Dance Division Class Descriptions

Creative Movement:  Three and a half year-old students spend 30 minutes at pantomime with props and scarves. Elements of motion are introduced as students use imagination moving through space by forces of nature. Pre-Ballet/Tap A:  For four year old boys and girls. Students explore the art of movement through imaginative activities using props. Rudiments of dance through counting music beats and using various muscle groups to achieve basic elements of dance are taught through structured games and pantomime. Students have the opportunity to express their imagination individually and with the group. Pre-Ballet/Tap B:  For five year old boys and girls. At this level, participants will begin to apply concepts explored in level A, such as dancing in unison and using right vs. left limbs on cue. Students sometimes use rhythm and musical instruments. Ballet C:  Designed for students in first grade, this class meets for 30 minutes per week and introduces participants to elementary ballet steps and positions, using ballet terminology and classical structure to transition students from pre-ballet to the first level of the classical curriculum. Most students in Ballet C also take tap, which enhances ability to interpret music and isolate muscles. Ballet I:  Second graders work at the barre for about 20 minutes per lesson, followed by a centre floor application of technique. Ballet I meets for 30 minutes once a week and many of the participants also take tap class. Ballet II:  A mix of ages from 8 to 10, ballet II is a one-hour class of gradually increasing structure beginning with barre work followed by centre floor, with ballet terminology. Ballet II students are encouraged to attend Saturday technique class. Ballet III:  For advancing fifth graders through high school freshmen, ballet III is an intermediate/advanced class meeting twice per week for 60 minutes each class. Most students in ballet III also attend the Saturday morning technique class. Pointe work is introduced the latter part of the first year of ballet III, and for this advancement a strong physical regimen is emphasized. Ballet IV:  For advanced eighth graders through high school sophomore year. Physically challenging, ballet IV is comprised of pointe and variation study. Students must commit to three weekly ballet classes at level III or above in conjunction with the ballet IV class. Ballet V:  High school juniors and seniors, ballet V is an application of the four prior levels of ballet instruction. Pointe, variation, and partnering is studied in depth. Students are encouraged to attend class daily, but must commit to four weekly classes to be in level V. Ballet VI:  College students who have completed an intensive ballet curriculum and are mastering their skills and maintaining physical fitness are ready to join ballet VI. Although these students are encouraged to come to class daily, no minimum weekly commitment is required of college students. Ballet VII:  Level VII provides an opportunity for our teachers, advanced adults, former professional and degreed dancers to keep up their skills and fitness in an advanced yet non-commitment environment. Masonboro Repertory Ballet Company, Apprentice Company, and Masonboro Stars Hip Hop Company:  Company auditions require class and rehearsal commitments. Performing members may not be also involved in other ongoing activities such as sports, cheer leading, or jobs which may interfere with rehearsals. Celtic Character:  An appendage of the ballet program, this class blends Irish folk dance with a new-age flair. Students should be physically fit and are strongly urged to enroll in classical ballet as well. Dance Clinic:  New students above age 9 enroll in a six-week dance clinic which helps prepare the student for the requirements of the chosen classes and gives the instructor an idea of the students' interests. Tap:  Beginning with level A tap introduces rhythm and isolation of foot muscles to gradually advance and explore the history and genres of tap styles. Specific objectives of tap class are similar to those of the ballet curriculum. Rhythm/percussion/street tap (funk):  A street-style of tap dancing, funk tap is popular with boys and beginner students. Much of this dancing is performed a cappella or with rhythm instruments. Jazz/Hip hop:  Open to second graders and above, and ballet is highly recommended as a basis for the jazz technique. Classes explore styles including hip-hop (geared towards teens), musical theater (younger dancers through adult), and classical jazz (mostly older teens and adults). Clogging:  A mixture of novelty and mountain clogging for all ages enables the student to explore the many styles of this historic and fun form of dance, while keeping physically fit and aerobically challenged.

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Masonboro Arts
3600 S. College Road, Suite B
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 269-3064
fax: (910) 458-4459 or (214) 279-3064
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