Our Classes

Creative movement, acrobatic, and dance classes in Bergen County, NJMariann's School of Dance provides a wide variety of creative and challenging classes for ages 2½ to adult at levels from Beginner through Advanced.

  • Students are placed in class by ability and not by age alone or previous years' experience.
  • Proper class placement is essential in the continual progress of students.
  • Mariann's School of Dance reserves the right to make a final determination of each dancer's level.
  • The insignia of the class is for identification only. The pace of each class is geared to the ability of the class as a whole.
  • To safeguard the physical development of each dancer, it is important that they attend class with students of similar abilities and experience. Please do not sacrifice correct class placement for car pools, other activities.
  • New students with prior experience should call the studio for proper class placement.
  • Although previous ballet training is not required for admission to our jazz, tap, lyrical and musical theatre classes, the technical training of ballet provides a strong foundation for all other dance forms. Students will enhance and improve their progress in other dance styles by attending a ballet class.

If you are unsure of what class to register for, please contact us.

To view our current class schedule, click here

 

Classes for Age 2 1/2 through 4 1/2

Tiny Tutus and Tuxes
AGE 2½ BY OCTOBER 2023
Offered in 8 week session, this inspiring and exciting class is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of dance. Boys and girls learn the basics of movement and rhythm as well as social skills. Age appropriate material is presented to help children develop gross motor skills, self-expression and self-confidence. Basic ballet terminology will be introduced as dancers embark on a special dance adventure weekly.

Creative Movement I
AGE 3 ENTERING KINDERGARTEN IN 2025
A wonderful introduction to dance for our youngest students. Fundamental ballet and tap exercises are taught, and basic motor skills and rhythm exercises are reinforced. Dancers are encouraged to explore the use of their creative minds in relation to movement.

Creative Movement II
AGE 4 ENTERING KINDERGARTEN IN 2024
An extension of Creative Movement I and the next step in your dancer's development. This class will add jazz technique in addition to expanding on ballet and tap fundamentals. Gross motor skills continue to be taught, and fine motor skills are introduced, with plenty of opportunity for creative self expression.
 

Classes for Age 5 through Adult
 
Acrobatics
Acrobatic training teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, and above all, discipline and concentration. Basic tumbling skills such as cartwheels, walkovers, handsprings as well as more challenging tucks and aerials will be incorporated with strength training and conditioning.

Ballet
Classical yet vibrant, traditional yet evolving, the technical training of ballet is the basis and foundation of all dance movement. Ballet training is essential to all other dance styles, and develops strength, grace, poise, posture and musicality. It is our belief and recommendation that ballet should be studied by every dancer at all ages and levels.

Boys Only Classes
Dance is a great activity for BOTH boys and girls, but it's important to give boys instruction that is tailored specifically for them to keep their interest and make it fun. The studio features Boys Only classes that teach skills from hip-hop to tap with macho moves and steps that boys enjoy. Boys who can dance are in demand at high school proms and dances, so now is the time to learn how to move! Register for our Boys Only classes and, with a little instruction and practice, you can become the star of the dance floor!

Commercial Jazz 
Commercial jazz encompasses a myriad of styles. This can include Street, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Contemporary. It is the type of dance seen in music videos, on the catwalk and at fashion shows, artist tours, advertising campaigns, corporate events, television and film. 

Hip-Hop
Our Hip Hop class focuses on the fundamentals of this dance style. Each class will begin with basic warm up techniques, then transition into cutting edge choreography based on musicality. Dancers will explore some of the basics including Popping, Locking, Waving, Ticking, Gliding, and the Robot as well as floor moves. Participants will improve their coordination in addition to their self-esteem on the dance floor.

Hip-Hop Hooray
This high energy class is a combination of hip hop and jazz for our youngest dancers ages 5-8. 
 

Improvisation
Creativity and self-expression are the focus of this exciting new class. Moving freely, without relying on set movement patterns, dancers ai to create new, original movements and use familiar movements in unique ways. Letting go, acting on impulse, listening, and trusting yourself are all part of the improvisation process.

Jazz
Jazz dance ranges in style from the excitement of funk to the bravura of Broadway. Jazz technique develops strength, coordination, and the controlled movement of each part of the body.

Jazz Funk 
A fun and funky take on jazz, incorporating street styles and hip hop with classic jazz.

Jumps and Turns 
Take your dancing to the next level. This technique only class will reinforce the basics of balance, strength and placement while focusing on a variety of jumps and turn. (This class does not participate in our Spring Performance) 

Lyrical/Contemporary
A beautiful blend of ballet technique, jazz rhythms, and modern style create dances that reflect the emotions and lyrics of today's contemporary music. Lyrical/ Contemporary dance encourages natural, spontaneous movement and personal interpretation.

Musical Theatre 
This is a jazz-based genre that incorporates technique, musicality and acting. Dancers will learn a variety of Broadway choreography from shows like West Side Story, Hairspray, and Annie, as well as the stylized technique of legendary theater choreographers. Singing or lip-syncing may also be included in the class.

Pointe
The technique of performing on pointe for classical and contemporary ballet. For advanced students with several years of ballet technique, upon recommendation of the instructor only. Students must be enrolled in a ballet class in addition.

Tap
Tap works the ears as well as the feet. Rhythm skills are essential to building a solid dance education. Emphasis is placed on precision, speed, and clarity of sound with an upbeat and fun approach to rhythm and dance.