Dance Styles
Contemporary
Contemporary Dance is a style that evolved out of the Modern technique innovated by Martha Graham, Ruth St. Denis, Katherine Dunham, Jose Limon, Doris Humphrey & Charles Weidman. Moving away from the ballet aesthetic, Modern pioneers desired to make dance more authentic, removing restrictive corsets, tutus, and pointe shoes, utilizing gravity and the ground, as well as the lack of a narrative story so popular in concert ballet. Contemporary dance has evolved from this tradition to incorporate ballet, lyrical, and jazz techniques. Contemporary gives students an opportunity to explore their physicality within this innovative yet technical style. In contemporary class, students will learn some of Modern dances fundamentals as well as the more free form, inclusive contemporary elements to create a well rounded, intuitive dancer.
Ballet
Ballet is the foundation of all dance techniques and is the underpinning of almost every other style of dance. At Ignite, we recognize that most students will not become professional ballerinas, but understand the huge advantage strong ballet training plays in a successful dancer (and person). Ballet training focuses on basic, fundamental movements at the barre, setting up a solid foundation for further training and centre work. By building on these fundamental techniques, the dancer develops a foundation for all subsequent advanced dance movements, not just for ballet but skills that will support jazz, contemporary, acro, and lyrical dancers.
Lyrical
Lyrical combines the soft and fluid qualities of ballet with the strong, dynamic qualities of jazz technique. As the name suggests, dancers use their body, facial expression and movement to tell the story of the song, while infusing the choreography with emotion.
Students take on the role of both dancer and actor in this expressive and deeply moving style of dance. Lyrical challenges both the choreographer and dancer to use motion and emotion as an artistic expression.
Jazz
Jazz is a dynamic and exciting style of dance. This genre has evolved from its African roots, through vaudeville and Broadway, to become one of the most popular commercial styles of dance. Jazz class is structured with a light cardio warm up, conditioning and stretching before moving across the floor, focusing on combinations that develop dancers’ technique while challenging them to pick up steps quickly. This style encourages students to adapt, dance with passion, build strength, and perform their hearts out all while maintaining personality and performance! Jazz is a foundational class that helps students’ co-ordination, and build their cardiovascular endurance in a fun, energetic setting.
Acro
Acro is a combination of dance and gymnastics or acrobatic skills. It focuses on concentration, balance, flexibility and control. Students will be challenged to balance their strength and flexibility in this class. Acro develops skills such as handstands, elbow stands, chest stands, cartwheels, walkovers, handsprings in a fun and safe environment.
To master an Acro trick, students must develop a solid foundation in strength and flexibility, and Ignite places a strong emphasis on conditioning and stretching. When students are learning new tricks, the instructor utilizes professional spotting techniques to ensure student safety and instil confidence in the students as they master their technique.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop has transitioned from the streets to the studio, and is one of the most energetic and enthusiastic dance styles. With its unique and unmistakable style, Hip Hop is one of the fastest growing styles of dance with students of all ages. In this class students are encouraged to use their full physicality while focusing on rhythm, musicality, control, style, and performance. Dancers will be challenged to explore the different sub-genres of hip hop and find their own personal style within the style.
Tap
Tap is a combination of dance and percussion and it explores a variety of styles from rhythmic to Broadway. These styles focus on exercises that increase control, coordination, and rhythm. Classes include across the floor and center exercises that teach dynamics, shading, and musicality. The goal is to develop tap dancers that are strong musicians, dancers, and performers.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre is the style of dance primarily seen on Broadway, requiring students to be a true triple threat. Vocal work, technical dancing skills, and acting will challenge students, while blending these elements together to create exciting and entertaining performances. Musical Theatre is a great place to grow, learn, and develop deeper self-confidence, not only as a performer but also as a person. Students are encouraged to let go of their inhibitions and dive in to some zany characters.
At Ignite we believe that acting and improvisation are life skills that develop creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication; vital skills for students that will serve them well into their adulthood. Our program encourages each individual student to explore his or her creative instincts in a fun and safe environment.
Ignite Dance Center is a safe, inclusive space for all people.