2018/2019 Competitive Classes
These classes are strutured on strengthening their technique while learning a performance piece. They will compete in 3-4 festivals in Alberta.
Ballet
Full Year
Competitve
Ballet is the basis for dance. It provides the technical scaffolding required to produce strong and healthy dancers and is recommended for all dancers. We offer Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) training from primary to advanced levels through Certified Instructors.
Jazz
Full Year
Competitive
Jazz is a fundamental dance form that compliments all other dance forms. Jazz classes are comprised of a warm-up, centre work and progressions including jumps and turns. Technique and style through choreography are emphasized. Students will learn jazz steps, progressive skills and jazz combinations and routines. We offer ADAPT (Associated dance arts for Professional Teachers) training from Pre-junior to Advanced levels through Gold Seal Certified instructors.
Tap
Full Year
Competitive
Tap is a combination of dance and percussion and it explores a variety of styles including the two traditions of rhythm tap (hoofing) and Broadway tap. Each of these styles focus on exercises that increase control, coordination, and rhythm. Classes include across the floor exercises that teach dynamics, shading, phrasing, and musicality along with extended rhythmic phrases and improvisation exercises centre floor. The goal is to develop tap dancers that are strong musicians, dancers, and performers. We offer ADAPT (Associated dance arts for Professional Teachers) training from Pre-junior to Advanced levels through Gold Seal Certified instructors.
Hip Hop
Full Year
Competitive
Hip Hop encompasses many different urban dance styles such as poppin’, locking, breaking as well as freestyle movement to give students the opportunity to develop their own sense of style. Our Hip Hop classes teach rhythm, coordination, musicality and choreography without suggestive music or movements. Students are challenged to think on their feet while enjoying an energetic and fast-paced dance class. Our Hip Hop dancers develop focus, strength, and agility while having fun. This is an excellent class for high-energy kids who want to take a fast and fun dance class.
Lyrical
Full Year
Competitive
Lyrical is a beautiful dance form that combines the techniques and movements of both jazz and ballet. In this form a dancer takes on the role of an actor and tells a story through technique and emotion. Dancers don’t express how they’re feeling with voice, but with facial expressions and body dynamics. This type of dance challenges choreographers and dancers to use motion as an artistic form of expression.
Contemporary Dance is a fusion of interpretive movement, incorporating ballet, jazz, lyrical, and modern technique. There are no limits for choreography and expression in a contemporary class. Emphasis is on moving in and out of traditional techniques while picking up on new, subtle movement challenges. Contemporary students an opportunity to explore their own style and tell a story through their movement.
*Due to the technical demands of these styles, these classes are only for students who have at least 1 year Ballet experience, and are currently enrolled in Ballet.
Acro
Full Year
Competitive
Acrobatics or “Acro” is a combination of dance and gymnastics. Cirque du Soleil popularized this form of dance. It focuses on concentration, balance, flexibility and control. At Westland, we develop students’ flexibility and strength while teaching them acrobatic and gymnastic skills. Acro will develop skills such as handstands, elbow stands, chest stands, cartwheels, walkovers, handsprings and aerials in a fun and safe environment. To master an Acro trick, students must develop a solid foundation in strength and flexibility, thus emphasis is placed on extensive conditioning and stretching. When students are learning new tricks, the instructor utilizes professional spotting techniques which is necessary, to not only ensure student safety, but also to instil confidence in the students as they master their technique. We offer Acrobatic Arts training from levels 1-10 and Acrobatique training from levels Pre-junior to Advanced as well as Alixa Flexibility (contortion and flexibility training) from levels 1 and 2, all through fully certified Instructors.
*Students must be enrolled in another core competitive class (Ballet or Jazz) to enroll in Competitive Acro levels 1 and 2.
Variety/Musical Theatre
Full Year
Competitive
Acting, dancing, singing (or lip-syncing) and FUN!! Students will explore movements and facial expressions to portray different characters. Props and fun costumes are usually involved as well as learning theatre games throughout the year