Classes
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS - for class times and fees, click a season above

CREATIVE DANCE MOVEMENT:  Basic movement and locomotor skills for 2 ½ - 4 year olds. 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.

AFRICAN BALLET:  A form of dance influenced by both African dance movement, pointe and modern dance. It
takes its technique and use of pointe work from classical ballet, although it permits a greater range of movement
that may not adhere to the strict body lines set forth by schools of ballet technique.

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.

LYRICAL/MODERN:  Class is offered to students with a ballet and jazz background who are studying ballet
concurrently. It encompasses balance, control, flexibility, and interpretation of music with dance.

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.

ACROBATICS/GYMNASTICS:  Time is divided between warm-up, exercise, and perfection of tumbling skills,
which are integrated with basic dance movement.

MUSICAL THEATER:  Dance movements are combined with acting skills and character interpretation.

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 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.
* Preschool Dance & Music Adventure
* Tiny Dancer Camp
* Dance for Athletes
* Me & My Shadow Dance Camp
* Young Instructors Camp
* Young Instructors’ Kiddie Dance Camp

MODELING CLASSES - AGES 12-21 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.

DANCE FOR ATHLETES:

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

ZUMBA PARTY - AGES 16+  www.zumbafitness.com
Zumba® Fitness is like no other workout you will ever experience!  At Ari's we dim the lights, turn on the strobe
party lights, HAVE A LIVE DJ mixing your favorite Zumba hits, and give you an intense PARTY WORKOUT that you
have never experienced.  Feel like your at a dance party, and lose pounds at the same time.  This is a class for
all levels.

Zumba® Fitness was created in the mid-90’s by Colombian native Alberto “Beto” Perez, a celebrity fitness trainer
and choreographer for International pop superstars. Inspired by the traditional cumbia, salsa, samba and
merengue music he grew up with, Beto paired his favorite pulsating Latin rhythms with the red-hot international
dance steps his clients loved and Zumba® Fitness (Spanish slang for “to move fast and have fun”) was born!  

Since Beto brought Zumba® Fitness to the US in 1999, it has become one of the fastest-growing, dance-based
fitness crazes in the country, with people of all ages falling in love with its infectious music, easy-to-follow dance
moves, and body-beautifying benefits.

ZUMBA CLASS SCHEDULE:
Mondays & Thursday - 7:30PM | $7 Drop In fee or $60 for a ten class Punch Card

ZUMBA PARTIES:
Every OTHER Friday beginning July 30, 2010 | 8:30PM - 10:30PM | $10 OR You get in the Party FREE when you
bring two Buddies!!!
SUMMER 10     CAMPS 10    FALL 10/11 (coming soon)       WINTER 2010     
Click Summer, Fall or Winter for current schedule  
Zumba parties