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Ballet (Classical)
The foundation of all dance begins with Classical Ballet. Ballet evolved
from a wordless dance drama which began in the courts of Louis XIV. It is
built upon five absolute positions of the feet, which are dependent upon
turnout of the legs from the hips. Ballet has a strict code of rules
regarding posture and body positioning. There are various schools of
Ballet, but the basic principals are universally recognized and constitute a
language translatable throughout the world. U Can-DANCE is please to offer
Ballet from Pre-Beginner levels through, and including, Advanced Levels.
Ballet is offered as a standard part of our curriculum in all Combination
Classes and also as a separate class depending on level of interest and
ability.
Ballet en Pointe
Like Ballet, Ballet en Pointe began in the courts of Louis XIV. It began
with the introduction of women on stage. When women were introduced to the
stage and allowed to dance, they used a heeled shoe. After the heeled shoe,
came the introduction of the modern day ballet shoe. Following the
introduction of the ballet shoe, dancers were hooked to wires and were able
to stand on their toes with the aid of wires which made them appear as light
as air and as if they were in flight. Later, dancers wanted to dance on
their toes without the aid of wires, hence the modern day Pointe shoe came
into being.
Because of the difficulty and strength associated with Ballet en
Pointe, U Can-DANCE is pleased to offer this advanced form of Ballet by
invitation only. Prior to the invitation being extended, a dancer will be
evaluated for core strength and conditioning, and knowledge of ballet
technique. Additionally, the dancer is required to continue in a Classical
Ballet Class, while enrolled in a Pointe Class.
Baton Twirling
While no one knows the origins of Baton Twirling, we know that it was
introduced to America around 1681. Baton Twirling reached its height of
popularity around the 1900’s, but has dwindled in popularity through the
years. While most studios have decided to move away from Baton Twirling, U
Can-DANCE has decided to keep this as a unique curriculum offering. U
Can-DANCE is please to offer this specialized class as private lessons or
group lessons. Students also have the option of learning to twirl one or
two batons. All classes start with one baton and eventually, as the student
advances, the student will then have the option of twirling two batons.
Combination Class
Combination Classes are offered for students of all ages (except adults) who
wish to explore Ballet, Tap and Jazz. We are the only studio in McKinney
that offers Combination Classes to dancers of all ages. Our philosophy is
that students should be allowed to explore and build a sound dance
foundation without having to spend long and late hours at the studio every
night. U Can-DANCE promotes a healthy balance for those dancers wishing to
explore various areas of dance, but who want efficiency and high-quality in
instruction. This class can be taken alone or in conjunction with other
classes. For instance, if a student is particularly interested in Praise
Dance, but has little or no dance foundation, the student can enroll in the
Combination Class for a basic foundation, as also enroll in the Praise Dance
class.
Creative Movement/Introduction to Dance
Creative Movement/Introduction to Dance teaches gross motor movements, as
well as basic Ballet concepts. The students focus on dancing through
creative movement exploration and practice. This is a Combination Class and
combines Creative Movement, Ballet and Tap all into one fun-filled class.
The overall environment of this class promotes individualization,
creativity, and decision making. Each week a new concept is introduced which
incorporates elements of gross motor skill development, coordination and
balance, movement pattern building, basic social skills and expansion of the
imagination.
U Can-DANCE offers this class exclusively to our younger
dancers beginning at age 2 ½.
Hip-Hop
Hip-Hop is a dance-form based on isolations, funk-based movement and
high-energy grooves inspired by contemporary music and vernacular dance. As
an expansion of Jazz, it’s an International phenomenon generally
acknowledged to have originated in the Bronx circa the 1970s. Hip-Hop
transcends race, class and economic spheres. With strong ties to urban
youth, it exerts a pervasive influence on what we wear, listen to and look
at. U Can-DANCE is pleased to offer Hip-Hop Dance to those students who have
a strong foundation in dance. Beginner-level dancers will only be accepted
into the Hip-Hop program with a simultaneous enrollment in a Ballet Class or
a Combination Class. The simultaneous enrollment ensures that the dancers
will continue the development of technical skills while enjoying the hype of
Hip-Hop.
Jazz
Jazz is considered an essential part of musical theater and uses Ballet as
its foundation. Based on the social dancing of African American culture and
jazz music of the 1920's, Jazz dance is a living art form, influenced by
cultural trends and personalities.
At U Can-DANCE, we realize the heavy
concentration of improvisation and originality required in Jazz dancing and
incorporate that into all of our Jazz classes. We place our emphasis on
isolations, style, technique, music and athleticism. Because Jazz is based
on Ballet, students are required to demonstrate a solid Ballet foundation
with strong balance and strength in movement before beginning this class.
Jazz is also a part of our Combination Class Curriculum.
Lyrical
Lyrical dancing combines ballet and jazz and is characterized by fluid
movements. In the U Can-Dance lyrical classes, the dancers will search for
the emotion and meaning behind the music and use that emotion as the basis
for interpretation and choreography. Closely allied with creative discovery,
modern dance arose in direct opposition to ballet's rigid standards and
codified technique. Out of a need for meaningful personal expression, the
voices of separate artists set the standards. Modern dance stems from an
image of being earth bound (opposite of ballet) and frequently works
barefoot.
Mommy and Me
New moms need an outlet to relax and stay in shape. New babies need an
outlet to exercise and learn basic movement and coordination. As such, U
Can-DANCE offers our Mommy & Me Program.
This is a 45 minute class for both
Mommy and Baby. The class consists of basic movements and sing-along for
Baby and exercising for Mommy. Mommy and Baby work together for a
fun-filled class and meet other Mommies and Babies in our community who are
also interested in staying in shape.
Praise/Liturgical
 Let them praise His name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with
the timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3.
Praise Dance is a Christian expression of prayer and worship through body
movement. Praise Dance, also referred to as Liturgical Dance, can be
accompanied by many types of music. The dance flows out of the music and
heightens the prayer or worship experience. These dances may be spontaneous
or choreographed. Praise Dance is quickly becoming widely-accepted as a form
of praising God in the Christian Community. Praise Dance is primarily based
on Lyrical and requires the student to tap into beliefs and meditation
prominent in the Christian Community. U Can-DANCE is pleased to offer praise
dance classes at all levels. U Can-DANCE highly recommends that prior to
enrollment, the student have a foundation in ballet or lyrical dance.
However, such a background is not mandatory. In cases of beginning students,
we recommend that enrollment in this class be accompanied with either a
Ballet class or a Combination Class.
Tap
Tap is highly considered America's folk dance. The roots of tap are from
Irish step dancing and African Juba. Tap is used in both traditional and
contemporary pieces. It increases musicality and individuality. We also
believe that Tap increases rhythm, as well as, acute listening skills.
U
Can-DANCE is pleased to offer tap on all levels: beginner, intermediate and
advanced. Additionally, Tap is offered as a standard curriculum in all U
Can-DANCE Combination Classes.
Tumbling
Tumbling is described as the skill, practice or sport of executing gymnastic
feats without the use of apparatus. U Can-DANCE is pleased to incorporate a
basic tumbling program as a part of its curriculum for those students who
would like a basic introduction to tumbling included in their dance
curriculum. U Can-DANCE recommends that this class be taken in conjunction
with a Combination Class.
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