We believe that dance, as well as being a physical activity, is a language that breaks the barriers of communication and provides us with an outlet for our emotions.
Today students of all ages are faced with many pressures;some of which include peer pressure, academic pressures and work related stress. Dance allows students to express their feelings in a non-threatening and healthy manner.
We want our studio to be a place where students can feel a sense of belonging to a group that accepts them for who they are and will help them become who they aspire to be.
Class Descriptions
We offer a variety of classes from ages 2 through Adult.
All of the music and skills taught are age appropriate.
Students must be the age required for the class by Sept 30, 2006.
Music/Dance and Mommy &Me- (22 months - 35mths)
This is a transition class for children of this age to separate from the parent. During the beginning of the year parents will participate in the class and as the class progresses parents will start to step back and transition out of the room entirely. This class provides children with the opportunity to explore with music and movement while using a variety of props and musical instuments It provides children with a place to interact with other children and develop socialization, imagination and motor skills while being introduced to the art of dance. 45-min in length.
Preschool Variety Classes - (3 & 4yrs)
Children ages 3-4 yrs participate in pre-ballet, pre-tap and creative movement activities while continuing to develop the imagination, gross motor and socialization skills. 1 hr.
Pee Wee Hip-Hop/Ballet Combo(4 & 5 yrs)
4 and 5 yr olds participate in pre-ballet and hip hop activities. The class uses age appropriate music to target skills that are at the appropriate developmental level for children in this age group. 1 hr in length.
Combo Ballet/Tap Class -(5 & 6yrs)
This class is an extension of the preschool combination class with more emphasis placed on beginning ballet and tap skills in order to prepare the children for beginner classes in any of the disciplines. 1 hr in length.
Combo Ballet/Jazz Hip Hop (6 yr w/dance)
Students with previous dance training continue to develop ballet skills and are introduced to jazz/hip-hop skills. 1 hr in length.
Jazz/HipHop
This class teaches fundamental jazz steps and combines the elements of hip hop moves and contemporary music. 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 and N'Sync videos. All music used and moves taught are age appropriate. Class placement is determined by age and ability.
Tap
In this class dancers sound out rhythms by using metal taps on the toes and heels of the shoes. Dancers are taught fundamental tap skills and intricate tap progressions, using a blend of traditional tap and contemporary music. Class placement is determined by age and ability.
Classical Ballet
Students learn classical ballet skills in a non threatening but structured enviroment. Emphasis is placed on technique, vocabulary and the process of learning. Class placement is determined by age and ability.
Ballet for the Jazz Dancer/Lyrical
This class was developed for the jazz/hip hop dancer. Emphasis is placed on the ballet technique needed in order to execute more advanced jazz skills. Ballet technique is taught using ballads from contemporary artists instead of classical music. Class placement is determined by age and ability.
Director and owner, Leigh Happel, has been teaching dance for over 18 years. Leigh is originally from New York, where she received extensive dance training from masters of the Luigi and Bob Fosse jazz styles and masters of the Maurice Hines ballettaps. She has received instruction from highly acclaimed NY instructors such as Frank Hatchett, Charles Kelly, Gary Pate and Kathi Jo Hubner. Leigh has performed in the original musicals "Makin It", and "Red Hot Christmas" and was a member of the Dynamic Dance Company and the LA Express Dance Company in New York.
Leigh received her BA in education/special education. In addition, she was the lead teacher/curriculum specialist for the Creative Learning Children's Center, a division of the Easter Seal Society. Her educational teaching background combined with her extensive dance training and love for children enabled her to develop a unique perspective that allows students to thrive and develop a love for dance.
Arent all dance studios pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll your child? Yes. There are 5 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction they feel while being involved with a dance program. Here are 5 things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.
1. Class Size and Composition When choosing a dance program that is right for your child, you will want to know how many students are in a class, as well as what ages and levels are in the class. Some dance programs offer classes with a wide range of ages in one class. For example, all beginnersages 5 through 11can be in a class together. Other programs will offer classes for 3 to 6 year olds together. The number of students permitted to be registered for each class also varies from program to program. Some studios accept as many as 20+ students to a class while others have lower class sizes.
At our studio, we provide low student to teacher ratios for more personalized instruction. The ratios for classes at our studio are as follows:
2 yr. olds 6 students to 1 teacher and 1 assistant with a maximum of 10 students.
3 4 yr. olds 8 students to 1 teacher and 1 assistant with a maximum of 12 students.
4-5 yr. olds 10 students to 1 teacher and 1 assistant with a maximum of 15 students.
5-6 yr. olds 10 students to 1 teacher and 1 assistant with a maximum of 15 students
7yr olds and up 15 students to 1 teacher.
Our average class size is 8 students and our maximum class size is 15.
We form our classes based on age and ability. Everyone in a class is roughly around the same age and at the same skill level. A beginner student would be placed with other beginners of the same age. The music used and skills taught are age appropriate in all of our classes.
2. Dress Code - Every dance studio has their own requirements when it comes to dress codes. Studios may require that hair be worn in a specific style of bun during all classes. Some require specific color shoes, specific color tights, and a specific color or style of leotard. At some studios these requirements are based on class levels. For instance, a beginner class may be required to wear pink, the next level navy, the next level black, and so on. Some studios may require that you purchase those items directly through them. Other studios may require that all dancers purchase a leotard with the studio name on it.
It is important that students are dressed appropriately for dance class but we are a little more relaxed in regards to the dress code at our studio. While we expect our students to come to class looking like dancers, and not like they have just come off the playground or from school, we have minimal dress code requirements. Hair should be pulled neatly away from the face, appropriate dance shoes should be worn according to the type of class that is taken (ballet, tap, or jazz/hip-hop), but any kind of dance attire can be worn. We recommend leotards and tights or body hugging dance pants. Any color or pattern is welcomed.
We want students to concentrate on learning to dance and having fun. Many times, if students are forced to wear something they are not comfortable in, it stifles the enjoyment of the class for them. This is particularly true with very young dancers. Preschoolers love to dress up in different skirts and leotards. We encourage them to wear the dance attire that makes them feel like a dancer. The only classes that we require a more specific dress code in are classical ballet classes for students ages 7 and up. In those classes, a dark colored leotard and light colored tights are recommended. Hair should be in a neat bun. Our only no-no is big, baggy clothing and street clothes. Teachers cannot help students acquire skills when they cannot see their body placement.
While the studio does sell shoes and tights, it is for convenience only. Parents are free to purchase any items neededwherever they choose.
3. Instructors Most dance programs have highly qualified teachers with extensive dance training. Some instructors have been dancing for many years, and are highly skilled dancers. While this is a very important factor, you will also want to know about their experience teaching dance to children. How much experience does the teacher have teaching dance to your childs age and ability? Some programs have their highly qualified teachers teach the advanced students, and less experienced teacherssuch as teenagersteach the younger age groups and beginners.
Our dance instructors are college educated, highly skilled dancers with extensive experience teaching dance to children and adults. Our studio director has a BA in education/special education as well as extensive dance and teaching experience, which has enabled her to create a program with an understanding for developmental and emotional levels of dancers in each age group.
We believe there are two parts to learning dance successfully; qualified instructors and positive relationships in the classroom. These relationships are based on open communication between students and teachers, as well as students with fellow classmates. Although the staff is very qualified, one of the key elements of successful teaching has not been forgotten- the teachers ability to relate to the students and the teachers ability to instill an attitude of respect for one another in the classroom. A non-threatening environment has been created, where students can make mistakes, be supportive of one another, and root each other on while having fun and learning to dance.
4. Recitals Nearly all dance programs offer a year end performance opportunity. This is a time for students to showcase their abilities on stage for all to enjoy. Recitals are usually held at a theater or high school auditorium nearby. Questions you may want to ask are: How many days will your dancer be performing? Some studios have multiple performance dates for their recitals. How long is the recital? Some recitals can last up to 4 hours. What time is the recital? Most studios usually have nighttime performances. The cost for costumes and tickets for this performance is additional. Some studios charge separate costume fees, production fees, and ticket fees. Others offer inclusive packages where costumes and tickets are included in a flat fee. Still others charge a costume fee but you dont get to keep the costume.
We have one performance date for our June recital. Our recital is approximately 2 hours in length and usually begins @ 4:00 p.m. We find this to be the perfect time so that younger dancers are not dancing during their bedtime. It is early enough so we are finished in time for dinner. Our recital fees include costumes, tights, cast t-shirt and 2 tickets to the recital.
Our studio offers a unique recital experience in that it is a themed and scripted Broadway style performance. Our recitals tell a story that links all the dances together; making it easy for the audience to stay interested, even when their own child is not on stage.
5. What is being taught? How is the class structured, what is the emphasis placed on? Some programs are purely recreational and some are more focused on competitions. Some programs begin teaching the recital dance from the beginning of the season, others teach only skills, and some teach a different dance every week.
At our studio, classes for the pre-elementary student are age appropriate and fun, structured but not intimidating. These classes are a good introduction to dance and help develop beginning dance skills, creativity, coordination, and a love for the art of dance. Classes for ages 7 and up are all structured the same in that there is always a warm up, a time to learn and practice skills/technique, and a time to learn a new, age appropriate combination. This combination is built on and practiced for a period of 4-6 weeks.
Dancers begin learning recital routines in January and February. During this time, class is carried out with the same structure of warm up, skills, and technique, but the combination they learn is the recital routine. The recital is important, however it is not the focus of the entire class. The emphasis is placed on the process of learning and acquiring skills, as well as having fun. We want to foster every students love of dance.
Pure Energy Dance Centre15880 West State Road 84
Sunrise, FL 33326
Map954-217-9778
www.PureEnergyDance.net
