Full Season Classes (Ages 10+)
September 9th - May 23rd
Jazz 5 (Mondays 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm)
Ages 11-14. This 60-minute class focuses on mastering the strength and clarity in jazz techniques including turns, leaps, and combinations. This class is the next step from students that were in Jazz 4B. We will explore creating composition in this class in relation to the jazz techniques that are learned, and work on flexibility and strength training to help the dancer explore more range of movements. Not only will we do all of that, but this is a move and groove class! We will bring out the rhythm and tempo that jazz has for an upbeat, feel-good class!
Jazz 6 (Mondays 8:30 pm- 9:30 pm)
Ages 15+. This 60-minute class focuses on mastering the strength and clarity in jazz techniques, including turns, leaps, and combinations. Dancers must complete Jazz 5 before enrolling in this class, or have a placement audition. We will explore creating composition in this class in relation to the jazz techniques that are learned, and work on flexibility and strength training to help the dancer explore more range of movements. Not only will we do all of that, but this is a move and groove class! We will bring out the rhythm and tempo that jazz has for an upbeat, feel-good class!
Tap 5/6 (Mondays 7:30 pm- 8:30 pm)
Ages 13+. This 60-minute class will focus on the basics of tap and grow to build rhythmic combinations and phrases. Dancers will be challenged to try new and innovative ways to tap as well as create rhythmic phrases of their own. (Tap shoes are required for this class)
Modern 4 (Mondays 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm)
Ages 10-14. This 60-minute class is a continuation of the skills, learned in Jazz/Modern 4. Dancers will learn modern dance techniques, floorwork, and improvisational skills. They will learn how to use movement to express themselves. Students will explore how to move fully and safely with an emphasis on anatomy and moving with proper technique. It is my goal in this class, as it is in all of our classes, for students to feel excited and joyful about movement and to help them find their creative voices.
Modern 5 (Mondays 7:30 pm - 8:30pm)
This 60-minute class is for dancers who have taken Modern 4B. In this class, we will delve into concepts taught in 4B. There will also be a focus on partnering and composition. Students will continue to improve their technique and self-expression as they grow into advanced dancers.
Modern 6 (Mondays 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm)
This 75-minute class is for our advanced dancers. These are dancers who have a strong understanding of proper body alignment, anatomy, and modern technique. This class is all about skillfully dancing with intention. They will use improv and partnering and explore composition. Dancers are encouraged to move fully and authentically as individual artists.
Continuum Modern 6 (Tuesdays 8:30 pm- 9:30 pm)
Ages 15+. This 60-minute class is for the dancer that has advanced in their Modern class and is looking to dive deeper into Continuum Modern. This is a great class for the dancer who has a creative mind, is looking to expand their knowledge of Continuum, and wants to grow more intellectually as a mover.
CONTINUUM is a training that instructor Maddie Burnham learned from professional dancers Jordan Klitzke and Melissa Herrada (originated from Omar Carrum) It is a system based on continuous mechanics and kinematic principles, it aims for the continuity of the kinetic chains of movement, its path, and a very specific and uncommon way to use momentum, impulse, space, motion script, and physical principles. The system studies the continuity of movement trajectories and a sustained muscular and skeletal consciousness in order to learn how we can transfer, gather and spread our weight anywhere in our body, how the mechanics of each muscle and bone work, and how all our body parts can cooperate to move more efficiently, safely and smoothly.
Continuum Modern 5 (Tuesdays 7:30 pm -8:30 pm)
Ages 12+. This 60-minute class is for the mover that is exploring modern and is interested in trying something new. This is a great class for the dancer who is new to Continuum Modern or Modern in general, has a creative mind, is always looking for new ways to move, and wants to grow more intellectually as a mover. This class is also great for the dancer exploring modern for the first time and wanting to expand their creative mind.
CONTINUUM is a training that instructor Maddie Burnham learned from professional dancers Jordan Klitzke and Melissa Herrada (originated from Omar Carrum) It is a system based on continuous mechanics and kinematic principles, and it aims for the continuity of the kinetic chains of movement, its path, and a very specific and uncommon way to use momentum, impulse, space, motion script, and physical principles. The system studies the continuity of movement trajectories and a sustained muscular and skeletal consciousness in order to learn how we can transfer, gather and spread our weight anywhere in our body, how the mechanics of each muscle and bone work, and how all our body parts can cooperate to move more efficiently, safely and smoothly.
Teen/Adult Ballet (Mondays 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm)
This 60-minute class is for teens who have either always wanted to try ballet but never got the chance or have taken ballet in the past and miss it. It is a perfect way to fit ballet into a busy schedule. This class will be tailored to the levels of the individuals in this class.
Ballet 4 (Tuesdays 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm & Fridays 4:00 pm- 5:30 pm)
This 60-minute class meets twice a week. Students are required to take both classes. As their level increases they do more difficult movements that require strength and proper alignment. The dancers will work on furthering their understanding of ballet and growing as artists. This class will now be treated as a pre-pointe class as well. When dancers are ready, they will go on pointe in this class. This structure for Ballet 4 will help the dancers be better prepared when moving up to Ballet 5 and feel strong on pointe. When moved up to Ballet 5, dancers should be already prepared to be on pointe. The Ballet 4 dancers will also get two different instructors to learn from. Melissa will be teaching the Monday Classes and Jen Mack will be teaching the Friday Classes.
Ballet 5 (Tuesdays 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm, Thursdays 5:30 pm- 7:00 pm, Fridays 4:00 pm- 5:30 pm)
This 60-minute class meets three times a week. Students are required to take all three classes. Students need to be at least 12 years old and have strong techniques. They will do pointe work in this class. The instructors will let the students know when they are ready to get pointe shoes. In this class, students will continue to grow into advanced pre-professional dancers. The Ballet 5 dancers will also get three different instructors to learn from. Shelby will be teaching the Tuesday Classes, Melissa will be teaching the Thursday Classes, and Jen Mack will be teaching the Friday Classes. This will give the students a well-rounded practice with these professional educators.
Ballet 6 (Tuesdays 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Thursdays 5:30 pm- 7:00 pm, Fridays 5:30 pm- 7:00 pm)
This 60-90 minute class is our most advanced, pre-professional ballet class. It meets three times a week. Dancers are required to take all three classes. They will continue to work on improving their technique and artistic expression. The Ballet 5 dancers will also get three different instructors to learn from. Shelby will be teaching the Tuesday Classes, Melissa will be teaching the Thursday Classes, and Jen Mack will be teaching the Friday Classes. This will give the students a well-rounded practice with these professional educators.
Nutcracker Suite (Saturdays 10:00 am- 2:00 pm) **Led by director Melissa**
Ages 8+. We are excited to offer this performance opportunity to our dancers as well as dancers from the community. We would love all levels of ballet and modern dancers ages 8 and up. We are holding auditions for this year‘s Nutcracker suite at our open house on June 30. Please contact us if you are unable to make the audition but would still like to be considered. We will be rehearsing on
Rehearsals: Saturdays from 10:00-2:00 August TBD-December 2
Shows: Friday December 20th & Saturday December 21st
Where: Mayer Lutheran High School
There is a one-time fee of $250 for participating. This is to cover the rehearsals and help with costumes and sets. **Any additional student in a family gets $50 the $250. (Example: Student 1 $250, Student 2 $200, Student 3 $200)
If you are unable to pay or would like to sponsor a dancer you can reach out to us.
Nutcracker has been such a fun and special tradition in my life as a dancer. I danced as Clara when I was 10 years old and performed almost every part in different productions of the ballet until I was in my mid-twenties. As a child, my whole family was involved in making costumes and doing stage work. As an adult, I have stage managed and done lighting design for Nutcracker productions. I cannot wait to share this tradition with you.
8:20 Apprentice Company (Thursdays 7:30 pm- 9:30 pm) ** Led by director Maddie **
Ages 15+.
This 120-minute class is by Audition only. Auditions will take place during our Open House this summer July 29th 6:00-7:00pm. (If you are unable to attend the audition day, email us to make other arrangements.) In this class, dancers will be introduced to the professional dance scene. They will learn combinations and phrases from the company as well as prepare a few pieces to perform in the upcoming 8:20 Dance Company in the Spring of 2024.
This class will be charged as any regular class. There will be an additional costume fee posted when costumes are posted later in the year.
Location of Performance: Theater Ellision Playhouse
Performance Dates: May 9th, 10th, and 11th
Rehearsals/Class: Thursdays 7:30-9:30
They will also be able to participate in dance for the camera projects with the company as well as get professional Dancer/Headshots taken to be shared on the Company's website. This is a great class for dancers who want to get a glimpse of what dance can look like as a career!
