There's nothing we LOVE more than teaching! We believe that lessons learned through dance last a lifetime. It's our way of making a difference in our community and helping the world be a better place.
This year, we went a step further and infused the Values of ADC into our curriculum. Over the years, we've had multiple discussions about how to create a bigger impact, how to create a mentoring curriculum, and the best way to pass on the critical life lessons to our students. This year, we created the role of Program Director to ensure that we are delivering the very best in the classroom and to keep our classes consistent.
The Program Directors are the head of a particular style (i.e. ballet, contemporary, etc.). They review the dance curriculum, level requirements, and set the monthly objectives. This year we decided that the monthly objectives should tie directly into our values. We have a team training to gear up for the season and we've been loving it!
Here's a look at our values (made beautiful by Ms. Kaitlin's graphic design) and how some of dance classes are connected:
Jazz: Exploring intricate footwork (patterns of Pas de Bourrées, triplets, pivot turns, etc.)
Acro: Identifying a challenge area and develop a safe “at-home” plan for progress
Ballet: Dancers learn to evaluate their peers and give constructive feedback in a supportive way
Tap: Understanding the difference styles of tap (Broadway tap vs. Rhythm Tap vs. Improv) and their value to the art form
Ballet: Being grateful for the work that others have put into our costumes. Learning the details of our costumes and how we put them on for performance
Jazz: Learning spatial awareness – how to take up a lot of space, a little amount of space, and move as 1 group on stage
Tap: Focus on the clarity of the sound and the specificity of the movement
Aerial: Work with partners that you haven't worked with before
Hip Hop: Presenting dance with your own style and personality while maintaining the integrity of the movement
Contemporary: Exploring how you connect with an emotion and present it for the audience
Acro: Clarifying the preparations of each movement and the transitions between movements
Contemporary: Exploring falls and the thrill of being off vertical
Aerial: Change up the class order for something new and exciting
Hip Hop: Explore the style of Step
Kinder: Exploring dances of different cultures
As you can tell, we've been busy this year – and we are already planning for next season! Inspired by our values, we are dedicated to mentoring your child to be their very best self, both in the classroom and out, now and forever!