tap" combinations and techniques. Combinations are modeled after funk and rhythmic styles from many of the greats including, Savion Glover, Buster Brown, and other rhythmic tap dancers. Tap students will work on syncopation and coordination as they begin to develop an individualized style of tap dancing. Advanced tappers will formulate a capella combinations as they analyze measures, rhythms, sound quality, and other musical aspects of tap dancing.
Tumbling
Have you ever wanted to learn how to flip? MFAC tumbling classes are for all ages this year! Our youngest students will learn the basics of tumbling, flexibility and balance by using fun and imaginative music, props and equipment. Our older students will learn more advanced stunts throughout the year.
Yoga
“Developed in India, Yoga is a psychophysical discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. Yoga practitioners focus on the physical postures called "asanas," breathing exercises called "pranayama," and meditation. Benefits of Yoga include improved physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self-understanding, stress control and general well-being. Spirituality, however, is a strong underlying theme to most practices. HA means sun, THA means moon, YOGA means union. HATHA YOGA: Union of sun and moon.” (JOM, www.joyofmotion.org)
