Our youth dance curriculum is rooted in the world renowned Royal Academy of Dancing teaching syllabus, the Vaganova syllabus, Giordano Jazz syllabus, and Dance Masters of America. We welcome students ages 7-12 at all skill levels into dance classes at Collierville Arts Academy. So whether your student wants to take classical ballet, musical theatre/tap and jazz or contemporary dance, we have a class for you.
Our class sizes are small, well-managed by our experienced teachers, and offer plenty of creativity, expression, and joy of the dance arts for both recreational students and highly dedicated students of dance.
YOUTH DANCE: FAQs
How do I know what class my student belong in at Collierville Arts Academy? Dancers ages 7-12 are placed into classes by their age and by their experience level. When you register your student, please be certain you use their correct birthdate so the online system will present you with correct class options. For students with previous experience, we suggest that you call our office to arrange for a free placement class with one of our instructors.
How long is the dance season? Our dance season is similar to an academic year and runs August through May. During June and July we offer a separate Summer Session.
How do I enroll for a class? Enrollment for new students and returning students can be completed online or in-person. To register and enroll online, you can begin by creating your free account online here.
How do I pay my tuition? When you decide to register for a class, our automated front desk management system allows you to select payment options, ten (10) monthly installments at our regular tuition rate, two (2) payments (including a tuition discount), or payment-in-full (including a tuition discount). Monthly tuition installments are due before the 7th of the month. We encourage auto-pay setup to avoid a late payment fee. We accept cash, checks, credit and debit cards for tuition payments.
Are there any other expenses outside of tuition? There is an annual registration fee of $30 for one student or $50 for an entire family. Our Spring Showcase Performer Fee is $55 and includes 2 free tickets to the performance, Showcase Performance Keepsake Video, Keepsake Program, and Showcase Award. Costume Fees range from $52 to $68 for pre-professional level costumes.
What should my student wear to class? Our classes have required dress codes. This ensures that our students receive the best possible instruction, minimize injury, increase focus, and develop a strong sense of self-confidence and studio unity. All students should have hair secured in a neat bun for all ballet classes (ponytails are permitted for our jazz & tap classes). More information about our dress code can be found here.
Where can I purchase my student's dress code? Everything your child will need for their class dress code can be purchased through our in-studio boutique and through our online store. We carry a large inventory of dance shoes, leotards, dance wear, tights and accessories. We also order in what you require if we do not have it in your size. Visit our in-studio boutique during office hours and we will make sure your dancer has everything they need for class.
Can my student try out a class before enrolling? Yes, we offer a complimentary visit class for new students. Please call our office at 901-861-7001 to arrange a visit.
I missed fall registration, can I still enroll? Yes, we accept new students when we have spaces available in a class. Please call our studio office at 901-861-7001 to inquire.
Can I observe classes? Yes, we have an 'open door' policy for parents to observe all of our classes at any time. We have closed circuit camera systems recording 24/7 in all of our studio spaces, so you can sit in the lobby and observe class too.
Do you offer classes for boys? Yes! Boys are welcome to enroll in any of our dance classes and we have some classes for boys only. Please speak with a staff member if you have more questions about our boys classes.
Youth Dance: Class Descriptions
Level 3 Ballet (Ages 7-9) or (Ages 10-12) (45 minute classes/1x per week) The syllabus covers classical ballet technique at the barre, center floor and across-the-floor. Combinations of steps develop in complexity throughout the season as the students' dance skills improve. Students explore creative story-telling with their dance and learn to incorporate pantomime skills, acting, and creative expression through their ballet dance. Character dance, flexibility training, and choreography are additionally taught throughout the season. Level 3 classical ballet students will perform in the Collierville Ballet's Nutcracker in December and our annual Student Showcase in May at the Harrell Theatre.
Level 3 Jazz & Tap (Ages 7-9) or (Ages 10-12) (45 minute class/1x per week) Our level 3 jazz & tap dance syllabus covers beginning jazz and tap dance technique at the barre, center-floor and across-the-floor. Combinations of steps develop in complexity throughout the season as the students' skills improve. Students will learn isolations, progressions, and various styles of jazz and tap styles throughout the season. Age-appropriate music and choreography is used for classes and choreography. Students present an informal in-studio performance in December for family and perform in our annual Student Showcase at the Harrell Theatre in May.
Level 4 Ballet (Ages 9-11) (1 hour class/2x per week required) Level 4 Ballet is a classical ballet class for intermediate level dancers. This class teaches classical ballet technique at the barre, centre-floor, across-the-floor, variations, and routines. Combinations of steps develop in complexity throughout the season as the students' skills improve. Pre-pointe work (no pointe shoes needed) is introduced to strengthen feet, ankles, legs and back. Character dance, flexibility training, and choreography are additionally taught throughout the season. Our Level 4 ballet students may audition for the Collierville Ballet Company and perform roles in The Nutcracker in December and Level 4 students will perform in our annual student showcase in May at the Harrell Theatre.
Level 5 Ballet (Ages 10-12) (1 hour class/2x per week) Level 5 Ballet is a classical ballet class for intermediate/advanced level dancers. Our syllabus introduces our students to a more advanced understanding of classical ballet technique at the barre, center-floor, across-the-floor, variations, and routines. Pre-pointe training is incorporated into this class and begins with work at the barre and progresses to the center when students are ready based upon instructor evaluation. Character dance, flexibility training, and choreography are additionally taught throughout the season. Our Level 5 ballet students may audition for the Collierville Ballet Company and perform roles in The Nutcracker in December and Level 5 students will perform in our annual student showcase in May at the Harrell Theatre.
Intermediate Jazz & Tap Dance (Ages 10-12) (1 hour class/1x per week) Our Intermediate Jazz & Tap class for ages 10-12 includes traditional jazz and tap dance technique at the barre, center-floor and across-the-floor. Combinations of jazz and tap steps develop in complexity throughout the season as the students' skills improve. Students will learn isolations, progressions, and various styles of jazz and tap dance throughout the season including lyrical, hip hop, Broadway Musical Theatre tap, and more. Students will work on progressions, level changes, leaps, and turns throughout the season to build their strength and technical ability. Age-appropriate music and choreography is used for classes and choreography.
Hip Hop & Jazz (Ages 12-17) (45 min class/1x per week) is a great class for beginning and intermediate level dancers who want the freedom to move to the hip hop groove! This is a jazz dance based class that teaches proper terminology and correct dance technique while offering the dancer a high energy urban dance style. Enjoy ol' school, new school, and fresh hip hop beats paired with hot new electronic grooves - this class has everything a natural dancer is looking for in a technique class. Dancers may wear comfortable clothing to move in and clean athletic shoes or jazz dance sneakers.
