Class Descriptions.

ACRO: Acrobatics dancers will learn the basics of tumbling, floor gymnastics elements and dance. 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. We offer Acro classes from beginner to advanced levels for ages 6 & up. Acro dancers will perform in the year-end recital.

We also offer Primary Acro for ages 6-7 and Mini Acro for ages 4-5 available.

BALLET: Ballet instills grace, coordination, poise, and confidence while requiring much discipline and focus. We bring the dancer through a progression of terminology, technique, and artistry. We offer beginning to advanced levels for ages 8 & up and ballet dancers will perform in the year-end recital.

COMBO CLASSES: Combination classes are designed to give the young dancer an opportunity to discover and explore different types of dance in one class. They typically incorporate movement and basic ballet. Depending on the class, combination classes may combine ballet & tap, ballet & jazz, jazz & tap, and hip hop & tumble.

Most combo classes are introductory levels for ages 3-7 years old and combo dancers will perform one dance style in the year-end recital.

Tap/Jazz is only for ages 8-10.

CONTEMPORARY: Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. Contemporary is only offered to our advanced dancers because prior, current & proficient ballet and jazz training is necessary for dancers to be successful in this class. Contemporary dancers will perform in the year-end recital.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT: Students explore movement, rhythm, and creativity through exercises created to build expressive minds and motor skills while instilling a love for dance. Please note that this is not a Parent and Me class. We expect dancers to learn how to be independent in dance class and prepare for Pre-Level classes. For ages 2-3. Must be 2 by September. This is a non-recital class.

HIP HOP: Hip Hop is a street dance style that has evolved as a part of the Hip Hop culture and is primarily danced to Hip Hop music. Can include a wide array of styles such as Breaking, Popping, Locking, Krumping and House dance and includes fresh, innovative choreography influenced by the latest street dance trends. We offer Hip Hop classes for beginner through advanced levels for ages 6 & up as well as boys-only Hip Hop classes. Hip hop dancers will perform a routine in the year-end recital.

Mini Hip Hip & Tumble for 4-5 is for the little hip hop dancers. Mainly a hip hop dance class and works on tumbling and acro elements in the class. High energy and super fun! These hip hop dancers will perform a hip hop routine in the year-end recital in June.

Pre-Hip Hip & Tumble for 3-4 is for the littlest hip hop dancers.

JAZZ: Jazz uses ballet technique for its base therefore we strongly recommend studying these techniques simultaneously, but not required (only if your performer is part of our team program). Jazz dance combines stylistic movement with intricate rhythms and body isolations. It also includes leaps and turns as well as upbeat combinations of movement. Jazz technique is designed to increase body control and coordination. Jazz dance has continued to evolve with various ethnic and cultural influences since its origin. We will introduce several styles ranging from blues to pop for dancers of all abilities for ages 8 & up. Jazz dancers will perform in the year-end recital.

Lyrical: For the beginner intermediate Ballet/Jazz dancer. Lyrical dancing instills grace, coordination, poise, and confidence while requiring much discipline and focus. We bring the dancer through a progression of terminology, technique, and artistry. Must be at least 8 years old and have some ballet/jazz experience.

MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION: Musical Theatre incorporates elements of dance, acting, and voice. Performers learn what it takes to make it on Broadway while exploring their entire creative selves. They learn about stage presence, projecting their voice, character development, and how to work with other actors while engaging a captive audience.

  • Twice a Week – Tuesday/Thursday class is welcome to all levels of performers ages 7 & up. Before Spring Break, performers will put on a musical theatre production showcase in which all members will enjoy the spotlight. The Musical Theatre Production Showcase is separate from our year-end recital.
  • NEW Advanced/Audition-based Sunday Class. This class is audition only for ages 8 and up. A spot in this production class is not guaranteed. Performers will learn in a fast-paced environment and will be expected to practice at home. Sunday’s advanced MTP Class will perform at the end of January.

NEXT STEP TRIPLE THREAT REHEARSALS: The Team and Rehearsal classes are exclusively for Next Step Triple Threat team members where they will work at an accelerated rate on technique and choreography. For ages 7 & up. NSTT members will perform throughout the year, throughout the community, and at the Pistons games. They will also be featured in the year-end recital. Please note that all NSTT programs are audition-based.

First Step Team: The First Step Team is designed to give dancers ages 6-10 a taste of competitive dance to help them decide if the Triple Threats is a good fit for them in the future. 

Hip Hop Crew: Our most advanced Hip Hop students rehearse and compete.

Jr. Hip Hop Crew: Our intermediate Hip Hop students rehearse and compete.

Tap Team: Our most advanced Tap students rehearse and compete.

Jr. Tap Team: Our intermediate Tap students rehearse and compete.

TAP: The name comes from the tapping sound made when the small metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch a hard surface. This lively, rhythmic tapping makes the performer not just a dancer, but also a percussive musician. Tap is a style of American theatrical dance using precise rhythmical patterns of foot movement and audible foot tapping. Become a musician with your feet in our fun and energetic class. Broadway & Rhythm techniques taught. We offer beginner through advanced levels of tap classes for ages 8 & up. Tappers will perform in the year-end recital.