Class Descriptions

Dance Lab Ballet I

This class is designed for students who want to learn the fundamentals of ballet. Students are introduced to ballet vocabulary as well as musicality, discipline, and class structure.

Dance Lab Ballet II

Students build their ballet vocabulary and technique, and as they build strength and coordination, their musicality and discipline will also deepen.

Dance Lab Ballet III

Students will continue training in the fundamental concepts of ballet technique, vocabulary and studio etiquette. This level builds on the development of technique and coordination, and students will begin to gain musical understanding and graceful expression. 

Dance Lab Ballet IV

Students in this class will be using a more extensive ballet vocabulary, as they focus on artistry and gain precision as an advanced dancer. 

Dance Lab Pre-Pointe

Students will prepare for pointe in this class with Theraband and strengthening exercises on the floor and at the barre. This class will further develop the muscles needed to dance on pointe. Dancing on pointe requires proper spine alignment, turn out from the hips, strong ankle strength, proper foot-pointing technique, and good balance. In Youth Pre-Pointe, students will work on strengthening calf muscles, ankles, and the arches of the feet. 

Class is to be taken in flat dance shoes. Pointe shoes should not be purchased prior to class. All students will be recommended to go on pointe on an individual basis when the teacher feels the student is strong enough and ready. At that time, information about pointe shoe purchasing will be discussed with the teacher. 

Requirements: Recommended for Youth III and IV students. Students need Joffrey teacher approval before enrolling, including students who are currently taking pre-pointe or pointe at another studio. Students who are interested in being approved for Pre-Pointe should contact Academy Reception at [email protected]. Students wishing to take Pre-Pointe must register for two Youth ballet classes per week, including the ballet class immediately preceding the Pre-Pointe class.  

Dance Lab Pointe I and II

Students will begin to work on pointe in Dance Lab Pointe I and strengthen their technical abilities in Dance Lab Pointe II. Dancing on pointe requires proper spine alignment, turn out from the hips, strong ankle strength, proper foot-pointing technique, and good balance. In Dance Lab Pointe, students will continue to work on further strengthening calf muscles, ankles, and the arches of the feet. Dance Lab Pointe will include exercises at the barre and in the center to increase strength and practice balance.

All students will be recommended to go on pointe on an individual basis when the teacher feels the student is strong enough and ready. At that time, students will be recommended to a pointe shoe fitting at Allegro Boutique once they receive teacher approval for Pointe class.

Requirements: Recommended for Dance Lab III and IV students. Students need Joffrey teacher approval before enrolling, including students who are currently taking pointe at another studio. Students interested in being approved for Pointe should attend a placement ballet class. Students wishing to take Pointe must register for two Youth ballet classes per week, including the ballet class immediately preceding the Pointe class.

Dance Lab Jazz

Students will learn and expand upon basic jazz dance techniques in this upbeat class. Dance Lab Jazz will help develop their endurance, strength, and musicality through more complex steps. Taking jazz in addition to ballet will help to create a well-rounded dancer. 

Dance Lab Modern

In a class drawing from Horton, Cunningham, and release technique, students will explore moving in different levels in space and using their spines in all directions to become more daring movers. 

Dance Lab Repertory Ensemble

As they work toward a spring performance, students in Dance Lab Ballet IIIA and IV will have the opportunity to explore classical ballet as well as other dance forms in both solo and group work. Pushed to refine steps learned in class, dancers will be challenged to grow as technicians, artists, and thinkers. 

Dance Lab Solos

This opportunity allows dancers to discover their creative voice. Dancers will create a 3-5 minute solo independently, and will meet with their faculty mentor every three weeks. Students interested in Dance Lab Solos must be enrolled in at least one Dance Lab Ballet II-IV class.