Class Description & Attire
AT THE NEEDHAM DANCE THEATRE, we offer a full range of dance classes for our students. Please refer to the schedule for a complete list. If you need help choosing a class, check in with us at needhamdance@comcast.net
BALLET / TUMBLE
This child-centered class focuses on learning the joy of dance, developing social skills and creative expression. Children will be introduced to moving their bodies using sparkle wands, colorful ribbons, and various imagination-provoking props. Dancers will also try their hand at basic tumbling skills such as, forward rolls, bridges, and beginner cartwheels. Our fun and lively class is filled with, wiggles, giggles, twirls, and imaginative play. Moving creatively in Ballet/Tumble is sure to boost a young dancer’s physical and emotional well-being.
BALLET
This class is for students learning the art of classical ballet. Ballet focuses on musicality, elegant choreography, artistry, and expressive performance. The class will teach a full ballet vocabulary of steps at the barre and then movement across the studio floor with leaps and turns. Set to beautiful classical music, ballet is the foundation of all other dance forms.
JAZZ
An exhilarating dance class! Jazz dance blends technique with expression, making it an engaging form of movement for students. The emphasis on coordination, flexibility, rhythm, and musicality not only helps dancers develop physical skills but also fosters creativity and confidence. Plus, dancing to popular music adds an extra element of fun and relevance.
BALLET / JAZZ
Ballet/Jazz combo is an exciting and fun class that focuses on the graceful and elegant movement of ballet and then on to the upbeat and lively feel of jazz-style dance. Dancers will start at the barre and learn a beautiful ballet dance. In the jazz portion of the class, dancers travel across the studio with kicks, turns, and leaps and learn fun and stylized choreography that builds flexibility, coordination, and confidence. Ballet/Jazz is the best of both worlds!
BALLET / ACRO
This class focuses on learning the basics of beginner ballet, developing social skills and creative expression. Children will be introduced to the graceful flow of classical ballet using sparkle wands, colorful ribbons, and various imagination provoking props. Dancers will also try their hand at basic tumbling skills such as, forward rolls, bridges, cartwheels and, walkovers, etc. Our fun and lively class is filled with, jumps, twirls, and imaginative choreography. Moving creatively and at their own pace in Ballet/Acro is sure to boost a young dancer’s physical and emotional well-being.
BALLET / TAP
In this fun and lively combination class, young dancers learn coordination, balance, and how to move gracefully and fluidly with basic ballet steps and choreography. Then on to tap, a natural way for busy young dancers to develop a great sense of rhythm, concentration, and musicality. Tap class is when making noise and being active are built right in! Ballet/Tap is a perfect combination for every young dancer.
BALLET / CONTEMPORARY
This class is for students who respect the historic art of classical ballet. Ballet focuses on musicality, elegant choreography, artistry, and expressive performance. The class will teach a full vocabulary of ballet at the barre and movement across the studio floor with leaps and turns. Set to beautiful classical music, ballet is the foundation of all other dance forms. Contemporary class gives students the opportunity to move expressively and free in feel. Instruction focuses on versatility and improvisation and less about strict technique. With this creativity, the class strives to connect the mind and body through fluid dance movement. It’s a lot of fun and feels good!
HIP HOP
Hip-Hop dance is a vibrant form of dance that combines a variety of freestyle movements to create an urban-influenced and current dance style. This class includes warm-up, conditioning, and creative choreography with loads of attitude. Hip-Hop dance has evolved into one of the world’s most popular styles of dance.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary class gives students the opportunity to move expressively and with a sense of flow. This class focuses on versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet. This creative class strives to connect the mind and body through fluid dance movement. It’s a lot of fun and feels good.
ACRO
Acro (acrobatics for dancers) class will teach exciting gymnastic tricks. Students develop specific strength, flexibility and learn how to execute acrobatic elements to use in dance choreography. We are proud that all our instructors are AcroArts certified. Acro focuses on challenging each dancer at their own pace, including cartwheels, walkovers, back handsprings, aerials, etc. Dancers will gain muscle control, balance, and advance their tumbling technique.
INTERMEDIATE BALLET
Our Intermediate Ballet program offers serious ballet students sound technical instruction. The material becomes increasingly challenging throughout the session. Intermediate students develop strength, coordination, and elegance that will be theirs for a lifetime.
INTERMEDIATE JAZZ
Intermediate Jazz is a dynamic and energetic experience that combines elements of traditional Jazz dance with modern and contemporary influences. It is an engaging blend of rigorous technique, create expression, and joyful movement, making it a favorite among dancers. Intermediate level dancers have had prior experience and train several times per week.
JAZZ / TAP
Jazz emphasizes coordination and flexibility as well as freedom of movement and self-expression then on to tap. Tap will include fun rhythms, traveling steps and winds up with spirited choreography designed to sharpen coordination and musicality.
POINTE
This class is geared toward our advanced ballet students. A portion of the class will consist of supported Pointe work at the barre. It will also include unsupported technique and progressions across the floor. The Director’s approval is required to attend. Learn more about Pointe.
OPEN ACRO
Introducing Open Acro - an opportunity for your child to explore the fun world of gymnastics for dancers. Open Arco, gives kids a chance to try out different gymnastic skills, learn basic techniques, and express themselves at their own pace. We’ll warm up and roll out the mats for individual practice, with support and tips for every student. Our child-centered, supportive program is designed to develop coordination, confidence, and creativity. No previous experience is required. For kids who can't wait to jump, flip, roll, and grow!
