Storybook Ballet, Pre-ballet, Primary Ballet, and Musical Theatre classes are offered at schools and at Downward Dog Yoga Studio in Newport News, VA. Each class is engaging, creative, focused, and developmentally appropriate.

Storybook Ballet
Students (preschoolers ages 3-5) will explore creative dance and storytelling through movement and music with the understanding that dance is a means of communication. A concentration on a progressive, age-appropriate dance technique introduces students to class structure and basic ballet steps. Each class includes a story and theme to which we return throughout the lesson. We also focus on montly movement objectives that are developed with more complexity throughout the year.

Creative Adventures: Early Musical Theatre
Through EVSPA's proven method, the class harnesses creativity and energy in a positive way so that each chid is allowed to express their thoughts and emotions by acting, singing, and moving. Our age-appropriate syllabus uses concepts and ideas to which children can relate while making it all seem fun. The musical selections for Disney to Chopin will advance their understanding of rhythm, melody, and motion.

Pre-ballet A & B
Pre-ballet gives students (ages 5-7) an opportunity to explore basic ballet training and expressive, artistic movement. Utilizing the age-appropriate syllabus from Leap 'N Learn, these classes develop dance skills necessary for serious ballet training while using the imagination and encouraging movement dynamics and patterns. Monthly objectives and concepts are shared with students and parents. Students should take class A prior to class B unless otherwise instructed.

The Primary Division begins with students (ages 7+) who are ready for serious ballet training. The level-based ballet syllabus uses primarily Vagonova technique (Russian syllabus) and incorporates elements from the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet's syllabus, the dance theory and techniques of master teacher Finis Jhung, R.A.D., and a continuance of the Leap 'N Learn philosophy. Students practice classical ballet technique, learn to use their body correctly through awareness of kinetics, coordination, anatomy, and proper body alignment, and strive to become well-trained, artistic, musical, and adaptable dancers.

A beneficial introduction to musical Theatre utilizing the Leap 'N Learn syllabus for Musical Theatre and their philosophy of intelligently combining solid training with age-appropriate practices. Class is structured to smoothly transition between music and voice, acting, and dance. It culminates with musical theatre song and dancecombinations. The combinations challenge young minds with music, movement, character acting, choreography and improvisation.