Dance Overview
Dance Program The dance program offers a variety of classes for all ages, abilites and desired level study. Tuition varies according to the selection and quanity of classes. Discounts are given after the second class. Discounted packages are available for dancers who would like a concentrated study and additional performance opportunites. Classes not filled by the end of registration periods will be cancelled or combined. Private Lessons are available for half hour, and full hour lessons.
Performances: All students perform in the yearly recital with the exception of those who choose not too do so. In addition to tuition, there will be a costume charge per class costume for the spring recital. Students registered for the performance classes have the opportunity to perform in a recital, a yearly holiday and spring ballets and various community events. A performance fee is charged for any additional performance opportunity outside the yearly recital. Open dance auditions are held for the community and surrounding areas for any additional performing opportunities.
Open Schedule/No recital: The Teen and Adult program is designed for those who would simply like to take a dance class without a recital obligation.
Succssful Alumni Our students attend esteemed summer institutes such as Alvin Ailey, Pennsylvania Ballet, Walnut Hill, Princeton Ballet School, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet School, Virginia School of the Arts, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Interlochen. Our students have graduated in higher education as professional dancers, arts administrators, and musical theatre performers from Rutgers University, New York University, Boston Conservatory, La Roche College, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, and Montclaire University.
Class Placement. All students are placed in a class according to their demonstrated ability. It is understood that the students’ age and the number of years of training do not always yield proficient execution of technique. Therefore, the class level in which a student is placed is not to deter the students’ training; it is to bring the student to their future class level. Students are evaluated each year in May to ensure proper class levels in the Fall.
Dress Code: To instill proper dance ethics, students are required to follow a dress code designed for each class technique. For your shopping convenience, you may shop on-line at www.curtaincallforclass.com. Under Dancer Login, select New Jersey and then choose Cygnus under the studio pull down menu. A list of Cygnus classes will be listed with the recommended dance attire. You may also shop at a store of your choice.
CREATIVE DANCE: Pink leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers. Hair neatly tied up.
This blend of movement, music, improvisation, and basic dance steps is an introduction for the future study of dance techniques. This is an excellent class for children to learn and develop the fundamentals of tap and ballet while expanding their imagination.
Level I 3-4yrs New students Level IA 3-4yrs Returning students. Level II 5yrs New students Level IIA 5yrs Returning students
PRE-BALLET through ADVANCED BALLET: black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, pointe shoes for designated level, and hair in a bun. Students are introduced to classical ballet vocabulary while developing strength, proper alignment, musicality, and the grace that is intrinsic in the art form. All students intending to proceed onto pointe are required to attend a minimum of two ballet technique classes per week. Jr. or Sr. Company participation level are required to attend a minimum of three ballet technique classes per week. Modern, jazz and tap dance are suggested but not required; by teacher appointment only. Students will meet all company requirements stated in the policies to maintain Company status.
FUNDAMENTAL MODERN-ADVANCED MODERN: Any color leotard, black footless tights, no shoes, hair securely tied back. Our approach to modern dance at Cygnus incorporates the principles of Limon, Graham and Horton. These techniques develop strong dancers through the study of these codified techniques. Advanced dancers develop improvisation skills to encourage group and solo compositions. A fundamental class is required for all students new to modern dance. This class introduces the working elements of dance and introduces the student to the techniques. One year of dance experience is recommended to students at least 8 years of age.
PRE TAP/JAZZ- ADVANCED JAZZ: Black leotard, black jazz pants or tan, black or pink tights. Black Split sole jazz shoes. Students learn basic to advance jazz terminology and jazz dance principles such as syncopated rhythms, body isolations as well as styles in classic jazz, Broadway, hip-hop street and funk moves.
BEGINNING-ADVANCED TAP: Any color leotard, black jazz pants, black low heel tap shoes, for all Creative, Pre-tap through to Tap II, TapIII and Performance tap 1 1/2” heeled taps. Hair tied. Students learn basic to advanced tap terminology and technique while developing rhythmic skills, precision and musicality. Classical tap, hoofin and improvisation are various styles taught through level changes.
BEGINNING-ADVANCED HIP- HOP: Urban wear. Please bring a change of sneakers to wear during class. BASIC -ADVANCED LEVEL. Pop, Lock, BeBop, Flow and Break are a few styles reviewed.
CULTURAL DANCE: Currently we offer Beginning – Advanced Level Belly Dance classes.
*Some classes are taught only at certain times of the year and depend upon the availability of our faculty and enrollment. Log onto www.cygnusarts.org for an up to date schedule of classes.