OPUS encourages dancers of all ages and levels to reach their potential. Instructors are highly experienced, mature, knowledgeable, and are generous with encouragement. All classes focus on instilling a lifelong love of dance while addressing proper foundations and technique. OPUS students are given the tools needed to soar in their dancing! New students are invited to try their first class for free.
Levels
OPUS staff are happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about finding the proper level. Advancement among levels is at the teacher’s discretion and OPUS’ predetermined curriculum, not necessarily based on the dancer’s age. Students often repeat the same level for 2-3 years before moving on to the next level.
Ballet Tap Combo:
These 45 minute classes are for our youngest dancers. Basic fundamentals of dance are introduced through creative movement, music and fun that develops self-expression and confidence. Class times are divided between ballet and tap to give students a chance to develop their movement base and rhythm. Ages 3-4 & 5-6 Years
Pre-Ballet
This 45 minute class introduces children to music and movement through a structured progression that emphasizes creativity and group interaction. Basic fundamentals of dance are introduced through creative movement, music and fun that develops self-expression and confidence. Students are introduced to ballet concepts, musicality, coordination, spatial awareness and class etiquette. Ages 5-6 Years
Primary Ballet
This 45 minute class is a prelude to formal ballet instruction and prepares the student for entering into Ballet I. Primary Ballet introduces children to music and movement through a structured progression that emphasizes creativity and group interaction. Students are introduced to the basic shapes, positions, postures and traditions of classical ballet at a time when their fine and gross motor skills are becoming more refined. Ages 7 Years
Ballet Technique
At the core of our dance program is ballet. A solid, strong foundation of ballet technique shapes a dancer in body and form and enables them to easily transition from one dance style to another. These classes are designed to give students a detailed knowledge of classical ballet, which includes technique, alignment, terminology, musicality and artistic expression. Basic anatomy and kinesiology are also taught to develop students’ understanding of proper body mechanics.
Ballet I
Students are introduced to basic movement vocabulary and French terminology. The class will learn basic positions of the feet and arms through fundamental barre and center work.
Students age 8 by December 31 of that calendar year may enroll directly into a once a week Ballet I-A class; Ballet I-B students are required to attend ballet classes 2 times per week. Students are also encouraged to take contemporary, jazz and/or hip hop dance classes to explore different dance styles.
Ballet II
Building on Ballet I fundamentals, attention is paid to proper body alignment, use of the legs and feet, balance, more complex barre and center work with whole body coordination. Journaling is introduced as a tool to track goals.
Ballet II students are required to attend ballet classes 2 times per week. Students are also encouraged to take contemporary, jazz and/or hip hop dance classes to explore different dance styles.
Ballet III
Increased focus on cross-training and strengthening the core of the body is taught so that students maintain healthy physical progression through the levels, balanced muscles and the importance of self-care. More challenging ballet vocabulary is introduced as students develop coordination of arms and legs. Articulation and strength of the legs and feet with more advanced barre and center work. Petite allegro vocabulary is expanded with a greater emphasis on proper placement for jumps and landings as well as fundamentals for pirouettes. Journaling finishes every class to track our goals.
Students meet 2-3 times per week for ballet training and are strongly encouraged to take elective classes like contemporary, jazz, Pilates, Master Classes from guest teachers and workshops when they are offered. At the teacher’s discretion, students may begin Pre-Pointe training.
Ballet IV-V
Increased focus on cross-training and strengthening the core of the body is taught so that students maintain healthy physical progression through the levels balanced muscles and the importance of self-care. Expanded ballet vocabulary and added emphasis on artistry, create a rigorous environment for students. More complex enchaînements, building foundations for multiple pirouettes, more complex coordination of the head and upper body, fluidity of port de bras and building on petite and grande allegro skills. Journaling finishes every class to track our goals.
Students meet 3 times per week for ballet training. Ballet IV/V and are strongly encouraged to take elective classes like contemporary, jazz, Master Classes from guest teachers and workshops when they are offered. At the teacher’s discretion, students may take optional additional classes in pointe.
Pre-Pointe
Students begin preparing the legs and feet for pointe work through a combination of Pre-Pointe appropriate exercises and ballet technique. Because pointe work is the cumulative result of gradual training of the whole body, readiness for pointe work is contingent upon many factors. Factors that determine pointe readiness include age, physical development, anatomical facility, strength of technique, length and frequency of study, attendance habits and maturity. Pre-Pointe will have an emphasis on articulation and strength of the legs and feet, students will work with therabands and other props to strengthen the appropriate muscles in the legs, feet, back, and abdominals to prepare students anatomically for the arduous work on pointe. Students must take a technique class prior to taking Pre-Pointe, so the muscles are warmed up and prepared for the intense work of these classes. Students, typically ages 11–12, are those whom the Artistic Director expects to put on pointe the following year. To qualify, they must demonstrate solid technique and attend ballet at least three days a week. Pilates is strongly recommended for Pre-Pointe students.
Pointe
Pointe work requires continuous and conscientious study to develop the correct musculature and strength. Because pointe work is the cumulative result of gradual training of the whole body, readiness for pointe work is contingent upon many factors. Factors that determine pointe readiness include age, physical development, anatomical facility, strength of technique, length and frequency of study, attendance habits and maturity. A pointe readiness evaluation is mandatory for students hoping to transition to pointe work and for students new to OPUS wanting to continue their pointe training. Core strength, range of motion, alignment, balance and foot strength are all included in our exam for being en pointe. Each student is assessed independently by the Artistic Director. Students must take a technique class prior to taking Pointe, so the muscles are warmed up and prepared for the intense work of these classes. Attending Pilates is required for all Pointe students.
Adult Drop-in Ballet:
Got a passion for ballet? It’s never too late to learn! Whether you’re returning to ballet, in search of more practice time and expert instruction or just starting off, OPUS offers a variety of adult classes to lead you through barre practice and center work focusing on proper form as you gradually build on your technique. As every dancer would agree, ballet takes repetition and practice. A challenge for the mind as well as body, ballet strengthens and tones while promoting good posture and cardiovascular health. OPUS offers foundational ballet, beginner, intermediate and open level ballet classes on a drop-in basis.
- Foundational Ballet is suitable for students with zero to little ballet training or for more experienced students looking to refine their technique. Students are introduced to basic movement vocabulary and French terminology. The class will learn basic positions of the feet and arms through fundamental barre and center work. Attention is paid to proper body alignment, use of the legs and feet, balance, and whole body coordination.
- Beginner Ballet is suitable for the beginner teen/ adult as well as students who would like to work in a slower paced environment. Attention is paid to proper body alignment, use of the legs and feet, and developing movement sequences through coordination of the arms and head. Students are encouraged to follow more experienced students as well as ask questions when needed.
- Intermediate/Open Ballet welcomes student’s teen/adult with at least 2 years of committed ballet training. Students attending this class are expected to know basic barre and center vocabulary as well as simple petite allegro, pirouettes, combinations from the corner and grand allegro. Like all of our open classes, this class is subject to the needs of the overall attendees of each class.
All adult classes are drop-in; complete information is on our adult dance class page.
Contemporary Levels I-IV
Contemporary class will work your brain, body, and artistic spirit. OPUS’ contemporary curriculum is based in fundamentals of modern dance and ballet technique, integrating strength-building, healthy alignment, and varied dance concepts to help students move with freedom, presence and confidence. Concepts of weight, energy, rhythm, and momentum are explored at the barre, on the floor, in improvisation and in choreographic phrases. Students are given imagery and tools for learning phrase work and inviting artistic expression. Due to the athletic and technical demands of contemporary dance, concurrent enrollment in a ballet class (and Pilates for contemporary levels IV-V) is recommended.
Jazz Levels I-III
These classes focus on traditional jazz vocabulary and various styles of jazz including broadway, commercial and jazz funk. Classes focus on developing strength, power, correct alignment, coordination, style and confidence. Students will gain a sense of individuality and originality and will develop the ability to move quickly and think fast. Jazz training helps develop dancers who are expressive, dynamic, musical and passionate. Jazz III classes include an optional, additional 30 minutes of Lyrical. Because jazz draws heavily from ballet technique and alignment, concurrent enrollment in a ballet class is recommended.
Tap (Beginning 11-13 and Teen/Adult)
Tap combines dance and percussion and focuses on building control, coordination, and rhythm. Classes include exercises that teach dynamics, phrasing and musicality along with extended rhythmic phrases center floor.
Hip Hop (Youth 8-12 and Teen/Adult)
Hip Hop is a high energy dance class based on street dancing that uses popular hip hop and pop music. Learn intricate movements, dynamics and body isolations with the latest hip-hop moves. Prepare to sweat and have fun! Dress comfortably in non-restrictive clothing and clean sneakers.
Pilates
Pilates is a full body-conditioning program. OPUS’ Mat Pilates classes improve strength, flexibility, balance, control and muscular symmetry. Exercises are noted for developing a strong core that aids dancers in dancing with more power and control. Pilates classes are a valuable tool to help dancers remain injury-free and reach their potential. All OPUS students in Ballet levels III-V are strongly encouraged to add Pilates conditioning to their training.
Private Lessons
Private Lessons give students the opportunity to work one-on-one with a professional instructor in an individual class carefully tailored to the needs of the student. Private lessons are available on an arranged basis. You may schedule privates for one session or for the entire year depending upon the objective.
Private lessons are reasonably offered at $40/hour
Semi-privates lessons of two students are offered at $30/hour per student
Private lessons require a 24-hour cancellation policy.