Class Descriptions & Pre-requisites

 

Our class levels are carefully matched with both age, development, and technical skills in mind. While some classes align with age, others require placement by our qualified Instructors. Suggested age ranges for classes are guidelines only. Students develop at different rates, and placement is based on skill and readiness rather than age alone. At Okinawa School of Performing Arts, we believe that every achievement, no matter how small, is a step forward. With patience, practice and encouragement, small steps build great progress. 

 

New Students

Detailed class descriptions and prerequisites are indicated below. If you believe your child is a level 2 or higher, please contact us to schedule an evaluation. If you have any questions or are unsure of your student’s class placement, please email us at  studio@okinawaschoolofpa.com   

 

 

​Primary Ballet & Tap

Ages 3-5

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This class introduces little dancers to the basics of ballet through fun movement, music and imagination. We offer a ballet class as well as a combination class that includes both ballet and tap.

 

​Ballet 1

Ages 6-8 (Entering First Grade)

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This class introduces the fundamentals of classical ballet. Dancers learn basic positions, steps and terminology while building strength, flexibility, and coordination. Creativity and musicality are promoted as dancers develop a strong foundation for future ballet training.

It is standard for dancers to spend approximately two years in this level to ensure mastery and confidence before advancing to ballet 2.

 

Ballet 2

Ages 8-10, Instructor placement required

This class is designed for dancers that have completed ballet 1or have 2-3 years of equivalent training. Early childhood ballet (before age 6) does not count towards this prerequisite.

 

Ballet 2 builds on the foundations of ballet 1 with more challenging steps, terminology and combinations. Dancers continue developing strength, balance and flexibility while refining technique and musicality.

It is standard for dancers to spend approximately 2 years in this level to ensure mastery and confidence before advancing to ballet 3.

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Ballet 3

Ages 10-12, Instructor placement required

This class is designed for dancers who have completed ballet 2 or have 3-4 more years of equivalent training. Early childhood ballet (before age 6) does not count towards this prerequisite.

 

Ballet 3 class emphasizes technique, precision and artistry as dancers progress to more complex steps, combinations and barre work. Strength, alignment and musical expression are key focuses as students prepare for higher levels of ballet.

It is standard for dancers to spend approximately two years in this level to ensure mastery and confidence before advancing to ballet 4.

 

Ballet 4 & 5

Instructor placement required

 

Pre Pointe/Pointe 1 & Pointe 2

Instructor placement required.

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Pre-pointe is a class that prepares Student to dance on pointe shoes (toe shoes). In Pre-pointe, students will learn to strengthen their bodies, develop greater coordination and further develop their technique.

 

Tap 1

Ages 6-8 (Entering First Grade)

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This class introduces the fundamentals of tap dance through rhythm, coordination and musicality. Dancers will learn basic steps and terminology while exploring how movement connects with sound.

It is standard for dancers to spend approximately 2 years in this level to ensure mastery and confidence before advancing.

 

Tap 2

Ages 8-10, Instructor placement required

This class is designed for dancers that have completed Tap 1or have 2-3 years of equivalent training. Early childhood tap (before age 6) does not count towards this prerequisite.

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Tap 2 focuses on building stronger rhythm and coordination while introducing more complex step progressions and syncopated patterns. Students will continue to develop proper tap technique and improve precision.

It is standard for dancers to spend approximately 2 years in this level to ensure mastery and confidence before advancing.

 

Tap 3 & Tap 4

Instructor placement required.

 

Jazz 1

Ages 6-7 (Entering First Grade)

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This class focuses on building fundamental jazz technique including turns, leaps and rhythm. Students will learn short combinations to develop coordination, musicality, and performance confidence.

It is standard for dancers to spend approximately 2 years in this level to ensure mastery and confidence before advancing.

 

Jazz 2

Ages 8-10, Instructor placement required

This class is designed for dancers that have completed Jazz 1or have 2-3 years of equivalent training. Early childhood jazz (before age 6) does not count towards this prerequisite.

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Jazz 2 helps students to build on foundational jazz skills while introducing more challenging combinations, turns and leaps. Students will focus on improving technique, coordination, musicality, and performance quality.

 

Jazz 3 & Jazz 4

Instructor placement required.

 

Lyrical 1

Age 7 (Entering second grade)

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Introduces dancers to the expressive style of lyrical dance, blending elements of ballet and jazz. Students learn fundamentals such as fluid movement, musicality, emotional expression, and basic technique while building strength, flexibility, and confidence.

 

Contemporary 1

Age 7 (Entering second grade)

This class is designed for dancer that has completed 1 year of ballet and jazz. Early childhood ballet (before age 6) does not count towards this prerequisite.

 

Contemporary is for students that are ready to explore an expressive dance form rooted in ballet foundations. Students will learn basic contemporary skills including expressive floor work, transitions and musicality. This class will provide students with a strong foundation to progress in contemporary dance. Students must be enrolled in a ballet class.

 

Contemporary 2

Instructor placement required

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This intermediate level class builds on foundational techniques learned in Contemporary 1. This class further encourages creativity, artistry and a deeper connection to contemporary dance.

 

Modern 1

Age 8+

This class is designed for a dancer that has completed 2-3 years of ballet and jazz as this art form uses skills and technique from both genres. Early childhood ballet (before age 6) does not count towards this prerequisite.

 

Modern 1 introduces students to the fundamentals of modern dance.  Students will explore basic modern technique, including floor work, release, and expressive movement, while developing strength, flexibility and body awareness. Students must be enrolled in a ballet class.

 

Modern 2

Instructor placement required

These classes are intended for the dancer that has over 5 years of ballet training. Early childhood ballet (before age 6) does not count towards this prerequisite.

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Advanced Jazz Fusion

Instructor placement required

Jazz fusion dance is a dynamic, high-energy movement style that blends the fluid technique of jazz with the power, sharpness, and rhythm of contemporary forms.

 

Musical Theatre

Age 7+( Entering second grade)

This class is recommended for a dancer that has at least 1 year of jazz experience, although not required.

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Musical Theatre introduces students to the dynamic world of musical theatre through movement, dance and acting. Students will learn performance focused combinations incorporating jazz and theatrical styling. Emphasis is placed on expression, character development and story telling through movement while building confidence.

 

Hip Hop 1

Age 7 (Entering second grade)

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This beginner level class introduces students to the foundations of hip hop, including basic rhythms and movement techniques. Students will learn energetic combinations while developing coordination, musicality and confidence.

 

Beginner Teen Ballet/Tap/Jazz/Hip-Hop

These beginner level classes are designed for pre-teens and teens ages 10 and up. Students will learn foundational techniques in a fun, supportive environment.