Y-Dance

Y-Dance Classes
Classes for Youth, Teens, and Adults

 

Fall 2023

12 weeks of instruction

  • September 7 : Registration Due
  • September 11 – December 7 : Y-Dance Instructional Classes
  • November 20-23: Thanksgiving Break/No Classes
  • December 4-7 : Y-Dance Informal Showcase

Class Options

Parent and Me18 months to 3 years old
SuperstarsAges 5 and Older
Pre-FusionAge 3
FusionPre-K (age 4) through AdultOffered by Divisions and Levels**
Leaps and Turns*Grades 3 through 12Offered by Divisions and Levels
BalletGrades 1 through 12Offered by Levels
Hip HopGrades 1 through 12Offered by Divisions
TapGrades K through 12Offered by Levels

*To enroll in a Leaps and Turns class, a Fusion and/or Ballet class is prerequisite or a pre-assessment by Mrs. Christiansen.  This allows for the fundamentals to be learned in conjunction with leaps and turns.

  • Divisions signify grade/maturity.
  • Levels allow for abilities.
  • For most classes, minimum enrollment is four students.
  • Some classes may cap enrollment based on teacher and room space.
  • All classes are held at the YWCA, 605 N. 6th Street, Lafayette.

If you have other questions that are not answered in the below tabs, please phone the YWCA at 742-0075.

Divisions (Determined by grade)
See each dance genre for specific divisions.

Levels (Determined by abilities)

  • Level 1 – For new and returning students. Objectives: to introduce body awareness, control, and turn out (fusion);
    development of age-appropriate technical skills; development of comprehension in instruction; development of
    memorization in learning combinations and routines.
  • Level 1+-For returning students who have advanced past Level 1, but are not quite ready for Level 2.
  • Level 2 – For returning students by teacher recommendation. Objectives: understanding of body awareness, control, and
    turn out (fusion); mastery of Level 1, with additional age-appropriate, technical skills; efficient comprehension in
    instruction; efficient in memorization of combinations and routines; greater efficiency in memorization; and development
    of stage presence and presentation skills.
  • Level 3 – For returning students by teacher invitation. Objectives: mastery of Level 1 and 2 skills; understanding and
    introduction to more difficult technical skills. Quick comprehension in instruction and in memorization of combinations
    and routines. Further development of stage presence and presentation skills.
  • Level 4 -6 – For returning students by teacher invitations. Objectives: Mastery of all technical skills, comprehension,
    and stage presence.

Superstars

Superstars dance class was created for children, adolescents, and adults with special needs. This fun and energetic 45 minute class consists of basic movement skills, rhythm exercises, and creative and interpretive movement using music and props. Superstars dance class benefits dancers by enhancing his/her social skills, focus, listening skills, body awareness, and proprioception. The class is for ages 5 and older . The class size will be limited to 12 dancers per class. Proper dance apparel is required. Please be aware when considering if this program is a good fit for your dancer that the dance studio environment will be one with occasional loud noises, bright colors, and a variety of stimuli. A short combination will be taught for optional performances.

Parent and Me (For Dancers 18 months to age 3)

Our 30 minute Parent and Me class is a fun, upbeat class where a young child and parent, grandparent, relative, or other special caregivers can engage in a variety of music and movement activities together. The curriculum is structured to encourage locomotor and non-locomotor movement, coordination, and creative/interpretive movement. A Parent and Me class provides special bonding time with your child and allows you to meet other families in your area.

Pre-Fusion (For Dancers Age 3)

Our 45 minute Pre-Fusion Class for 3 year olds is designed to prepare students to learn as 4 year olds.  The curriculum is structured to encourage locomotor and non-locomotor movement, body awareness, coordination, creative/interpretive movement, and listening skills.  These goals will be achieved through stories, songs, minimal props, and repetition at a comfortable pace. A short combination will be taught for optional performances.

Fusion Pre-K (For Dancers Age 4 to Kindergarten)

Our one hour Pre-K Classes teach movement and motor skills, basic ballet technique, rhythm and coordination skills, and creative movement. Age-appropriate music and props are utilized to make these delightfully fun classes. A short combination will be taught for optional performances.

Fusion (For Dancers in Kindergarten through Adult)

Our one hour Fusion Classes (ballet and jazz “fused” together) are the core of Y-Dance and the recommendation if an overall experience is desired. Within this class, fundamentals of ballet and jazz are learned. They are divided by Divisions and by Levels (1, 1+, 2, 3, 4). Levels are determined by Y-Dance Teachers. These classes focus on barre/ballet skills and center floor technique (leaps and turns). A short combination will be taught for optional performances.

Ballet (For Dancers in Grades 1 through 12)

Our one hour Ballet classes are intended to enhance our core Fusion Classes. Ballet is the foundation for many genres of dance (as well as leaps and turns) AND helps strengthen muscles, improves body control, teaches dancers fluidity of movement, and focuses on turn-out. Ballet provides the mental and body discipline as well as the muscle memory to create better dancers. The class is comprised of barre, center floor technique training. Our Ballet classes are separated by Levels only (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6). They do not necessarily reflect the same level as Fusion or Leaps and Turns. A short combination will be taught for optional performances.

Leaps and Turns (For Dancers in Grades 1 through 12)

(Enrollment in a Fusion OR Ballet Class OR pre-assessment done by Mrs. Christiansen is required before enrolling in Leaps and Turns)
Our one hour Leaps and Turns classes are an enrichment of our core Fusion and Ballet Classes and are offered to dancers who want to focus and excel beyond a “recreational level”. This is strictly a technique class to learn and improve leaps and turns; thus fusion or ballet is necessary to focus on the fundamentals of turn-out, core, lift, etc. No routines will be taught. Our Leaps and Turns classes are separated by Divisions and Levels. This class is required for any dancer in Fusion Level 4.

Tap (For Dancers in Kindergarten through Adult)

Our 45 minute Tap class focuses on tap technique and rhythm. These classes are divided by Levels, while still keeping age and maturity in mind. Levels are determined by the Y-Dance teacher. AA short combination will be taught for optional performances.

Hip Hop (For Dancers in Grades 1 through 12)

This one hour class focuses on hip hop choreography and various Hip Hop techniques. Students will be taught rhythm and how to apply it to their dancing. Hip Hop is divided by Divisions. A short combination will be taught for optional performances.

Y Dance Class Schedule Fall 2023

  • September 7 : Registration Due
  • September 11 – December 7 : Y-Dance Instructional Classes
  • November 20-23: Thanksgiving Break/No Classes
  • December 4-7 : Y-Dance Informal Showcase

Registration Fee

  • Registration is due by September 7.
  • There is a $25 annual registration fee for each dancer.
  • If a cancellation is requested, the registration fee and 25% of the class cost is nonrefundable.

Tuition

1-Hour Classes (12 weeks) $150
Fusion, Ballet, Leaps/ &Turns, Hip Hop

45 Minute Classes (12 weeks) $118
Pre-Fusion, Tap, Superstars

30 Minute Classes (6weeks) $75
Parent and Me

The Fusion Experience (12 weeks) $366
To encourage dancers who want to focus on dance and excel beyond the recreational level we offer the following if the same dancer enrolls in all three of the following hour classes:
o Fusion Class
o Leaps and Turns Class
o Ballet Technique Class

As The Fusion Experience is already discounted, other discounts do not apply. Options are listed on the class schedule.

Discounts

  • There is a 10% discount for dancers enrolled in more than one class, (with the exception of The Fusion Experience which is already discounted).
  • There is a $20 discount  for multiple children living in the same household taking Y-Dance.

Payment Plan

A payment plan has been put into place to allow families to participate in Y-Dance without the financial strain it may cause to pay in full for all desired classes at once. For those who desire to take advantage of our payment plan, we require all payments after initial payment are required to be set up on autopay by debit or credit card. The auto pay will be processed on the 4th of each month.

Scholarships

Need financial assistance for your dance enrollment fees? If you do need financial assistance, our scholarship program can help. Please email Mrs. Christiansen at hchristiansen@ywcalafayette.org to request a scholarship application.

Inclement Weather

Dance classes may be cancelled due to inclement weather. No refunds will be given for classes cancelled due to conditions out of our control, but Y-Dance will always try to schedule a make-up classes. Many times the roads are cleared off by mid-afternoon, Y-Dance classes will always TRY to be held even though schools may be closed. Please check the following for Y-Dance cancellations: Your Email, YWCA Website, or YWCA Y-Dance Facebook.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

The YWCA reserves the right to cancel classes or programs due to insufficient enrollment. You will be notified of a cancellation and receive a full refund or credit voucher, when applicable, of paid fees. Refunds will not be given for classes dropped by participant/guardian once spot is reserved. Any person on a payment plan will still be required to complete all payments.

Y-Dance implements a dress policy to better aide our dancers in proper posture, center, turn out, technique, leg and foot placement, etc.

For your convenience we carry black dance shorts, skin-colored tights, and required canvas Twyla shoes.

Sample sizes for these items are available to try on during the first week of class and during our open house.

Orders are placed and payment is needed AT THAT TIME.

Make checks payable to YWCA. Costs are wholesale plus shipping.

Pre Fusion (Age 3) and Fusion Pre-K (Age 4 to Kindergarten)

  • A leotard/skirt combination that comes attached (can be found at Target or Wal-Mart)
  • Form-fitting tank for boys (no athletic T’s) and comfortable activewear shorts for boys
  • Ballet shoes with elastic over the top (may be purchased at Target or Walmart)
  • Tights (optional)
  • Hair securely pulled back out of face

Fusion (Kindergarten through Adult), Ballet, Superstars, Leaps and Turns

  • Form-fitting cami top for girls and form-fitting tank for boys. (no athletic T’s)
  • Black dance shorts or black leggings for girls (shorts may be ordered through Y-Dance)
  •  Longer shorts for boys
  • Adults may wear black jazz capris, black jazz pants, or black yoga pants
  • Optional tights to match skin tone (may be ordered through Y-Dance)
  • Canvas Twyla shoes (may be ordered through Y-Dance)
  • Hair securely pulled back out of face

Hip Hop (Grade 3 through 12)

  • T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt
  • Any pants (IE sweats, leggings, baseball pants, etc.)
  • Any type of gym shoe (lightweight/low-topped recommended)
  • Hair securely pulled back out of face

Tap (Grades 1 through Adult)

  • Same as Fusion
  • Tap shoes
  • Hair securely pulled back out of face

Y-Dance Director, Hannah Christiansen is a YPAD certified instructor. YPAD courses educate dance studios and communities worldwide on the core elements in constructing an environment focused on the well-being of kids and a sustainable, safe future for dance.

 

YWCA Greater Lafayette does not discriminate in the delivery of services or benefits based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender identity.