Creative Dance: 3rd-4th Grade

Tanner Dance classes for upper elementary students focus on training the body as an instrument, the introduction of the elements of dance:  space, time and energy, and self-expression through the exploration of creative ideas through movement.  The class includes technique or exercises for the whole body which build strength, flexibility, endurance, agility, balance and grace.  Dancers work at the barre and learn basic ballet and modern dance vocabulary throughout the class.  Dancers learn to do basic jumps, leaps and turns and explore shape and space, rhythm, both metric and breath, and qualities of movement as they improvise and create dances.  Teachers are aware that some dancers are preparing to audition for junior high dance companies and will work to prepare dancers for the audition process.  All classes have live accompaniment by experienced and engaging musicians.  Dancers attend classes alone but parents are invited to watch on the first day of class, during parent participation and observation at the end of the semester.  All students perform at Kingsbury Hall in a year-end performance. Tanner Dance classes for upper elementary students focus on training the body as an instrument, the introduction of the elements of dance:  space, time and energy, and self-expression through the exploration of creative ideas through movement.