Kinetics
School of Dance
Kinetics School of Dance offers a comprehensive dance education for students of all ages and abilities. With a focus on developing artistry alongside technique, our students receive instruction that is safe, attentive, and grounded in the highest pedagogical dance standards. It is our goal to create a space that welcomes every student from those looking for recreation to those in search of a rigorous training program
What makes our dance school unique? Curriculum, Care, and Community.
Kinetics Dance Theatre, School of Dance, admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs and other school-administered programs.
Classes for Ages 2-8
These classes introduce young children to movement and music in a creative environment. Each offering encourages creativity and individuality while gradually increasing the level of movement skill and structure with each level.
Creative Dance (Ages 3-4)
Creative Dance introduces children to the joy of moving while using stories and props to encourage the use of imagination.
Ballet Babies (Ages 4-6)
This class introduces simple ballet movements, and develops balance and self-control in a creative and nurturing environment.
Mini Movers (Ages 4-6)
Mini Movers is an introduction to simple modern dance movements and concepts. Dancers will explore different movement qualities while developing locomotor skills in a fun and imaginative setting.
Dance Fundamentals (Ages 5-6)
Students will develop knowledge of basic dance movements in two different dance techniques. These classes combine either Ballet and Modern or Jazz and Tap classes to offer dancers a chance to learn a variety of movement skills.
Parent and Child/Movement and Song (Ages 2-3)*
Encourage your child’s imagination as you explore creative dance using music, stories, props and movement with your child.
*Register through HCRP
These classes build skill and knowledge in a more focused setting. Pre-Level classes are open to students ages 6-8. No experience is required, however these classes are designed to develop skills and knowledge in each dance form, as well as develop sustained attention in a classroom setting.
Pre-Contemporary Modern (Ages 6-8)
This class introduces students to concepts and vocabulary of Modern dance in a process emphasizing exploration, creativity, and self-discovery.
Pre-Ballet (Ages 6-8)
Pre-ballet introduces students to beginning ballet positions, movement and traveling steps. This class places emphasis on fundamental ballet arm and leg positions and vocabulary.
Pre-Jazz (Ages 6-8)
This class introduces students to syncopated rhythmic patterns, isolated movement of the body and simple jazz traveling sequences.
Pre-Hip Hop (Ages 6-8)
Pre-Hip Hop introduces basic Hip Hop steps while encouraging individuality in a high-energy class. This class focuses on developing a sense of rhythm, strengthening basic techniques and encourages students to explore freestyle movement.
Pre-Tap (Ages 6-8)
This class introduces basic movement and rhythmic patterns in the tap dance vocabulary. Students will learn stationary and traveling movements which encourages the development of musicality and body control.
Classes for Ages 8-17
Kinetics offers Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Modern, Musical Theatre and Tap classes in a variety of levels. As students grow and progress they will continue to be introduced to new concepts and more complex skills. Returning students will be automatically pre-approved for the appropriate level for their needs. New students should email school@kineticsdance.org for level recommendations and a placement class.
Ballet (Levels 1-5)
Ballet is a dance form traditionally performed to classical music and employs formalized steps and gestures. Classical Ballet originated in Renaissance Italy and established its current forms during the 19th century. Ballet is characterized by light, graceful, fluid movements and builds strength, poise and flexibility.
Contemporary Modern (Levels 1-5)
Contemporary Modern explores Modern dance concepts through a contemporary lens. Students will learn elements of dance disseminated by Modern dance pioneers through a blending of styles/genres. Modern is a broad genre of western concert dance which stems from an initial departure from Classical Ballet techniques. Modern dance grew from German and American choreographers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with influence of non-western dance forms. Contemporary Modern utilizes the movement of the spine, floor work and physical expressivity through a multitude of movement qualities and concepts.
Hip Hop (Levels 1-4)
Hip hop dance refers to movement practices that evolved out of BIPOC culture in America during the 20th century. This class focuses on sharp movement dynamics, musicality, and full body expression while exploring the elements of various Hip Hop styles.
Jazz (Levels 1-5)
Jazz dance is a performative dance technique which first appeared in the United States in the early 20th century. All genres of Jazz dance were built on African and African American movement vernacular. Students will explore rhythm, musicality, performance qualities, as well as build strength, coordination, and increased flexibility.
Musical Theatre (Levels 1-2)
Kinetics’ Musical Theatre class primarily focuses on the dance styles/movements inspired by Broadway musicals from the 20th and 21st centuries. This class will also include acting and voice exercises to give students an opportunity to experience a theatrical component while enhancing their performance skills.
Open Classes (Ages 14+ & Adult)
Open Classes are offered in a variety of levels and dance genres. These classes serve teenagers and adults and do not perform in the Spring Showcase.
Pointe (Levels 1-2)
Pointe expands on ballet techniques and allows dancers to build strength to dance in pointe shoes. Pointe shoes are specially designed to allow dancers to support their body weight on the tips of the toes. Pointe is only recommended for dancers with extensive ballet training who can meet the physical demands of pointe-work. Kinetics offers Pointe to experienced ballet dancers of all genders.
Tap (Levels 1-4)
Tap dance originates from a fusion of various percussive folk dances from Africa and Europe. Tap utilizes rhythmic patterns using metal taps on the soles of the shoes as a form of expression. Dancers will gain enhanced musicality and balance in this class.
Dance Conditioning
This class is designed for dancers who are interested in learning more about anatomy and kinesiology as it relates to the dancing body. Dancers will improve their endurance, strength, and flexibility, while they learn how to move with efficiency and prevent injury.
Composition & Performance
Participants will create and then perform a brand new dance work comprising multiple sections (including solos, duets, trios and group work.) Students will learn skills in dance composition and put these skills to use in a hands-on class with a culminating performance! The final product will be included in The Kinetics School of Dance Spring Showcase.
Student Choreography
Students are guided through creating their own choreography which is staged on other Student Choreography participants and performed at the Spring Showcase. Pre-requisite: Approval after taking Composition & Performance.
While Kinetics does offer weekly classes throughout the year, KDT also offers the following:
- Scout Classes – Come earn your badges at Kinetics! We offer programs and activities for both Girl and Boy Scouts.
- Home School Lessons – Contact us if your home school group may be interested in weekday group classes.
- Programs in Your Space – KDT’s Dance Company offers portable “Dance Labs” – Dance Education & Performance Workshops, mobile dance and movement workshops with customizable objectives: Movement & Communication, Movement & S.T.E.A.M. and Movement as Healing.
- Birthday Parties – Celebrate your birthday and have a blast dancing with up to 15 of your friends! Each party includes 45 minutes of supervised dance instruction and games with one of our dance instructors and 45 minutes for presents and goodies. Fees: $220 for non-Kinetics families; $200 for Kinetics families. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a date.
- Private Lessons – KDT offers Private and Semi-Private Lessons
Contact school@kineticsdance.org for more information about any of the above offerings.
Classes for Adults
Kinetics offers adult dance and fitness classes in a variety of genres. Whether you’re a beginner, studied years ago, or currently take classes, come join us! Our atmosphere is friendly and flexible — you can register for the year or drop in.
Offerings vary each year, so please see our current schedule linked below. Genre descriptions can be found in the Classes for Ages 8-17 section.
Dress Code Policies
Proper dance attire differs from genre to genre but adherence to dress code is expected at all times. Dress codes are in place to minimize time spent adjusting clothing, and to allow instructors to see the line of the body in order to teach proper technique and prevent injury. Please ensure that your student is prepared with the required attire and footwear for each class.
Kinetics Dance Theatre’s Dress Code policy is gender inclusive. We allow students choice between two attire options, regardless of the student’s gender.
Select a class from a tab below to see a breakdown of attire recommendations for various ages and genres.
Attire
Comfortable clothing that does not need to be adjusted while dancing
Footwear
No shoes required
Attire
Option 1: Solid color leotard and footed or convertible tights which match the dancer’s skin tone
Option 2: White or black fitted t-shirt and black opaque tights or leggings
Footwear
Footwear for option 1: Canvas ballet slippers which match the dancer’s skin tone.
Footwear for option 2: Black canvas ballet slippers
For Pointe: Students recommended for Pointe classes will consult with instructors. Students should wear shoes that match their skin tone for performance.
Attire
Comfortable clothing that does not need to be adjusted while dancing
Footwear
No shoes required
Ballet Babies & Mini Movers
Attire
Option 1: Solid color leotard and solid color leggings or tights which match the dancer’s skin tone
Option 2: Fitted solid color T-shirt and opaque tights or leggings
Footwear
For Ballet Babies: Leather ballet slippers
For Mini Movers: No shoes are required
Attire
Option 1: Solid color leotard and solid color leggings or tights which match the dancer’s skin tone
Option 2: Fitted solid color T-shirt and opaque tights or leggings
Footwear
For Ballet: Leather ballet slippers
For Jazz: Black slip on Jazz shoes
For Modern: No shoes are required
For Tap: Black tap shoes
Hip Hop: All Levels
Attire
Comfortable clothing that does not need to be adjusted while dancing
Footwear
Clean sneakers that have not been worn outside (reserved for dance class only)
Attire
Solid color leotard or camisole top/fitted shirt and solid color leggings or flesh toned tights
Footwear
Split-soled black jazz shoes
Attire
Solid color leotard or camisole top/fitted shirt and solid color leggings or footless/convertible tights
Footwear
No shoes required
Attire
Solid color leotard or camisole top/fitted shirt and solid color leggings or flesh toned tights
Footwear
Split-soled black jazz shoes
Tap: All Levels
Attire
Solid color leotard or camisole top/fitted shirt and solid color leggings or flesh toned tights
Footwear
Black tap shoes
Attire
Comfortable clothing that does not need to be adjusted while dancing
Footwear
No shoes required
Need Dance Supplies? Checkout our recommendations on our Support Us page
Schedule & Tuition
Kinetics offers a number of classes in varying terms & sessions. See below for a breakdown of tuition and fees.
Registering for Kinetics Classes: Log Into Studio Director for any classes directly offered by Kinetics
Howard Country Rec & Parks Classes: Register Here for any classes offered in partnership with HCRP
2024-2025 Fall/Spring Term Schedule
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2024 – Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Tuition
Tuition is calculated according to the table below and is based on number of class hour per week, per family. Tuition is automatically pro-rated according to date of enrollment. Please note that 45 minute classes are billed at the hour rate.
Click here to see the 2024-2025 Tuition Chart
Fees
- $30 Registration Fee per Family
- $30 Performance Fee per Student
- $10 Performance Fee per Class
- Performance Fees are automatically charged, but will be refunded in the form of a credit for non-performing classes.
Payment Options
Annual Plan: Pay for the entire year and save 5%.
Payment in full is due upon registration.
Contact school@kineticsdance.org prior to paying to confirm enrollment in the Annual Plan. Families intending to pay through the Annual Plan should register for all desired classes at one time.
Installment Plan: Pay in four equal payments.
Installment accounts must retain a valid credit card on file in Studio Director and will be set up for automatic/recurring billing. The credit card on file will be charged on the following dates:
First Installment – Due upon registration
Second Installment – Due Nov. 1st
Third Installment – Due Jan. 2nd
Final Installment – Due March 3rd
Fall/Spring Term Tuition Policies:
Withdrawals
- Withdrawing from class requires written notice. Email school@kineticsdance.org to withdraw.
- Withdrawals made before or on February 1st are eligible for a tuition refund for the remaining classes within the billing cycle. Approved refunds will have a $10.00 service fee deducted.
- Withdrawals made after February 1st are only eligible for account credit. Credits may be used on any type of programming: classes, private lessons, birthday parties, etc.
- Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal. Without appropriate notice, the undersigned dancer or parent/guardian will remain responsible for tuition payment.
- Absences will not be credited or refunded. We do, however, encourage class make-ups; please see our Make-up Policy.
Late Payments
- Accounts not paid by designated due dates will result in a $10 late fee applied 5 business days after the due date. On the 10th business day past the due date, non-payment will result in automatic withdrawal from class. Students may re-register for classes once the balance is paid, provided there is still space in their class(es).
2025 Summer Term
CLICK HERE to view the Summer 2025 Schedule
Tuition
CLICK HERE to view the Summer 2025 Tuition Chart
Fees
- $10 registration fee per student
- No performance fees
- Registration fees are non-refundable.
Summer Term Tuition Policies:
Withdrawals
- Withdrawing from class requires written notice. Email school@kineticsdance.org to withdraw.
- Withdrawals made before or on the first day of the Summer Term are eligible for a tuition refund. Refunds will have a $10.00 service fee deducted.
- Withdrawals made after the first day of the Summer Term are only eligible for account credit. Credits may be used on any type of programming: classes, private lessons, birthday parties, etc.
- Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal. Without appropriate notice, the undersigned dancer or parent/guardian will remain responsible for tuition payment.
Absences will not be credited or refunded. We do, however, encourage class make-ups; please see our Make-up Policy.
Register through Howard County Recreation & Parks
KDT hosts a number of classes in partnership with Howard County Recreation and Parks. These classes are held at Kinetics and taught by Kinetics faculty but run within unique cycles with all registration and billing occurring through HCRP. The offerings appear on all Fall/Spring and Summer Term class schedules and on Studio Director, but are designated as HCRP either by a tag (Studio Director) or are shaded grey (PDF schedules).
We offer private lessons for all ages! Whether you are a student looking for some individualized attention, or an adult who wants to brush up on their skills before joining a class, we’d love to work with you!
- 30-Minute Lesson= $38
- 45-Minute Lesson = $55
- Hour Lesson = $65
We also offer discounts for those wanting to attend private lessons more frequently. Pre-pay for 5 private lessons and receive a 5% discount.
- 5 30-Minute Lessons = $180
- 5 45-Minute Lessons = $261
- 5 Hour Lessons = $309
Pre-pay for 10 private lessons and receive a 10% discount
- 10 30-Minute Hour Lessons = $342
- 10 45-Minute Lessons = $553
- 10 Hour Lessons = $585
*Private Lesson Cancellation Policy – All private lessons must be pre-scheduled and pre-paid. If the private lesson is cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time-slot, a $10 fee will be charged. If the private lesson is cancelled within 2 hours of the scheduled time-slot, the family will be charged full price for the lesson.
School of Dance General Policies
Kinetics Dance Theatre Code of Conduct
Kinetics strives to maintain an atmosphere of positivity, respect and courtesy at all times. The entire KDT family, from students to parents to teachers and staff, are expected to treat others in this regard, and accordingly can expect to be treated in the same way, both in the classroom or while spending time in our common areas. Students are expected to arrive on time for class and to enter the studio quietly when the teacher’s calls for class to begin. Kinetics has the right to remove a student due to disruptive behavior. All are asked to maintain an appropriate indoor voice level in common areas. Food and drink are not permitted in waiting areas; water bottles only are permitted into the studios. Kinetics is not responsible for loss of, or damage to, personal property.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Kinetics Dance Theatre School of Contemporary Dance admits students of any race, color, national origin, and sex to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made to students at the school. It does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, or sex in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs and other school-administered programs.
Classes for Adults and for students ages 3-8 do not require a level placement. These classes are open based on age.
Placement within KDT’s age 8-17 leveled class program follows a system of recommendation in conjunction with established student benchmarks to ensure safe and successful progression. Placements are determined jointly by our Faculty and the Director of Student Programs.
Returning students are notified annually of their placements prior to the opening of Fall/Spring Term. New students are placed after a brief period of observation, sometimes including trial classes.
The Studio Director, our on-line registration system, makes it easy to see which classes students are eligible to enroll for based on age and recommendation.
When it is possible, please inform the school of an impending absence so that we may notify instructors as a courtesy for planning purposes. When students miss class due to personal reasons such as illness, injury, or travel, they are welcome and encouraged to attend another class as a make-up.
Absences are not eligible for refund or credit.
In order to prevent injury, at an instructor’s discretion dancers arriving 15 minutes or later to class may be asked to observe class for the day. If a student must leave class or rehearsal early for any reason, please notify the instructor before the start of class. Students waiting for rides must do so INDOORS in the studio A front lobby. If there is no desk worker present at the front desk, your child may wait in the studio with their class.
Decision-Making Timelines for Studio Closures
- Studio closure decisions for morning classes are made available by 7:00am.
- Studio closure decisions for afternoon/evening classes are made available by 2:00pm.
Studio Closure Notifications
- If you are registered for a class that is impacted by a studio closure, this decision will be communicated via email.
- Communications are sent to the email address(es) listed on your Studio Director account. Please login to your Studio Director account to ensure a current email address is on file and you haven’t opted out of email correspondence.
- Studio closure decisions are also posted to the homepage of the website.
Make-Up Class Option
You can schedule a make-up class in any level/age-appropriate KDT class if a class is missed due to inclement weather. HCRP classes run independently of KDT and may be subject to their own closure policies. Missed KDT classes may not be made up in an HCRP class.
We are dedicated to providing opportunities for parent observation both in the classroom and via showcase.
At no time should photography/videography include other classmates other than with the verbal permission of a parent or guardian.
Each studio is equipped with a “one-way” observation window so that parents may view their children. However, please note that students are sometimes still able to see outside of the window, and we ask that parents limit observation at the request of the teacher when students become distracted.
Parents should remain outside of the classroom unless invited in by the instructor or by separate arrangement.
We ask that photography and videography be limited to appropriate times, i.e. before or after class and/or with the teacher’s approval.
Kinetics Dance Theatre maintains an extensive and ever-growing collection from which students are costumed for the Annual Spring Showcase. Rather than requiring students to purchase costumes for each class, tuition for each class is accompanied by a performance fee which covers costume wardrobe maintenance, venue, and tech costs. Students may be asked to provide their own dance-wear (i.e. nude or black leotard, tights, leggings, etc) to serve as a costume base. It is expected that costumes be returned immediately following the Spring Showcase (same day).
Costume-Failure to Return Fees: $20 single costume item | $40 full costume OR tutu
Fees must be paid, or the costume returned, prior to registering for the next class season.
Due to a number of students with severe peanut or nut allergies, Kinetics Dance Theatre is a nut-free space. We ask that all students and families refrain from bringing any nuts or nut-containing snacks to the school, even for personal consumption.
For some, allergic reactions may occur by eating the food, inhalation of food vapors, or contact with the skin, mouth or eyes. Some reactions can be severe enough to cause anaphylaxis, a life threatening allergic reaction. Contact between students is common in the classroom and for this reason, please consider the safety of others and refrain from bringing nut-containing snacks into the school.
If your child has a severe allergy or medical condition, please notify school@kineticsdance.org and identify any special instructions to follow in the event of an emergency.
Registration With Studio Director
Registration runs through an online Portal called Studio Director.
Click here to create an account or log in to your existing portal.
Follow the prompts to create an account and your student profile.
You will be prompted to read and agree to a liability form before your account is set up.
Click the “Add another student to this account” if you have more than one person in your family intending to take classes at KDT.
While logged into your Studio Director Portal, click “Enroll in a class” to view the weekly schedule.
If your student is new to KDT and between the ages of 9 and 17, please email school@kineticsdance.org to get a level placement recommendation or to request a trial class! Once this step has been taken then you will have access to see each class the student is eligible to take.
Can’t find a class from our current online schedule? Students may need to be a certain age or need to be pre-approved. Email school@kineticsdance.org for help!
Please note that students must meet the minimum age requirement for each class by September 1st for the Fall/Spring Term and the subsequent Summer Term.
You will be prompted to add a valid credit card to your account prior to finalizing your classes. A valid card must remain on file for installment payments.
While logged in to your Studio Director Portal, click the 3 lines in the upper left hand corner and then select “Edit Payment-Method On File” under the My Account heading.
While logged in to your Studio Director Portal, click the 3 lines in the upper left hand corner and then select “View Financial History” under the My Account heading.
Click “All Rows” to see an expanded breakdown of your account ledger.
