"Performance Spirit is an awesome class. The kids get a great work out all while learning really fun dances. We always look forward to recital day and performing in front of the gym." - Marie I.
Dance
Hip Hop
Beginning hip hop will be geared toward all ages as a breakdown of the basics. This class will be a safe, energetic, action packed class teaching rhythm and original choreography with fun ground work incorporated.
Intermediate and Advanced Hip Hop will learn a new dance each session and perform for friends and family at the end of the 8 weeks. Learn great new moves with a fun teacher.
Technical Dance Classes
Our developmental program is wonderful for teaching the basics of ballet, tap and jazz while exposing other forms of dance that get your child excited to move. We offer beginning and intermediate ballet, combo classes with ballet and jazz, and combo classes with ballet, tap and jazz. Classes are available for ages 3 and up.
Dance Bugs-Ages 3-5
These classes are perfect for preschool aged children (3-6). In a fun, creative environment your child will begin learning the basics of dance, rhythm, and coordination. Ballet Bugs is done in ballet shoes. Tap/Ballet Bugs includes the introduction of Tap dance (tap shoes are required).
Tumble Dance is a half gymnastics and half dance class offered to our preschool aged kids.
Performance Spirit-Ages 9-15
Performance Spirit is a class for kids to fall in love with making people smile. Every four weeks, we will learn a new dance, perfecting the musicality and motions. As each new dance is learned, there will be an opportunity to perform in public. That opportunity will improve self-awareness, confidence, and allow kids to experience the joy of performing and the reward of practice. No technical dance experience is required. Great class for kids with lots of energy. Performances will take place during regular class time uness otherwise noted in a flier from the teacher. Attire for the class is t-shirt, shorts and tennis shoes or gym clothes. Attire for performance is tennis shoes, black shorts and bright colored t-shirt. New students are allowed to enroll at the beginning of each 4 week cycle.
Dance Sampler Class-Ages 9-15
This class allows kids to try four styles of dance. Students will experience Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop for two classes over an 8 week period of time. Let your child find out what styles of dance he or she enjoys most. The class will cover the basics in each style and continue to progress in difficulty as the weeks continue. The 8 week period can be repeated as many times as desired. Ballet shoes or jazz shoes are required. Tap shoes are not required, only recommended. Tennis shoes are best for the hip hop classes. New students may enroll at any time.
Musical Theater-Ages 9-15
Love the dancing you see in musicals and movies? Come learn the skills, technique and pizzazz that Musical Theater dancing is made of! Jazz shoes required. Beginners welcome!
Attire
Unless otherwise noted, attire for the dance classes is as follows: Girls should wear a leotard. Tights are optional and may be stirrup, footless, or full. Long hair must be tied back. Boys are asked to wear gym shorts (no zippers or snaps) and a t-shirt. Shoes: For Ballet: ballet shoes (socks ok on Saturday mornings); For Tap: tap shoes (unless otherwise noted); for Hip Hop and Performance Spirit: tennis shoes.
Instructors
Erin Lovrien is a performer, teacher, and choreographer. She currently performs with Center Dance Ensemble and Basileia CDC. Erin began her training in Virginia and has since traveled all over the country (and even to Africa) to gain experience in various styles of dance. A graduate of the University of Arizona in Dance, she has studied ballet, pointe, modern, and jazz extensively will enjoying hip-hop, tap, Africana, Broadway, and swing dancing on the side. She has worked with such companies as American Ballet Theater in New York, Boston Ballet, and Alonzo King's LINES Ballet in San Francisco. Erin loves bringing joy to life through dance and is excited to share her passion with others.
Francesco Severini is a renowned performer, dancer and choreographer in the world of dance and the entertainment industry who studied with the San Francisco Ballet. He has a whole string of accomplishments including being in the Broadway musical “Peter Pan” with Cathy Rigby (remember her?). Francesco is also an expert in Kinesiology and loves teaching kids, teens and adults how and why their bodies move. He teaches some of our Ballet and Combo classes here at Aspire.
Casey Chapel has been working at Aspire since 2001. In addition to being the Upward Bound Program Director, she has also coached in the Tumblebugs program, various teams, and at summer camps. Casey has an extensive past in the sport of gymnastics. She competed level 9 in St. Louis, Missouri and has been coaching since 1996. She is also a hip hop dancer with the entertainment crew “Foot Klan”. Casey teaches some of our Hip Hop classes here at Aspire.
