2021-2022 Class Descriptions
Modern 1 w/ Micha
This class is designed with an emphasis on building foundational dance technique, musicianship and counting skills, and fostering the creative joy of movement through improvisation. Dancers learn body alignment, proper foot and arm placement, work on both flexibility and strength, balance, start to build a dance vocabulary, and are challenged in the practice of memorizing and then building on a sequence of movements. Dancers are expected to maintain proper classroom etiquette at all times. Dancers should wear leotard/tank top and leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
Modern 2 w/ Micha
Dancers continue to build on their foundational technique as their alignment, carriage of the arms, and proper leg and hip placement is emphasized. Dancers are challenged with more complex variations in center floor, and continue to add to their dance vocabulary. Leaps and jumps, counting different music patterns, and off-center balances are introduced, and a variety of dynamic qualities are explored through the use of improvisation. Dancers are expected to maintain proper classroom etiquette at all times. Dancers should wear solid colored leotard/tank top and leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
Modern 3 w/ Micha
This is an intermediate level class for dancers with a strong technical foundation. Continuing to build on their ever expanding technical abilities, this class challenges dancers to a high level of precision and accuracy in the execution of movement and musicianship. Emphasizing balance, strength, flexibility, coordination, body conditioning and alignment, dancers will be given longer and more complex sequences of choreography with greater dynamic nuance. They will explore their own creative voice through the use of improvisation and choreographic exploration. Dancers are expected to maintain proper classroom etiquette at all times. Dancers should wear solid colored leotard/tank top and leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
Modern 4 w/ Micha
At this advanced level dancers will add even more precision to their dancing, exploring how the precise use of energy can create accuracy in each movement. Dancers will get more detailed in the execution of movement as they continue to develop their strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, alignment and body conditioning. Poly-rhythmic movements and counts, off center balances and turns, extended energetic sequences and sustained adagio sequences will push dancers to their highest potential. They will explore their own creative voice through the use of improvisation and choreographic exploration. Dancers are expected to demonstrate proper classroom etiquette at all times. Dancers should wear solid colored leotard/tank top and leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
Modern 5 w/ Micha
At this advanced level dancers will add even more precision to their dancing, exploring how the precise use of energy can create accuracy in each movement. Dancers will get more detailed in the execution of movement as they continue to develop their strength, coordination, balance, flexibility, alignment and body conditioning. Poly-rhythmic movements and counts, off center balances and turns, extended energetic sequences and sustained adagio sequences will push dancers to their highest potential. They will explore their own creative voice through the use of improvisation and choreographic exploration. Dancers are expected to demonstrate proper classroom etiquette at all times. Dancers should wear solid colored leotard/tank top and leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ 2 w/ Angela
In this Beginning level class, students will explore contemporary dance through the foundations of Jazz technique. This class is an introduction to the basics of Jazz and Contemporary techniques, including: inversions, leaps and jumps, kicks, core strength and improvisation. By offering unique choreography and technique adapted from the traditional form of the style, this class will allow dancers to use their technical training as a tool to develop and expand their relationship to stylized movement. With a warm up designed to stretch and strengthen, and dynamic center and floor work, dancers will be fully prepared for the end of class choreography section. Choreography will cover the basics of Jazz technique but will have Contemporary elements incorporated throughout. Dancers are required to wear a solid colored leotard or tank & black leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ 3 w/ Angela
In this Beginning/Intermediate level class, students will explore Contemporary dance with the foundations of Jazz technique. This level is for dancers who have previously had technique classes and want to jump back in, or for teens who are natural movers but desire technical refinement. By offering unique choreography and technique adapted from the traditional form of the style, this class will allow dancers to use their technical training as a tool to develop and expand their relationship to stylized movement. With a warm up designed to stretch and strengthen, and dynamic center and floor work, dancers will be fully prepared for the end of class choreography section. Choreography will cover the basics of Jazz technique but will have Contemporary elements incorporated throughout. Dancers are required to wear a solid colored leotard or tank & black leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ 4 w/ Angela
In this Intermediate/Advanced level class, students will explore Contemporary dance with the foundations of Jazz technique. This class is for dancers who have taken all previous levels, or equivalent, have a solid understanding and practice of jazz and contemporary techniques, and are ready to challenge and push the limits. By offering unique choreography and technique adapted from the traditional form of the style, this class will allow dancers to use their technical training as a tool to develop and expand their relationship to stylized movement. With a warm up designed to stretch and strengthen, and dynamic center and floor work, dancers will be fully prepared for the end of class choreography section. Choreography will cover the basics of Jazz technique but will have Contemporary elements incorporated throughout. Dancers are required to wear a solid colored leotard or tank & black leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ 5 w/ Angela
In this Advanced level class, students will explore Contemporary dance with the foundations of Jazz technique. This class is for dancers who have taken all previous levels, or equivalent, have an exceptional understanding and practice of jazz and contemporary techniques, and are ready to challenge and push the limits. By offering unique choreography and technique adapted from the traditional form of the style, this class will allow dancers to use their technical training as a tool to develop and expand their relationship to stylized movement. With a warm up designed to stretch and strengthen, and dynamic center and floor work, dancers will be fully prepared for the end of class choreography section. Choreography will cover the basics of Jazz technique but will have Contemporary elements incorporated throughout. Dancers are required to wear a solid colored leotard or tank & black leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
CONTEMPORARY 2 w/ Madi
This class will be a beginning level class which will include finding momentum in movement, opening up to our 3-dimensional bodies, floor-work, inversions, and the interplay between using muscle and finding softness in dancing. We will utilize improvisation to discover our own voice and creative force from within as well as to explore different textures, qualities, and possibilities of movement. We will tap into the felt experience and find ways to follow our own sensation in the moment. We will gain choreographic tools and practice sharing our own stories through our choreographic choices. Dancers are required to wear a solid colored leotard or tank & black leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
CONTEMPORARY 3 w/ Molly
This contemporary class will offer a warm up that is based on sinking into the body, becoming aware of our bodies structure and posture, and working from the inside out, which will allow for movement that comes from not just the superficial body but from a deeper place. We will work on connecting to momentum, release and empowered choice making that comes from our own bodies wisdom. There will be technique in the center, an exploration of texture, sensation, and new pathways of movement through improvisation, and the class will end with choreography that will really challenge the dancer to reach their full range of motion, power and conviction in their dancing. Dancers are required to wear a solid colored leotard or tank & black leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
CONTEMPORARY Phrasework 4 w/ Madi
CONTEMPORARY 4 w/ Molly
This class will be for the more experienced dancer and a further exploration into finding momentum in movement, opening up to our 3-dimensional bodies, floor-work, inversions, and the interplay between using muscle and finding softness in our dancing. We will utilize improvisation to discover our own voice and creative force from within as well as to explore different textures, qualities, and possibilities of movement. We will move into more choice based movement where we will get out of our patterns and habitual ways of moving. We will tap into the felt experience and find ways to follow our own sensation in the moment. We will continue to utilize our choreographic tools and explore ways in which we can integrate all the things we’ve done in class so far to create full bodied, self expressive, and thoughtful dances. Dancers are required to wear a solid colored leotard or tank & black leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
CONTEMPORARY Phrasework 5 w/ Madi
CONTEMPORARY Techniques 5 w/ Nathan
The Contemporary Techniques class will offer various movement tools, concepts, and choreography to help dancers feel more physically and mentally prepared to perform and create within the ever-expanding vocabulary of contemporary dance. From sensory exploration to floor work and tricks this class will break down complex skills through practical application; allowing dancers to expand their movement vocabulary and style of expression.
CONTEMPORARY 5 w/ Molly
This is the most advanced level contemporary class for the experienced and pre-professional dancer. We will use movement, breath and imagery to arrive in the space, into sensation and availability of our bodies. We will find ways to utilize our whole bodies through technique phrases in the center and improvisation. There will be more of an emphasis on improvisational scores where the dancer will work on their listening body, confident choice making, authentic and conscious movement, and exploring ways to connect from a distance. We will tap into the felt experience and find ways to follow our own sensation in the moment. The movement phrases will be advanced and rigorous as we will continue to build on our skills of momentum, floor work, inversions, and full bodied movement as well as the intuitive body where the dancer can move away from the idea of right and wrong and move into the idea of meeting each moment exactly where they are so they can feel what they are doing and let that shine through. We will continue to utilize our choreographic tools and explore ways in which we can integrate all the things we’ve done in class so far to create full bodied, self expressive, meaningful and thoughtful dances. Dancers are required to wear a solid colored leotard or tank & black leggings, bare feet/hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
BALLET 1 w/ Mercedes
This class is suitable for beginners and will cover the fundamentals of classical ballet technique. Ballet stories and music will inspire our dancers along with time for some creative movement play. The importance of strength, flexibility, rhythm, musicality, and memorization will be practiced. The basics of performing will be introduced and dancers will get to show what they’ve been working on in class with much excitement!
(Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and wear warm clothing over your uniform.)
Click HERE to view some suggestions for Ballet dress code.
BALLET 2A w/ Mercedes
For children that wish to enjoy what ballet has to offer! We will be working on healthy body alignment, strength/flexibility, musicality and memorization. Dancers will start at the barre for warm up, do center and traveling exercises. We will practice the basics plus glissade, sous-sus, echape jumps to second and back to fifth, entrechat-quatre, pas de chat, pique turns, chaines, saute in first arabesque position, changement, promenade in first arabesque, turn from fifth position, bouree across the floor with pas de bouree in between, arm movements through low first to middle and up high. We will devote some time in classes to watch video clips of spectacular ballet stories, dancers and music to aid in inspiration. Dancers should arrive to class on time with their hair up in a tight bun (or a ponytail if hair is short), ready to learn. Dancers should wear a solid colored leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slippers. If your child does not follow the dress code they might be asked to sit out, unable to participate in class time.
Click HERE to view some suggestions for Ballet dress code.
Ballet 2B w/ Mercedes
For children looking to enjoy the art of Ballet! We will be working on healthy body alignment, strength/flexibility, musicality and memorization. Dancers will start at the barre for warm up, center and traveling do center and traveling exercises. We will get to work on glissade, sous-sus, echape jumps to second and back to fifth, entrechat-quatre, pas de chat, pique turns, chaines, saute in first arabesque position, changement en tournant, promenade in first arabesque, turn from fifth position, bourree across the floor with pas de bourree in between, arm movements through low first to middle and up high. We will devote some time in classes to watch video clips of spectacular ballet stories, dancers and music to aid in inspiration. Dancers should arrive to class on time with their hair up in a tight bun (or a ponytail if hair is short), ready to learn. Dancers should wear a solid colored leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slippers. If your child does not follow the dress code they might be asked to sit out, unable to participate in class time.
Click HERE to view some suggestions for Ballet dress code.
BALLET 3 w/ Alex
For dancers ready to explore the intricacies of Ballet technique and the artistry of Ballet. This class will work at a faster pace than the previous level and dancer etiquette is required at the highest level. We will work more on glissade, sous-sus, echappe jumps to second and back to fifth, entrechat-quatre, pas de chat, pas de bouree en tournament, sissonne, sauté in first arabesque position, transition steps, promenade in first arabesque, turn from fifth position, bourrée, arm movements through low first to middle and up high, plus an understanding of first, second and third arabesque arm lines, waltz en tournament. Girls should wear a black leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slippers, hair up in a tight bun (or a ponytail if hair is short). Boys should wear a white shirt, black leggings, and black ballet slippers. If a dancer does not follow the dress code they will not be able to participate in class time.
POINTE 3 w/ Alex
Pre-pointe students will work to build strength and proper foundational technique for pointe work. We will develop the strength, balance, and flexibility necessary to safely go en pointe. There will be barre exercises including relevé, elevé, échappé, passé and more. Dancers should always come to class on time with hair in a bun, wearing pink tights, black leotard, and pointe shoes.
BALLET 4 w/ Casey
Emphasis will be placed on strengthening the center of the body in preparation for beginning pointe work. Class exercises will be practiced with performance skills in mind at all times. Dancers must have a strong knowledge of Ballet vocabulary, technique, and placement. Combinations will be learned quickly and executed at performance levels. Selected students will begin pointe work at the recommendation of the instructor. Students are expected to take all classes at their level. Girls should wear a black leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slippers, hair up in a tight bun (or a ponytail if hair is short). Boys should wear a white shirt, black leggings, and black ballet slippers. If a dancer does not follow the dress code they will not be able to participate in class time.
POINTE 4 & 5 w/ Casey
*Enrollment in this class is subject to instructor’s approval
Requirements for Pointe:
- Consecutively taking Ballet for 3 years
- Has taken Pre Pointe
- Takes Ballet seriously
HIP HOP 1/2 w/ Ryan
Welcome to a world of self expression! Unleash it by expressing all that you are in the cypher. Learn the art of Hip Hop skills and techniques. We will be developing strong, sharp movements mixed with technique and flow from Hip Hop culture. This class will focus on your growth as an artist with interactive choreography mixed with freestyle and battle tactics. Dancers should wear shirt/tank top & sweatpants/ clean sneakers.
HIP HOP 3 w/ Ryan
Welcome to a world of self expression! Unleash it by expressing all that you are in the cypher. Upgrade your Hip Hop skills and techniques to the next level. We will be developing strong, sharp movements mixed with technique and flow from Hip Hop culture. This class will focus on your growth as an artist with interactive choreography mixed with freestyle and battle tactics, and learning choreography. Dancers should wear shirt/tank top & sweatpants/ clean sneakers.
Teen Hip Hop w/ Anya
JAZZ 1 w/ Chloe
We will cover the basics of Jazz technique. Step touches, step kicks, 3 step turns, boogies, and pivots are just some of the curriculum steps. Simple turns and battement kicks will be added as well as center combos. Choreography will be taught each week, leading up to a final dance combination that students will have a lot of time to practice. The choreography will include Jazz technique and curriculum, but will also encourage students to add their own groove and flare. Timing, rhythm and the 8 count will be focused on. Dancers are required to wear solid colored leotards & black leggings, jazz shoes (preferably black) / hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
Basic Vocab: Isolations, parallel positioning, flexibility (jazz splits and splits all sides) jazz squares, pas de bourrees, chasses with correct arm placement, grande battements, passes, jazz pirouette.
JAZZ 2 w/ Chloe
We will continue to add on the foundations of Jazz. Stretching, pirouettes, jumps and high kicks will be incorporated. More combinations in center floor will help students utilize spatial awareness and choreography memorization. Jazz 2 will continue to build upon the basics, making sure students can perform variations of steps. Dancers are required to wear solid colored leotards & black leggings, jazz shoes (preferably black) / hair tightly pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
Micha Scott
ArtistiC Director/Modern
Micha Scott has performed on stages around the world as a 13-year senior member of the renowned Garth Fagan Dance. Ms. Scott was a teacher at the Garth Fagan Dance School in Rochester, NY, and has taught master classes and workshops for the company worldwide. While in the company she performed leading roles in many of Mr. Fagan’s works, including ‘From Before’, ‘Collage For Romie’, ‘Transition/Translation’ and the seminal collaboration with trumpeter / composer Wynton Marsalis, ‘Griot New York’. She has been featured in Essence, Time Magazine, and Dance Magazine, and as a soloist in the PBS televised series Dance In America.
Ms. Scott currently lives in Santa Cruz, CA and is deeply involved in the dance community there. She is Artistic Director at Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center (since 2011), resident choreographer at Mountain School (since 2008), she is a lead teacher in Tandy Beal’s in-school residency dance program ArtSmart (since 2016), and a dance instructor at Dancenter (since 2008). Over the past 11 years she has also taught at Motion Pacific, Steps, No Limits, International Academy of Dance, Kirby School, Mount Madonna School, Monterey High School, Seaside High School, Cabrillo College, and has held the position of lecturer in dance at Santa Clara University (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015), the University of California at Santa Cruz (2012), and at the State University of New York at Brockport (2000). She has showcased her choreography in a family show titled ‘MICHA SCOTT DANCES’ and is Artistic Director of Empire Dance Company.
