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MTD Youth Training Program
This program is designed to meet the needs of dedicated dance students 12-19 years old who seek individualized attention to help them reach their goals. Melissa has taught, choreographed, and prepared students for professional careers in dance and musical theatre for over a decade. 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.
There is a performance being planned for late April. Venue and dates TBD. A Showcase will happen at the studio on May 20, 2023.
*If you are interested in taking adult classes, please contact Melissa.
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.
Tuesdays: 5:30-7:00 pm
Thursdays: 5:30-7:15 pm
January 9 - May 25, 2023
Theatre Jazz
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!
Fridays: 4:00-6:00 pm
January 13 - May 26, 2023
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.
Fridays 6:15-7:30 pm
January 13 - May 26, 2023