Creative Dance Program
Our Creative Dance program is designed to offer age-appropriate, engaging, and achievable classes. To ensure success, please review the criteria below to determine if your child is ready for Smash’s dance program.
General Criteria for Enrollment
Age: Must fit age requirements for class.
Interest: Eager to move, dance, and explore ideas with movement expression.
Separation: Can briefly separate from parent/caregiver.
Independence: Can leave comfort items that can be retrieved after class.
Confidence: Ready to make new friends and try new spaces.
Bathroom Skills: Must be able to use the bathroom independently including dressing in dance clothing. If not, a parent must stay during class to assist with these needs.
Classes
Creative Dance 1
Ages 2.5- 4
Creative Dance 1 is for 2.5 – 4 year olds, this includes 3 year olds that are turning 4 during the season. Dancers must be 2.5 years old and meet criteria to sign up by the class start date.
For children who turn 2.5 later in the year, we offer a ½-year class starting in January. This ensures a fresh start for younger dancers instead of joining an ongoing class with established routines.
Skills Focus:
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Class participation (sitting, raising hands, following directions)
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First position arms (fishbowl), ballet runs on the balls of the feet
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High knee marches, jumping with feet together, and basic leaps
Progression: Dancers will remain in Creative Dance 1 for two years before advancing to Creative Dance 2 at age 4.
Creative Dance 2
Ages 4-5
Creative Dance 2 is for 4 year olds that are turning 5 during the season (Pre Schoolers).
Creative Dance 2 builds on skills from Creative Dance 1 but does not have prerequisites. This class continues developing coordination, balance, and basic ballet techniques.
Skills Focus:
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Skipping, galloping (switching feet), ballet walks
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Basic ballet exercises (Tendu, Plie, First and Second position)
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Simple leaps, and moving in lines.
Additional Class Offerings:
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Dance Acro Pre 2
Pre Ballet
Ages 5-6
Pre Ballet is for 5 year olds that are turning 6 during the season (Kindergarteners).
Pre Ballet prepares students for our level 1 curriculum while continuing use of imagery and exploration to teach movement concepts. Dancers should be able to follow directions, skip with proper weight transfer, and perform a leap.
Skills Focus:
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Spacial awareness, musicality, and body awareness
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5 Ballet Positions and Ballet steps: Plie, Tendu, Releve, Retire, Arabesque
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Movement expression, performance, pony trots, ballet walks, and balances
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Consecutive leaps and basic partner work
Additional Class Offerings:
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Dance Acro Pre 3