The material used in all classes expands with the age and growing skills of the students. Physical conditioning, poise, grace and growth of self-esteem are inherent benefits of dance training. Dance enhances other activities including: Cheerleading, Dance and Drill Teams, Gymnastics, Skating, all sports, Swimming and Drama & Theater Arts.

The staff of Dance Expressions want dance to be the best possible experience for your child. We will recommend class placement that best suits the needs of your child.

COMBINATION CLASSES for young children are an introduction to dance skills using an approach appropriate to the age of the student. Class consists of a short time at the ballet barre using both fun and imaginative names and traditional dance terminology. Short dances are used as a fun teaching aid to keep repetition of steps from becoming boring. A few minutes are spent with a tumbling mat to help develop flexibility and coordination. Tap is a wonderful noisy way to dance. Again, short, age appropriate dances are used to reinforce tap technique. Tap helps develop rhythm, balance and coordination.

Combination Class Level Descriptions:
The staff recommends class placement that best suits the needs of your child.
Class is one hour once a week, 30 minutes each of Tap and Ballet.

TAP & BALLET Combo classes
Tiny Tots 3-4 year olds
Glitterbugs 4-5 year olds
Sparklers 5-6 year olds

THREE WAY COMBO Classes are 90 minutes, adding Jazz
Kinderkids 5-6 year olds
Powerkids 6-7 year olds

OLDER STUDENTS start lessons in class, which focus on developing specific skills in each dance form. Dances are taught that will be used for the recital and other possible performances.

CLASICAL BALLET training utilizing traditional ballet terminology and technique provides a strong foundation for all dancers. The image of the classical ballerina is only one aspect of the broad range of ballet dance.

LYRICAL dance is a very expressive form of dance using skills from ballet, modern, jazz, and ethnic techniques. Level 3 Ballet required for enrollment.

PARTNERING is used in all forms of dance, typified by one dancer lifting or supporting another. Permission required for enrollment.

JAZZ DANCE classes use contemporary music, which appeals to almost everyone. High energy, learning current dance styles, developing strength and flexibility are class goals. Jazz class techniques are frequently used by cheerleaders, dance teams, drill teams, and gymnastic floor routines.

TAP is a form of dance in which regulated and controlled rhythmic sounds are made with the feet. Along with developing rhythm and coordination, class includes styling, presentation, tap dynamics and fun.

SCOTTISH HIGHLAND includes Highland dances such as Fling, sword, seann triubhas and reel. Also Scottish national dances such as lilt, flora, sailor's hornpipe and irish jig. Megan is certified by the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance and her students are therefore eligible to compete locally and internationally.  For examples and more information on local Scottish dance see the Seattle Highland Dancing Association website.