Classes

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS - for class times and fees, click a season above
PLEASE READ
Listed below are classes we offer during our regular Fall Season, Summer, Workshops, or 6 week
sessions. Please click ABOVE on the Session for the current classes!
VOCAL LESSONS: Professional, trained and experienced vocal teacher who can help you learn everything you
want to know and get your voice sounding great! Will help with vocal technique, breathing, warm ups and
exercises, performance and keeping the voice supported and healthy. Can also help with audition/exam
preparation, theory etc. Each lesson tailored to individuals needs and specific to individual goals.
EXPLORATION DANCE: Basic movement and locomotor skills for 2 ½ - 4 year olds. Explore dance from various
cultures, while using props, classroom parties and games to inspire toddlers to dance. Students must be 3 by
January. They must be potty-trained, be able to follow basic directions, and say goodbye to mom and dad at the
classroom door.
INTRODUCTION TO DANCE: This class combines the basics of tap, pre-ballet, and tumbling skills. It is split by
ability level for ages 4-6 and emphasizes creative movement, rhythm and coordination.
RHYTHM TAP focuses on rhythms and intricate footwork, creating a percussion instrument out of the dancer’s
feet. Just like jazz vocalists who add rhythms to music by scatting, tappers add their voice by “scatting” with their
feet. Rhythm tap tends to be a heavier or harder-hitting form of tap than Broadway tap, and sounds are made not
only with the bottom of the shoe, but also with the back, sides, and tip. Rhythm tap is a broad category that
encompasses the hoofing styles of current stars such as Savion Glover and the late Gregory Hines and past
masters such as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Jimmy Slyde.
BALLET/POINTE: Ballet is the foundation of all dancing. It provides the grace, poise, and technique needed to
be proficient in other areas of dance and gymnastics. Students may go on pointe only with permission of the
ballet instructor.
JAZZ: Class includes isolations, stretches, and footwork. The entire body gets a workout as students are
exposed to contemporary and theatrical jazz styles. Students must be enrolled in a ballet technique class in order
to take jazz classes.
CONTEMPORARY/MODERN: Class is offered to students with a ballet and jazz background OR who are studying
ballet concurrently. It encompasses balance, control, flexibility, and interpretation of music with dance.
Contemporary & modern dance can be done to any song.
AFRO-FUSION MODERN DANCE: Explore what moves you... The movement combines the spirit and technique of
West African, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Brazilian and contemporary dance styles. Open level; some dance experience is
necessary. Class will teach a mixture of Horton and Contemporary genres to develop technique and core
strength. Original choreography blending Modern, Jazz, African, and Caribbean dance genres will assist the
dancer in realizing the potential of these techniques in motion.
AFRO-CUBAN SALSA: The objective of our Salsa classes at all levels is to teach the fundamentals of the form -
rhythm, body movement, partnering technique, and basic steps – in addition to offering relevant historical and
cultural information throughout the workshops to enrich the learning experience for students. In this process,
students develop both a wonderful life-long skill, and also an understanding and appreciation of the depth and
breadth of Cuban Salsa past and preset.
Among the benefits of learning a social dance form, included are heightened body awareness, improved
coordination, greater ease in the body, and the skills to lead and follow a partner. As comfort with the
fundamentals grows through practice and participation in class, students will gradually increase their knowledge
of turn patterns, footwork sequences, and ultimately develop the confidence to improvise and create. Most
importantly, students will deepen their connection to their partners and to the music, expanding the potential for
truly joyous and generous social dance experiences.
MUSICAL THEATER: Dance movements are combined with acting skills and character interpretation.
ACTING: Explores the creative use of body and voice, developing a sense of confidence in front of others.
Students learn to use voices and bodies expressively to tell stories and to convey emotions and ideas.
REAL HIP HOP: Students will complete this class equipped with knowledge of Hip Hop history and culture, which
are the spine of the dance form. Students will gain a valuable understanding and appreciation of the
improvisational nature of this dance form while learning basic to advanced movements and terminology.
Throughout the session, the class will examine different manifestations of this dance form -- breaking, popping
and locking, house, and fusion -- while equipping students with the fundamentals of each style. While no
previous training is required, classes will use basic body isolations found in other technique classes. This class will
break down steps and technique and also emphasize bringing style and personality to the movement...Hip Hop is
never done small and students will be encouraged to step outside of the box and dance big. While no previous
dance experience is necessary, students are encouraged to have a general understanding of Hip Hop, and must
take a ballet class to advance to Intermediate Hip Hop.
Boys Only Hip Hop - Ages 9-17:
This a premier class for boys only. They will learn the elements of Hip Hop dance with that extra edge and extra
force. Break dance will be included. The boys will be warmed up, stretched and move around the floor focusing
on body isolations and male character moves. Very masculine class for the boy who does not feel comfortable
taking classes with young ladies.
ADULT CLASSES in tap, jazz, ballet, acting and hip hop are a wonderful form of conditioning and are extremely
enjoyable. Graduation from school doesn't have to mean the end of dancing at Ari’s House of Dance. Many of our
alumni have developed such a love for dance that they return year after year to enjoy our alumni classes. Many
parents of current students also take classes at our studio.
AFRICAN/CARIBBEAN: We are so happy to bring you and teach you the art of African Dance. This dance class
will combine three dance forms: West African, Caribbean and American Urban. The class is a dynamic and
energetic exploration of traditional African movement while developing urban street gestures using theatrical
expression and dance technique. Through dance and the accompanying music, you'll learn about the celebration
of life as practiced in diverse cultures of modern Africa. We will work through three levels: low energy, high energy
and full expression of a concept. Men, women, experienced dancers and
beginners are all welcome to join in this experience. Although all are welcome to experience this dynamic class,
this is a great class for mother and daughter to share together.
SALSA: Be a part of the Latin explosion in today's music and culture! Learn the skills and moves to get you on
the dance floors of the hottest clubs from New York to Miami, including right close to here in Washington, D.C.
Singles and couples welcome. Partners will be switched frequently during each class. No Partner Needed!
BELLY-DANCEHALL blends the sensual movements of tribal belly dance with heart pounding upbeat movements
associated with Dancehall, Reggae and Soca music from the Caribbean island. Bellydance is a traditional African
dance form. It is a graceful art that is also very healthy for our bodies. This dance form celebrates the female form
at any age or size. Through Belly Dancehall- we can: Heal or avoid fibroids, cramps & PMS - Avoid diabetes & back
pain through exercise - Improve flexibility, immunity & circulation - Learn the history & meaning of the dance - Feel
sexier & healthier. Bellydance Video
HAND DANCE is the D.C. area's version of swing dancing or the jitterbug. This dance originated in the 1950’s and
is called Hand Dancing characterized by its complex hand patterning. It is a touch partner dance noted for its
smooth footwork, hand turns, continuous partner connection and floor contact. Very similar to Steppin' in
Chicago. NO PARTNER NEEDED!!!
PRAISE dance today entails more than gestures or movements offered by the priest or minister. A choir of
dancers, or soloists, trained and rehearsed in a language of liturgical movement, gives form to symbols and
expressions, and serves as a vehicle through which God’s presence may be apprehended. Worshipers
accustomed to oral and mental involvement in worship will have to develop the capacity not only to look and see,
but to receive the dance kinesthetically.
PRIVATE LESSONS are available for students to learn solo, duet and trio routines, or to simply work on refining
dance technique generally.
Please note that solo routines are not guaranteed to be performed in the recital.
SUMMER CAMP is a great way for youngsters to get an introduction to dance, and SUMMER DANCE CLASSES
will let you experiment with a class subject or just keep in shape for the next dance year.
MODELING CLASSES - AGES 7-21 This is preparatory course for females that are interested in Modeling. The
Preparatory Course will meet for 10 weeks and cover Visual Poise, Skin Care & Cosmetics, Hair, Nutrition &
Exercise, Wardrobe Planning, Personality Development, Time Management, Manners & Dining Etiquette, and Intro
to Runway Modeling.
THE DANCE CLUB: There are many opportunities for students to perform or choreograph in an informal setting
through The Dance Club. The Dance Club also sponsors master classes and provides scholarships to universities,
dance festivals or workshops for outstanding students. The Dance Club members also compete and perform at
various events within the community. US Finals Video Handbook
Our professional Dance Team will compete in local and national dance competitions. July 2010 they were casted
for a National CitiTrends Television Commercial. This group of young guys and gals will perform
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED moves for various events and for various recording artists. These teams will display
the true meaning of hip hop, while showcasing wisdom, experience and know-how to Northern VA. There will be
nothing like it! Ballet & Musical Theatre is required AUDITIONS ONLY
POLE DANCE FITNESS: If you've been searching for a workout that you'll actually look forward to doing, then
Pole Dance Fitness is it. Get in shape, lose unwanted body fat, tone your entire body, and get in touch with your
feminine side all in one hour workout.
We teach very classy, artistic and beautiful style of pole dance. Anyone can do it, no matter what your age, size
or fitness level. You'll learn how to use those curves you were born with!!
CHAIR DANCE FITNESS: Chair Dancing combines the art of sensual dance with core and overall body strength
using a chair to create a fun and flirty performance. This class is a great addition for flexibility and cardio training,
but you'll be having so much fun you'll forget that you're even working out!
ZUMBA PARTIES: We are the best and first to bring it to you in our region!!!!
Periodic Zumba Parties for the True Zumba(r)-fanatics with DJ giving you that true party/club feel, while you
sweat, burn calories and dance your way into shape!!
Click BELOW current schedules