Class Descriptions
Class Descriptions
Classes for Children 2 ½+
At PolyKnack Studios Performing Arts Academy, our classes are designed to ignite creativity and build confidence through hands-on learning and expert instruction. We offer a wide variety of styles of dance & levels to all ages, from 2 ½ years to advanced. Class offerings include classical ballet, pointe, pre-pointe, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, hip hop, tap, & more. Each class is thoughtfully structured to enhance technical abilities, encourage artistic expression, and foster a supportive community.
Classical Ballet
We offer training in Classical Ballet, ranging from preschool to pre-professional levels, as well as coaching and choreography for competing students. We provide multiple performance opportunities throughout the year enjoyed thoroughly by our Riverside audience.
We have fun classes for our younger dancers, including Fairy Fun Ballet, Princess Ballet, and Storytime Ballet. We also offer more serious ballet classes, in graduating levels, as well as pointe development classes.
In each session, students will engage in training, focusing on classical positions, movements, and choreography. Our instructors provide guidance to help dancers refine their technique and develop their unique style.
Ballet - Ballet is another form of storytelling, but instead of using words or songs you use your body. Ballet truly is an art form. In this class, we break down and explain the steps and make them much more easy to understand. In this class, students learn elegant movements and classical routines in a supportive and encouraging environment, helping them develop both artistry and technique.
Fairy Fun Ballet & Tap - In this magical class, primary aged children are introduced to ballet and tap while learning to operate in an organized classroom setting. With fun, fairy-themed activities, they’ll develop coordination, social skills, and a love for dance! Perfect for little dancers ready to twirl, tap, and make new friends!
Storytime Ballet - Storytime Ballet is a class where we incorporate a 15 minute classical ballet story. It is very important as a dancer to learn the stories of these classical ballets as someday you will be telling them through dance. And depending on the story, we read that day we will learn some of the steps from those ballets. Sometimes, we will also pretend to be the characters from the stories we read.
Beginning, Pointe, & Pre-Pointe - Designed for dedicated dancers, this class prepares students for the exciting journey to dancing en pointe. In Pre-Pointe, students will focus on strengthening their feet, ankles, and core, building the technique and strength needed for pointe work. Pointe class is for those who have met the necessary requirements and are ready to dance en pointe, emphasizing proper alignment, balance, and artistry. This class is perfect for dancers ready to take their ballet training to the next level!
Variations - In this specialized class, dancers will study and perform iconic solos from classical ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty. Focused on exploring various techniques, musicality, and performance quality, this class offers dancers the opportunity to dive deep into the artistry of classical ballet while learning famous variations from the repertoire. Ideal for intermediate to advanced dancers looking to enhance their stage presence, knowledge, and mastery of classical ballet!
Ensemble - In our Ensemble Class, dancers will work together to learn group choreography that will be performed and competed at select competitions throughout the year. This class focuses on teamwork, precision, and performance skills, helping dancers grow both technically and artistically. Perfect for those who are passionate about performing and ready to showcase their talent on stage!
Musical Theater, Acting, Voice
We believe in a well-rounded performing arts education for our students, and not only offer dance classes, but musical theater classes as well. Our artistic director is well versed in musical theater.
Our classes provide a comprehensive approach to performing arts, helping students build a strong foundation and gain the versatility needed to excel in any performance setting. We're especially excited about our new Storytime Musical Theater class with Robin Arroyo. Robin has over 18 years of experience in preschool education and holds a degree in human development.
We also produce annual musical theater productions to showcase this training, adding an extra layer of excitement and enjoyment to the experience!
Musical Theater - Our Musical Theater Class will introduce students to all elements of musical theater singing, acting, and dancing at a beginner friendly level. Students will learn essential techniques in voice, movement, and stage presence while working on exciting musical numbers and scenes. This class gives students the opportunity to build confidence, enhance one's performance skills, and have fun exploring the dynamic world of musical theater.
Storytime Theater - Storytime Theater is a class where students can go to read stories and act them out. We act silly and have fun! In Storytime Theater, imagination takes center stage! It’s a wonderful way for kids to build confidence, improve their reading skills, and enjoy the magic of storytelling through interactive performance.
Voice and Acting - Voice and Acting Class is a class focused on training voice and acting skills. This dynamic course focuses on enhancing students' speaking and singing abilities while developing their performance skills. Through engaging exercises and performance techniques, students will improve their voice control, projection, and expression, and learn to bring characters to life on stage.
Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz Funk, and Salsa & Bachata
While we strongly recommend classical ballet, we encourage students to take additional types and styles of dance to broaden each student's capabilities and knowledge of dance and the arts.
Students learn various techniques, tricks, styles and choreography which are performed throughout the year with our performance showcases and our spring celebration of dance event.
Our competitive dance teams and professional coaches have won several prestigious awards over the years. Auditions take place annually in August for PolyKnack Studios competitive dance teams, competing solos, duets, and ensembles.
We also offer classes for adults! Adults are welcome to register for our fitness class and our salsa & bachata class.
Class Offerings - Contemporary, Jazz, Tumbling, Pom, Adult Fitness
Contemporary - Contemporary dance is a fusion of many styles set to modern day music. Contemporary dance is a style where the dancer will have to learn how to connect with the music and use dance steps to portray their emotions or how they’re feeling. Dancers will learn innovative movements and choreography while developing strength, flexibility, and rhythm.
Jazz/Contemporary - This class blends the energy of jazz with the fluidity of contemporary dance, perfect for intermediate students looking to expand their technique. Dancers will work on jazz movements, expressive contemporary choreography, and improve strength, flexibility, and performance skills. Ideal for those ready to challenge themselves and explore new styles!
Tumbling - Tumbling is a class where we will learn gymnastics technique and movement following a lesson plan. Students will learn essential techniques for safe and effective tumbling, from basic rolls to more advanced skills. With a focus on proper form and progressive training, our tumbling class provides a supportive environment to enhance one's physical abilities and gain confidence in one's athleticism.
Tiny Tumbling - In Tiny Tumbling, preschoolers will have a blast learning basic tumbling skills in a safe and fun environment! This class focuses on building strength, coordination, and balance through playful exercises and simple gymnastics movements. It’s perfect for little ones to develop confidence and motor skills while having fun!
Pom - Our Pom Class teaches strong cheer motions combined with basic dance movement. Students will learn dazzling routines, improve their coordination, and develop their performance skills. With an emphasis on teamwork and enthusiasm, our Pom class is a fantastic way to build confidence, express creativity, and enjoy the excitement of dance.
Adult Fitness - Our Adult Fitness Class shouldn't be thought of as a workout. We are just getting together to dance and sweat. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, improve overall fitness, or just have fun, our Adult Fitness Class offers a perfect balance of activity and enjoyment.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
- Alan Wilson Watts