Chara offers 3 training tracks designed to increase the value of training that all of our dancers experience. This sets dancers up to achieve their personalized goals.
- Competitive Track: For the dancer prepared to put significant effort into their dance training and want to work collectively as a team and perform competitively. Competitive team members may have dreams of their high school dance team, making a collegiate dance team, dancing professionally, or teaching dance to the next generation.
- Studio Track: For the majority of our dancers. Those who are looking to dance recreationally in one or more genres of dance. They love dance, the personal growth it inspires, and the friendships it helps to cultivate. Studio Track dancers looking for additional performance opportunities might sign up for Chara’s Performance Company or to join the supporting cast of Friendswood Contemporary Ballet’s winter ballet in addition to their annual recital.
- Friendswood Contemporary Ballet Track: For the ballet enthusiast who loves to perform. These dancers may have a goal of dancing in a University dance program, perform with a professional ballet, modern, or contemporary company, or teach dance to the next generation.
Chara’s Studio training track starts at age 7 with Level I. Thereafter level progression is determined by skill based evaluations in the spring.
If you are NEW to Chara, are over the age of 8, and come with previous dance experience; email our School Director, Ms. Meghan meghan@charadance.com, to schedule a placement evaluation so we can determine the class that best suites your current abilities.
Season: August 5, 2024 – June 1, 2025
Ballet
BALLET I
The first step into Studio Track dance starts at the age of 7 (no evaluation needed) in Ballet I. Dancers will be evaluated during class in the spring and either invited to examine for the next level or (more likely) directed to continue at this level for another year.
BALLET II – PRE-PROFESSIONAL
Ballet Classes Level II and up are taught based on our school curriculum to fit the developmental, technical, and strength level required of this ballet level. At this level dancers will have class twice per week with their class to further develop their skills
Jazz
JAZZ I: Introduces young dancers to Jazz technique and combinations.
JAZZ II+: Jazz classes Level II and up are taught based on our school curriculum to fit the developmental, technical, and strength level required of this ballet level.
Contemporary & Modern
CONTEMPORARY I: A beautiful blend of Ballet and Jazz. Must be enrolled in Ballet I or higher
MODERN: Dancers will explore multiple styles of expressive dance that combine elements from genres including modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet. Must have examined into Ballet IV+ or Contemporary III+
Tap
TAP I: Introduces young dancers to Tap technique and combinations.
TAP II+: Tap dancers learn more intricate sequences giving them greater confidence and making them more eligible for musical theatre rolls.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop I+ Fun music and entertaining moves merge for this high energy class!
AcroDance
Acro is the beautiful fusion of classic dance technique and the precision and athleticism of acrobatic elements. Often defined by unique choreography, acro dancers seamlessly blend musicality, emotional expression, line and extension with acrobatic movements in a dance context.
AcroDance I: At this level students will work on the development of Splits Right, Left and Center (Flexibility), Plank holds and Wall Sits (Strength), Half Scorpion and Front Chest Stand (Balancing), Handstand to Bridge/Bridge and Kick over (Limbering), Cartwheel Right and Left, Cartwheel from one knee, One hand cartwheel (Tumbling Skills) (plus more skills not listed above).
AcroDance II: At this level students will work on Full Splits Right, Left and Center (Flexibility), Superman, Push ups and Handstand Shoulder Shrugs (Strength), Front Chest Stand, Forearm Stand, Half Scorpion (Balancing), Front Limber, Arabian Handstand to Forward Roll, Back walkover to chest roll (Limbering), Front walkover (right and left), Back walkover (right and left), Front walkover from one knee, side aerial, plus more skill not listed above. Must be 7 years old by September 1, 2023.
Drill Team Technique
Drill Team Technique I: This class is for the intermediate level dancer who has intentions of auditioning for their high school dance/drill team. This class will go over a variety of skills and exercises to help the dancer improve their pom motion technique, kick line technique, and various leaps and turns required of our dancers who plan to audition for area high school dance/drill teams. Dancers will also execute many exercises to help them develop their flexibility, balance, coordination, agility, and strength. This class is for dancers in 6th through 12th grade.
Drill Team Technique II: This class is for the advanced level dancer who has intentions of auditioning for their high school or college dance/drill team and/or has already made their high school dance/drill team and is looking to further their training and preparation for ensemble and/or officer auditions.The dancers will continue to improve their pom motion, technique, kick line technique, and various leaps and turns required of the advanced level drill team dancer. Dancers must level into this class through a skill evaluation or from a teacher recommendation based on the dancer’s skill level.