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To be considered for the MTD Training Program, please apply.

MTD Training Program

This program is designed to meet the needs of dedicated dance students 12-17 years old and adults with prior experience seeking individualized attention to help them reach their goals. For over a decade, Melissa has taught, choreographed, and prepared students for professional dance and musical theatre careers. She is known for giving her students care and encouragement as she inspires them to be their best. The program offers classical ballet, theatre jazz, tap, private lessons, professional career coaching, headshots, dance photoshoots, and video shoots. To participate in this program, it is not necessary to take all the styles of dance offered or to want to pursue a professional career in dance or musical theatre. Dance can help develop confidence and a work ethic that benefits all aspects of life. However, if a professional career is desired, Melissa's many friends and connections in those professions can be a valuable asset. Students must be respectful, kind, on time, and work hard.

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Dance Shoes

Ballet

 

Through practicing classical ballet, students will strengthen technique, musicality, and awareness of safe alignment. This class will challenge them to achieve grace, balance, excellent work ethic, and patience with the process. Performance quality will improve by focusing on dancing all steps with purpose and intention, allowing students to communicate with their audience. This will bring all of their dancing alive with meaning. Pointe will be handled for each dancer individually. Students must take two ballet classes per week but are highly encouraged to take three.

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Technique:

 

Tuesdays: 5:30 - 7:00 pm

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Thursdays: 5:30 - 7:15 pm

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Pointe & Partnering (Both Ballet Technique classes required to attend):

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Mondays: 5:30 - 6:30 pm

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September 4 - December 14

Theatre Jazz

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Theatre dance encompasses all genres of dance. This class is based on the techniques of ballet, jazz, contemporary, and more. It's designed to give the students a taste of what it's like to be a dancer in the theatre business by challenging them to pick up choreography quickly, move seamlessly between styles, and sharpen technique and performance skills. The class will begin with a thorough warm-up with technique, strengthening, & yoga, followed by learning choreography. Be ready to work hard and have fun!

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       Fridays: 4:00 - 6:00 pm

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September 8 - December 15

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Intermediate Tap

 

Tap dancers have the unique opportunity to be musicians and dancers simultaneously. Tap class will begin with a set warm-up focused on technique, sound clarity, musicality, and mind and body strengthening. Students will gain experience in traditional tap vocabulary through learning and practicing various tap steps, short phrases, tap turns, and choreography using different rhythms supported by a wide range of music. Developing confidence in tap improvisation will help their ability to discover their tap voice and style. Along the way, students will learn about tap's history and see some great tap dancers who shaped this multifaceted art form.

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       Fridays: 6:15 - 7:30 pm

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September 8 - December 15

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Dress Code

Ballet dress code:

 

  • Top: Any color pattern or design of leotard, form-fitting athletic tank top, or t-shirt.

  • Bottom: Pink, black, or skin-colored tights. Or, no tights with form-fitting dance shorts. You can also wear short ballet skirts with tights. Men's dance tights or shorts in any color.

  • Ballet shoes: Any brand/design in any color.

  • Hair: Any bun as long as it stays. French twists or braids secured to the head that won't hit you in the face are good, too. 

  • Warm-ups: Are welcome for the first few combos at barre.

Theatre jazz dress code:​

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  • Footwear: Bring socks and ballet or jazz shoes.

  • Tops: Wear form-fitting tank tops, t-shirts, crop tops, biketards, unitards, or leotards of any color, pattern, and design.

  • Bottoms: Wear jazz pants, athletic pants, and dance/athletic shorts of any color, pattern, and design.

  • Hair: Secured off the face in a ponytail, braid, bun, french twist, or half up. Creative hairdos are great if they don't get in the way of dancing.

Tap dress code:

 

  • Footwear: Tap shoes.

  • Tops: Any dance/athletic top.

  • Bottoms: Wear jazz pants, athletic pants, and dance/athletic shorts of any color, pattern, and design. Jeans are okay as long as they don't restrict movement. Make sure your tap shoes are visible.

  • Hair: Can be in any style if it stays out of your face and does not distract you while you're dancing.

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