Advanced Division

Advanced Dance Class Descriptions

Power, Flight & Turn (PFT)

PFT is a class for advanced dancers to gain full-body strength (to keep them safe when lifting other dancers) while perfecting the technical requirements necessary when performing jumps and turns. Dancers will learn variations and other excerpts from classical repertoire typically attributed to male danseurs.

Tap

This class will take dancers from the fundamentals of tap technique and rhythm to as solid, intermediate/advanced tap vocabulary. Additionally, dancers will learn the basics of tap improvisation.

Ballet

CCD’s ballet training is based on a mixture of the English RAD system, the Italian Cecchetti method, and also the French System. Our ‘neutral’, kinesthetically healthy classical technique builds great strength and versatility, while also allowing every kind of physical form to reach its potential in a healthy, accepting environment.

Conditioning

Advanced Conditioning focuses on developing the stamina, strength, and also the coordination required for this new level of dance training. Dancers should take conditioning classes to supplement their other dance classes.

Contemporary

CCD’s contemporary syllabus explores dance techniques studied in recent and emerging professional dance companies with an emphasis on contemporary forms of concert dance. Alongside their training, dancers will explore contemporary partnering, performance practices and also cross-disciplinary approaches to movement exploration. This study in contemporary dance will also make space for examining their own understanding of movement and forming their artistic values as thinkers, movers, and makers.

Composition*

Intended as a class for prospective choreographers, this class introduces and reinforces the cornerstones of choreographic practice. Students will learn the basics, and the class will also culminate in a Young Choreographers Showcase.

*Composition is an extra fee of $120 per student per year.

Jazz Technique

CCD’s jazz technique syllabus aims to guide our dancers from the historic vernacular roots through the performative styles of Fosse and Luigi to current forms underpinning much of popular dance. We also encourage our dancers to become generalists in jazz technique with a historic understanding of the past and future of the art form.

Men’s & Power, Flight & Turn

Men’s & Power, Flight & Turn is a class for advanced dancers to gain full-body strength (to keep them safe when lifting other dancers) while perfecting the technical requirements necessary when performing jumps and turns. Dancers will learn variations and other excerpts from classical repertoire typically attributed to male danseurs.

Modern Technique

CCD’s modern dance syllabus focuses our dancers on the general concepts and techniques of modern dance while imparting specific somatic and improvisational skills. This conceptual understanding allows dancers to be successful in a range of modern styles while creating a full and developed physical understanding of their body and its abilities. Including a historical overview of modern dance allows students to better interpret the development and future of this technique.

Pedagogy

Intended as a class for prospective teachers, this class immerses students in the world of teaching dance, from age-appropriate expectations, approaches to instruction and correction, and also methods of communication.

Pas de Deux

This class is based on the basic understanding of how two individual dancers can bear each other’s weight, manipulate the physics of one’s movements, and work jointly to create beautiful shapes. We use both classical and contemporary modalities to teach this class, and all dancers will learn to safely bear and give weight.

Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)

Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program developed by Marie Walton-Mahon. This class teaches students to understand the depth of training muscle memory in achieving their personal best. The program uses various sizes of Fit Balls and flex bands to simulate ballet and dance technique, thus the muscle memory applied to class work. Highly appreciated by physical therapists around the world, the system is well organized by age, level and challenges. All PBT balls will be provided for all students who take classes in person. CCD students studying online will need to have their own equipment:

• Fusion Ball 7-9″ (sometimes called a Pilates ball) 
• Fit Ball – 55cm – 65cm
• Flex band (9 feet long) will be available to buy at the front desk

Variations

Students in Advanced Variations learn small sections of classical ballets. Studying the authentic choreography deepens their understanding of ballet’s history and traditions.

Take Your Dance Education to the Next Level