School of Commercial Dance

Commercial dancers
HIP HOP, JAZZ, TAP, CONTEMPORARY, MODERN, ACRO, MUSICAL THEATRE, AERIAL ARTS,
POM & CHEER DANCE TEAM, CONDITIONING & MORE!

FIND YOUR STYLE

The School of Commercial Dance is for ages 7 and offers diverse dance styles in an engaging environment that enhances artistry and athleticism.

The curriculum is designed to bridge technical training with practical experience, preparing students for television, film, stage, and music video performance. Master classes and workshops often feature industry professionals and touring artists. Students gain confidence that enriches their overall dance education and well-being.

Class Recommendations

  • For students with no dance experience, a good first class to start would be the “Rotating Class” (a combination of Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz and Pom & Cheer), or we suggest trying a Ballet Class (classical music, slower pace at first; builds technique to branch out into any dance area).
  • 2 or more classes per week are recommended.
  • Most classes in the School of Commercial Dance are Performance Classes and will perform in the Winter Showcase or The Hip Nut and the June Show. If you do not wish to pay Production Dues, we suggest you choose a non-performing class.

Class Descriptions

dancer reaching for it with both hands.

JAZZ

A popular dance form. Pop Jazz & theatre dance are the focus of this  upbeat class! Dancers will dive in deeper to jazz fundamentals, alignment, core, stretches and flexibility. A ballet class is recommended for this class. Performing Class.
Man floating in the dark, wearing jeans, white shirt, and red cap, with a raised fist and relaxed expression.

HIP HOP

Students in Hip Hop classes learn a variety of styles and the most up-to-date dance choreography. Students of all ages enjoy building their skills as they are instructed how to move and coordinate. Fun for all, this dance experience is great for both guys and girls. Performing Class.
A young man breakdancing on one hand against a gray concrete wall.

BREAKDANCING

Breaking, also referred to as B-boying, or B-girling, is an unstructured and improvisational form of traditional Hip Hop. Students will learn elements of top rock, down rock and floor work. Our faculty teaches the basics and layers more difficult moves when ready. This is a great class to express yourself and build strength and coordination. Non-performing Class.
Two male dancers performing a handstand with one supporting the other's feet; stage with dancers in background.

HIP HIP CREW

Hip Hop Crew is all about Hip Hop and performs at the Winter Show, June Show, York Parades, York Revs plus are invited to entertain at special events throughout our community.  Must be enrolled in a weekly Hip Hop class. Team uniform purchase is required. Upper levels by audition only. Performing Company.
Woman in pink crop top and skirt, arms raised holding an object, with flowing fabric against a pink backdrop.

MODERN  Modern dance developed in the 20th century as a form of rebellion against the rigid formalism of classical ballet.  Our classes embrace the traditional techniques of the modern dance world encouraging the future development of emerging young dancers and choreographers.
contemporary dancer

CONTEMPORARY

This dance genre incorporates a blend of lyrical and modern dance influenced by contemporary artists. Jumps, leaps, turns and sometimes acrobatic elements emphasize rhythm changes, expressive upper body, and extensions.  A supplementary ballet class is recommended for Prep Level when taking this course and required for the Intermediate & Advanced. Performing Class. 
Two young boys in black attire lean on a ballet barre in a studio, looking at the camera.

BOYS DANCE COMBO

A foundational class to teach boys only how to dance!  (Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop)

Non-performing Class.
Group of young people with arms raised, smiling. They wear various tops, mostly black pants, against a white background.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Triple threat performers are born here - Singing, Dancing & Acting. Perform in Winter & June Show; often includes a Disney Kids musical, a theatre dance presentation or a Production number. Participants in this class must also take a Jazz and/or Tap. Performing Class.
Two young dancers, a girl and a boy, in black tap shoes and athletic clothing

TAP

Students develop tap talents as they focus on vocabulary, technique, movement and performance. Tap dance classes are fun and exciting ways to combine the one of rhythm, music and coordination. Performing Class.
Woman in mid-air split, arms extended. She wears a black top and burgundy shorts.

ROTATING CLASS

Our Rotating class is a great  choice for students who do not wish to perform and who wish to dance recreationally, We rotate 4 popular dance styles - Contemporary, Pom-Cheer, Jazz & Hip Hop. Each week the dancers do one style. Non-performing Class.
Cheerleader in white and blue uniform with black pom-poms, arms raised, smiling. White background.

POM SQUAD & CHEER

Have you ever wanted to be a professional sports team dancer or a cheerleader? Dance with pompoms and learn precision technique with our Pom Squad class. This class focuses on drills and progressions to help develop technique used primarily in pom and jazz classes. Purchase of Cheer Team uniform required. Participants will learn work to elevate their performance qualities. Performing Class. 
Two young women in black athletic wear doing cartwheels. They are in the air, with one leg pointed up and the other down.

ACRO  

Our Acro program is based on safe and effective progressions with proven results in five divisions: Flexibility, Strength, Balancing, Stretching and Tumbling; Taught by a champion gymnast!  Learn and progress skills including proper execution of acrobatic skills and tumbling while working to build flexibility, strength & conditioning.  Non-performing Class.
Woman in plank position, wearing black athletic attire. She is looking down, with arms straight, resting on her forearms.

STRETCH & STRENGTHEN

Special Conditioning Classes for ambitious dancers who wish to achieve next level total fitness. Non-performing Class.
Woman in black activewear performing aerial silks with blue fabric. She is suspended mid-air, extending her arms overhead.

AERIAL ARTS PROGRAM   

Silks, Aerial Hoop, Aerial Arts Skill Building.

Watch the excitement as your child looks forward to each class as they meet new friends, gain confidence and learn new skills in this super fun class. This class includes aerial silks, juggling, stretching and conditioning all under the supervision of our faculty. OPEN STUDIO Practice Sessions are included on select Saturdays as a FREE BONUS. Non-performing Class.

Performance Opportunities

Performances for All Students Enrolled in Performing Classes

Winter Showcase:  Mid-year performance celebrating student growth. Participants often wear their class uniforms for this casual showcase.


June Show:  End-of-season performance at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. We work towards the “end of season show” as an exciting goal. Participants often wear their class uniforms and also borrow items as decided upon from our huge Costume Room. On occasion, students need to supply items such as jeans, a specific colored shirt, etc. This is all listed in the Monthly Newsletters as the show details become available. 

Performing classes incur Production Dues in addition to tuition.