General Class Information
CAPA offers classes for dancers from age three through high school.
CAPA’s Primary Division is for dancers age 3 – 6, and offers instruction in creative movement, ballet and tap. Our regular classes (7 years of age and older) are offered in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Pointe (if eligible) and Tap.
Primary Division
Intro to Dance (Creative Movement and Musicality)
Eligibility: Age three at the start of the CAPA year (August).
This class helps build a love for creative dance and musicality, 100% fun! The goal of this class is to provide a healthy and positive experience that stimulates a love for dance, music, and movement by introducing ballet technique while also encouraging a child’s free expression. Intro to Dance classes perform in the June Showcase.
Beginning Dance (Tap and Pre-Ballet)
Eligibility: Entering Kindergarten or the completion one year of Intro to Dance.
This class introduces the classical ballet positions and leaps as well as the rhythm steps of tap. There is a focus on helping students understand dance class structure, taking turns, and expressing themselves all while fostering a love for dance, music, and movement in an encouraging and positive environment.
Beginning Dance classes perform in the June Showcase.
Young Dancer (Tap and Ballet)
Eligibility: Entering 1st Grade or the completion of one year of Beginning Dance.
This class dives deeper into classical ballet movement and terminology. It also incorporates the coordination and rhythm of tap dance while encouraging these little dancers to express themselves creatively.
Young Dancer classes perform in the June Showcase.
Regular Class Levels
Level 1 for all class types is intended for ages approximately second grade and up or completion of Young Dancer (with the exception of Intro to Contemporary which requires the completion of Jazz 2 and/or Ballet 2).
Each level will be taken for a minimum of one to two years per level. Age requirements are always approximate as physical skills and development vary widely. Placement is always at the genre director’s discretion.
Contemporary, Jazz, Tap | Nutcracker and June Show
All Contemporary, Jazz, and Tap classes perform in the June Show, with the exception of some of the Contemporary classes that are paired with Ensemble classes. For example, Calla Contemporary (the hour before Calla Ensemble) is for Calla Students and is technique only, and does not have a June Show piece. Calla Ensemble performs in the Holiday Concerto, and in the June Show.
Ballet | Nutcracker and June Show
Ballet 1 and Ballet 2 perform dances in the June Show. Ballet 3 and above are technique only classes. Once in Ballet 3, students may enroll in a Ballet Company to perform a ballet dance in the Nutcracker and June Show. See the Ensemble tab and Show tabs for more details.
Ensembles and Production Ensembles
The Ensemble Division is for those students who want to delve deeper into their training. Dancers are eligible for Ensemble once they are at the Ballet 1 - Tap 1 level. All Ensembles perform in the Nutcracker and/or the Holiday Concerto and June Show. Our highly popular Production Ensembles offer not just dance, but a complete theatrical experience. Dancers may apply beginning with the 3rd level of regular ensemble (Poppy) on up through Senior Ensemble. The four Production Groups combine to produce wonderful theatrical productions - 2 per year. Admission is limited to interested dancers based on advancement level and the discretion of the production directors. Regular Ensemble membership must be maintained. Production Groups perform in the Concerto and June Show. See the Ensemble tab and Show tabs for more details.
Private Solo, Duo, Trio Classes and/or Coaching
Students can request private coaching (for a special routine or to solidify areas of technique) with a teacher. Please contact the teacher directly if you are interested in private lessons. Payment is handled individually with the teacher.
Students wishing to increase their skill level may arrange for tutoring by approved Student Assistants. All payments for these classes must be made directly to CAPA.