School Year

Graham Modern Dance (Levels 3, 4, 5, 6, Kanopy 2, adult): A modern dance technique rooted in breath, contraction, release, spiral, and weight shift. Students develop strength, coordination, artistry, and emotional expression through movement. Based on the technique created by Martha Graham, this class builds a strong foundation in one of the most influential modern dance methods taught by dancers and companies around the world. Graham technique encourages both technical excellence and expressive storytelling through movement. 

Martha Graham is recognized as a primal artistic force of the 20th century, alongside Picasso, James Joyce, Stravinsky, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The Graham technique is taught worldwide and her Martha Graham Dance Company, founded in 1926, and based in NYC, continues to shape, and evolve the future of the art form. 

Humphrey Modern Dance (Levels, 4,5,6, Kanopy2, adult): Dance technique based in dynamic and rhythmic breath. The body is trained to move with flow and physicality, embracing the sense of gravity, finding suspension in the body, and then falling away from it. This approach is the foundation upon which José Limón built his technique and choreography. 

Doris Humphrey was pioneer in American modern dance and an innovator in a technique and choreography that was based on the use of breath rhythm. Humphrey developed the first fully articulated choreographic method for modern dance-makers. Her book The Art of Making Dances, the first of its kind— continues to play an important role for dance today. 

José Limón Modern Dance (Levels 4,5,6, K2, adult): This technique focuses on the movement of breath through the body, the dynamic use of weight in each body part and the fluid succession of one movement into the next. This technique is known for its use of the energetic qualities of suspension and rebound— called “fall and recovery’. 

José Limón, one of America’s most prominent Modern Dance choreographers, was born in Mexico. His powerful choreography focuses on the human drama, often incorporating themes from literature, religion, and Hispanic history, as well as pure dance. Limón began his dance training under Doris Humphrey with whom he founded The Limón Dance Company, in 1946. Based in NYC, the Company’s performs internationally, and its influence is paramount. 

Sokolow Modern Dance (Levels 4, 5,6, K2, adult): This class explores Sokolow’s methods, leading toward performance and composition skills. The class environment gives students the opportunity to work carefully and specifically. In addition to technique, students will have the opportunity to learn Sokolow repertory. 

Anna Sokolow, a major architect of modern dance, was a member of the Martha Graham Dance Company, and a co-founder of the Actor’s Theatre. She was recognized for her social commitments and powerful depictions of alienation. Her work explored the depths of emotion– and recognized the resiliency of the human spirit– and is performed internationally through the aegis of NYC’s Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble. 

Horton Modern Dance (Levels 4,5,6, K2, adult,): Horton Technique is the foundational technique taught at the Alvin Ailey School in NYC. The technique develops both strength and flexibility and works with an energy that is constantly in motion. The primary focus of Horton studies is creating length in the spine and hamstrings, and it is known for its emphasis on lateral stretches, flat backs, and clear clean lines of design in the body. 

Lester Horton, who launched modern dance in LA, was inspired early by movement in Native American dance. His Horton Technique combines elements of Native American Folk Dance, Afro-Caribbean hip circles, Javanese and Balinese isolations of the upper body, Japanese arm gestures, and a new whole body, anatomical approach to movement. Alvin Ailey studied with and danced in Lester Horton’s Company and Horton’s technique is foundational for the internationally renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in NYC. 

Hawkins Modern Dance (Levels 4,5,6, Kanopy 2, adult): Dance technique based in functional anatomical movement, training the dancer to move with a lightness and freedom in the arms and legs— (Hawkins called the arms and legs “tassels” moving from the torso) with a strong core to quickly change rhythms and directions to create dance that looks very free and natural. 

Erik Hawkins, a leading modern-dance choreographer, and dancer was greatly influenced by German expressionist dances. He performed for George Balanchine at American Ballet Theater in NYC, and then for Martha Graham to whom he was married for 6 years. He left to establish the Erick Hawkins Dance Company and develop his “abstract”, “normative theory of movement”, based on functional movement, kinesiology and somatic studies and inspired by Zen thinking, Japanese aesthetics as well as the Greek classics. 

Choreography & Improvisation (Levels 3, 4, 5, 6, Kanopy2, adult): Students explore the craft of creating dance through improvisation, composition, and creative exploration. Dancers generate original movement, develop choreography, and experiment with new ways of expressing ideas through motion. 

The class includes guided improvisation, choreographic exercises, peer feedback, and creative projects, while also examining how music, costumes, staging, and dance history influence the creative process. 

Classical Ballet (Levels 3, 4, 5, 6, Kanopy2, adult) blends the precision and artistry of Russian (Vaganova) training with the versatility of American ballet technique. We develop a structured syllabus for each level that’s also age appropriate to support clear, progressive training and consistent technical growth. 

Pointe and Pre-Pointe classes support safe technical development and strengthen the dancer’s progression. These classes are also open to dancers not yet in pointe shoes, offering targeted work to build strength in the feet, ankles, and joints, and to prepare the body for future pointe work. 

Bharatanatyam Classical Indian Dance (Levels 3, 4, 5, 6, Kanopy2, adult): Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance traditions of India, with a history spanning nearly 3,000 years. This class introduces students to its rich blend of music, rhythm, and expressive storytelling. Dancers learn foundational technique, intricate rhythmic patterns, and expressive gestures, building both technical skill and cultural understanding through this classical art form. 

Musical Theater Dance (Levels 5,6, Kanopy2, adult): This class explores the foundations of musical theater dance through the lens of Golden Age Broadway (1940s/1950’s) and the later Fosse (1960s/1970s) lineage. Students will deepen understanding of musical theater jazz-based technique, musicality, and performance through both technical exploration and choreographic repertoire. We will study movement inspired by iconic choreographers and productions, with an emphasis on dance as a vehicle for storytelling. Students will leave this class with a stronger understanding of dance as a narrative form, and of the dancer as both technician and actor. 

SHAPE: CardioBarre (adults of all levels): Discover the strength, grace, and energy of dance in a welcoming, full-body workout designed for every fitness level. SHAPE: CardioBarre is an accessible introduction to dance, no former dance experience required. This dynamic class combines low-impact cardio with sculpting exercises both on the mat and at the barre, using light weights, resistance bands, and other strength-building tools to target the muscles dancers rely on for stability, control, and endurance. You’ll build strength from head to toe while improving posture, balance, coordination, and body awareness. Expect a class that leaves you feeling challenged and accomplished, with flowing movement, energizing music, and exercises that develop long, functional strength. Whether you’relooking to cross-train, improve your fitness, or simply experience the joy of dance in a supportive environment, SHAPE: CardioBarre offers a fun and effective way to move with confidence. 

Contemporary (Levels 4, 5, 6, Kanopy2, Adult): Contemporary dance explores movement through energy, emotion, imagination, and musicality. Students develop creativity, versatility, and authentic expression while building strength, coordination, and technical skills. Classes encourage dancers to connect thought and feeling to movement, blending elements of modern, ballet, and improvisational practices to create dynamic and expressive artistry. 

Creative Modern / Ballet (Levels 1 & 2): Designed for young dancers ages 5–7, this class introduces the joy of dance through movement, music, imagination, and play. Students explore beginning ballet and modern dance concepts through creative movement, dance games, storytelling, and the creation of their own dances. Classes build coordination, confidence, musicality, and fundamental dance skills in a fun, supportive environment.