Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts

Our Programs

Our school offers four distinct levels of programs- full descriptions follow:

  • Pre-Elementary (Ages 2.5 – 7)
  • Elementary (Ages 7 – 10)
  • Junior & Senior (ages 11 – adult)
  • Adults (ages 18 and up)

Pre-Elementary (Ages 2.5 – 7)

The Pre-Elementary Program (Pre-E) introduces dance to our youngest dancers in a caring and age appropriate atmosphere.  Classes include basic technique and creative movement to develop motor skills, and allow students to explore elements of dance in a fun encouraging way.

  • Acro-dance (5-7 YEARS): Includes technique-based creative dancing with strength building exercises to support tumbling. Students will work with instructor on spotted tumbling (somersaults, cartwheels, bridges, etc.) and flexibility at each dancer’ skill level.
  • Ballet/Jazz Combo (5 TO 7 YEARS): Includes creative movement and an introduction to Ballet and Jazz techniques. The class has a relaxed atmosphere, which allows children to respond naturally to dance and explore different kinds of movement and music.
  • Ballet/Tap Combo (5 TO 7 YEARS): This class is an introduction to Ballet and Tap in fun atmosphere. In Ballet, we work on age-appropriate techniques and terms including positions, arm and leg movements; in Tap we work with timing and rhythms. One half-hour is given to each dance style.
  • Creative Ballet (5 TO 7 YEARS)–NEW: With the opportunity to explore dancers’ own movement through guided instruction, this class offers foundational ballet technique in a fun, age-appropriate environment. Class includes an introduction to ballet, creative movement through modern dance and storytelling through dance.
  • Dynamic Duos (Parent and Child ages 2 TO 3 1/2 YEARS)-NEW: This class invites our youngest dancers with a parent or grandparent to explore movement. Parents are on the move with their children experiencing music and bonding activity as we dance, imagine and dream. This class will encourage healthy physical and creative development, expose students to dance class structure and is an excellent introduction to structured dance experiences.  Parents will get a work out while moving with their child.
  • Hippity Hop (5 TO 7 YEARS): Beginning rhythm and movement class based on Hip Hop style of dance. Appropriate pop, hip hop and house (fast rhythmic tempo) music is featured.
  • Predance (3 1/2 TO 5 YEARS): We use our imaginations, creative games and songs to explore movement, develop motor skills and enjoy music. The class includes an introduction to Ballet, tumbling and creative movement.
  • Tap/Jazz Combo (5 TO 7 YEARS): This class is an introduction to Tap and Jazz in fun atmosphere. In Tap we work with timing and rhythms; in Jazz we do fun movements and basic technique geared to this age level. One half-hour is given to each dance style.
  • Special Dance: The class includes opportunities for learning dance technique and creative expression with various styles of movement to music. We hope to encourage students ages 5 through 12 that may have a learning difference or developmental challenge and who may respond well in a class designed and/or modified for their needs, enjoyment and success.

Elementary (Ages 7 – 10)

The Elementary Program is specifically designed to provide a strong foundation that will help prepare students’ minds and bodies for movement of increasing technical skill and strength. Students will progress from introductory classes to advanced levels.  This program focuses on developing specific technique, body awareness, discipline, and building self-confidence using a curriculum for the elementary age dancer.

  • Ballet: Classical ballet based on the Vagonova (Russian) technique. Correct form, placement, alignment and proper execution are all emphasized.
  • Jazz:  This is an energetic class that encompasses many styles.  Students will focus on isolations, jumps, flexibility, strength training & coordination.  This fun class will give focus to proper  technique to form a good foundation.  It is a great compliment to ballet training.
  • Tap: Tap is an expression of feet and mind.  Timing and rhythm will be developed through classic and rhythmic tap style.  Our program starts with strong foot and ankle development and builds to complex phrasing and syncopation.
  • Modern : This style of dance that explores movement, space, and rhythm. Through improvisation dancers learn to express their own creativity while learning the techniques of Graham, Limon, Taylor and Horton.  It is an important style for adding depth and focus to the dance experience.
  • Hip Hop: This current styled dance is a high energy, fast paced, athletic, free form dance style. Street dancing, lyrical reflection and jazz themes are elements included in instruction. Includes strong emphasis on rhythmic proficiency, development of personality and various “old school” and contemporary flavors danced to rap, pop, and R & B songs.
  • Youth Praise Dance: See Performing Opportunities Annointed Too
  • Special Dance- NEW: The class includes opportunities for learning dance technique and creative expression with various styles of movement to music. We hope to encourage students ages 5 through 12 that may have a learning difference or developmental disorder and who may respond well in a class designed and/or modified for their needs, enjoyment and success.

Junior & Senior (ages 11 – adult)

The Junior & Senior program is designed for the student who is just beginning to explore dance or for the student who has been dancing for years.  At this level there is a continual focus on technical development, exploring new dance styles, and individual expression.

  • Ballet & Pointe: Classical ballet based on the Vagonova (Russian) technique. Correct form, placement, alignment and proper execution are all emphasized. Students advancing to pointe  readiness must attend at least two ballet classes per week. Pointe candidates must be at least at the Junior intermediate level. Please see your ballet teacher in reference to your pointe readiness.
  • Jazz : Jazz is an American art form where various styles may be  taught including classic through contemporary styles of today.  Emphasis will be placed on technique and proper placement. As students advance, more complex concepts are studied including leaps, pirouettes and other turns, musicality, and endurance.  As always,  proper technique and form are taught for a good foundation.
  • Tap: Tap is an expression of feet and mind.  Timing and rhythm will be developed through classic and rhythmic tap style.  Our program starts with strong foot and ankle development and builds to complex phrasing and syncopation.
  • Modern: Dance that explores movement, space, and rhythm.   Through improvisation dancers learn to express their own creativity while learning the techniques of Graham, Limon, Horton and May O’Donnell.  It is an important style for adding depth to the dance experience.
  • Hip Hop: Hip Hop dance is a high energy, fast paced, athletic free form dance style.  Street dancing and jazz technique are combined to the latest rap, pop, and R & B songs.
  • Liturgical Dance: This is a spiritually inspired, uplifting class where students learn dance techniques to Praise God in excellence, being encouraged to grow in expressions of praise to God through dance. See Performing Opportunities Annointed Dance or Annointed Too.
  • Lyrical Dance: This style rooted in a combination of jazz and ballet technique, challenges dancers to use stylized movement to interpret music, lyrics and express emotion. This class develops dancers’ ability to fluidly connect movement and grow in expressiveness while dancing in strength, skill and high execution. Dancers ages 10-up are welcome to enroll. Pre-requisite: 2 years ballet, jazz or modern. 
  • Strength and Flexibility: This new class uses floor-based exercises, deep stretches and repetition to build strong muscles and increase dancers’ flexibility. The weekly session requires dancers to warm up before entering the studio and to attend regularly for maximum results. It is recommended that this class be taken with a technique class where results can be utilized.

Adults (ages 18 and up)

The adult program includes classes for those who would like to start dancing and those who are continuing or returning to their love of dance.  Our classes includes fun, fitness, and friendship while learning and improving our dance technique.

  • Ballet & Pointe: Classical ballet based on the Vagonova (Russian) technique. Correct form, placement, alignment and proper execution are all emphasized. Students dancing on pointe must attend at least two ballet classes per week. Pointe candidates must be at least at the Junior intermediate level. Please see your ballet teacher in reference to your pointe readiness.
  • Jazz: Jazz is an American art form where classic styles through contemporary styles of today will be taught.  For the beginning student emphasis will be placed on technique and proper placement.  For the more advanced student leaps, turns, musicality, and endurance will be developed giving focus to proper technique and form for a good foundation.
  • Liturgical Dance: This is a spiritually inspired, uplifting class where students learn dance techniques to Praise God in excellence, being encouraged to grow in expressions of praise to God through dance. See Performing Opportunities Annointed Dance.
  • Lyrical Dance: This style rooted in a combination of jazz and ballet technique, challenges dancers to use stylized movement to interpret music, lyrics and express emotion. This class develops dancers’ ability to fluidly connect movement and grow in expressiveness while dancing in strength, skill and high execution. Dancers ages 10-up are welcome to enroll. Pre-requisite: 2 years ballet, jazz or modern.