Northwest Missouri Academy of Dance

Dance Lessons

Baby & Me - A creative movement class to  aid in the development of gross motor skills social skills, coordination, communication, balance, rhythm, muscle control hand-eye coordination and memory.  For ages 12 months - 24 months accompanied by a parent.

PreDance - A combination of Ballet, Tap, Acrobatics/Tumbling for 2 to 5 year olds.  Students will be introduced to the basic principles of dancing in a creative movement fashion.

Ballet - Begins at 5 years of age or with permission of the instructor.  Students will begin formal classical training.  The other levels of Ballet depend on ability and age.  Ballet is the base from which all other theatrical dance develops.  It provides disciplined physic-mental training useful in all movement fields, and offers an initial strengthening and coordination development essential for all athletic prowesses.  The study of Ballet Technique is a requirement in our dance program and highly recommended in our gymnastic program.

Technique Only -  For students ages 10 and up who are serious about their Ballet training.   You will not learn dances in these classes.

Pre-Pointe - Students wishing to perform on Pointe, must first have permission from the instructor and attend a Pre-Pointe class until the instructor feels they are ready for Pointe.  Pre-Pointe will prepare the student for Pointe by working specifically on the exercises needed to strengthen the feet and ankles. Students must be at least 10 years old to be considered for PrePointe.

Pointe - Advanced Ballet.  The student raises the body to perform on the tips of the toes.  All students taking Pointe, must first complete a Pre-Pointe class and have permission from the instructor to move on to Pointe.  Students must  remain enrolled in a Ballet Technique class while taking Pointe class.

Tap - Specialized training in Tap dancing concentrates on developing the student's sense of rhythm.  The technique, while including the entire body, emphasizes leg, ankle, and foot coordination resulting in improved alacrity and agility.  Progress is rapid and necessitates rapid comprehension and memorization of steps and routines.  A full spectrum of Tap styles is studied.

Hip-Hop - Hip Hop dance can range from popping, drill team moves to a funky music video style.  Create visual fun without crossing the line into inappropriate moves. All music is checked for lyrical content.

Jazz (Traditional, Modern, Comedic, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Breakdance, Blues, Broadway & Latin) Students will learn the principles of Jazz technique as in Theatrical Jazz but also will learn more contemporary styles.  Jazz uses techniques from ballet, rhythms from tap and flexibility from tumbling to create a strong jazz dancer. To the trained student, Jazz offers a freedom and variety found nowhere else in the dance field.  Jazz at our studio begins at age 8.

Pom Pom - For students ages 5 years and up. This class concentrateson the development of coordination and rhythm.  Students will learn the principles and spirit of cheerleading and Pom technique using basic Jazz steps to perform routines.

Acrobatics and Tumbling- This program directs the student toward Theatrical Acrobatics, developing flexibility, upper body strength, grace,balance and inverted coordination far greater than required for other dance forms.  

Gymnastics - A full program for children ages 2-12.  Students will begin their training by learning the fundamentals of the Balance Beam, Horizontal Barr, Vault and Tumbling.  Body awareness, coordination and self confidence, are developed within this program.  Focus will be on gymnastic skills, hand-eye coordination, rhythms, cooperative activities and stunts.  As each skill is mastered, new challenges are added so students continue to learn at their own pace, session after session.

Stretch & Strength - Taking students to a higher level, they will gain flexibility, stamina, strength and muscle tone beyond what can be accomplished in other classes.  This class is recommended for students who are very serious about Gymnastics.  A requirement for the upper level students who are competing in Acrobatics or Dance.  

Clogging - For students ages  8-up. Clogging  is  an  enjoyable and   healthy  dance form that has been around  for hundreds  of    years. Students will learn traditional and standardized clogging technique and dances.

Ballroom - This class is for Students ages 14 through Adult.  Students begin by learning proper Social Dance etiquette. Our Ballroom classes are designed as an introduction to various styles, including but not limited to Waltz, Tango, Swing, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha, Latin and Disco.  Students will cultivate self-esteem, respect, coordination, and more life-enhancing skills through learning Ballroom Dance.  They'll become much more confident in a social environment, as well as out on the dance floor at those family Black-tie affairs, Weddings, Social dances and more.  Students do not need a partner to attend these classes.

Baton - Through dance movements students learn the handling of the baton instrument to create visual images, beauty, pictures and patterns, executed with dexterity, smoothness, fluidity, and speed, both close in and around the body and by releasing the baton into the air.  For students ages 5 and up.

Jump Rope - Students learn to create a demonstration of strength, endurance, flexibility, focus, physical fitness, aesthetics, and harmony in coordination with the manipulation of the jump rope.

Drama - Students will study acting, theatrical  literature,  theater  history,  performance studies,  staging, make-up, and other technical aspects of a production.   A requirement for the upper level students who are members of our Performing Ensemble.

Cheer - For  aspiring   young Wannabes  or for cheerleaders who want to  strengthen  their skills.  Students will learn new chants, cheers,  dance routines and  pom pom routines. Students attending these classes will also learn the proper technique required for these skills.

Private Lessons - Private lessons are available for extra technique help or make-ups from missed classes.  There is an extra charge for private lessons and space is very limited.

After School Fitness - These classes introduce students to fun and exciting ways to exercise!  For children, exercise means playing and being physically active.  Through active play, classes will include stretching, aerobics and basic conditioning!  A few of the many benefits include: Enhanced motor skills, improved coordination, development of cognitive skills, self esteem, improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility and posture improvement. Classes will be held every day after school.  Students may attend every day or only the days that you choose.  These classes are for students ages 5-12.

Solos - Solos are offered to our Performing Ensemble Dancers only!

Performing Ensemble - For students who are serious about performing and competing.  Students will get to perform at many area events and will also compete with students from across the United States and Canada. All students attending these classes must also be attending Ballet technique classes along with any additional required classes.  

M.A.T.S. - For students who are serious about Acrobatics or Gymnastics.  As members of the Mid-America Tumbling Society students will have a chance to learn an acrobatic  routine and compete against other students from across Missouri and surrounding states. Students attending these classes will progress at their Acrobatic and gymnastic skills at an accelerated rate.   

Day Camps - Special themed day camps will be held for holidays, special events and just plain fun!  Day camps are an exciting and fun way for students to learn a new dance or gymnastic skill.  Day Camps include dance or gymnastics, games, crafts and treats!

Northwest Missouri Academy of Dance and Gymnastics holds an annual Christmas Production and Spring Recital.