Class Descriptions
Kinetics Dance Theatre offers classes for all ages in various genres.
Students have the opportunity to perform in the Spring Showcase.
HCRP classes do not perform. Adult classes may perform on a case-by-case basis as interests arise.
Click on a description below to see a list of related descriptions and offerings.
Creative Beginnings (Ages 2-6) 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
Pre-Level Classes (Ages 6-8) 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.
Leveled Classes (Ages 8-18) 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 (Intermediate and Advanced)
Open Classes are catered towards experienced movers looking to expand their knowledge in various dance genres. Each class will explore various movement practices from week to week. This class is open to Kinetics Dance Company members, local movement artists, adults with prior dance experience, and Level 4 & 5 KDT students. The Advanced Open Class on Thursdays will have a rotating teaching roster curated by Liz Quiñones. The Intermediate Open Class on Saturdays will be taught by Levi Coy.
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.
Supplemental Classes (Ages 11-18) Kinetics offers additional classes to complement a student’s dance training. Classes include: Dance Conditioning, Dance Making, Improvisation/Partnering, and Teen Yoga.
Student Choreography (Ages 11-18)
Student Choreography meets two hours per week (Wednesday 4:30-5:30pm and Thursday 4:15-5:15pm during the 2022-2023 Fall/Spring Term). Students will receive lessons in dance composition (creating dances) on Wednesdays and will rehearse student choreographed works on Thursdays. Students who enroll will be guided through a year-long student choreography process that will culminate in a Student Choreography Showcase in May. Each student in the class will get to create their own dance and will dance in other student choreographed works. Tuition will be charged as a 1 hour class.
Dance Conditioning: Levels 1-2 (Ages 11-18)
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.
Improvisation/Contemporary Partnering (Ages 11-18)
This class is not currently running. Contact school@kineticsdance.org if you are interested in this class.
This class is for intermediate and advanced dancers who want to expand their knowledge of Modern and Contemporary movement. This class will build improvisational skills by exploring the concepts of space, time and energy as they relate to dance. Students will also gain knowledge in contemporary partnering, beginning with structured exercises that will ultimately allow dancers the freedom to improvise and partner with one another.
Teen Yoga (Ages 13-18)
This class is not currently running. Contact school@kineticsdance.org if you are interested in this class.
This class will strengthen the body and improve flexibility while increasing relaxation and reducing stress. Yoga helps students with proper alignment and body awareness that assists in protecting the body.
Adult Classes (Ages 18+) Kinetics offers adult 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.
Click to see the current schedule.
Open Classes (Intermediate and Advanced)
Open Classes are catered towards experienced movers looking to expand their knowledge in various dance genres. Each class will explore various movement practices from week to week. This class is open to Kinetics Dance Company members, local movement artists, adults with prior dance experience, and Level 4 & 5 KDT students. The Advanced Open Class on Thursdays will have a rotating teaching roster curated by Liz Quiñones. The Intermediate Open Class on Saturdays will be taught by Levi Coy.
Yoga and Fitness (Ages 18+) Kinetics offers various Fitness classes for Adults which run throughout the year. Whether you are seeking a gentle Yoga class or a more intense workout, we have something for you! Classes are offered during weekday mornings and evenings.
Pilates
The Pilates Method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the entire body. It is composed of a series of controlled movements, primarily performed on a mat, that provide an energizing workout.
LaBlast
This class is not currently running. Contact school@kineticsdance.org if you are interested in this class.
LaBlast is a revolutionary ballroom dance, partner-free, fitness program based on all the dances you see on Dancing with the Stars! It fuses dance into a serious calorie burning workout that will get you into the best shape of your life. Take your mind, body, and soul on a journey through ballroom dances from different countries and cultures. It’s a workout in disguise while learning the true skill of dance.
Yoga
Basic Placement Guidelines
Placement within our Creative Beginnings programs (ages 2-6) is based primarily on age. Our instructors do offer individualized recommendations for new and returning students, but these are suggestions only; we respect parents’ wish to choose the best fit for their children at this early level. Please note that minimum ages for these classes are based on a student’s age at the start of the session for which they are registering. At these levels, exceptions to age ranges are unusual and made only at the recommendation of faculty.
Kinetics Collaborative Placement System: Kinetics employs a unique collaborative process to determine placement for students within these leveled classes. All student placement assignments, pre-level through level 5, are conducted jointly among faculty within each discipline prior to the start of the Fall season. Because it is vital to build cohesive age/level groups to allow teachers to gear instruction to the highest benefit of every student, the placement system is based on firm assignments and rests on the background and knowledge of our dance educators, nearly all of whom are degree-holding, experienced professionals. Occasionally, student progress requires a mid-year shift. Our placement process is responsive and ongoing, with faculty recommending those shifts as necessary. Each student’s placement is carefully determined on the grounds of ability, experience, maturity, effort, focus, learning style, and technical progression.
In addition to these leveled classes, Kinetics offers a wide array of Supplemental Classes. These offerings span a rich and diverse body of dance genres and techniques. Ranging from tap, hip hop and musical theatre, to lyrical, dance composition, improvisation and different forms of ethnic dance, these classes have uniquely assigned age and level requirements and provide our students with broad opportunities to learn and study different forms of dance.
Initial Placement for new students
Whether joining us on an ongoing level or just dropping in, it is important to know where to start! First, remember that Creative Beginnings classes, for children 2yrs – 6yrs, are based primarily on age, and that new students may try or join any class for which he or she meets the age requirement at the start of the session.
For students ages 7+, placements for new students are based on recommendations made by faculty after a period of review. Students will be asked to attend an age-appropriate class in which faculty will review their performance, even when coming to us with prior experience. Generally, instructors use the first one to two classes to observe and determine placement for new students. Students will be given an official placement by the management team.
Should you have questions about initial placement, or drop-in classes, or wish to discuss any other placement or scheduling concerns please email school@kineticsdance.org.
Placement Considerations
Our placement philosophies are driven by our wish for every student to feel successful. Proper level placement is integral in allowing for the conveyance of specific techniques and forms, and in minimizing discouragement and frustration. It is a common misunderstanding that level advancement should be a student’s overarching goal. In fact, progression in dance is subtle and ongoing, and requires the body to learn, and often re-learn, specific patterns. This requires focus, structural alignment, body awareness, and muscular strength, all of which our instructors work to develop to support movement concepts. Most students spend 2-3 years at each level, constantly aided by instructor correction and feedback and continually improving. Advancement through dance levels at an accelerated and unwarranted pace not only undermines true technical progress, it can be can be dangerous and wearing to dancers’ bodies. While ages and abilities vary within any class, our faculty makes a concerted effort to place students in groups of peers where they will experience the most success, and to teach individuals within these groups. Technical ability, maturity, age, focus during class, attention to correction and other factors are considering in making placement determinations. Students who study more hours a week do often progress at a faster rate than those who study only one or two hours per week. However, this is not always the case, and it is important to note that success is measured in different ways for different students. We respect that each student has different goals and we are devoted to helping them to achieve those goals. At Kinetics, the level placement/advancement process is always ongoing. Students are sometimes recommended to advance mid-year. Aside from Creative Beginnings classes, all placements are determined through this innovative and responsive process involving instructors and the Artistic Directors.