Class Descriptions

Ballet

Ballet is the basis and foundation of all dance forms. Students wishing to excel in other disciplines including Jazz, Tap, Modern, Musical Theatre, Hip-Hop and Lyrical should include ballet in their curriculum. The benefits of taking ballet include development of technical strength, body awareness (including posture), self discipline and musicality. Ballet training provides dancers with the opportunity to develop grace, poise, fitness and self-confidence, as well as a joy of dance and an appreciation of classical music. Our Ballet Faculty is fully trained and qualified to provide excellent ballet training for our dancers.

Jazz

Jazz dance includes an energetic warm-up, stretching, combinations across the floor, as well as fast-paced, technical and fun choreography! Jazz can be seen everywhere from dance music videos to hit Broadway shows. Jazz emphasizes style, technique, expression and sharp, strong movements. 

Jazz Tech

Jazz Tech is designed for serious students wishing to excel in jazz by taking two jazz classes per week. Jazz is your first class, and you would add Jazz Tech as your second jazz class. Jazz Tech is a wonderful compliment to jazz with an emphasis on flexibility exercises, contemporary Jazz styles and, of course, technique. ISTD exams are optional for dancers registered in Jazz Tech at Allegro; exams take place approximately every two years. ISTD is an internationally recognized Dance examining organization that gives dancers the opportunity to progress through a Jazz syllabus starting at a young age all the way to a professional teaching qualification!

Hip Hop

Hip Hop consists of warm-up and choreography. High energy dance combinations are taught so students can learn the latest styles and trends. Hip Hop instructors at Allegro use the latest music and the classes are diverse, energetic and fun-filled! A variety of Hip Hop elements are taught to give students the opportunity to “groove” and to develop their own style. Hip Hop teachers at Allegro are required to use “clean” lyrics only.

Lyrical Jazz

Lyrical Jazz places emphasis on flowing lyrical movements while incorporating Jazz and Ballet technique. Lyrical teaches dancers to communicate emotion through the lyrics of the song they are dancing to. Ballet and Jazz are recommended in order to take Lyrical.

Tap

Tap dancing is an intricate dance form where students develop rhythm, tap technique and musicality through percussive foot work. Emphasis is placed on footwork as well as style and presentation of the upper body while moving those fast feet! As Tap students at Allegro progress, they will have the option of taking ISTD exams; exams are offered approximately every two years. ISTD is an internationally recognized Dance examining organization that gives students the opportunity to progress through a Tap syllabus starting at a young age all the way to a professional teaching qualification! Ballet and Jazz are recommended for Tap as they benefit tap dancers by strengthening their posture and musicality.

Musical Theatre

Students in Musical Theatre learn repertoire from Broadway musicals, combining singing, dancing and acting in a positive and encouraging environment. You learn to “come out of your shell” in this class! Musical Theatre is a well-rounded class and improves your “triple threat” skills (dancing, singing and acting)!

Modern

Modern dance teaches you how to express yourself in a freer style exploring the use of the floor and off-balance movements. Be prepared to roll, jump and do lifts with your partner! Students are encouraged to express themselves through contemporary movement, while also learning Modern techniques by Graham and Limon with emphasis on contraction, swing and release. Ballet is recommended in order to take Modern.

Tap/Jazz Combo

Tap/Jazz Combo classes are for students in kindergarten, and grades 1 and 2 at school. Each Combo class consists of half an hour Jazz and half an hour Tap. This fun-filled class will perform either Tap or Jazz at the Recital (teachers choice). See class descriptions for Tap and Jazz.

  • Tap/Jazz Combo – Primary 1 (kindergarten at school)
  • Tap/Jazz Combo – Primary 2 (grade one at school)
  • Tap/Jazz Combo – Primary 3 (grade two at school)

Pre-School

Pre-School classes (Tap/Creative Movement/Tumbling) are for tiny students aged three, four and five years. In an atmosphere of encouragement and imagination, your little dancer will be introduced to basic movements in Tap, Creative Movement and Tumbling. Pre-School Classes range from 45–60 minutes per class.

  • Tap: Tap, tap, tap that's where we're at! Basic Tap steps, action songs, singing and rhythm will keep these dancers moving and on their toes.
  • Creative Movement: We clap, we sing, we move our feet to the rhythm and the beat. We wiggle and play with all sorts of props and boogie, boogie, boogie, 'til we almost drop.
  • Tumbling: Up and down and all around. Little dancers will be introduced to basic Tumbling movements to encourage an awareness of space and how they can move through it.

Please Note, pre-school five years: This class is a transition class between our Pre-School Programme and the Tap/Jazz Combo classes. This class will slowly remove the tumbling throughout the year, and we will begin to spend more time focusing on basic Ballet, Tap and Jazz technique.

Acro

Acro dance is a style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. It is defined by its athletic character, its unique choreography, which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics, and its use of acrobatics in a dance context.

Adult

Adult classes are offered in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop. Adult Classes are offered at the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Level (subject to enrolment). View class descriptions for Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop above. Please speak to an Allegro Faculty member to discuss the right level for you.

Recreational Dance through Panorama

Allegro teachers, in partnership with Panorama, also teach the recreational dance program at Panorama Recreation Centre. These programs are perfect for students who wish to “test the dancing waters” before signing up for the entire dance season.

dance programs (6–8 weeks)

  • Dancing with my Mommy: 9 months to 2 years
  • Tiny Dancers: 3–5 years old
  • Tumbling Tutus: 5 & 6 years old
  • Tiny Tap/Jazz Combo: 5–7 years old
  • Hip Hop: 6–9 years old

For more information or to register, please contact Panorama Recreation Centre. Location for Panorama classes is either at Panorama, or Allegro. See Panorama brochure for more details.