Ashord Dance Company offers a wide variety of dance styles to all ages and abilities with an emphasis on fun, skill development and community. From Parent & Me and other Tots classes, to recreational dance, competitive dance, dance classes for students with diverse abilities and even adult fitness classes, Ashford has something for everyone. Ballet, the foundation of all dance forms and we place a high emphasis on its importance. Ballet provides students with the grace, poise and technique necessary to develop a strong foundation for any style of dance. Tap, a type of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. We pride ourselves on our strong tap program, which incorporates elements of Broadway as well as rhythm tap. Jazz, a fun, quick moving form of dance, with a solid foundation in ballet and modern dance techniques. Emphasis is placed on leaps, turns, and progressions down the floor. Dancers begin jazz dancing after 1-2 years of tots or ballet training. Our Acrobatics classes are taught by highly skilled teachers who emphasize safety and proper form above all else. Think gymnastics without the equipment, and set to music. Dancers wishing to participate in acrobatics must also be taking a ballet class. Skills assessments are regularly conducted to track progress. Hip Hop is where dancers perform combinations of movements ranging from 80s style freezes and tricks, to 90s style sharp isolations, and current day break dancing. This is a highly recommended add-on class to dancers enrolled in any of our other technique classes. Lyrical/Contemporary dance can be described as a combination of jazz and ballet, with emphasis placed on fluidity of movement and using dance to portray emotion. These classes are open to dancers with 2 or more years of experience in ballet and jazz, who are looking to express themselves through movement. Musical Theater, a jazz-based class filled with Broadway-style dancing and music. This form of dancing incorporates performance skills such as connecting with the audience and facial expressions. No singing is involved in this class but lip-syncing may be incorporated into a routine. Competition Team is a level for dancers who love dancing, and wish to participate in multiple classes per week. Dancers in these classes will participate in performance opportunities throughout the year and at least one local competition per year. Classes for Dancers With Diverse Abilities is for dancers who learn differently. All students are welcome to participate in our DWDA classes including those with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, emotional needs, and those who may just need a little bit more individual attention. Classes are taught by highly qualified experienced instructors, and curriculum is developed by a NYS Certified Special Education Teacher.
