Class Placement & Progression at Mariann’s School of Dance

At Mariann’s School of Dance, we offer a wide range of creative and challenging classes for dancers ages 2½ through adult, from Beginner to Advanced levels. All classes are coeducational, unless otherwise specified. 

To ensure the best experience and growth for every student, dancers are placed in classes based on ability—not solely by age or previous years of training. Proper placement is key to consistent progress, injury prevention, and a positive classroom experience.

Please note:

• Final placement decisions are made by our faculty to best support each dancer’s development.
• Class names are for identification only; each class moves at a pace appropriate for the collective ability of the group.
• To protect the physical and technical growth of our dancers, we strongly encourage placement based on skill and experience—rather than convenience, carpools, or outside commitments.

New students with prior experience should contact the studio for a placement consultation.

• While previous ballet experience is not required for jazz, tap, lyrical, or musical theatre classes, we strongly recommend ballet as a foundation. Ballet provides the essential technique, alignment, and body awareness that enhances progress in all other dance styles.

Our Classes for Age 2 through 4 1/2

Mini Movers 
AGE 2 BY SEPTEMBER 2025
Get ready to wiggle, giggle, and groove! Mini Movers is the perfect introduction to the world of dance for young children. This lively class helps boys and girls develop rhythm, coordination, and basic movement skills—all while building confidence, creativity, and social interaction. Each week features a new dance adventure with age-appropriate activities, imaginative play, and an introduction to basic ballet terminology. It's the perfect first step on a joyful dance journey!. 

Creative Movement I
AGE 3 ENTERING KINDERGARTEN IN 2027
This class combines fundamental ballet and tap exercises with activities that reinforce basic motor skills, coordination, and rhythm. Dancers are also encouraged to use their imaginations and explore creative movement in a fun and nurturing environment.

Creative Movement II
AGE 4 ENTERING KINDERGARTEN IN 2026
This class expands on the foundations of CM I by introducing basic jazz technique alongside continued ballet and tap training. Dancers will refine gross motor skills, begin developing fine motor control, and explore more structured movement—all while nurturing their creativity, musicality, and love of dance.

Our Classes for Age 5 through Adult
 
Acrobatics
Acrobatic training builds flexibility, strength, balance, and control while promoting discipline and focus. Dancers learn foundational skills like cartwheels and handsprings, progressing to advanced moves such as tucks and aerials. Classes also include conditioning to ensure safe and effective skill development. 
Ballet
Graceful, powerful, and timeless—ballet is the heart of all dance. In this class, dancers will build a strong technical foundation while developing strength, flexibility, and control. Through barre and center work, they will learn proper alignment, posture, and classical technique, all while cultivating musicality and expression. Ballet teaches discipline and focus, but also encourages artistry and self-confidence. Whether your dancer dreams of the stage or simply wants to grow as a mover, ballet offers the skills and elegance to support every step of their journey.

Boys Only Classes
This high-energy class is designed just for boys and focuses on the fundamentals of hip hop with an athletic and dynamic approach. Dancers will learn strong, powerful movements, rhythm, freestyle skills, and fun choreography in a supportive, all-boys environment. The class emphasizes coordination, confidence, and personal style—all set to age-appropriate, upbeat music. 

Combination Classes 
These dynamic and engaging classes offers dancers the opportunity to explore two complementary styles of movement within one structured session. Designed to develop well-rounded technique, the class blends contrasting elements such as control and energy, grace and rhythm, or strength and expression—allowing students to expand their versatility as performers. Dancers will build coordination, musicality, and confidence while improving their ability to transition between different styles and movement qualities. 

Contemporary
Contemporary dance is a dynamic and expressive dance form that combines elements of various styles, including modern, jazz, ballet, and lyrical, while also encouraging improvisation and individual interpretation. It's known for its freedom of movement, exploration of the body's capabilities, and emotional expressiveness. Contemporary dance is constantly evolving and adapting, allowing for a wide range of styles and techniques. 

Hip-Hop
Get ready to move, groove, and express yourself! Our high-energy hip-hop class is packed with fresh choreography, powerful beats, and plenty of attitude. Dancers will explore foundational elements of hip-hop while developing coordination, body control, and stage presence. This class not only builds technique, but also boosts confidence and encourages individuality in every dancer.

Jazz
Full of energy, style, and flair—jazz dance brings movement to life! From the bold flair of Broadway to the rhythm and edge of funk, jazz classes offer a dynamic blend of technique and performance. Dancers will build strength, flexibility, coordination, and control through across-the-floor progressions, center combinations, and expressive choreography. With powerful movement and high-energy music, jazz encourages confidence, musicality, and stage presence every step of the way.

Jazz Funk 
Jazz Funk is bold, fresh, and full of flavor! This high-energy class blends the fierce moves of street dance with the technique of jazz to create choreography that’s stylish, sassy, and seriously fun. Think music video vibes with a confidence boost built in. Dancers will learn to hit hard, move with swagger, and bring their own unique personality to every combo.

Lyrical
Rooted in a strong ballet foundation, this expressive style blends the fluidity of ballet with the emotion of contemporary movement and the dynamic edge of jazz. Lyrical dance encourages students to connect deeply with the music—using lyrics, storytelling, and emotion to inspire artistry and individuality. Dancers are invited to move from the heart, exploring their own creative voice through meaningful, expressive movement.

Musical Theatre 
Step into the spotlight in this high-energy, jazz-based class that blends dance, drama, and stage presence! Dancers will explore iconic Broadway choreography inspired by smash-hit musicals like Hamilton, Hairspray, Wicked, and West Side Story. Class focuses on jazz technique, musicality, character development, and storytelling through movement. Perfect for dancers who love to perform and dream of the stage!

Pointe
Elegance on the tips of your toes. This advanced-level class focuses on the refined art of pointe work, building on years of classical ballet training. With an emphasis on strength, alignment, and control, dancers will explore both traditional and contemporary pointe technique. Enrollment is by instructor recommendation only, and a regular ballet class is required for participation.

Tap
Let rhythm lead the way! Tap is a high-energy, percussive style where your feet become the instrument. Dancers will develop precision, speed, and clarity while exploring musicality and timing in a fun, upbeat environment. From classic rhythms to modern combinations, tap builds strong coordination—and sharp listening skills—with every step