CLASSES

OUR PROGRAM

CYDT offers a Recreational Program, a Competitive Company Program, and a Performance Company Program. The diverse classes you can experience in those programs include Ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, tap, acro, hip hop, and Afro-Caribbean. CYDT also provides opportunity for its students to experience a variety of cultural dance genres as part of its diverse learning  experiences.

The Recreational Program serves those who want to dance for pure enjoyment. Classes are available to all age groups and dancers get to show off their learning as they perform routines at the end of year Recital.  Recreational dancers often transition to Performance or Competitive programs after a few years because of the reliable training they receive.

The Competitive Company Program is designed to develop and produce strong, well-rounded dancers wishing to train at an advanced level, be dedicated to training in a disciplined, technique-intensive learning environment.  This program requires a commitment from dancers and parents to training in 7 mandatory dance styles, 3 evenings and 12 hrs weekly, participate in public performances,  and 7-10 competitive dances .

The Performance Company Program is designed to develop the skills and strengths of Pre-Competitive dancers who are only allowed to commit to 2 evenings and 6 hrs of training at the advanced level and be dedicated to training in a disciplined, technique-intensive learning environment.  The program requires a commitment from dancers and parents to training in 4 mandatory dance styles, 1 additional technique class, 2 evenings and 6hrs weekly, participate in public performances, and 4 competitive dances. 

  • Creative Movement is the ideal class for dancers 2.5 to 3yrs old and dancers participate independently This class is half hour in length and focuses on free movement directional development, fine and gross motor skills, and musicality – dancers are introduced to the basics of ballet, directions, levels, in jazz dance in a fun and imaginative way,  and use props to support dance ideas. This is an excellent class for small children with special needs.

  • Toddler is for a child to participate in with a parent/caregiver. This class explores circle stretches, story dances, rhythm exercises, traveling steps, and some free-form improvisation. Children practice sharing, cooperating, and following directions. Excellent transition class to Pre-Dance, in which students work independently.

  • Pre-Dance program includes three dance styles in the convenience of one class: Ballet, Jazz, and Tap! The children work independently learn basic steps, body part/spatial awareness and following directions. This class is a great introduction to basic vocabulary, posture, and alignment. Students enjoy story dances, taking turns, moving as a group, and expressing themselves creatively with a variety of music. They also learn a routine they can perform in the year-end recital!  

  • Ballet  Based on the RAD Syllabus. Dancers learn the foundations of ballet alignment, basic positions, carriage of the arms, and class etiquette are introduced. Dancers learn about articulation of the feet and ankles, rotation of the hips (or “turn out”), skips, and jumps. As they progress, students explore challenging barre exercises, turns, leaps, slow balances (adagio exercises), and complex combinations, and pointe classes at the discretion of the Studio Director.

  • This is one of the popular styles of dance.  Children learn how to move like the stars in their favourite music videos! This is an upbeat and energetic class which features the latest most popular music and moves. HipHop classes are offered to ages 4 and up, for dancers of all levels! Hip-hop a fantastic class for younger students, it is also a great opportunity for older students beginning dance for the first time.

  • This a high energy dance form, often performed to popular music. The classes are comprised of a warm-up, centre work, and progressions across the floor including jumps and turns. Technique and style are emphasized through choreography. Beginner students will learn basic jazz steps, progressive skills, and jazz combinations and routines. Jazz is offered to all ages and  skill levels, from beginner to advanced. This upbeat class also works on co-ordination, strength, and performance quality!

  • Combines the beauty and grace of ballet and the style and strength of classical jazz. Music is soft and flowing. Balance, extension, and control are developed.

  • Covers a range of techniques and styles. Contemporary dance is characterized by its versatility. Movement is used as a creative form of expression.

  • The modern technique used at CYDT are drawn from dance pioneers such as Graham, José Limón, and Horton, Dunham etc. Students explore percussive and grounded movements, sustained flows, contractions and more. Dancers utilize their body’s natural weight and momentum while learning original and expressive choreography.

  • This style combines dance movements with an emphasis on developing acting and performance skills. Routines and combinations are inspired by musicals and movies. Dancers will use facial expressions and body movements to portray different characters and storylines.

  • A combination of dance and gymnastics. Learn how to properly execute acrobatic tricks and develop gymnastics skills. Improve strength, flexibility, agility, and physical control in a safe and fun environment. We offer Acrobatic Arts Syllabus classes with our certified teacher. The program is based on safe and effective progressions with Acro Dance: Flexibility, Strength, Balancing, Limbering and Tumbling. These classes are offered at both the competitive and recreational level.

  • This dance style draws it elements and form from dances that have their roots in both African and European cultures. The rhythmic structure of the dance creates a unique form of expression and cultural identity. The elements of Caribbean dance draws from traditional rhythmic African dance, its grounded and flat-footed style, while the physical flow draws from the melody of Europeans blend which fuses together the elements of history and culture of the people.

  • A percussive dance style focusing on rhythm, and musicality. In this energetic and enthusiastic class, dancers work progressively to develop agility, co-ordination, and technique. Make music with your feet! Students will learn basic, progressive, and intricate tap steps and rhythm combinations. Develop and improve timing, rhythm, and coordination. Once you start tapping, you’ll never want to stop!