Programs & Descriptions

We offer various programs to suit dancers of all ages, levels, and commitment abilities. From Toddlers to Adults, Tap to Break dancing to Contemporary, just try to find a class that doesn't feed your soul! Also look into our wonderful partnerships for even more options!

Preschool Program
Guys & Dolls Company
Performance Company
Competitive Company
Adult Program
10 Week Session
School Outreach
Extras

FEES - View Fees for 2011 / 2012 Season

1. Preschool Program

Broadway Babies I - ages 2/3

Our Broadway Babies I class is a magical introduction to dance for the 2-3 year old child and their caregiver. The basic elements of dance are introduced in a positive and loving way using props such as scarves, stuffed animals, musical instruments, and costume effects. A fun-filled 30 minute class that engages the child in age appropriate activities while teaching drama, music, and the excitement of the world of dance. Broadway Babies I is a wonderful way for a child who loves music and movement to develop a positive attitude toward learning and the classroom.

This class is offered in half year sessions running September-December and January- April. Please note this is a non-recital class.
*Dancers must meet the minimum age requirement by September 30th for the first session and January 31st for the second session.

ATTIRE:
Girls: Pink tank bodysuit, prima-pink full sole ballet slipper, pink convertible tights, and long hair must be securely tied up.
Boys: Plain white t-shirt and black dance pants or sweatpants, black leather ballet shoes.

Broadway Babies II - ages 3/4

Do you have a budding ballerina dancing in your living room? Does your child display natural rhythm and love to sing and dance? Then this is the program for you! This class is for kids new to dance where the emphasis is on fun and instilling a love of music and movement. Students will learn creative movement, singing, rhythm exercises and dance. This 45 minute class runs in 10 week, half and full year sessions where our Broadway Babies will have a chance to perform in our annual Holiday Spectacular in December.

ATTIRE: Girls: Pink tank bodysuit, prima-pink full sole ballet slipper, pink convertible tights, and long hair must be securely tied up. Boys: Plain white t-shirt and black dance pants or sweatpants, black leather ballet shoes.

Broadway Kids - ages 4/5

This is a 45 minute class for 4 year olds who have gone through the Broadway Babies program or for 5 year olds new to dance. Ballet foundations will be practiced; such as good posture, soft hands, and light feet, as well as tap basics like toe tapping, heel drops, and learning to distinguish the left side from the right side. Dancers will also learn creative movement, musicality, and the joy of singing! Specialty theme classes are offered once a month. These dancers will participate in three performances throughout the year; our annual Holiday Spectacular in December, and the Shy Ann Dance Festival and our Recital in May. This class runs in full year sessions only.

ATTIRE: Girls: Pink tank bodysuit, prima-pink full sole ballet slipper, black u-shell tap shoes, pink convertible tights, and long hair must be securely tied up. Boys: Plain white t-shirt and black dance pants or sweatpants, black leather ballet shoes and black tap shoes.

Theatrical Tots - ages 4/5

Theatrical Tots is a great way to introduce performers to the excitement of Musical Theatre! Students will love bringing all the fun of singing, dancing and acting together in this 45 minute class. Each month will focus on a different musical, ranging from the classic 'Sound of Music' to more contemporary hits like 'Seussical' and 'Hairspray'! Classes will include singing and acting exercises in addition to teaching basic theatre choreography. Our Theatrical Tots will also introduce our students to improvisation in a fun and age appropriate way. This class runs in half and full year sessions with performances at our Holiday Spectacular in December and the Shy Ann Dance Festival and our Recital in May.

ATTIRE: Girls: Black tank bodysuit, beige stretch jazz boot, dark tan convertible tights, and long hair must be securely tied back. Boys: Plain black t-shirt, black dance pants or sweatpants, and black stretch jazz boot.

Boogie Bots Hip Hop - ages 4/5

This 45 minute class is for all of those mini b-boys and b-girls who just can't wait to bust a move! Students will bounce and shake while grooving along to kid friendly hip hop music. This class runs in half and full year sessions with opportunities to perform at our annual Holiday Spectacular in December, the Shy Ann Dance Festival and our Recital in May.

ATTIRE: Girls and Boys: Loose comfortable clothing (no jeans), clean indoor white runners, and long hair must be securely tied up.

Kinderdance - age 5

This class is for dancers who have completed the Preschool program at Dance Soul or have previous dance experience. This program includes one 30 minute ballet class as well as one 45 minute jazz/tap combo class scheduled on the same day; and will prepare dancers with solid dance foundations for years to come. Dancers can expect to learn the basics of ballet through storytelling, and the graded RAD or Cecchetti syllabus. The jazz/tap combo class will have your Kinderkid clapping, tapping and jumping to high energy music. The use of song, creative movement, basic jazz and tap foundations will also be learned along with specialty theme classes. Dancers will participate in the Holiday Spectacular in December, the Shy Ann Dance Festival and our Recital in May. This class runs in full year sessions only.

ATTIRE: Girls: Pink tank bodysuit, prima-pink full sole ballet slipper, black u-shell tap shoes, pink convertible tights, and long hair must be securely tied up. Boys: Plain white t-shirt and black dance pants or sweatpants, black leather ballet shoes and black tap shoes.

2. Guys & Dolls Company

Our Guys and Dolls Company is a performing troupe for local area dancers aged 5-7 years. It provides the opportunity for the county’s youngest dancers to learn simple partnering techniques in addition to routines in jazz, tap, hip hop and theatre jazz. Dancers will learn classic steps from the Charleston and Big Band era, all the way thru to swing, the twist, disco, old school funk and more! Company classes take place on Saturdays (12:00-1:15pm) while performances occur throughout the year at various venues/events in the Parkland Region. Anticipated performances include:

Festival of Trees-Tri Leisure Centre in November
Municipal Trade Show-Tri Leisure Centre in March
Farmers Day Pancake Breakfast in June
Local area Preschools, Senior Citizen homes and more!

Fees: $80/month which covers all rehearsals, performances and costume rentals.

*** Please note this is not a competitive company and dancers do not perform at competitions or festivals.

3. Performance Company ages 6-18

Dance Soul’s Performance Company is a training company created to provide solid technical bases with numerous opportunities to perform and compete throughout the season. This program is perfect for dancers wanting to learn discipline, time management skills and how to socialize with their peers. Increased stage time results in confident dancers able to entertain an audience.

Program Requirements:

Commitment to our full nine month season running from September thru to May/Recital.
Participation in two Edmonton area dance competitions with the option of a 3rd which may or may not be out of town.
Performances at our annual Holiday Spectacular and Recital in addition to special performances at community holiday or fundraising events and local area schools.

Classes Offered:

Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Theatre Jazz, Hip Hop, Jazz Technique, Breakdance and Pop N Lock.

Opportunities:

Performance Company members can attend conventions with the Dance Soul family and participate in our bi-annual summer studies programs to New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver and more. Those students interested in ballet exams can inquire with the Artistic Director about class placement.

4. Competitive Company ages 7-19

Dance Soul’s Competitive Company is a team dedicated to creating strong technical well- rounded dancers who are taught a healthy approach to competitive dance. It is designed for those students and parents who have the commitment, drive to improve and love of dance instilled in them. It can be a demanding program where dancers have regular classes 3-4 times per week in addition to extra performances for charity organizations and community events. There are limited spots available for each level to ensure quality instruction and accelerated training.

Program Requirements:

Classes

Level 2a-Ballet technique 2x per week, Jazz technique, Jazz Choreography, Tap, and Hip Hop. Options include: Theatre Jazz, Company Line, Breakdance and Pop N Lock.
Level 2b- Ballet technique 2x per week, Jazz technique, Jazz Choreography, Tap, Hip Hop and Company Line. Options include: Theatre Jazz, Lyrical, Breakdance and Pop N Lock.
Level 3a- Ballet technique 2x per week, Jazz technique, Jazz and Lyrical Choreography, Tap, Hip Hop and Company Line. Options include: Theatre Jazz, Modern Technique, Choreography, Breakdance and Pop N Lock.
Level 3b- Ballet technique 3x per week, Jazz technique, Jumps and Turns, Jazz and Lyrical Choreography, Tap, Hip Hop and Company Line. Options include: Theatre Jazz, Modern Technique and Choreography, Breakdance and Pop N Lock.
Level 4a- Ballet technique 3x per week, Pre-Pointe 2x per week, Jazz technique, Jumps and Turns, Modern Technique, Jazz and Lyrical Choreography, Tap, Hip Hop and Company Line. Options include: Theatre Jazz, Modern Choreography, Breakdance and Pop N Lock.
Level 4b- Ballet technique 3x per week, Pre-Pointe/Pointe 2x per week, Jazz technique, Jumps and Turns, Modern Technique, Jazz, Lyrical, and Modern Choreography, Tap, Hip Hop and Company Line. Options include: Theatre Jazz, Breakdance and Pop N Lock.
Level 5 and 6- Ballet technique 3x per week, Pointe 2x per week, Jazz technique, Jumps and Turns, Modern Technique, Jazz, Lyrical, and Modern Choreography, and Company Line. Options include: Tap, Hip Hop, Theatre Jazz, Breakdance and Pop N Lock.

Workshops and Conventions

Levels 2-4a students must enroll in at least one fall convention and are encouraged to study attend workshops throughout the year in addition to attendance in a summer camp or intensive.
Level 4b-6 students must enroll in at least two fall conventions and are encouraged to attend workshops throughout the year in addition to attendance in a summer camp or intensive.

Performances and Competitions

Competitive Company dancers participate annually in the Festival of Trees (Spruce Grove), Community Spirit (Edmonton) and Stars of Hope (Edmonton) fundraising events which help local area organizations like the Kids With Cancer Society. In addition dancers are called upon whenever local events ask for Dance Soul’s participation which may include Farmer’s Days events, Earth Day events, Stony Plain Youth events, etc. Additionally dancers perform at our annual Holiday Spectacular and Recital.
Competitive Company members compete in 4-6 competitions seasonally (Jan-June) with the majority being in the Edmonton area but with some being out of town or province.

Opportunities

To train and receive scholarships at Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, Broadway Dance Centre in New York City, the Edge Performing Arts Centre in Los Angeles and more.
To participate in the Vaganova Society’s bi-annual ballet exchanges to St. Petersburg, Russia.
To participate in Dance Soul’s bi-annual summer studies programs at the top dance centres in the world including: Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City and more.
To be noticed and trained by some of the industry’s leading choreographers and professional dancers. Alumni, Jordan Gibbins, was given the opportunity to assist Tyce Diorio among others at Triple Threat Dance Conventions while alumni, Kristen Kormos has danced beside professional dancers from Ballet Jorgen.

*** Before signing up for this program, dancers and their families should seriously consider whether they can make the financial and time commitment needed in order to be successful.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Jazz - ages 6+

Born in the film West Side Story, this form of dance remains one of the most popular over the past 50 years. Each class starts with a guided warm up designed to increase flexibility and strength. Students will then learn strong basics that will have them turning, kicking and jumping across the floor. As students advance in ability, they will triple or quadruple their turns and jumps while defining their own style. Class length varies from 1.0 - 1.5 hours.

ATTIRE:
Girls: Bodysuits or tank tops, spandex or yoga shorts, dark tan jazz boot, dark tan convertible tights.
Boys: Solid colour t-shirt and black dance pants, basketball shorts or sweatpants, black jazz boot.

Tap - ages 6+

Tap is a great North American tradition with its history beginning in the United States during the 19th century. The name comes from the tapping sound made when metal plates on the dancer's shoes touches a hard surface. Because the dancer makes sound, they are also considered a percussive musician. At the developmental level, tap reinforces rhythm concepts. As the students advance in ability, they learn increasingly intricate combinations however tap takes a lifetime to master. Class length varies from 0.75 - 1.0 hours.

ATTIRE:
Girls: Bodysuits or tank tops, spandex or yoga shorts, dark tan convertible tights, *black tap shoes brand and type depends on level enrolled in.
Boys: Solid colour t-shirt and black dance pants, basketball shorts or sweatpants, black tap shoes.

Ballet - ages 6+

Enjoyment of movement, expression and sensitivity to music are combined with discipline in the study of ballet. Ballet helps to build a strong base, clean technique and proper alignment, all of which are essential for any kind of dance, as well as skating and gymnastics. Barre exercises, combinations across the floor and adagio are taught following the RAD syllabus. Ballet is the base of all dance and we encourage all students to take a class 1-3 times a week for optimal results. Students taking this class will have opportunities to audition and perform with several professional dance companies from across Canada as well as to take graded RAD exams. Boys are on scholarship for this class. Class length varies from 0.75 - 1.5 hours.

ATTIRE:
Girls:Ages 6-10: Pink tank bodysuit, prima-pink full sole ballet slipper, pink convertible tights, and hair back in a bun.
Levels 3/4/5: Navy blue camisole bodysuit, canvas ballet slippers, pink convertible tights and hair back in a bun.
Level 6: Black camisole bodysuit, canvas ballet slippers, pink convertible tights and hair back in a bun.
Boys: Plain white t-shirt and black dance pants or sweatpants, black leather ballet shoes.

Lyrical Jazz - ages 8+

Defined simply as poetry in motion, lyrical jazz often uses the lyrics from songs to non-verbally express the music. Having a very strong ballet background as well as knowledge of jazz movement is extremely important to mastering this dance technique. Students may only register in this class if they are in a ballet class as well as a jazz or jazz technique class. Class length varies from 0.75-1.0 hours.

ATTIRE:
Girls: Bodysuits or tank tops, spandex or yoga shorts, dance paws, dark tan convertible tights.
Boys: Solid colour t-shirt and black dance pants, basketball shorts or sweatpants, dance paws.

Theatre Jazz - ages 6+

This class is for all you triple threats who love to be on stage! Combining song, dance, humor and theatrics; students portray characters from musicals and plays. Every two weeks a new song or Broadway style is taught in a combination until the final piece for performances is selected. Guest instructors may be brought in to help with dramatic and voice skills. All students registering in this program must be currently taking a jazz or ballet class with a minimum of 2 years dance experience. Class length varies from 0.75-1.0 hours.

ATTIRE:
Girls: Bodysuits or tank tops, spandex or yoga shorts, dark tan jazz boot, dark tan convertible tights.
Boys: Solid colour t-shirt and black dance pants, basketball shorts or sweatpants, black jazz boot.

Modern / Contemporary - ages 3+

In the early 1900's dancers began to rebel against the rigid constraints of Classical Ballet. Shedding the authoritarian controls surrounding Ballet's technique, costuming, and shoes; early Modern dance pioneers focused on self-expression rather than technical virtuosity. Modern dance is a more relaxed free style of dance with a deliberate use of gravity expressing complex emotions and abstract ideas. It is usually performed in bare feet with non-traditional costuming. Modern techniques from Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Jose Limon and Lester Horton will be studied and explored. Class length varies from 1.0-1.75 hours. Those students not in the Competitive Program must have the consent of the Ballet Director to take this class.

ATTIRE:
Girls: Bodysuits or tank tops, spandex or yoga shorts, dark tan convertible tights, bare feet.
Boys: Solid colour t-shirt and black dance pants, basketball shorts or sweatpants, bare feet.

Jazz Technique - ages 2+

This class begins with a 30-45 minute warm up that includes stretching to prevent injuries, increasing flexibility, and core conditioning. Partner stretches as well as use of Therabands will also be used. Students will then go across the floor to learn proper techniques for turning, jumping, and extensions while increasing their artistry. This class is highly recommended for those dancers wanting to take their art form to the next level and mandatory for those in the Competitive Program. Class length varies from 1.25-1.5 hours.

ATTIRE:
Girls: Bodysuits or tank tops, spandex or yoga shorts, dark tan jazz boot, dark tan convertible tights.
Boys: Solid colour t-shirt and black dance pants, basketball shorts or sweatpants, black jazz boot.

Pointe - min. age 12

Pointe work is an advanced form of Ballet where students wear special shoes to dance on the tips of their toes. This technique began during the romantic period, early in the 1800's and was used to make the ballerina appear weightless. All dancers wanting to sign up for this class must be taking a minimum of 2.5 hours of Ballet per week and have the consent of the Ballet Director. This class is 30 minutes in length and performs at the Year End Recital in May.

ATTIRE:
Levels 4/5: Navy blue camisole bodysuit, proper fitting Pointe shoes, pink convertible tights and hair back in a bun.
Level 6: Black camisole bodysuit, proper fitting pointe shoes, pink convertible tights and hair back in a bun.

Company - ages 7+

This class is designed for students in the Competitive Program. Dancers get to work with guest teachers as well as taking part in a competitive routine with dancers outside of their level. Disciplines to be learned vary from lyrical and contemporary to African, Salsa, Theatre, Swing and more! Class length varies from 0.75-1.25 hours.

ATTIRE:
Girls: Bodysuits or tank tops, spandex or yoga shorts, dark tan convertible tights and whatever footwear is required for the day.
Boys: Solid colour t-shirt and black dance pants, basketball shorts or sweatpants, and whatever footwear is required for the day.

Groove Mixer - ages 6-12

A 10 week course designed to introduce your child to a variety of dance techniques and disciplines. Classes may include but are not limited to: jazz, hip hop, theatre jazz, lyrical contemporary, modern and/or ballet. Students are sure to find their groove by experimenting exploring this wide range of dance disciplines. Our Groove Mixer does not have any performance requirements and runs in our Fall, Winter and Spring programs.

ATTIRE:
Loose comfortable clothing, bare feet and clean indoor sneakers.

5. Adult Programs-ages 16-99

Ballet-Introduction/Level I

This class is for Adults who want to explore the beauty and physicality of ballet at a beginner level. It is a 1.0 hour class that runs weekly throughout the season. Dancers will begin at the barre and then move on to centre work and across the floor exercises. During this gentle class, dancers will increase their flexibility, core strength, muscle tone and musicality. Classes are charged on a per month basis or 10 week sessions.

ATTIRE: Women: Yoga wear or leotard and pink ballet shoes. Men: Comfortable clothing and black ballet shoes.

Ballet II/III

This class is for ballet lovers with previous experience. It runs 1.25 hrs in length and includes barre work, centre work, across the floor exercises and optional Pointe work. Students can relax in this no pressure environment where they will gain core strength, flexibility and fluidity in their movements. This class runs throughout the season where students can pay monthly or in 10 week sessions.

ATTIRE: Women: Yoga wear or leotard and pink ballet shoes. Men: Comfortable clothing and black ballet shoes.

Hip Hop

This class is for all the men and women who are craving a challenge and want to up their cardio health as well as their movement and rhythm abilities. Students will learn such diverse styles as locking, popping, boogaloo, old school, whacking, street jazz and house while dancing to todays best RnB and Hip Hop hits. No experience necessary, just the ability to laugh out loud and willingness to expand your horizons. This class runs in 10 week sessions.

ATTIRE: Comfortable clothing and a clean indoor pair of runners.

Pussycat Dolls Hip Hop

You love Much Music, MTV, top 40 and the hypnotic rhythms of RnB; now learn to dance to all your favorite songs! This one hour class will teach you the confidence you need to strut your sexy moves at the club while giving you that cardio burn your body needs. Choreography varies from vogueing and whacking to chair dances and street jazz. This class runs in 10 week classes.

ATTIRE: Bring comfortable clothing, heels or runners and a ferocious attitude!

Tap Introduction/Level I

Have you ever watched in amazement when a performer delivers tonnes of rhythm, sound and tempo all out of their feet? Be a part of the fun, and learn to tap dance. Our one hour class will have you learning tap basics and then a combination set to music from the Big Band era and beyond. No experience necessary, just a positive attitude and energy! This class starts out at 10 week session but does run the full year with performances at the Sundance Dance Festival, Shy Ann Dance Festival and our Recital.

ATTIRE: Comfortable clothing and tap shoes.

Tap II/III

This one hour class is for those with previous experience in tap considered an intermediate to advanced class. It runs from September thru May and includes performances at the Sundance Dance Festival, Shy Ann Dance Festival and our Recital. This class may include barre and/or centre work, across the floor in addition to short combinations which will ultimately result in set choreography. Have fun keeping in shape while toe tapping to hits from the 40's, 50's, 60's and beyond. This class runs the full year.

ATTIRE: Comfortable clothing and tap shoes.

Theatre Jazz

This class is for adults from beginner to intermediate who like to ham it up and jazz it up! Think Chicago, Cabaret, Hairspray, Grease, and All That Jazz! Learn different Broadway styles while lip syncing and acting to your hearts content. Your weekly class is 1.25 hours long and starts with a short warm followed by across the floor, and then a new combination every two weeks. This class runs the full year and performs at the Sundance Dance Festival, Shy Ann Dance Festival and our Recital.

ATTIRE: Black dance pants, black tank top or t-shirt, and black jazz boots

6. 10 Week Programs

10 week programs are offered throughout the year in various disciplines and levels. They may be for the adult looking for something fun, social and cardiovascular, for the teenager wanting to learn to Breakdance, or for the pre-school child just dipping their feet into dance. Cost of all 10 week programs is $150.00 plus GST with no registration fee or refunds. Please check our schedule for more information or call our inquiry line at 780 963 4433.

7. School Outreach Programs

Our school outreach programs are designed to introduce students to Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Swing dance, African and more. We offer quality dance instruction in a fun atmosphere during regular school hours. For more information on how to book Dance Soul at your school email questions@dancesoul.ca.

8. Extras

Birthday Parties

Birthday Party Packages are two hours in length and are booked for Friday evenings (4:30-7:00) Parties are usually hosted by a Junior Dance Teacher.

Our parties are for up to 10 children at a cost of $175 plus GST. Additional children can be added at a cost of $10 plus GST each (maximum 15).

What is included in our party:

Theme related 1 hour dance class. Popular themes are the enchanted Princess Party, High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Pre-teen/Teen Hip Hop Party.
Dance Soul provides paper plates, cutlery, napkins and cups, festive decorations, 1 hour of dancing and games and assistance during presents and cake/food.
The last 10 minutes of the party during parent pick-up the children can demonstrate the dance they learned. Costumes are available on request and work best if all birthday guests are in the same age range.
The birthday child receives a Dance Soul T-shirt (please specify size), and each guest receives a goody bag with a coupon for a free dance class.
Parents provide cake and any food they want to be served. Food is requested to be nut free. At least one parent must remain on site during the party.
The studio will be open 15 minutes prior to the party and for 15 minutes following the party.
A $25.00 non-refundable deposit is requested at the time of the booking.

Ladies Night Out

Have a group of girlfriends that are always up for something fun and exciting? Dance Soul offers group classes on Friday evenings in Hip Hop, Tap, African and more! Prices are $15 per person for a group of 8 or more and $20 per person for groups of 4-7. For more information or to make a booking email questions@dancesoul.ca.

Rock Your Reception

Are you planning your wedding and looking for a way to make your reception unforgettable? Why not surprise your guests by performing a choreographed dance? Hip Hop, Disco, Funk, and Swing are just some of the great styles perfect to perform in front of an awe struck crowd. We offer packages for the Bride and Groom, the Wedding Party and anyone else involved in your special day, no dance experience necessary! Call us at 780-963-4433 to book your consultation and package today or email questions@dancesoul.ca.