Classes Offered

PREBALLET – A preparatory class for ages  3 and 4. Children are introduced to classroom etiquette, basic floor and free-standing exercises, geometric shapes as they relate to dance, the mastery of gross loco motor skills and creative movement. Children enjoy the use of bright visuals, props and lively music.

KINDERBALLET – A dance class designed for kindergarteners, ages 5 and 6. Boys and girls expand upon the skills of Preballet. Learned steps are put into combinations and varied in terms of direction, speed and dynamics. The class is conducted in a friendly atmosphere of discipline, fun and learning.

PREPARATORY BALLET – A preparatory ballet class for children in the first grade, ages 6 and 7. Boys and girls are introduced to ballet technique, the ballet barre and ballet terminology. This class transitions the young dancer into classical Ballet within a structure that is appropriate for their age, physical and mental development.

BALLET – Classical Ballet training is offered for students ages 8 through adult. We have devised our own syllabus, tailored to the needs of our student body, largely influenced by the Vaganova method. We believe that sound Classical Ballet training is a solid foundation for all forms of dance.

JAZZ – This sought-after, contemporary dance form has grown in popularity at Stonehouse. Students, age 6 through adult, experience a broad range of American dance styles such as Broadway, Lyrical and Funk. Jazz students are required to take Ballet concurrently in order to build a solid technique base for their Jazz dancing.

POINTE – Pointe technique is offered to Ballet students ages 12 and up, only upon the recommendation of their Ballet teacher. Pointe students are required to take a minimum of two Ballet technique classes per week in addition to Pointe.

BALLET PREP/TAP COMBO – An introductory dance class designed to introduce the young dancer to Tap while learning the fundamentals of classical Ballet. Combination classes allow young students to get a taste of what each form of dance is all about. As a follow up, when students progress beyond  this level in age and ability, Ballet and Tap are split into separate classes,  allowing more time for each discipline.

BALLET PREP/JAZZ COMBO – Similar in format to the above Ballet/Tap combo class, this introductory level class is designed to introduce the young dancer to Jazz  while learning the fundamentals of  Classical  Ballet. Combination classes are a great tool for young students to get their feet wet in more than one discipline.  As students progress in age and ability, Ballet and Jazz are divided into separate classes, allowing more time for each discipline.

TAP – A theatrical form of dance where the artistically placed sounds of the dancer’s feet add another musical dimension. Tap class is offered for children, teens and adults. Concurrent ballet training is not required, but strongly advised.

HIP HOP -  Definitely a high energy dance class which has grown out of today’s pop culture, based on street dancing. Students will get down and have fun as they move and groove to today’s music after a young person’s fashion. Isolations, rhythm and coordination play a big part in this new dance style.

LYRICAL/.MODERN – Learn to express yourself through the music, lyrics and movement in this new, free flowing dance class. The curriculum of this class is a blend of American Modern dance, ballet, and Jazz all executed to contemporary music with meaning and definition. Students can expect to jump and  turn with turn out and in parallel, and develop  floor work, all in this one class.

LYRICAL/BALLET – A more contemporary approach to traditional, classical ballet. This class is targeted towards teens and adults with an elementary understanding of ballet. Students learn floor exercises that help promote strengthening core muscles, turn out, dexterity of feet, flexibility and turn out. The center barre enhances finding one’s center and is very strength building. Center combinations are designed to prepare students for an extended combination of ballet and contemporary movement which rounds out the class. All aspects of the ballet class such as adage, small jumps through big jumps and turns are covered while dancing to a blend of classical and contemporary music.

NUTCRACKER AND COMPETITION CLASSES – These classes are offered as a supplement to technique classes to those qualified students who desire a more intensive performance experience. Participating students are selected by audition. These students perform our annual Nutcracker, participate in competitions throughout the Baltimore/Washington area, and make local public appearances within our community (see “Performing“).

SATELLITE PROGRAMS are available at the following locations:
Centennial Lane Elementary School – PTA program
Worthington Elementary School – PTA program

River Hill Community Association in Clarksville, MD

PRIVATE AND SEMI PRIVATE LESSONS – are available upon request. To schedule, call 410-465-7674