Class Descriptions
Ballet, Tap, Jazz and more... Melrose Dance Academy has it all! See below for a full list of classes which are designed to increase your dancer's desire to learn and grow.
Ballet
Ballet & Tap Combo (5-6yrs)
This combo class introduces young dancers to the foundational elements of both ballet and tap in a fun, encouraging setting. In the ballet portion, students explore creative movement, basic positions, and proper technique while building coordination, balance, and grace. Through imaginative exercises and storytelling, dancers develop their musicality and love for movement. In the tap portion, dancers will learn rhythm, timing, and basic tap steps that enhance their listening skills and physical awareness. This class also promotes focus, confidence, and the ability to follow directions in a structured environment. This combo class is the perfect blend of discipline and creativity, preparing dancers for more formal training while ensuring they have a great time along the way!
Beginner/Intermediate Ballet (Ages 7–9)
Dancers begin to build a technical foundation, learning proper posture, arm and foot positions, and basic terminology. Classes emphasize musicality, strength, and graceful movement while encouraging confidence and discipline. Class includes barre work, center combinations, and across-the-floor exercises.
Intermediate–Advanced Ballet (Ages 11+)
More experienced dancers focus on refining their technique through barre work, center combinations, and across-the-floor exercises. Emphasis is placed on body alignment, fluidity, and strength. These classes prepare dancers for pointe work and more complex choreography.
Tap
Tap classes are all about rhythm, timing, and sound! Dancers will explore a variety of tap techniques, from basic shuffles to more intricate footwork, while learning how to create clear and confident sounds with their feet. Classes focus on musicality, coordination, and having fun through both traditional and contemporary tap styles. Tap is an energetic and exciting way to build precision and timing.
Jazz
Our jazz classes are high-energy and packed with style, focusing on sharp, dynamic movement and musicality. Dancers will explore a range of jazz styles, while building strong technique, flexibility, coordination, and performance skills. Classes include a full warm-up, across-the-floor progressions, and center combinations that emphasize rhythm, isolations, and expressive movement.
Jazz is a great class for dancers who love upbeat music, want to build stage presence, and enjoy expressing themselves through powerful, stylized choreography. This class is recommended for students with previous dance experience and is a fun, fast-paced favorite among all ages!
3-4 Yrs Ballet/Tap Combo
This fun and imaginative introductory class combines ballet, tap, and creative movement to introduce our youngest dancers to the magical world of dance. Designed specifically for 3- and 4-year-olds, the class focuses on developing coordination, rhythm, and listening skills, while encouraging social development and positive classroom behavior.
Dancers will begin learning basic ballet and tap terminology, body placement, and foundational steps, all in a nurturing, structured environment. Engaging, age-appropriate music and playful activities keep little ones inspired, excited, and moving with joy.
This class is the perfect first step into the world of dance—fostering confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of movement.
Creative Movement
This 30-minute introductory class is specially designed for our youngest dancers—age 2—who are just beginning their journey into the world of movement and music. Through the use of props, playful activities, and lively, age-appropriate music, dancers explore rhythm, basic movement patterns, and self-expression in a fun, nurturing environment.
The class promotes early development in gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and listening abilities, while also introducing group participation and classroom structure. Beyond dance, children build valuable life skills such as communication, memory recall, and social interaction, setting a strong foundation for future classes—and beyond.
This is a joyful, imaginative class where toddlers are encouraged to move freely, build confidence, and discover the joy of dance in a safe and supportive space.
Lyrical
Lyrical dance is a powerful and expressive style that blends the technique and grace of ballet with the fluidity and emotion of jazz. This class challenges dancers to interpret music and lyrics through movement, using storytelling, musicality, and emotional expression to bring choreography to life.
Dancers learn to connect deeply with the music, using gestures, dynamics, and transitions to convey the meaning behind a song. Movement in lyrical can be fluid or abstract, and often mirrors the tone and message of the lyrics, helping dancers grow as both performers and storytellers.
This class is designed for intermediate to advanced students with a solid foundation in ballet and jazz. Lyrical dance encourages not only strong technical development, but also artistic growth, giving dancers the tools to move with intention and communicate emotion through their bodies in an authentic and moving way.
Acro
Acro Dance is an art form that incorporates the fluid movements of dance with the exciting tricks from acrobatics. It is “gymnastics for dancers”, where students develop specific strength, flexibility, and technique, to learn how to execute acrobatic tricks, to then be used in dance choreography. The training students receive in their acro dance classes helps to reinforce the technique in all other dance genres. Adding acro dance is next-level training that will develop a specific skill set, and creates well-rounded and versatile dancers. Acro focuses on flexibility, muscle control, balance, tumbling technique, and strength. Melrose Dance Academy is a certified Acro Dance Teacher’s Association Acro Dance Studio and follows their syllabus. Ballet or Jazz classes are required for dancers enrolled in JR II Division Acro classes and higher.
LEVEL REQUIREMENTS
Pre-Junior: An introductory acro class for ages 5-6 yrs, no experience required. Students will develop gross and fine-motor skills and control, learn introductory acro body shapes and tricks, and develop kinesthetic awareness. At the same time, children will learn how to be in a class, and develop their focus, listening, and co-operative skills. Students spend 1-2 years in this level before moving on.
Pre-Junior II Division: For ages 6-8yrs. This level builds upon the foundational skills introduced in our beginner acro class and is designed to prepare dancers for the structure and intensity of the Junior Division acro class. Dancers will continue refining their gross and fine motor skills, while placing a stronger emphasis on strength, flexibility, balance, and control.
Students will begin working on foundational acro skills such as bridges, balances, cartwheels, and controlled rolls, as well as introductory partner work and transitions that incorporate acrobatic movement into dance. This class also places an increased focus on technique, body alignment, and safety.
In addition to physical skills, students will strengthen their ability to follow multi-step instructions, stay focused throughout a longer warm-up, and work cooperatively in small groups or pairs—essential preparation for the junior acro level. Dancers typically spend 1–2 years in this level, depending on their individual readiness to progress safely and confidently.
Junior Division: A dynamic and technique-driven class designed for dancers who have mastered the fundamentals and are ready for more challenging acrobatic work. This level focuses on strength, flexibility, control, and the safe execution of complex skills. Students should have a strong foundation in basic acro shapes and tricks and be able to stay focused through a longer and more intense class structure.
Dancers will expand their vocabulary of acrobatic elements, including clean cartwheels and handstands, walkovers, variations of bridges, and strong introductory partner and group skills. The warm-up and conditioning portion of class increases in length (25–30 minutes) to adequately prepare the body for the demands of the material.
In addition to skill development, emphasis is placed on building confidence, body awareness, and the ability to connect acrobatic movement seamlessly into dance. Junior Acro prepares students not just to perform individual tricks, but to use acro as a storytelling and performance tool within choreography. Dancers typically spend 3-4 years in this level before advancing to Intermediate Acro depending on their individual readiness to progress safely and confidently. Once dancers move on to JR II, they are required to take a ballet or jazz class.
Intermediate Division: For students who have mastered the Junior Division, must be tested before moving into this level. Intermediate Acro is designed for dancers with a strong foundation in acrobatic technique who are ready to take their skills to the next level. This class emphasizes strength, endurance, flexibility, and fluidity, while introducing more advanced tricks and seamless transitions between movement and acro elements.
Dancers at this level should already have solid control of skills such as cartwheels, walkovers, bridges, and basic partner work. In Intermediate Acro, they’ll work toward aerials, handsprings, chest stands, elbow stands, and higher-level partnering and group tricks, with a strong focus on proper technique and body alignment to ensure safety.
Classes include an extended warm-up and conditioning segment (30+ minutes) to prepare for the physical demands of the material. Emphasis is also placed on musicality, artistry, and incorporating acro skills fluidly into choreography for performance.
This class continues to reinforce confidence, focus, and resilience, preparing dancers for the advanced levels of acro where skill difficulty and performance expectations increase significantly. Most dancers will spend 3-4 years in this level depending on their individual readiness to progress safely and confidently. Ballet or Jazz class required.
Advanced Division: For students who have mastered the Intermediate Division, must be tested before moving into this level. Ballet or Jazz class required. Advanced Acro is for experienced dancers with strong technical foundations and a high level of body control, strength, and flexibility. This class focuses on mastering advanced tricks such as aerials, back handsprings, back tucks, partner/group stunts, and seamless acro-to-dance transitions.
Classes begin with an intense warm-up and conditioning segment to safely support advanced skill execution. Dancers work on combining acro skills with choreography to enhance artistry, fluidity, and performance presence. Safety, precision, and discipline are prioritized as dancers push boundaries and refine technique. Students typically remain in this level for multiple seasons as they continue to grow artistically and athletically.
(Please email us if your dancer is ready to be tested to move to the next division)
Contempoary
Contemporary is a dynamic and expressive style that blends elements of modern, jazz, ballet, lyrical, and its own unique movement vocabulary. This class focuses on natural movement, emotional expression, and personal interpretation, allowing dancers to explore their individuality through choreography and improvisation.
Students will develop a deeper understanding of body awareness, alignment, and control, while learning to move with fluidity, intention, and purpose. Classes emphasize musicality, the use of breath, grounded movement, and the relationship between the body and space.
Contemporary encourages dancers to break away from traditional structure and find their own voice through movement—making it both technically challenging and creatively fulfilling.
Musical Theater
Step into the spotlight with a class that combines the three essential elements of Broadway performance: dance, singing, and acting. In this high-energy and expressive class, students will build skills in each area, then blend them together to create dynamic performance pieces inspired by today’s most popular and beloved musicals.
Class includes a proper warm-up, across-the-floor progressions, and choreography that encourages dancers to tell a story through movement, facial expressions, and connection with the audience. Students will also work on vocal projection, timing, and character development to bring their performances to life.
Perfect for performers who love the stage and want to explore their triple-threat potential in a fun, creative environment!
Hip Hop
Hip hop is a high-energy, fast-paced class that blends rhythm, style, and personal expression. Rooted in street dance and urban movement, this class encourages dancers to bring their own unique style and personality to every combination.
Students will learn fundamental hip hop techniques, grooves, and choreography while developing musicality, coordination, and confidence. Each class includes a warm-up and upper and lower body conditioning to help build the strength, stamina, and control needed to execute powerful movements.
Hip hop is fun, dynamic, and ever-evolving—perfect for dancers who love to move big, perform boldly, and express themselves freely.
Production
Performance Team Members Only
Our Production Class brings the entire Performance Team together to create a high-energy, show-stopping routine that is a highlight of both our recital and competition season. This large group number combines a variety of dance styles—such as jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and musical theater—woven together through one central theme or storyline.
This class emphasizes teamwork, stage presence, and performance quality, challenging dancers to work as a cohesive unit while still bringing their individual energy and style. Students will develop skills in musicality, synchronization, and adaptability as they collaborate across age groups and experience levels.
With a focus on creativity, fun, and unity, Production offers dancers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the power of ensemble performance.
Pre-Pointe & Pointe
Pre-Pointe class is a pre-requisite for pointe work and is designed for students ages 11 and up who have had at least 2-3 consecutive years of ballet training. Pointe class can be taken on flat or in pointe shoes at the instructors discretion. All pointe classes are designed for students with previous ballet training. Students will utilize previously learned ballet technique while working in pointe shoes. Each class includes barre exercises, center floor work and across the floor combinations. These exercises focus on strengthening the feet and ankles. Dancers must have instructor approval for this class. Dancers must be enrolled in an additional ballet class along with pointe classes. Dancers must visit Jillian at The Movement Mechanic Physical Therapy to be evaluated and cleared for pointe shoes.
Hip Hop & Tumble
This high-energy, fun-filled class is perfect for kids who love to move, groove, and flip! Each class is split between exciting hip hop dance instruction and age-appropriate tumbling skills, giving students a well-rounded and engaging experience.
In the hip hop portion, dancers will learn popular moves and combinations to upbeat, kid-friendly music, helping to build coordination, rhythm, and style. In the tumbling portion, students will work on the fundamentals—like rolls, handstands, and cartwheels.
This class encourages creative movement, body awareness, and self-expression, all while promoting confidence, self-esteem, and lots of smiles. Students will leave feeling energized, accomplished, and ready to show off their new moves!
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