Viking Gymnastics and Dance Instructional Gymnastics

Instructional

All technique classes are cumulative throughout the year, allowing dancers to progress in technical exercises and skills. Classes culminate in the annual end of year recital, which serves as a performance opportunity for dancers to set long-term goals, showcase their skill development, build their confidence, and share their accomplishments over the year with family and friends. Participation in the recital is optional, but highly encouraged.

Viking’s leveling system enhances each dancer’s classroom experience by placing them where they will learn, grow, and excel the most.
 
Purple I: Introductory foundations, new beginners
Purple II: Intermediate beginners (instructor approval required)
Silver I: Advanced beginners – new intermediates (instructor approval required)
Silver II: Solid intermediate level (instructor approval required)
Gold: Advanced intermediate – advanced levels (instructor approval required)
 
All students are evaluated in classes continuously throughout the year on their mastery of curriculum skills and concepts and must be recommended by their instructors for the appropriate level. 
 
If your child is new to the program and has previous experience, please contact Viking to schedule an evaluation for proper level placement.

Pre-Pointe Conditioning
Classes focus on strengthening the lower legs, feet and ankles in preparation for an eventual entry into pointe work. Class incorporates conditioning exercises with and without props to work on proper alignment, engagement, support and balance necessary for progressing en pointe. Students must supply and bring their own props, including a resistance band and a tennis, racquet or lacrosse ball. Ballet shoes are required. Hair must be pulled back and secured neatly in a bun. This class is by instructor invitation only. 

Petite Ballet
This class is a natural progression from Kinder Ballet or for beginners ages 6-7. Focus is on deepening foundational elements of ballet technique, proper body alignment and coordination, strength and control, introduction to the barre, as well as reinforcing ballet vocabulary and concepts. Ballet shoes are required. Hair must be pulled back and secured neatly in a bun.

Ballet
Our Ballet program incorporates training techniques derived from classical French, Italian and Russian methods. Emphasis is on developing proper alignment, balance, flexibility, control of extensions, and quality of movement. Equal emphasis is placed on deepening students’ knowledge of anatomy, classical ballet vocabulary and stage presence.

Hip Hop
Hip Hop is a fun, energetic class with a party like atmosphere that incorporates weight shifts, footwork patterning, floor work and introductory break dancing skills. Technical emphasis is placed on rhythm/musicality and qualitative dynamics. Classes incorporate a variety of sub styles including but not limited to: locking, popping, tutting, waving, whacking, stepping, etc.

Jazz
Jazz classes fuse ballet and modern technique blending a variety of styles (contemporary jazz, modern jazz, classical jazz) and utilize isolation, low center of gravity, clear body lines, energetic and upbeat rhythm and musicality. Emphasis is on developing stage presence and quality dynamics alongside proper alignment mechanics.

Lyrical
Lyrical classes are a fusion of ballet, modern, and jazz technique. Classes emphasize energetic and qualitative dynamics, rhythm/musicality, balance/extension control, flexibility and proper alignment mechanics. Focus is on interpreting the lyrical meaning within the music through expressive, performative storytelling.

Tap
Tap classes will focus on rhythm and musicality while enhancing clarity of movement through footwork/step combinations utilizing articulation of the toe, ball, and heel. Emphasis is placed on weight shifting, complex sound patterns, quality dynamics, and expressivity of the upper body.

Please remember that all students progress at their own rate. Practice, patience, persistence, positivity and passion are the five P’s toward successful progress. Consistent attendance in class and repetitive practice are proven to accelerate progress, but important factors for growth in the classroom are also attitude and focus. Encourage your dancer to have fun, but also approach every class as an opportunity to learn and excel. Instructor feedback helps every dancer grow within their technique, and dancers are encouraged to value instructor feedback and apply corrections sincerely.