Acro is a style of dance that combines a variety of dance styles with precision acrobatic elements such as contortion, inversion balances and tumbling. It teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, discipline and focus. Junior students will start learning skills such as forward and backward rolls, backbends, handstands and cartwheels. Intermediate and Advanced students will learn to combine all of their balance and skills into intricate sequences with more advanced tumbling. Junior and Intermediate Level Acro students will perform in Experience MEM Dance Theatre. Advanced Level Acro is offered as a technique class only with no performance.

The theatre program at MEMDT runs year-round, offering acting instruction, drama workshops, and performance opportunities. September thru June we offer Acting I for the younger student and Acting II for the older student with a year-end showcase. Each summer we also offer three 2-week “Summer Spotlight Theatre” camps for 7-14 year olds who are interested in all aspects of performing including: singing, dancing, acting, and more.

Ballet is the foundation of all dance. Body placement, flexibility, balance, alignment, strength and technique are methodically developed thru barre and center floor work. MEMDT offers exceptional ballet training from beginner thru advanced pre-professional levels. Ballet class is required for all students with the exception of Acro, Acting and Hip Hop only. Please read class levels for ballet class requirements. All classes except those described as ballet technique will perform in Experience MEM Dance Theatre.

Creative Movement (2-3 yrs.)

This exciting 45-minute movement class incorporates the usage of imagination with movement and the basic principles of dance. Dancers will use scarves, shapes and sing as they are introduced to basic ballet and dance movement fundamentals. Dancers will work on body control, listening skills, balance and coordination. This class offers a gentle introduction to a class environment. Creative Movement dancers will perform a song and dance in Experience MEM Dance Theatre.

Pre-Ballet, Tap & Tumble (3-4 yrs.) & Ballet, Tap & Tumble (4-5 yrs.)

Pre-Ballet, Tap & Tumble and Ballet, Tap & Tumble classes are each 45 minutes and help foster your child’s interest in dance while including coordination, concentration, musicality, flexibility and ability to follow instructions. Classes may incorporate free movement using props and different genres of music to give children the opportunity for self-expression. This class provides the building blocks to prepare young dancers for a more structured class. Pre- Ballet, Tap & Tumble dancers will perform a tap dance in Experience MEM Dance Theatre. Ballet, Tap & Tumble dancers will perform a tap and ballet dance in, Experience MEM Dance Theatre.

Kindercombo and Primary T/B/J classes teach basic dance technique and terminology to fun and inspiring music. Combo classes are a hit with dancers 5-7 years! Combo class dancers will perform in Experience MEM Dance Theatre.

Hip Hop is a high energy class that uses todays music with movements influenced by poppin’, locking and breaking as well as freestyle. Hip Hop allows dancers to develop and express their own sense of style. Hip Hop class draws on popular urban culture and music and is a great fun class for beginners thru advanced dancers. All levels will perform hip-hop dances in Experience MEM Dance Theatre.

Jazz dance is a high-energy, dynamic style that blends sharp, precise movements with fluid, expressive motions. Jazz was popularized on Broadway and in film, and emphasizes rhythm, improvisation, and personal expression. Dancers will explore everything from intricate footwork to leaps and turns, all set to the beat of upbeat music. Whether you’re new to dance or looking to refine your technique, jazz offers a fun and challenging experience! All jazz level dancers will perform in Experience MEM Dance Theatre.

Lyrical/Contemporary is an expressive form of dance that merges multiple styles of dance including ballet and jazz to portray the feeling and the story of the music the dancers are performing to. Advanced lyrical/Contemporary dancers will perform in Experience MEM Dance Theatre.

Modern dance is a style of free and expressive dancing not bound by the rules of classical ballet. Modern class works on elements such as contraction and release, floor work, fall and recovery and improvisation. The Horton and Limon styles of modern will primarily be taught. Jr. thru Adv. III Level modern dancers will perform a modern dance in Experience MEM Dance Theatre.

Pointe shoes are a right of passage and a very exciting transition for your child to take part in as they progress as a dancer. It is important that we prepare your child for the responsibility that is required as well as the maturity, muscle memory, body alignment, and bone structure in preparation to being en pointe. The following classes are offered:

-Pre-Pointe

-Pointe I

-Pointe II

-Pointe III

Tap is a timeless art that combines dance and percussion. Tap dance classes explore traditions of Broadway tap and Rhythm tap. Classes begin with warm up exercises that teach control, coordination and rhythm. Dancers then move to across the floor exercises that teach dynamics, phrasing and musicality. Highly recommended for all dancers to strengthen musicality and performance skills. Ballet, Tap and Tumble thru Adv. III Level dancers will perform a tap dance in Experience MEM Dance Theatre.