Dance Department
Our Dance Department is where students can learn the discipline of dance in a relaxed, encouraging, and motivating environment, at their own pace. Your beginner student will feel welcomed, and your intermediate or advanced student will be challenged. Most importantly, students will learn to love all kinds of dance! Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter to find out when new classes are announced:
Class Offerings
Review the classes offered by Illuminate throughout the year.
Creative Dance
ages 4-7
In Creative Dance, our youngest students will discover dance in a fun, imaginative environment. Students will learn how to use movement to express feelings and tell stories. Basic ballet and jazz will be taught as they create stories through dance, laying the foundation for future dance classes.
Musical Theater
ages 4-7 + 8-11
In this class, we will explore some of the foundations of musical theater performance. We will learn about stage directions, projection, and enunciation. We’ll also train in basic improv, song, dance, acting, and character study with age-appropriate exercises that are a step up from what students learn in the 4-7 class, but not as daunting as what they’ll encounter in the middle school Mainstage. The goal of this class is to prepare students to be in the middle school mainstage or similar musical/theatrical performance! We will work on some combination of smaller group scenes, full-ensemble musical numbers, and smaller group songs. The class will culminate in a small performance at the end-of-semester presentation!
Hip Hop
ages 8-11 and 12-18
In this dance class, the emphasis is on high energy and intensity movements and isolations. Students will learn combinations set to engaging, upbeat, and uplifting music. Students’ individuality is greatly encouraged. Students should wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement, with non-marking sole sneakers. Special HIP HOP MINI class for ages 4-7 also available.
Ballet+Tap Basics
ages 8-11 and 12-18
Students in Classical Ballet classes will learn alignment fundamentals and ballet basics. In a nurturing and fun environment, students will work on technique, physical awareness and discipline. This training will impact them for years to come as they learn self-control, poise, and grow in strength. Students do not need to purchase leotards or ballet shoes! FOR TAP: students will learn the basics of tap, suitable for beginners. The class will culminate in a short tap routine at the Fall and Winter Progress Show! Class atmosphere is warm and encouraging, tap shoes not necessary.
Contemporary Dance
ages 12-18
In contemporary, students learn how to move freely and give emotions to their movements. It is a great mix of many styles such as ballet, jazz, and lyrical, which helps the students put their own spin on the dance!
Intro to Acro
ages 12-18
The basics of acrobatics includes but is not limited to forward rolls, backbends, and cartwheels. Students will also gain the flexibility and strength to execute these skills.