CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Creative Movement gives dancers ages 3-4 a joyful way to experience movement, music, and self-expression at a young age. In this energetic 45-minute class dancers will explore different rhythms, shapes, and movement qualities as well as follow a structured progression of basic steps and combinations. It is a fun prelude to our “Primary Dance” classes while continuing to develop motor and social skills to promote self-confidence! We do ask that a parent/guardian is present during class time.
PRIMARY DANCE
Primary Dance is a 1-hour class that is perfect for dancers ages 5-8 looking for an introduction to a variety of dance experiences!
Pre-Ballet classes introduce students to the art of ballet at an age-appropriate pace. Young dancers learn basic ballet positions, vocabulary, and studio etiquette while focusing on improving coordination and musicality.
Pre-Jazz/Tap classes are high-energy and get you moving different parts of your body like your head, shoulders, hips, and feet. Dancers will learn basic jazz & tap steps while focusing on rhythm and musicality.
Pre-Hip Hop is a fun and lively class. Under the guidance of our experienced and fun instructors, the students will be exposed to multiple dance trends of hip hop and freestyle.
MINI MOVERS
This is fun free flowing class for students who want to move and explore a variety of different types of dance. For ages 5-8.
BALLET
LEVELS I, I/II, II, III, IV
Our progressive ballet curriculum concentrates heavily on working within each dancer’s physical abilities without placing stress on their joints or ligaments for injury prevention. Our faculty stresses the importance of building musicality and expressiveness inside the classroom as we believe this enhances our dancers’ overall experience when performing onstage. We believe that ballet is an essential piece when studying other forms of dance, so we strongly encourage our dancers to take ballet classes in addition to other dance styles starting in level two and up.
*Please Note: Students should expect to stay in the same ballet level for approximately two years or more, especially if time off is taken over the summer. Advancement to the next level is only upon the recommendation of the current instructor.
POINTE
LEVELS I, II
NDI New Mexico has strict requirements for starting pointe work, so the dancer is physically protected from injury. NDI New Mexico instructors take into consideration the age of the dancer as well as the dancer’s ability. However, because the growth of the foot is nearly complete at age 11 or 12, we tend to promote and introduce pointe work at that time. For the safety of the child, it is particularly important they do not attempt to dance on pointe if an instructor advises you to wait, as it is easy to become injured. A dancer must have adequate time to achieve the proper form, strength, and alignment needed to make a successful transition into pointe work. To maintain proper technique and flexibility needed for pointe work, it is imperative to practice ballet formally at least 3 times per week or, 2 times per week in addition to one Horton class per week. All dancers will be formally evaluated by the team of ballet instructors at NDI New Mexico to determine if they are physically ready to meet the demands of pointe work. We are looking for correct body position and alignment, sufficient turnout, strength and balance, ankle strength, ankle flexibility, and mastery of basic ballet techniques.
JAZZ
LEVELS I/II, III, IV
This curriculum is based on the practices of such master as Gus Giordano, Bob Fosse, Jack Cole and Luigi, all with strong roots in Musical Theatre. This class emphasizes style in addition to technique. We practice across-the-floor with leaps and turns that support the techniques of modern jazz today.
MUSICAL THEATRE
LEVELS I, II and Teen
Musical Theatre at NDI New Mexico is a one-of-a-kind musical theatre class for kids ages 7-11 (MT I) and ages 12+ (MT II) and Teen 13+. Students will study the work of the actor/singer/dancer and use their gained knowledge to develop as performers. Students will prepare and present as soloists, members of small groups and larger ensembles. This class promotes confidence, discipline, basic vocal technique, improvisation ability, dance technique and teaches young performers all about life on the stage. Participation in dance classes in addition to this class is highly recommended.
HORTON
LEVELS I, II, III, IV
The modern dance technique of Lester Horton is a codified movement practice that is designed to lengthen, strengthen, and fortify a dancer’s body. Horton Technique rigorously conditions the body, enabling students to adequately assess and monitor their own progress. The Horton Technique not only explores basic movement concepts, it also emphasizes the use of the floor for centering, grounding, and focus, which enhances movement quality. Horton Technique is strongly recommended for all ballet students.
CONTEMPORARY
LEVELS I/II, III, IV
Contemporary Dance at The Hiland is a progressive fusion of codified dance techniques and styles from ballet, jazz, modern and cultural movement languages. The Contemporary Dance Classes offer strong technical training and movement processes intended to cultivate the individual voice of each student. Contemporary classes also include elements of composition and improvisation. We highly recommend taking Contemporary in addition to other forms like Ballet & Modern.
TAP
LEVELS I, II & III
Classes focus on the fundamentals of rhythm tap, including solid technique, classic and contemporary tap repertory, and improvisation skills.
Hip-Hop Programming at The Hiland Theater
BREAKING
LEVELS I, II, III, III/IV
Breaking is a style of street dancing that incorporates coordination, acrobatic and intricate body movements, style, and aesthetics. It evolved from the hip-hop movement during the early 1970s and is the most widely known of all hip-hop dance styles. Breaking is the foundational movement language of hip-hop dance. Classes focus on musical training and building foundational movement in a fun and supportive environment. No dance experience is required for this class. We highly recommend taking Breaking and Hip-Hop classes together.
HIP-HOP
LEVELS I, I/II, III, IV
Hip-hop uses the foundations of breaking while incorporating a wider range of styles including more commercial styles and set choreography. The Hip-Hop classes are most akin to dancing that you would see in music videos, and commercial type work in the entertainment industry.