Classes
Encore's dance classes are held at the Comstock Community Center (180 School Rd, Wilton, CT). Our classes are designed specifically for each age group: Preschool through High School. We offer weekly dance classes; no auditions are required. Dancers are divided by age group to allow for maximum confidence and self-esteem building. The goal of our dance school is life-balance. Our dancers, spend one hour/week in the studio and are able to perform in professionally produced performances. We find that our kids appreciate being able to participate in other extracurriculars AND fit dance and performing into their busy schedules. We begin our dance year in September and finish by the end of March/early April to accommodate Spring sport schedules. Some of our dancers come to us as budding artists while others come purely for the fun of it!
Creative Tots (Ages 3-4) & Pre-K Kids (Ages 4-5) COED:
This introduction to dance is designed to give your child a taste of ballet, jazz, and creative movement, while honing basic listening skills. Emphasis is placed on basic dance skills, rhythm, creative expression and fun dance routines. Dancers will learn in a playful, imaginative and non-competitive environment. Pre-K Kids will also begin learning basic dance terminology. Our Pre-K Kids will perform in our Holiday Show and both Pre-K Kids & Creative Tots are invited to perform in the Spring Show. Attire for girls: pink ballet slippers, pink tights, pink leotard with or w/o skirt, & hair pulled up. For boys: sneakers or soft-soled shoes with sweatpants and plain black or Encore t-shirt.
All-Girl Jazz/Theater/Hip-Hop (kindergarten through 12th grade):
Our all girl classes combine Jazz, Theatre Dance and Hip-Hop. Building on each year’s physical development, dancers will continue to augment their technique and learn choreography to everything from Broadway and movie tunes to current music selections. Attire is black leggings with black or Encore t-shirt, black dance sneakers or black jazz shoes with hair pulled up.
Boys Hip-hop (Kindergarten through 7th grade):
Our boys enjoy learning Hip Hop techniques and stylization while dancing to their favorite songs in an age-appropriate manner. By joining this class, your free styling will improve, your attention to detail in the music you listen to will increase, and your personality will shine. Class will focus on proper conditioning and warm-up, individualized isolated body movements, and high-energy combinations. Attire is sweatpants, t-shirt or sweatshirt and sneakers. Encore sweats & t-shirts are available for purchase.
Contemporary Dance (5th Grade through high School):
Contemporary Dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. Dancers will learn contemporary technique through interesting choreography and explore the more emotive side of dance. Attire is black leggings with black or Encore t-shirt (bare feet), with hair pulled up.
Beginner Ballroom (5th-6th Grade):
This coeducational ballroom class is designed to introduce boys & girls to the basics of social dance and etiquette. Students will learn ballroom steps to current and traditional social dances such as swing, cha-cha, waltz, and line-dances. Attire: boys - suit or blazer with dress pants, tie & dress shoes; girls - party dress, or skirt, comfortable shoes with backs & short white gloves. There will be a theme night or two woven into the calendar and a weekly cash raffle. This class does not participate in our year-end performance and instead culminates in "Parents Night" where families are invited to attend class to see what their dancers have learned.