The goal of all forms of dance is to create expression through movement.  Below are individual descriptions of each discipline of dance you or your child may receive training in here at RichEx.

Ballet Curriculum

Our ballet curriculum is structured to develop technique and artistry in ballet at both age appropriate and ability based levels.  Preballet through beginner levels traditionally  attend classes one hour per week.  Around the age of 9, students at intermediate levels are required to increase their workload and prepare for the eventuality of pointe. Once  the intermediate dancer demonstrates proper techniqe and has passed a medical physical, she will be selected as a candidate for pointe.  As a performing arts school we view every student as a potential professional in the dance world.  Therefore our mission is to carefully prepare students for college scholarships and auditions to dance companies at the point where they are prepared to graduate from our school of performing arts.

  Classes include Russian classical flat technique, variations, pointe, and pas de deux, with electives in tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, and lyrical.

Junior and Senior Ballet Company

Dancers at the intermediate and advanced levels of ballet are selected for Northern Neck Youth Performing Arts Ballet Company.  Two annual performances.  Additional dance disciplines are encouraged.

Lyrical

A stylized form of dance utilizing both the core technique of ballet and a separate, distinct set of skills and movements.  Classes will include instruction in jazz, lyrical, and contemporary dance with a focus on the quality and style of movement.  Chorography based; classes in ballet technique are required.

Tap

A form of dance in which the rhythm or rhythmical variation is audibly tapped out with the toe or heel of a dancer wearing shoes soled with metal “taps”.  Classes will include instruction in contemporary tap, classical tap and/or “hoofing”.

A vigorous, fast paced class with instruction in urban jazz, funk, and hip-hop movements.  Both muscle strength and agility are required for proper execution of technique, which may be rigid or smooth in execution.  Classes include high-impact aerobics, mild strength training, stretching, and body isolations along with training in fundamental jazz skills required for basic movement.

Jazz

Studies in classical and urban jazz. Both muscle strength and agility are required for proper execution of technique, which may be rigid or smooth in execution.  Classes include high-impact aerobics, mild strength training, stretching, and body isolations along with training in classical jazz skills required for basic movement.

Power Stretch

One hour of gently paced exercises designed to increase range of motion, flexibility, strength, toning and coordination. Twenty to thirty minutes of basic ballet barre work; 20-30 minutes cemter combinations of pilates, yoga, isometric and isotonic exeercise with a short relaxation period at the conclusion of class.