McClendon School of Dance DANCE DISCIPLINES

Classical Ballet:

Classical ballet is the fundamental basis to most forms of dance. The ballet program is molded after the French method of ballet training. All the ballet terminology is French. Studets will learn proper body alignment, discipline, placement, grace and performance artistry.

Jazz:

Jazz dance has evolved with various cultural and ethnic influences since its inception in the late 1950's. Jazz has been promoted a great deal through both Broadway musicals and Hollywood movies. Contemporary movements and contemporary styles are incorporated into dance movements that are normally fast paced with ballet basics.

Tap Dance:

Tap dance is a North American originated dance discipline that incorporated the use of rhythm to sound out percussion, steps, movements, and patterns with the toes and heels of the feet. Intricate patterns and rhythms are used in conjunction with other dancers and are used individually in a method popularized by great black tappers that would improvise step, movements and styles, they were called hoofers.

Hip Hop:

Hip Hop dancing, made popular by the hip hop culture of music from the streets. The dance is free form, fast paced and funky. The dance is a staple of the rappers of today and has spread from the minority urban influences of the U.S. to white suburbia and beyond. Street style movement coupled with percussion, hard driving music is Hip Hop's calling card.

Praise & Worship:

Praise & Worship originated from a spiritual basis and belief in God. Praise & Worship dance is used to give praise and worship to the creator of all things including dance. Bodily movements that demonstrate exultation, penitence, adoration, thanksgiving and worship are performed to gospel music. Lyrical movements are used to interpret the deep felt feelings, emotions and revelations of an awesome God.

Modern:

Modern dance, using ballet as a base for movement, is a more interpretive form of dance. McClendon School of Dance utilizes the Horton technique originated by grand master Lester Horton. Students will learn a variety of technical forms within the Horton technique. Challenging combinations are incorporated into, sometimes, abstract and interpretive movements.