SCHOOL OF DANCE | We offer a complete curriculum of classes for all ages in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop. Staffed with some of the finest teachers in Kansas City, we strive daily to encourage and challenge students to become their best and advance in the mastery of technique. Our conservatory style program is designed to pass on valuable life skills such as discipline, passion for high quality, perseverance, a joyful work ethic and an encouraging attitude. Spectacular year-end performances are part of this learning process and thrill performers and audiences alike.

 

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ANNUAL 40 WEEK CLASSES WITHOUT LES MISERABLES: THE LIFE OF COSETTE PRODUCTION

Creative Movement 1 (AGES 3-5)
THEME:   Princesses, Parties, & Presents
Sat: 10:00-10:45
A creative and fun introduction to dance. This class teaches how to use the body and the imagination through fun movements while exploring music and drama. Students learn to express their natural joy of movement and to work together to create group choreography. Creative movement and motivational songs encourage these young ones during this 45 minute class.

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Creative Movement 2 (AGES 4-6)
THEME:   Dancing Fairytales
Sat: 10:00-10:45
Students develop increased body awareness and control. Large and small groups of muscles are isolated and strengthened through the practice of specific exercises. Students begin to develop an understanding of the relationships between dance, rhythm and music.

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Ballet Tap Combo (AGES 5-7)
THEME:   Kingdom of the Sea
Sat: 11:00-11:45
After learning to control specific body movements, students will build a foundation for dance technique. Floor exercises are introduced to help strengthen the muscles in the abdomen, legs and ankles.

 

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Beginning Ballet (AGES 7-10)
Sat: 9:00-10:00
This is a once-a-week ballet class for those students whose interest in ballet is just initiated and want a slower entry into the discipline.  Students will receive the same curriculum set for Ballet 1 but will advance at a slower pace. Vocabulary and foundational exercises will be introduced.  Students from Beginning Ballet will advance into Ballet 1.

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Ballet for Broadway (AGES 11 +)
Tue: 7:30-8:30
This is a once-a-week ballet class for adults looking for continued exercise and a great time to dance and for those students whose interest in ballet is just initiated and want a slower entry into the discipline.  Students will receive the same curriculum set for Ballet 1 & 2 but will advance at a slower pace.  This is a great class for adults who have had ballet before and want to dance again and get in healthy shape.

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Pilates (ALL AGES)
Tue & Thu: 8:15–9:15
Pilates mat work demonstrates the body’s ability to achieve fitness all on its own without any equipment. Using only your own body weight and gravity, the mat work will tone, strengthen and lengthen your entire body. Pilates mat classes focus on integrating the entire body, rather than exercising each body part separately. As you begin to focus on your body as a whole you'll achieve better alignment and re-teach your body to work more efficiently. This class is ideal for both dancers who want to maintain a healthy, injury free body, and non-dancers who want to remain limber, flexible and strong.

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AeroFunk (AGES 20-60)
Mon & Wed: 12:30-2:00, Fri: 9:00-10:30
OR Thu: 7:30-8:30
An energizing Jazz/Hip Hop class geared toward the stay at home mom or the twenty, (thirty, forty or fifty) something wanting to stay (or Get!) in shape. Class includes core strengthening, stretching and cardio fun.

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Adult Ballet (AGES 20-60)
Tue: 7:30–8:30
This class is designed for Low Intermediate to Advanced Ballet students. The student must have a strong foundation in ballet and be able to execute movements asked of them. As the students improve and strengthen their technique, the class will present more difficult exercises.

 

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ANNUAL 40 WEEK CLASSES WITH LES MISERABLES: THE LIFE OF COSETTE PRODUCTION

Creative Movement (AGES 3-6)
Tue: 4:45-5:30
A creative and fun introduction to dance. This class explores movement, music, and drama. Students learn to express their natural joy of movement and to work together to create group choreography. Creative movement and motivational songs encourage these young ones during this 45 minute class.

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Creative Movement 1 (AGES 3-5)
Fri: 11:00-11:45
A creative and fun introduction to dance. This class explores movement, music, and drama. Students learn to express their natural joy of movement and to work together to create group choreography. Creative movement and motivational songs encourage these young ones during this 45 minute class.

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Creative Movement 2 (AGES 4-6)
Fri: 10:00-10:45
Students develop increased body awareness and control. Large and small groups of muscles are isolated and strengthened through the practice of specific exercises. Students start to develop an understanding of the relationships between dance, rhythm and music.

 

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Ballet Tap Combo (AGES 6-7)
Mon: 4:30–5:30 OR Fri: 12:30-1:30
After learning to control specific body movements, this class will help the student build a foundation for dance technique.  They will experience Classical Steps and Movement and work with concentration, rhythm, and coordination. Floor exercises are introduced to help strengthen the muscles in the abdomen, legs and ankles.

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BALLET | Ballet is the most rigorous and detailed of dance techniques.  In ballet, students gain control and mastery of the body and expressiveness. Not only for the classical dancer, Ballet is foundational for excellence in other performance techniques (modern and jazz). Ballet is the foundational technique for all of performance dance in Western Culture lays the ground for all future dance training. Lower level classes are taught slowly and carefully in order to emphasize proper placement and  posture. Ballet classes teach proper execution of the turn out of the leg, correct use of the feet , arms, turns, and head, and the French Ballet vocabulary.  Young Men’s training runs parallel with the Ladies, however, specially designed classes for men are also offered to focus on strength building and unique exercises.

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Beginning Ballet (AGES 7-10)
Thu: 5:30–6:30 OR Fri: 12:30-1:30
This is a once a week ballet class for those students whose interest in ballet is just initiated and want a slower entry into the discipline. Students will receive the same curriculum set for Ballet I but will advance at a slower pace. Vocabulary and foundational exercises will be introduced. Students from Beginning Ballet will advance into Ballet 1.

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Ballet 1 (AGES 7 +)
Mon & Wed: 5:30–6:30
This class is for students beginning their formal dance training who are ready to learn more of the technical aspects and skills associated with ballet. This class will teach the fundamentals of ballet with an emphasis in proper technique and discipline. Ballet vocabulary will be introduced. Students should be no younger than 7 years old.  Most students spend a minimum of two years in this level.

 

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Ballet 1 10+ (AGES 10 +)
Tue & Thu: 4:30-5:30
For older students beginning ballet.  This student is ready for formal ballet training emphasizing technical aspects and skills, proper vocabulary, discipline and technique. Students should be no younger than 10 years old. The class will introduce students to some of the Ballet II curriculum.  Most students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

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Men's Ballet Technique (AGES 10 +)
Wed: 4:30-5:30
A more rigorous ballet class for young male dancers, athletes, skaters, and those involved in the martial arts. Ballet is one of the most demanding physical disciplines and will improve one’s abilities whether becoming a professional dancer, actor, or athlete. There will be a strong emphasis on jumps, strength, flexibility, and stamina. Beginning partnering techniques will be introduced.

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Ballet 2
Tue & Thu: 5:30-6:30
For the student who has spent at least two school years in Ballet I and has mastered all concepts of that class. Ballet II will build on the fundamentals of Ballet I while introducing more vocabulary and more complex movements and structure.  Most students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

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Ballet 3
Mon & Wed: 6:30-8:00
For the student who has spent at least one year in Ballet II. Students will be introduced to more complex combinations. Ballet 3 is the student’s first intermediate year of study and is full of new challenges.  Dancers study turns, including beginning batteries and adagio exercises requiring a great amount of strength and balance on one leg, and many traveling steps.  At this level, we begin introducing Pointe work to the female dancer.  Most students will spend a minimum of two years at this level. 

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Pre-Pointe for Ballet 3
Mon & Wed: 8:00-8:30
For the student who has spent at least one year in Ballet II.  At this level, we begin introducing Pointe work to the female dancer.  In the Fall, the dancer will do strengthening exercises to prepare for Pointe shoes.  Just prior to the Spring term, each dancer will need to get fitted for Pointe shoes. Pointe work is one of the highest goals of the young dancer.  It not only expands their vocabulary in dance, but strengthens their skill and technique in all areas of ballet and dance.  Most students will spend a minimum of two years at this level. 

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Ballet 4
Mon, Wed & Thu: 4:00-5:30
Designed to continue building the student’s vocabulary while allowing them to attempt more complex choreography, class time is lengthened. Dancers study grand pirouettes and continue to refine turns.  Ballet 4 allégro work includes batterie, grand sissone, grand jeté, and entrelacé.   One or two classical variations may be incorporated into the class work.  Most students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

 

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Pointe for Ballet 4
Wed: 5:30-6:30
Pointe continues with relevé, pas de bourrée, and échappé as well as assemble, glissade, jeté (pique) and sissone.  Dancers study pirouettes from 5th, 2nd, and 4th positions.  Even though Pointe class is optional, we strongly recommend it for all female students so that they will not fall behind their class.  If they choose to go on Pointe later in their training they will have to take some specialty summer and private classes to equip them for the challenge.

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Ballet 5/Pointe for Ballet 5

Mon-Thu: 4:00-5:30

Pointe for Ballet 5: Mon & Tue: 5:30-6:30
Designed for intermediate students. The Ballet 5 dancer will be challenged to handle more difficult combinations and at a faster pace. Center includes many exercises on the half-toe as well as more highly skilled turns. More batteries are included in the allegro work and grand allegro begins to take a more important role in the class structure. Young men begin to perform exercises design for the male dancer that compliments the female’s training. Designed for advanced intermediate dancers who demonstrate technical proficiency and knowledge of elements learned in ballet, the student in this level begins to self correct. The dancer is performing the movement and not just executing. Dancers in these levels refine their technique and begin mastering performing skills required for professional companies.  At this level Pointe class is mandatory. Classical variations are studied extensively, and dancers begin the study of partnering. Most students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

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Ballet 6/Pointe for Ballet 6
Mon-Thu: 4:00-5:30

Pointe for Ballet 6: Tue: 5:30-6:30
Designed for advanced intermediate dancers, who demonstrate technical proficiency and knowledge of elements learned in ballet students at this level should be able to execute any and all movements asked of them and will be introduced to variations. Students at this level self correct. The dancer is required to perform the movement having mastered execution. Dancers in these levels refine their technique and begin mastering performing skills required for professional companies.  At this level Pointe class is mandatory. Classical variations are studied extensively, and dancers begin the study of partnering.  Most students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

 

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Ballet Variations for Ballet 6

Mon: 5:30-6:30
This class is designed for Ballet VI students to study and execute various classical variations. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.  It is a privilege to be able to learn the great classical solos and variations.  Classical variations may be incorporated into the class work as the dancers master the skills necessary to execute simple variations. Executing such work develops and brings appropriate challenges to complete a dancer’s education.  It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.

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Pas de Deux / Partnering for B. 5/6 & Men’s Ballet (13 & Up)

We: 5:30-6:30
This class provides Ballet 5/6 and Men’s Ballet students the opportunity to study and execute different lifts and partnering techniques. In ballet, partnering is particularly studied by male principal dancers, who must develop the strength to gracefully and confidently lift, catch and carry female partners. On the other hand, female dancers will spend more time on developing the strength of their feet, ankles, legs, and abdominal muscles for pointe work and partnering vocabulary. Dancers will also learn to communicate with their partners.

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Teen Adult Ballet
Tue: 7:30–8:30
This class is designed for Low Intermediate to Advanced Ballet students. The student must have a strong foundation and be able to execute the movements asked of them. As the students improve and strengthen their technique, the class will present more difficult exercises.

 

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MODERN | Modern dance techniques have become an essential element in choreography from major ballet companies to Broadway. Modern classes complement the Ballet technique and expand students’ movement vocabulary to include a free and expressive style of dance.  Structured technical exercises that condition the body for strength, coordination and flexibility are developed. Physical activities which focus on the aspects of space, time, shape, and movement dynamics are explored through individual work as well as group participation. Teaching methods for modern dance incorporate a variety of techniques that focus on correct alignment, fall and recovery, centering, and proper articulation of the joints, which are developed through warm up exercises, center floor work and larger combinations.

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Pre-Modern (AGES 9 +)
Mon: 6:30-7:30
This class is designed to introduce modern dance exercises and movement qualities to young dancers. Exercises include core exercises designed to strengthen the abdomen and upper body as well as develop improvisational skill.

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Modern 1 (Prerequisite: Ballet 3 & Up (or must be taking concurrently)
Tue: 4:30-5:30
This class is designed for students to explore movement as a creative art form. Curriculum includes opportunities to develop physical strength, flexibility and endurance while exploring improvisational and expressive movement. A variety of modern dance exercises and vocabulary are used from the most popular contemporary techniques. Students are required to be in Ballet II Advanced in order to take Modern I. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

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Modern 2
Tue & Thu: 6:30-7:30
This class emphasizes students’ acquisition of intermediate movement skills and refined motor control through the study of modern techniques. Students will also be introduced to the Graham technique. Modern II is for those dance students who demonstrate an intermediate level of dance technique and an interest in exploring dance movement as a creative and expressive art form. Students learn to take responsibility for their personal health and to care for their dance instrument. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

 

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Modern 3
Tue & Thu: 6:30-7:30
Designed for the advanced dancer, Modern III will challenge students with exercises and choreography to broaden their movement vocabulary and physical endurance. Emphasis is given to a wider range of modern styles and exercises.

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JAZZ | Traditionally associated with Broadway, Jazz Dance has now been broadly accepted in the dance community and influences concert dance, movies, music videos and more. Known for its highly dynamic, rhythmic and athletic style, Jazz is essential for educating the fully developed dancer.

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Jazz/Tap Combo
Mon: 6:30-7:30
A combination class to introduce and strengthen Jazz and Tap techniques. This class is especially valuable to the musical theater student as well as the ballet student interested in broadening their dance abilities.

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Boy’s Athletic Dance (B.A.D.)
Tue: 6:30-7:30
This boy’s-only class will prepare students through a variety of dance styles. The students will be introduced to the discipline of the fundamentals of Jazz, Modern, Tap, and Ballet, continuing in strengthening the muscles in the abdomen, legs and ankles and improving stamina. Led by one of our top male dancers, Boy’s Athletic Dance will put young male dancers on sure footing as they learn to dance with a strong male style.

 

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Jazz 1
Mon: 7:30-8:30
Consists of foundational jazz dance elements including; counting & timing, directional changing, spotting, body alignment, contractions, isolations, jumps, turns and combinations. Dancers will also experience center core strengthening and stretching.

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Jazz 2
Tue & Thu: 6:30-7:30
Students will review and continue with the foundational elements introduced in Jazz I. They will increase their vocabulary, understanding, and execution of these elements as they learn more compound, progressive, and complex combinations. Students will also experience a concentrated focus on isolations, contractions, body alignment, transitioning, and center core strength.

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Jazz 3
Tue & Thu: 7:30-8:30
In addition to Jazz I elements, material covered in Jazz II will include; stage presence and staging, level changes, pirouettes, chaînés turns, leaps, and more complex combinations. Dancers will continue core strengthening and increased extensions. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

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Jazz 4
Tue & Thu: 7:30-9:00
Students will build upon elements learned in Jazz 1-3 as they learn about movement dynamics (accent, texture, and attitude), stylizing (lyrical, commercial, etc.), specialty jumps, turns, and more intricate use of the floor including knee work. Most students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

 

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Jazz 5
Tue & Thu: 7:30-9:00
This class combines all material from Jazz 1-4 and adds presentation, improvisation, complex specialty turns and jumps, layouts, switch leaps, and a variety of stylized combinations.

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Men’s Jazz Dance
Wed: 6:30-7:30
Whether you’re interested in dancing on Broadway, in music videos, or just want to get in great shape, this class is for you.  Especially designed for men, this Jazz Dance class will focus on strength moves, quickness, and dexterity.  Men in dance should carry themselves distinctly different than women and Men’s Jazz Dance builds those qualities in each dancer. 

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TAP / HIP HOP | Tap Dance is an original American technique featured in a wide variety of productions. Whether it’s performed on the streets, in a musical, or featured on its own Tap steals the show! Hip Hop is the most recently developed American dance technique that has taken the culture by storm. So popular and influential that we’re beginning to see Hip Hop in musicals, dance productions, and television. Hip Hop encompasses movement that includes poppin’, locking, and breaking as well as free style movement that give students the opportunity to develop their own sense of style.

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Tap 1
Mon:  5:30 – 6:30
Students begin with the basic elements, primary steps, shuffles, flap, ball change, buffalo, waltz clog and cramp roll.  Tap I is fun and challenging class preparing the student for more complex combinations, Simple combinations will help students apply and retain material. 

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Tap 2
Tue & Thu: 5:30 - 6:30
Tap II includes Tap I elements and adds compound steps and combinations. Steps include Essence, Time Step, Maxi Ford, Front Irish and more.  Most students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

 

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Tap 3
Tue & Thu: 5:30-6:30
Students will continue perfecting material from Tap I and Tap II as they concentrate on tonal quality, accenting, shading and clustering, syncopation, and picking up by sight. Steps covered will include Flash steps, Wings, Double Pull Backs, Cincinnati and Time steps. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years at this level.

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Tap 4
Mon & Wed: 6:30-7:30
Tap 4 is when the young tap dancer moves from being a student to becoming a much more versatile and creative performer.  We introduce a wider variety of tap dancing styles including Rhythmic Tap, Improvisational Tap, and Dual Tapping.  Tap Dancers mastering Tap IV will be comfortable in any Tap Dancing setting ready to take on the challenge.

HIP HOP

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Hip Hop 1
Wed: 6:30-7:30
The class format consists of a warm up / dance routine / cool-down. Through physical training, the Hip-Hop course will enhance student’s physical health, increase their stamina, and coordination. Students will also learn to dance according to the trend of today’s music.

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Adult Hip Hop
AGES 18 +
Wed: 7:30-8:30
This is a fun, high energy Hip Hop class for our older students.  Come hang out with a great group of young adults working on the latest moves. 

 

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Hip Hop 2
Sat: 12:00- 1:30
This class will take the students through the world of urban dance and trends from old school to new school. Through hard physical training, the student will learn combinations, choreography, street and be introduced to popping, locking, and breaking.  Break dance moves like acrobatic moves such as Spine-move, Freezes, Styleheads, Powerheads, Headspins and more, will be emphasized in the last section of each class.

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The Culture House Dance Performance Groups are essential to the development of a young dancer. Each performance group will have the opportunity to perform in various venues throughout Kansas City. Learning a variety of choreography and performing helps fine tune dancers’ skills as well as polish their performing ability. Performing groups are also a lot of fun and help students develop lifelong friendships.

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Requirement: Ballet 4 +, Modern 3
Wed: 7:30-9:00
Our top junior dance company based on ballet and modern choreography. Infinity dancers will perform in Times Square in New York City in spring of 2010 with Project Dance!! This is an unforgettable experience as Infinity joins professional and student dancers from all over the world to perform before tens of thousands of New Yorkers. Infinity will also perform throughout the city and at the Winter Concert. Infinity dancers will also take their inspirational message out into Kansas City to lift spirits and give hope. Infinity dancers may also be included in productions by our top companies, Störling Dance Theater and Maxxas Dance Theater. Infinity will have opportunities to perform in the summer as well touring around the Kansas City area to youth camps, festivals, and gatherings.

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Requirement: Ballet & Modern
Mon: 7:30-9:00
Our junior ballet/modern company will be introduced to expressive and creative choreography by some of our best artists here at The Culture House.  Dancers will have a wonderful time getting to work together and create challenging new choreography. Anavia will perform throughout Kansas City alongside Infinity and Exusia including the Winter Concert, nursing homes, and school shows.  Anavia will have opportunities to perform in the summer as well touring around the Kansas City area to youth camps, festivals, and other gatherings.

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Requirement: Ballet & Jazz
Fri: 4:00 – 5:30
Our junior Jazz and Modern company will perform electrifying pieces to entertain audiences throughout the year. Whether it's in our Winter Concert, at a church, or at an assisted living center, Exusia brings a smile to everyone.  Exusia will not only learn how to inspire their audiences but also to see their craft with a servant’s heart. Exusia will have opportunities to perform in the summer as well touring around the Kansas City area to youth camps, festivals, and gatherings.

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Annual Spring Production
LES MISERABLES: THE LIFE OF COSETTE
The story of Les Miserables is well known to the many people who have seen the musical, the movies, or read the book.  The character of Cosette has been the subject of many short stories, songs, and even anime productions, all imagining the story of her life.  This year at The Culture House we will be creating a beautiful and dramatic dance production based around the imagined story of the life of Cosette including the struggles, dreams, and ultimately the joy of finding a home where she belongs. 

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