A Fine Dance Studio (AFDS) believes strongly in being a well-rounded dancer/performer. To accomplish this goal, combination classes are available for all levels and typically are 1 hour (ages 2.5-7) to 1.5 hours (ages 7.5+). A Combination class will begin with a warm up, center stretch and ballet position and barre work, followed by progressions across the floor working on level appropriate fundamentals and combinations/variations. Following choreography, younger dancers will participate in organized and fun basic acrobatic tumbling. Older dancers will spend more time on advanced choreography. The last part of class will be tap exercises and across the floor practice. Younger dancers may be rewarded each class with a 2 minute Disco Party where they will cool down and practice their recently acquired moves. Disco Parties are a privilege earned by good behavior and respect for one another and all teachers strive to offer this reward.

AFDS teaches a combination of contemporary and classical ballet; blending the influences from traditional technique, structure and form while permitting a range of movement that does not always adhere to strict body lines and classical music. Ballet is, and always will be, the backbone of all successful movement. It should be taken seriously by all levels of dancers wishing to excel in all forms of movement and sports.

Beginner tap dancers will experience fun, creativity and percussion while learning to make music with their feet from the strategically placed metal plates on their shoes. Beginner level tappers will be exposed to the best tap dance moves from the 30s, 40s and 50s beginning with Vaudeville through cinema television and Broadway. Intermediate & Advanced tap dancers will begin to master the concept of syncopation; while working towards fluid improvisation and mastering faster choreographic phrases. Depending upon the students and teacher, tap class will be done with music and follow the beats provided or without musical accompaniment, otherwise known as dancing ‘a cappella’.

Jazz dance has evolved on Broadway into a new, smooth style that is taught today and known through the dance world as Modern Jazz, a style that is varied in music, shape, language and form. Jazz dancers will consistently be encouraged to work on their flexibility and conditioning, in center and across the floor. Beginner choreography will include the use of pivots, isolations, battements, jetes and other fundamental ballet concepts to upbeat and fun music. Typically Intermediate level Jazz dance will use Broadway favorites and other musical theater themes/music. Jazz is the beginning step towards higher level and more intricate forms of Jazz/Pop and Hip Hop/R&B style dancing.

Younger dancers often refer to Hannah Montana as “Hip Hop”. AFDS feels that this music and movement is truly Jazz/Pop. At AFDS it is of the utmost importance to us that children remain age appropriate in style and form, we will not allow dancers younger than 9 to enroll in a straight Hip Hop/R&B program, but this a great way to increase the activity level and interest of a young high energy passionate younger dancer. This class also encourages dancers to work on placement and posture through learning fundamentals in a fun and exciting atmosphere.

AFDS supports self expression and dramatics in older more experienced dancers. It is important that parents understand that true Hip Hop classes will have lyrics and movement that are considered to be suggestive. Each teacher, class and song will inspire different choreography. Hip Hop can be girly and fun all the way to dark, urban and raw. We are very clear and encourage our dancers to maintain self-respect and their own identity regardless of what the music or movement is telling them to do. We believe that through our positive environment and influence opening the doors of communication can bridge the uncomfortable gap that children feel in society today. Hip Hop often helps dancers to come out of their shell and gain the confidence necessary to stand up for what they believe in. Hip Hop is challenging, inspirational and a fantastic form of exercise.

Dance, Cheerleading and Gymnastics join forces to attempt difficult feats of balance, agility and motor coordination, mixed with choreography in varied forms of dance. Students will work daily on their strength and flexibility in a safe and controlled atmosphere. As an acrobatics student progresses to more difficult tricks he/she will always be spotted by professional instructors. Mats and other equipment will beds used to ensure the safe progression of each dancer.

AFDS twirlers will work on the manipulation of a balanced metal rod with the hands and body to coordinated routines while maintaining the same strength, control and confidence they learn in dance and acrobatics classes. Intermediate and Advanced twirlers will be required to master the handling of the baton to create visual images, pictures and patterns, executed with dexterity, smoothness, fluidity, and speed, both close in and around the body by releasing the baton into the air and catching it.

A fusion of emotion, structure, creativity and originality. It is a dancer's movements that attempt to show the meaning behind the music; typically a very passionate and emotional dance style that portrays feelings from love to loss. Choreography is often emotional, gripping, and exquisitely delicate, all at the same time. It is a combination of intricate, highly technical, and pedestrian/naturalistic moves. Sadness and anger are often emotions seen in lyrical and contemporary dance. Although, when the routine is joyful or peaceful, dancers use lighter, more flowing movements. A solid, ballet-based education is an essential component of this advanced style of dance.

AFDS b-boys and b-girls are encouraged to commit to a strengthening routine. Breaking is very difficult and dancers/athletes will only succeed if they are committed to increasing their physical strength. The basic elements that form the foundation of break dance are “top rock” (dancing steps in the standing position), “down-rock” (footwork on the floor such as 6-step), “power moves” (windmills, swipe, flares, etc), and “freezes” (stylish poses meant to draw attention to the end of a routine).

An amazing dance workout that mixes body sculpting movements with dance steps derived from cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip hop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and calypsoand Salsa. The routines feature aerobic interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms. It targets areas such as the glutes, legs, arms, abdominals, and the heart. A Zumba class is typically not formal in that instructors often add on their own music choices and choreography to make their class presentation locally unique.