Class Descriptions
Boogie Babies 2-3 years old
Attire
Leotard and tights of any color. Dancers can wear skirts and tutus as long as they are not distracting.
Shoes
Pink leather Ballet Shoes
Black strap tap shoes, if your tap shoes tie make sure that you replace the ties with black elastic.
Expectations
This class is 45 minuets of Tap, Ballet and Tumbling. Since the children are so young there is a lot of creative play involved. Children may have separation anxiety; the best way to deal with this is to have your child watch through the viewing window until she or he is ready to participate. Please do not bring children in the dance room crying, this is upsetting to the other children. It is distracting to dancers when parents are in the room and the teacher needs to be established as the authority figure, so all parents must view class from the viewing window. Our goals for the dancers are to be able to stand in one spot for a short amount of time, remember a short song and follow basic dance movement
Recital
These young dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a short ballet number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $60.00 due in January.
In December we also produce a small Holiday program that all the dancers under the age of 7 participate in. Performances are fun and exciting for children. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Boogie Babies 3-5 Years Level 1
Attire
Leotard and tights of any color. Dancers can wear skirts and tutus as long as they are not distracting.
Shoes
Pink leather Ballet Shoes
Black strap tap shoes, if your tap shoes tie make sure that you replace the ties with black elastic.
Expectations
This class is 1 hour of Tap, Ballet and Tumbling, with a little creative play. Children are expected to be comfortable away from parents although there may still be some separation anxiety; the best way to deal with this is to have your child watch through the viewing window until she or he is ready to participate. Please do not bring children in the dance room crying, this is upsetting to the other children. It is distracting to dancers when parents are in the room and the teacher needs to be established as the authority figure, so all parents must view class from the viewing window. Dancers should already be able to stay in one place for a short time and focus attention to complete tasks. Our goals for the dancers are to remember a sequence of basic choreography and to cultivate a love of music and dance.
Recital
These young dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a short Ballet or Tap number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $60.00 due in January.
In December we also produce a small Holiday program that all the dancers under the age of 7 participate in. Performances are fun and exciting for children. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Boogie Babies 3-5 Years Level 2
Attire
Leotard and tights of any color. Dancers can wear skirts and tutus as long as they are not distracting.
Shoes
Pink leather Ballet Shoes
Black strap tap shoes, if your tap shoes tie make sure that you replace the ties with black elastic.
Expectations
This class is 1 hour of Tap and Ballet; we will occasionally do tumbling. To enroll in a level 2 the dancer must have 1 year of previous Boogie Babies class or equivalent. Children are expected to be comfortable away from parents. It is distracting to dancers when parents are in the room and the teacher needs to be established as the authority figure, so all parents must view class from the viewing window. Dancers should already be able to stay in one place for longer periods of time and focus attention to complete multiple tasks. Our goals for the dancers are to remember and master a sequence of more complex choreography and to cultivate a love of music and dance.
Recital
These young dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a short Ballet or Tap number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $60.00 due in January.
In December we also produce a small Holiday program that all the dancers under the age of 7 participate in. Performances are fun and exciting for children. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Pre-Jazz
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans or skirts. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
Black split sole jazz shoes, slip on bootie style is preferred but tie style is acceptable.
Expectations
This class is 45 minuets of Jazz; we incorporate basic Ballet but dancers are encouraged to take a Boogie Babies class in addition to Pre-Jazz. Children are expected to be comfortable away from parents. It is distracting to dancers when parents are in the room and the teacher needs to be established as the authority figure, so all parents must view class from the viewing window. Dancers are expected to focus attention for the duration of the class and to follow directions well. Our goals for the dancers are to remember and master a sequence of basic technique and to remember their choreography. Dancers are expected to practice their technique and choreography at home. As always our main goal is to build self-esteem and cultivate a love of music and dance.
Recital
Dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a Jazz number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $60.00 due in January.
In December we also produce a small Holiday program that all the dancers under the age of 7 participate in. Performances are fun and exciting for children. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Combo Level 1
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans or skirts. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
Black split sole jazz shoes, slip on bootie style is preferred but tie style is acceptable.
Black oxford style tap shoes is preferred, if tap shoes are the black paten tie style make sure that you replace the ties with black elastic.
Expectations
This class is 1 hour of Tap and Jazz; we incorporate basic Ballet movements in the Jazz section. Children are expected to be comfortable away from parents. It is distracting to dancers when parents are in the room and the teacher needs to be established as the authority figure, so all parents must view class from the viewing window. Dancers are expected to focus attention for the duration of the class and to follow directions well. Our goals for the dancers are to remember and master a sequence of basic technique and to remember their choreography. Dancers are expected to practice their technique and choreography at home. As always our main goal is to build self-esteem and cultivate a love of music and dance.
Recital
Dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a Jazz and Tap number. They will need a “2-in-1” costume; costume cost is $70.00 due in January.
In December we also produce a small Holiday program that all the dancers under the age of 7 participate in. Performances are fun and exciting for children. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Combo Level 2
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans or skirts. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
Black split sole jazz shoes, slip on bootie style is preferred but tie style is acceptable.
Black oxford style tap shoes is preferred, if tap shoes are the black paten tie style make sure that you replace the ties with black elastic.
Expectations
Dancers must have completed at least one year of Combo Level 1 or equivalent before advancing to Level 1This class is 1 hour of Tap and Jazz; we incorporate basic Ballet movements in the Jazz section. Children are expected to be comfortable away from parents. It is distracting to dancers when parents are in the room and the teacher needs to be established as the authority figure, so all parents must view class from the viewing window. Dancers are expected to focus attention for the duration of the class and to follow directions well. Our goals for the dancers are to remember and master a sequence of more advanced technique and to remember their choreography. Dancers are expected to practice their technique and choreography at home. As always our main goal is to build self-esteem and cultivate a love of music and dance.
Recital
Dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a Jazz and Tap number. They will need a “2-in-1” costume; costume cost is $70.00 due in January.
In December we also produce a small Holiday program that all the dancers under the age of 7 participate in. Performances are fun and exciting for children. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Ballet Program
Pre-Ballet – Ballet 5, Pre-Pointe and Pointe Classes
Attire
Pink tights, black leotard, hair in bun. Black ballet skirt, leg warmers and ballet sweaters are all acceptable but the instructor may ask for them to be removed.
Shoes
Pink split sole ballet shoes
Expectations
Classes run from 45 minuets to 1.5 hours. At ECPAC we have a traditional ballet program, following the Cecchetti . Dancers will experience both classical and contemporary styles, from basic to advanced techniques. Once a ballet student enters the second level it is highly recommended that she take ballet at least twice a week. The class consists of barre work, progressions across the floor, center floor work and choreography. Since dancers will be doing moderate to strenuous physical conditioning and intermediate to advanced stretching they may be sore a day or two after class. Once a dancer reaches 11 years old she will be evaluated to see if she is ready for pointe shoes. Please see the Pointe Program Information Sheet for more information on pointe training and what to expect. Dancers may spend more than one year in the same level. As teachers our goal is to give the students all the tools necessary to advance to the next level, although as a dancer progresses the level advancement may be slower. As always our main goal is to increase self esteem and cultivate a lifetime love for dance and physical fitness.
Recital
Dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a Ballet number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $70.00 due in January.
We also house the Brentwood Children’s Ballet Theater, which performs an annual Nutcracker in December, www.brentwoodballet.org.
Performances are fun and exciting for children and an integral part of their dance education. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Hip Hop classes
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans, skirts, or oversized pajama pants. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
Black split sole jazz shoes or black hip hop shoes.
Expectations
Dancers will be exploring basic Hip Hop techniques. Basic jazz movements are incorporated and enrolling in an additional Jazz class is encouraged. The class consists of a warm-up, progressions across the floor and choreography. Since dancers will be doing physical conditioning and stretching they may be sore a day or two after class. In order to advance, dancers must practice at home. As teachers our goal is to give the students all the tools necessary to advance to the next level, as always out main goal is to increase self esteem and cultivate a love for dance and physical fitness.
Recital
Dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a Hip Hop number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $70.00 due in January.
Performances are fun and exciting for children and an integral part of their dance education. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Modern
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans or skirts. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
Dance Paws, bare feet or jazz shoes.
Expectations
Dancers will be exploring more basic to advanced jazz, ballet, modern and isometric lyrical techniques. Although ballet and jazz techniques are incorporated the dancer should be enrolled in a ballet and/or jazz class. To enroll in the advanced level dancers must have an extensive ballet background. The class consists of a warm-up, progressions across the floor and choreography. Since dancers will be doing moderate to strenuous physical conditioning and intermediate to advanced stretching they may be sore a day or two after class. Dancers may spend more than one year in the same level. As teachers our goal is to give the students all the tools necessary to advance to the next level, although as a dancer progresses the level advancement may be slower. As always our main goal is to increase self esteem and cultivate a lifetime love for dance and physical fitness.
Recital
Dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a Modern/Lyrical number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $70.00 due in January.
Performances are fun and exciting for children and an integral part of their dance education. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Tap level 1
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans or skirts. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
Black oxford style lace up tap shoes.
Expectations
Dancers will be exploring basic tap techniques. The class consists of a warm-up, progressions across the floor and choreography. Since dancers will be doing physical conditioning they may be sore a day or two after class. In order to advance, dancers must practice at home. As teachers our goal is to give the students all the tools necessary to advance to the next level, as always out main goal is to increase self-esteem and cultivate a love for dance and physical fitness.
Recital
Dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a tap number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $70.00 due in January.
Performances are fun and exciting for children and an integral part of their dance education. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Tap level 2-4
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans or skirts. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
Black split sole tap shoes.
Expectations
Dancers will be exploring more advanced tap techniques. The advanced tap dancer should be taking a ballet or jazz class. Ballet is integral to a dancer’s advancement and is highly recommended. The class consists of a warm-up, progressions across the floor and choreography. Since dancers will be doing physical conditioning they may be sore a day or two after class. Dancers may spend more than one year in the same level. As teachers our goal is to give the students all the tools necessary to advance to the next level, although as a dancer progresses the level advancement may be slower. Dancers are expected to practice at home. The more they practice they more quickly they will advance. As always our main goal is to increase self-esteem and cultivate a lifetime love for dance and physical fitness.
Recital
Dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a Tap number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $70.00 due in January.
Performances are fun and exciting for children and an integral part of their dance education. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Jazz level 1
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans or skirts. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
Black split sole jazz shoes, slip on bootie style is preferred but tie style is acceptable.
Expectations
Dancers will be exploring basic jazz techniques. Basic Ballet movements are incorporated. The class consists of a warm-up, progressions across the floor and choreography. Since dancers will be doing physical conditioning and stretching they may be sore a day or two after class. In order to advance, dancers must practice at home. As teachers our goal is to give the students all the tools necessary to advance to the next level, as always out main goal is to increase self esteem and cultivate a love for dance and physical fitness.
Recital
Dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a Jazz number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $70.00 due in January.
Performances are fun and exciting for children and an integral part of their dance education. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Jazz level 2-4
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans or skirts. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
Black split sole jazz bootie.
Expectations
Dancers will be exploring more advanced jazz techniques. Although ballet technique is incorporated the dancer should be taking a ballet class. Ballet is integral to a dancer’s advancement and is highly recommended. The class consists of a warm-up, progressions across the floor and choreography. Since dancers will be doing strenuous physical conditioning and advanced stretching they may be sore a day or two after class. Dancers may spend more than one year in the same level. As teachers our goal is to give the students all the tools necessary to advance to the next level, although as a dancer progresses the level advancement may be slower. As always our main goal is to increase self esteem and cultivate a lifetime love for dance and physical fitness.
Recital
Dancers will participate in the year end show; they will do a Jazz number. They will need a costume; costume cost is $70.00 due in January.
Performances are fun and exciting for children and an integral part of their dance education. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
Technique classes level 1-4
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans or skirts. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
See advanced level class descriptions
Expectations
Dancers will be working on technique required for their craft. Dancers must have at least one or two years in a class before venturing into the corresponding technique class. It is recommended that a student use a technique class as an additional class in their dance education, not a sole training class. Once a dancer begins to advance Ballet classes are highly recommended. Classes consist of warm-up across the floor progressions and combination work. The class may or may not work on choreography for showcase.
Recital
Technique classes do not always participate in the recital. Since the main aim of technique classes is to hone a dancer’s technical skills, choreography does not always fit into the teachers plan or the class time line. If a technique class does perform in the recital their will not be a costume ordered, it will be the responsibility of the teacher and the students to come up with a costume plan. (For example: all the Tap Tech classes are doing a large disco themed production. The dancers are responsible to find their own disco themed costume.)
Dance For Cheer Classes
Attire
Any dance wear that is conducive to movement. No jeans or skirts. Hair must be pulled back.
Shoes
Black split sole jazz shoes, slip on bootie style is preferred but tie style is acceptable.
Expectations
Dancers will be focusing on Jazz and Hip Hop movements used in Cheerleading. Some techniques that will be explored are use of poms, strong movement, synchronicity, flexibility and performance personality.
Recital
Dancers will be performing a Pom routine in the recital. They will need a costume; costume cost is $70.00 due in January.
Performances are fun and exciting for children and an integral part of their dance education. It gives dancers a chance to showcase all their efforts and helps build a sense of pride. We encourage all dancers to participate but it is not required.
WHY NOT "MOMMY AND ME" CLASSES?
“Mommy and Me” classes are a wonderful bonding experience for children younger than 2 years old. However, after this age, research shows that it is important to let toddlers explore their surroundings without mommy and daddy. This is not easy since at this age most children are not comfortable when their parents leave them. A child at this age may worry that the parent who leaves may never come back. This is due to a child not yet understanding the concept of time. Putting them in a short (45 min) program can be a great first stepping stone for your child’s successful transition into pre-school or similar environment. Younger classes starting at 2 years of age encourage toddler independence, which is why our school’s curriculum does not encourage parent participation, or attendance in the classroom (we do allow parents to sit in the first part of the initial class.) Independence develops in a child by offering the combination of two conditions; a balance between freedom and security. Our studios offer observation windows perfect for a child to see the loved ones watching while they get to participate in their own special activity.
Some good tips for your toddler’s success:
- It is important that your little dancer comes to class NOT tired or hungry, or your child will be more likely to cry for external reasons.
- We welcome transitional objects (such as a favorite stuffed animal) in class. We can integrate them into the class lesson plan and the child can use it for comfort while you are not in the same room.
- Also keep in mind that children have their own pace at which they become ready for a classroom environment. Our trained teachers will let you know if your toddler should wait to start class, based on his or her natural participation in class. This is very common and we have found great success in starting a child at the RIGHT time. The students who are not quite ready for class come back in a couple of months with a successful dance experience. At such a young age, every month makes such a big difference. So please don’t take it the wrong way if we tell you your child may not be ready. Our school truly wants what is best for your child’s dance experience. After all timing is everything!!
East County