Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts

Adults

(Ages 18 and up)

The adult program includes classes for those who would like to start dancing and those who are continuing or returning to their love of dance.  Classes include fun, fitness, and friendship while learning and improving dance technique. Adults may choose to participate intermittently, continuously and may perform in performances. Click to view current Summer and Fall schedules.

  • Ballet: Classical ballet based on the Vagonova (Russian) technique. Correct form, placement, alignment and proper execution are all emphasized. Students dancing on pointe must attend at least two ballet classes per week. Pointe candidates must be evaluated by your ballet teacher in reference to pointe readiness. Level 2 Ballet class should be accessed by recommendation or evaluation only.
  • Hip Hop: The kids have their class…and now you have yours.  Using both current and old school hip hop influences, street dance styles are explored, combined and put into fun routines.  Previous experience is helpful, but not necessary.
  • Jazz: Jazz is an American art form where classic styles through contemporary styles of today will be taught.  For the beginning student emphasis will be placed on technique and proper placement.  For the more advanced student leaps, turns, musicality, and endurance will be developed giving focus to proper technique and form for a good foundation.
  • Lyrical: This style rooted in a combination of jazz, modern and ballet technique, challenges dancers to use stylized movement to interpret music, lyrics and express emotion. This class develops dancers’ ability to fluidly connect movement and grow in expressiveness while dancing in strength, skill and high execution. Movements are able to be modified to accommodate dancers’ skill level. Previous movement/dance experience is strongly recommended.
  • Strength and Flexibility: This class uses floor-based exercises, deep stretches and repetition to build strong muscles and increase flexibility. The weekly session provides dancers a brief warm up before digging in. Dancers may move at their own pace as exercises can be modified by skill or ability. It is recommended that this class be taken with a technique class where results can be utilized.
  • Tap: Tap is an expression of feet and mind.  Timing and rhythm will be developed through classic and rhythmic tap style. Our program starts with strong foot and ankle development and builds to complex phrasing and syncopation.
  • West African Dance: This studio offering is designed to explore the aesthetic, movement, music and rituals found in African Dance forms. Includes live drumming, and an appreciation for historical and cultural contexts.