Celebrity fitness trainer, "Beto" Perez, stumbled upon the concept of Latin inspired fitness in his native country of Colombia (South America) in the mid 1990's. One day, he walked into his class and realized that he had forgotten his aerobics music, and his only option was to grab whatever tapes he had in his car. Beto's tapes were comprised of the songs that he loved, the traditional Latin salsa and merengue music with which he had been raised.
But it was a challenge to improvise a whole class on the spot using non-traditional aerobics music. Beto rose to the challenge and from this last-minute improvisation was born a revolutionary fitness program - Zumba®! The class soon became the most popular class at his fitness facility.
What people are saying!
"The owner of On Pointe Dance Center is a is an exceptional dancer and choreographer. Adults can benefit from instruction as well, a great way to lose weight and have fun doing it."
History of Tap Dancing
Tap Dance, style of American theatrical dance, distinguished by percussive footwork, that marks out precise rhythmic patterns on the floor. Some descriptive step names are brush, flap, shuffle, ball change, and cramp roll.
The sources of tap dancing include the Irish solo step dance, the English clog dance, and African dance movements. Among the slaves in the southern United States, these merged by the early 19th century into folk styles, the modern descendants of which include buck-and-wing dancing and southern United States clogging (both done in leather-sole shoes). The slave dances were adapted theatrically in 1828 in the first blackface minstrel show, in the dancing of Thomas "Daddy" Rice. In late 19th-century minstrel shows and showboat routines, two techniques were popularized: a fast style in wooden-sole shoes, also called buck-and-wing, exemplified by the duo of Jimmy Doyle and Harland Dixon; and soft-shoe, a smooth, leather-sole style made famous by George Primrose. These styles gradually coalesced, and by the 1920s metal plates, or taps, had been added to leather-soled shoes. In the 1920s and 1930s black dancers contributed to the development of new styles of tap dance, and black dance teams became popular for their acrobatic, often satirical acts. John Bubbles popularized a slower, more syncopated style of tap dance. Prominent dance teams of the era included Slap and Happy (Harold Daniels and Leslie Irvin) and Stump and Stumpy (James Cross and Harold Cromer). Jazz provided further rhythmic complexity, and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson became America's most famous tap dancer. The style was further expanded in the 1930s and 1940s, when dancers such as Fred Astaire, Paul Draper, Ray Bolger, and, in the late 1950s, Gene Kelly added movements from ballet and modern dance. In the late 1970s and early 1980s interest in tap dance underwent a resurgence.
The sources of tap dancing include the Irish solo step dance, the English clog dance, and African dance movements. Among the slaves in the southern United States, these merged by the early 19th century into folk styles, the modern descendants of which include buck-and-wing dancing and southern United States clogging (both done in leather-sole shoes). The slave dances were adapted theatrically in 1828 in the first blackface minstrel show, in the dancing of Thomas "Daddy" Rice. In late 19th-century minstrel shows and showboat routines, two techniques were popularized: a fast style in wooden-sole shoes, also called buck-and-wing, exemplified by the duo of Jimmy Doyle and Harland Dixon; and soft-shoe, a smooth, leather-sole style made famous by George Primrose. These styles gradually coalesced, and by the 1920s metal plates, or taps, had been added to leather-soled shoes. In the 1920s and 1930s black dancers contributed to the development of new styles of tap dance, and black dance teams became popular for their acrobatic, often satirical acts. John Bubbles popularized a slower, more syncopated style of tap dance. Prominent dance teams of the era included Slap and Happy (Harold Daniels and Leslie Irvin) and Stump and Stumpy (James Cross and Harold Cromer). Jazz provided further rhythmic complexity, and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson became America's most famous tap dancer. The style was further expanded in the 1930s and 1940s, when dancers such as Fred Astaire, Paul Draper, Ray Bolger, and, in the late 1950s, Gene Kelly added movements from ballet and modern dance. In the late 1970s and early 1980s interest in tap dance underwent a resurgence.
What people are saying!
"I had my oldest in the class when she was a yr old and she she loved it! She has graduated from Kindermusik but now I take Ava, my 1 1/2 year old, LOVES it! Michelle is such a great teacher! It's so obvious that she loves what she does!"
History of Ballet
The earliest precursors to ballets were lavish entertainments given in the courts of Renaissance Italy. These elaborate spectacles, which united painting, poetry, music, and dancing, took place in large halls that were used also for banquets and balls. A dance performance given in 1489 actually was performed between the courses of a banquet, and the action was closely related to the menu: For instance, the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece preceded the roast lamb. The dancers based their performance on the social dances of the day.
The Italian court ballets were further developed in France. Le Ballet Comique de la Reine (The Queen's Ballet Comedy), the first ballet for which a complete score survived, was performed in Paris in 1581. It was staged by Balthazar de Beaujoyeux, a violinist and dancing master at the court of Queen Catherine de M‚dicis. It was danced by aristocratic amateurs in a hall with the royal family on a dais at one end and spectators in galleries on three sides. Since much of the audience saw the ballet from above, the choreography emphasized the elaborate floor patterns created by lines and groups of dancers. Poetry and songs accompanied the dances.
Most French court ballets consisted of dance scenes linked by a minimum of plot. Because they were designed principally for the entertainment of the aristocracy, rich costumes, scenery, and elaborate stage effects were emphasized. The proscenium stage (see Theater Production) was first adopted in France in the mid-1600s, and professional dancers made their first appearance, although they were not permitted to dance in the grand ballet that concluded the performance; this was still reserved for the king and courtiers.
The court ballet reached its peak during the reign (1643-1715) of Louis XIV, whose title the Sun King was derived from a role he danced in a ballet. Many of the ballets presented at his court were created by the Italian-French composer Jean Baptiste Lully and the French choreographer Pierre Beauchamp, who is said to have defined the five positions of the feet. Also during this time, the playwright MoliŠre invented the com‚die-ballet, in which danced interludes alternated with spoken scenes.
What our students are saying
"I just move into the area. I am so gald I found this studio. We went to the dance recital in May and my Girls could not wait to join the studio. My Girls are taking hip hop , tap , ballet, and the fees for my two are not bad. The staff is kind and professional. I just love all my girls dance teachers. My Girls are very happy to be at this studio."
Dance Classes Offered
Mommy, dance with Me:
Ages 13mos to 24mos share the joy of dance with your little one! Introduces dance through song and dance activities that stimulate the brain and body for healthy development (20min)Dancing Princesses:
Ages 2 ½ -3 Learning to dance! Have fun exploring movement concepts, developing ballet skills and strengthening the body and brain interacting with others. We enhance the children's education in a fun teaching concept. Bring your special princess dress for princess ballerina time in your dance bag.Little Ballerina:
Ages 4-6 this class teaches the basic ballet steps but through creative dance concepts so the students are learning the artistic expressiveness of ballet not just memorizing shapes. This style of class keeps ballet fun and progressive.Beginning Ballet, Ballet Technique, & Intermediate Ballet
SEE TEACHER FOR PLACEMENTDance and Tumble
Ages 18mos -2yrs Introduces dance and tumbling through song and activities that stimulate the brain and body for healthy development.Beginning Pointe:
Requirements: Must be in 12yrs of age, already enrolled in 2 intermediate ballet classes a week and placed by teacher.Advanced Ballet and Pointe Class:
Requirements: Must have Pointe experience, already enrolled in Advanced Ballet Classes and placed by teacher.Combo Class (Tap and Ballet):
Ages 3-6. Explore the joy of making noise! This class introduces tap skills and basic ballet steps through rhythm, games and creative dances. Black Tap shoes, Pink ballet shoes and a Dance Bag are required for this class.Tap:
Is a rhythmic form of dance that is performed in Tap Shoes Beats and rhythms are executed through the feet. This fun and entertaining form of dance creates its own music and is especially rewarding. We offer levels for Pre-school, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each student is placed in class according to age and level.Tumble – Lina:
Ages 3-6 yrs of age this fun and energetic class builds strength and flexibility in a friendly atmosphere. Learn basic skills such as handstands, rolls, cartwheels, bridges, headstands and more.Tumbling 2:
Ages 5 and older must have already taken Tumble – Lina Class. This class works towards more advanced tumbling skills such as back/front walk-over, round-offs and more.Acro:
A step up from tumbling and is offered to ages 7 and older. Advanced tricks such as front and back walkovers, Arabians and handstands are worked on as well as running tricks like aerials and front hand springs.Musical Theater:
Ages 10: Have fun expressing song and dance musical theater style! We will have a vocal and physical warm-up and learn a number of classic and modern songs from shows such as The Sound of Music, Pocahontas, Beauty and the Beast and Mulan.Little Hip Hopper:
Ages 5-7. Beginning level Hip Hop that introduces the steps, rhythms and coordination of hip hop dancing through exploration of dance concepts and age appropriate music.Hip-Hop:
A combination of jazz, club dance, music television and urban street dance. Popular music is used combined with fun and energetic dance moves. This class is offered to students 7 years and older. The class is open to beginners through advanced.Adult Ballet Tech Class:
This class is a joyful orientation of ballet technique, alignment and movement vocabulary. If you are seeking a nurturing and challenging environment for growth, join us! This class is for beginners and dancers of all levels that just want the basics.Zumba (Latin Workout)
Zumba is rapidly becoming the next fitness sensation! Zumba is hot, sexy, and soulful and designed for everyone. This class is a fusion of Latin and International music - dance themes creating a Dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system! The routines feature Aerobic, Fitness, and Interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt. You do not have to know how to dance to do this workout. Zumba will get you moving and shaking in no time.Yoga and Pilates:
Stress free your body and mind in this unique class that offers the opportunity to learn stretching, improve flexibility and balance. Students will get to know their body without strain and develop a strong and healthy body supported by correct alignment.Modern Classes:
Modern dance differs from ballet through its strong focus and self-expression, dynamic changes in space, motion and in movement. The Movement Vocabulary draws from a wide range of styles of dance.Jazz:
Jazz is an upbeat and energetic form of dance that incorporates everything from classic jazz dance to lyrical and hip hop. Focus is on technique and building the dancers ability to execute and perform a variety of movements and combinations. The levels we offer are Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Each student is placed in a class according to age and/or ability.Lyrical Dance and Spiritual Dance:
This is a class that is a fusion of ballet and jazz technique. The dance interprets music or words, showing the audience the emotion of the particular piece. The lines are traditional in nature with a technique base that determines the correct placement of the body angles. The motion is on a central axis and is usually centered.Leaps and turns:
(Intermediate to advance Level dancers)Company dancers:
Ages 13 to 20: Dancers chosen by the teachers each year) Must take 3 ballet, 2 jazz classes, 1 tap, 1 hip hop, leap and turns classes and Stretch and conditioning class. These dancers will have a chance to perform locally and travels abound, take master classes, and go to conventions. This class is only for the strict in discipline and requires dedication and commitment from both the student and parent. Must have a 3.0 G.P.APerforming Group:
Ages 6 -12: Dancers chosen by the teachers each year must take 2 ballet, 1 jazz classes, 1 tap, 1 hip hop, leap and turns classes, stretch and conditioning class. These dancers will have a chance to perform locally, take master classes and go to conventions this class is only for the strict in discipline and requires dedication and commitment from both the student and parent. All students must have a 3.0 G.P.A.Tender Foot Theatre Exploration:
(Ages 4-6) Acting will be taught through the use of fairy tales and pre-k to kindergarten ideals. Your child will have fun while learning important life lessons combined with primary fundamentals of early childhood performance art. With quarterly performances the students will have an opportunity to showcase their works in front of audiences.Theater For young minds
(Ages 7-13) Your child will learn the basics of theater, history, terminology, stage combat, stage presence, voice projection, scenic design and script.Drum circle (hand drumming)
(Adult Drum Circle) Explore your world and yourself through hand drumming and dance. Experience the meaning behind hand drumming while expressing creativity and maintain a unified circle of rhythm.Little Artist
(Ages 4-6) This class is a fun introduction to arts and crafts, with the goal of increasing the student’s creativity.Art
(Ages 7-12) An educational journey in the arts and crafts learning about traditional methods and materials and the cultures that brought them to us. (11+ advanced)
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