Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect dance school for your child or a dance enthusiast exploring new styles, understanding the variety of dance styles offered at dance schools can help you make the right choice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most popular dance styles available at Ottawa Dance Schools and other dance studios, including hip hop, jazz, acro, and more. Let’s dive into what each style entails and what you can expect from each class.
1. Hip Hop Dance
Overview:
Hip hop dance is a dynamic and energetic style that emerged from the streets of New York City in the 1970s. It includes a variety of movements and techniques, such as breaking, locking, and popping. Hip hop dance classes are often characterized by their focus on rhythm, creativity, and self-expression.
What to Expect:
In a hip hop dance studio, you’ll experience a high-energy environment where students learn to perform intricate choreography to contemporary music. Classes typically begin with a warm-up to get your body ready for the moves, followed by learning specific steps and routines. Hip hop dance is all about personal expression, so you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your unique style.
Popular Venues:
Many Ottawa dance schools offer hip hop classes as part of their curriculum. Look for Dance Studio Jazz that specialize in hip hop to get the best experience. These classes are ideal for students who enjoy upbeat music and dynamic movements.
2. Jazz Dance
Overview:
Jazz dance is a versatile and lively style that blends elements from various dance forms, including ballet, modern, and tap. It’s known for its strong, expressive movements and syncopated rhythms. Jazz dance classes often include a mix of technical training and performance skills.
What to Expect:
In jazz dance classeshttps://www.vanessaplettelldance.com/jazz-classes-ottawa/, you’ll learn a variety of steps and techniques, from basic isolations to advanced choreography. Classes usually start with a warm-up that includes stretches and strength exercises. As you progress, you’ll work on different jazz dance routines set to energetic music. Jazz dance is perfect for students who enjoy vibrant, expressive movements.
Popular Venues:
Ottawa dance schools frequently offer jazz dance classes as part of their programs. These classes are excellent for students looking to develop their flexibility and strength while having fun.
3. Acro Dance
Overview:
Acro dance is a unique style that combines dance with acrobatics. This style emphasizes strength, flexibility, and balance as students perform gymnastic movements integrated with dance routines. Acro dance is ideal for those who enjoy both dancing and tumbling.
What to Expect:
Acro dance classes focus on building the foundational skills needed for acrobatic movements. You’ll practice various tricks and flips, such as handstands, cartwheels, and aerials, while incorporating these into dance routines. Classes often include a mix of strength training, flexibility exercises, and choreography.
Popular Venues:
If you’re interested in acro dance classes, look for dance studios that offer specialized acro programs. These classes are typically available at Ottawa dance schools that focus on both dance and gymnastics.
4. Ballet
Overview:
Ballet is the foundation of many dance styles and is known for its grace, precision, and technique. It involves a structured approach to dance that includes specific positions and movements. Ballet classes are essential for students who want to build a strong technical foundation in dance.
What to Expect:
Ballet classes usually begin with barre work, where students practice basic positions and movements to build strength and alignment. This is followed by center work and combinations that help develop balance, flexibility, and coordination. Ballet is a great choice for students who are serious about dance and want to develop a strong technical base.
Popular Venues:
Many Ottawa dance schools offer ballet classes, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. These classes are perfect for students interested in a classical approach to dance.
5. Contemporary Dance
Overview:
Contemporary dance is a modern style that combines elements from various dance forms, including ballet, jazz, and hip hop. It’s known for its emphasis on self-expression, fluidity, and creativity. Contemporary dance often explores themes and emotions through movement.
What to Expect:
In contemporary dance classes, you’ll work on improvisation, creative expression, and choreography. Classes usually include a warm-up, technique exercises, and the exploration of different movement styles. Contemporary dance is ideal for students who enjoy experimenting with movement and expressing their emotions through dance.
Popular Venues:
Ottawa dance schools that offer contemporary dance classes often provide opportunities for students to explore a range of techniques and styles. These classes are perfect for those who want to push their creative boundaries.
6. Tap Dance
Overview:
Tap dance is characterized by its use of rhythm and sound, with dancers wearing special shoes that create distinct tapping noises. This style focuses on precise footwork and rhythmic patterns, making it a fun and engaging dance form.
What to Expect:
Tap dance classes emphasize developing rhythm and coordination. You’ll learn various tap steps and combinations that create rhythmic patterns. Classes typically include a warm-up, technique drills, and choreography. Tap dance is great for students who enjoy music and rhythm.
Popular Venues:
Look for Ottawa dance schools that specialize in tap dance to experience this unique and rhythmical dance style. Tap classes are available for all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers.
7. Ballroom Dance
Overview:
Ballroom dance includes a variety of partner dances, such as the waltz, tango, and foxtrot. It’s known for its elegance, formality, and synchronization between partners. Ballroom dance classes focus on learning different dance styles and perfecting your technique.
What to Expect:
In ballroom dance classes, you’ll practice various dances with a partner, focusing on posture, timing, and coordination. Classes often include instruction on different ballroom styles, as well as opportunities to practice and perform routines. Ballroom dance is ideal for students who enjoy dancing with a partner and appreciate classic dance forms.
Popular Venues:
Ottawa dance schools offering ballroom dance classes often provide opportunities for students to learn and perform a range of ballroom styles. These classes are perfect for those interested in elegant and sophisticated dance forms.
8. Latin Dance
Overview:
Latin dance encompasses several styles, including salsa, cha-cha, and rumba. It’s known for its vibrant, energetic movements and rhythmic music. Latin dance classes are great for students who enjoy dancing to lively, upbeat music.
What to Expect:
Latin dance classes focus on learning various Latin dance styles and techniques. You’ll practice different steps, rhythms, and choreography, often in a group setting. Latin dance is ideal for students who love energetic and rhythmic dance forms.
Popular Venues:
Many Ottawa dance schools offer Latin dance classes as part of their curriculum. These classes are perfect for those who enjoy lively music and passionate dance styles.
9. Modern Dance
Overview:
Modern dance is a freeform style that emphasizes creative expression and exploration of movement. It often incorporates elements from ballet and other dance forms but allows for more freedom and individuality.
What to Expect:
In modern dance classes, you’ll focus on improvisation, expression, and exploring different movement techniques. Classes often include exercises to develop strength, flexibility, and creativity. Modern dance is ideal for students who want to explore new ways of moving and expressing themselves.
Popular Venues:
Ottawa dance schools with modern dance programs offer opportunities to experiment with various movement styles and techniques. These classes are great for students interested in creative and expressive dance.
10. Lyrical Dance
Overview:
Lyrical dance combines elements of ballet and jazz, focusing on expressing the emotion and story of the music through dance. It’s known for its fluid, expressive movements and lyrical choreography.
What to Expect:
In lyrical dance classes, you’ll work on combining technical skills with expressive movements. Classes usually include warm-ups, technique exercises, and the development of choreographed routines. Lyrical dance is perfect for students who enjoy storytelling and emotional expression through dance.
Popular Venues:
Many Ottawa dance schools offer lyrical dance classes as part of their programs. These classes are ideal for students looking to combine technical skills with emotional expression.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dance style is an important step in finding the perfect dance school or class for you or your child. Whether you’re interested in the high-energy moves of hip hop, the graceful steps of ballet, or the expressive flows of contemporary dance, Ottawa dance schools and other dance studios offer a wide range of options to suit every interest and skill level. By exploring different dance styles, you can find the class that best fits your goals and preferences, and embark on a fulfilling and enjoyable dance journey.
