Pre-Professional Dance Programs
Ballet Program
Director: Angelie Melzer
Pre-professional dance programs offer an incredible foundation for movement, allowing students to develop discipline, coordination, precision, grace, and power through the study of ballet. These qualities will lay the groundwork for success in any other dance styles. With the groundwork that is created by pursuing these qualities, the dancer will easily move between any dance with ease. The 509 Collective strives to create an inclusive environment for each dancer, while maintaining the highest quality standards in their curriculum. Giving each student the opportunity to pursue a unique approach to dance that will build a passion for the art for our next generation of professional performers or audience members.
Whether a dancer wants to pursue a professional career in the dance world, or appreciate the intricacies of the art form, 509 creates a unique environment for both. The life skills obtained from studying pre-professional dance programs like the art of ballet, will give the dancer the ability to move into any situation in a work environment and throughout life with ease; with the skills obtained in the areas of discipline, communication and respect.
Levels
See full schedule here
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Ages: 3-4
Uniform Color: Light Pink
Requirements: Must be potty trained
Class Duration: 30 minutes once per week
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Ages: 5-6
Uniform Color: Light Blue
Class Duration: 30 minutes once per week
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Ages: 7+
Uniform Color: White
Class duration: 45 minutes twice per week.
Will be educated in ballet terminology at the barre, including:
Plie
Tendu
Degage
Rond de jambe
Centre work should include: Releves and sautes in 1st and 2nd position, chasses
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Ages: 7+
Uniform Color: Green
Class duration: 1 hour twice per week.
Must be proficient in the following ballet terminology:
Barre: Frappes, Grand Battement, Fondu, Pas De Cheval
Centre: Petite Allegro, including sautes in 1st, 2nd, echappes in 2nd, glissades
Across the Floor:** Saute Passé, spotting chanees
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Ages: 7+
Uniform Color: Navy Blue
Class duration: 75 minutes 4 times per week.
Must be proficient in the following ballet terminology:
Barre: Developes en croix, Frappe with flic flac, rond de jambe en l'air, pirouette turns en Dehors and en Dedan
Centre: Pirouettes, adagio, petite allegro including changements in 5th, echappes in 4th, pas de chat
Across the Floor: Pique turns, soutenus, sautes in arabesque
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Ages: 7+
Uniform Color: Black
Class duration: 1.5 hours 4 times per week.
Must be proficient in the following ballet terminology:
Barre: Multiple pirouettes, double frappes, rond de jambe en l'air a la seconde, developpe ecarte
Centre: Multiple pirouettes, fouettés, pas de bourrees and linking steps
Petite Allegro: Pas de basque, entrechat quatre, sissones
Across the Floor: Soutenu turns, linking pirouettes, waltz turns
Grand Allegro: Grand saut de chat, grand jete. Optional: cabriole and brise.
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Pre-pointe dance classes focus on building the strength and technique necessary for dancers to safely transition to dancing on pointe shoes. Dancers work on foot and ankle strengthening exercises, alignment, balance, and introductory pointe work exercises in preparation for dancing en pointe.
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In a pointe class, dancers train to perform ballet movements on their toes while wearing specialized pointe shoes. These classes focus on developing strength, balance, and technique necessary to execute pointe work safely and beautifully. Students work on exercises at the barre and in the center to improve their foot articulation, alignment, and overall gracefulness. It is an advanced form of ballet that requires years of training in classical ballet technique before students are ready to begin pointe work.
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A ballet variations class is a structured session where dancers learn and practice specific solo pieces from classical ballet repertoire. This class focuses on refining technique, artistry, and performance quality through detailed instruction and coaching. Dancers will have the opportunity to showcase their individual skills and interpretation of the choreography in a supportive environment.
Preschool Creative Movement
Designed to teach age-appropriate technique while enhancing gross motor skills for your pre-k dancers in a fun and engaging format. (Ages 3-6)
What to wear: Dancewear & shoes of choice (no shoes allowed). Hair pulled back out of face.
See full schedule here
Preschool Jazz/Hip Hop
Designed to teach age-appropriate Jazz/Hip Hop technique while enhancing gross motor skills for your pre-k dancers in a fun and engaging format. (Ages 3-6)
What to wear: Dancewear of choice. Jazz shoes or sneakers. Hair pulled back out of face.
See full schedule here
Preschool Tap
Designed to teach age-appropriate tap technique while enhancing gross motor skills for your pre-k dancers in a fun and engaging format. (Ages 3-6)
What to wear: Dancewear of choice. Simple tap shoes or sneakers. Hair pulled back out of face.
See full schedule here
Jazz Technique
Jazz classes focus on dynamic movement, rhythm, and performance quality. Students will learn jazz techniques, including isolations, turns, leaps, and stylized choreography. (Ages 5-18)
What to wear: Dancewear of choice. Hair pulled back out of face. Tan jazz shoes will be worn at final showcase, but any color jazz shoe is allowed during class.
See full schedule here
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Dancers with no previous experience are welcome! Dancers will learn:
Basic Rhythm and Musicality: Ability to follow basic rhythms and stay in time with music.
Isolations: Basic understanding and execution of body isolations (head, shoulders, ribs, hips).
Turns: Single pirouettes, pivot turns, and chainé turns.
Leaps: Basic leaps such as straight leg leap and saut de chat.
Basic Choreography: Ability to learn and perform simple jazz combinations.
Flexibility: Basic flexibility in legs and back.
Balance and Coordination: Ability to maintain balance in basic positions and movements.
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Dancers at this level will have:
Advanced Rhythm and Musicality: Ability to follow more complex rhythms and syncopation.
Isolations: Proficient in body isolations and able to combine multiple isolations smoothly.
Turns: Double pirouettes, piqué turns, and basic fouetté turns.
Leaps: Advanced leaps such as grande jeté, stag leap, and side leap.
Complex Choreography: Ability to learn and perform more complex jazz combinations with stylization.
Flexibility: Improved flexibility and strength in legs, back, and core.
Balance and Coordination: Ability to maintain balance in more advanced positions and movements.
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Dancers at this level will have:
Mastery of Rhythm and Musicality: Ability to follow intricate rhythms, syncopation, and musical phrasing.
Isolations: Mastery of body isolations with fluidity and precision.
Turns: Triple pirouettes, advanced fouetté turns, and a variety of turning sequences.
Leaps: Mastery of all basic and advanced leaps, including switch leaps and calypso.
Intricate Choreography: Ability to learn and perform highly complex jazz combinations with advanced stylization and performance quality.
Flexibility: High level of flexibility and strength in all areas.
Balance and Coordination: Ability to maintain balance in the most challenging positions and movements with control and ease.
Tap
Tap classes introduce students to the technique, vocabulary, and traditions of tap dance. At every level of instruction, dancers develop musicianship and showmanship as they acquire the important skills of rhythmic precision, clarity of sound, and personal style. Students will progress through levels, learning increasingly complex steps, combinations, and choreography. Instruction pays equal attention to the development of the acoustic and aesthetic skills needed to be dynamic tap dancers. The curriculum draws from the full spectrum of the genre, including rhythm tap and show tap. Dancers will learn the precise upper body movements and performance aesthetics of Broadway styles while implementing the intricate rhythmic combinations of hoofin’. Instruction is rooted in the social traditions of the form combined with somatic movement exploration.
Tap Shoe Guide
With accessibility in mind, most brands of tap shoes are welcome in class. Students may wear any flat lace-up tap shoe that fits and enables them to dance efficiently and safely. Shoes of any color are welcome in class; however black shoes will be required for recitals and performances. At the junior and beginning level students may wear a “Mary Jane” style of shoe while dancers in the intermediate or advanced class are expected to wear fully laced shoes to safely support them during complex movement. Heels or “character shoe” taps may be allowed in class for upper-level dancers with permission from the instructor.
Recommended Styles and Brands
· Capezio Cadence Tap Shoe
· Capezio Tic Tap Toe Tap Shoe
· Capezio Womens Roxy Tap Shoe
· Capezio K-360 Oxford Shoe
· So Danca Vegan Oxford Tap Shoe
· Bloch Jazz Tap Leather Tap Shoe
· Bloch Mary Jane Tap Shoes
· Bloch Audeo Tap
· Chloe and Maud Tap Shoe
· Jason Samuel Smith Tap Shoe
· LaDuca – Edward Hard Sole Tap Shoe
Attire
Students are expected to wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement and allows them to safely navigate dance class. Clothing does not need to be completely fitted but should allow the instructor to easily observe posture and alignment. Hair should be secured away from the face and dangly jewelry and accessories should be removed. Students are encouraged to wear socks in their tap shoes to maintain healthy feet. Tap shoes should have a snug and secure fit but should not be uncomfortable.
As part of their preparation for class, students are expected to check the screws on the bottom of their tap shoes to ensure the safety and longevity of the dance floor. A screwdriver will be available at the studio for any needed adjustments.
See full schedule here
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Students will learn foundational tap techniques, from basic steps to more intricate combinations, enhancing their coordination, musicality, and timing. Each session is designed to be fun and engaging, allowing young dancers to express themselves creatively while building confidence in their tap abilities.
Prerequisite technical skills
Enthusiasm for rhythm and an eagerness to learn!
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Dancers that are either brand new to technical instruction in tap or need a foundational refresh. Experience in other movement styles is valued but not necessary.
Prerequisite technical skills
Enthusiasm for rhythm and an eagerness to learn!
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Dancers that have had at least two years of technical tap instruction or equivalent exposure in musical theater choreography or other percussive dance forms.
Prerequisite technical skills
Foundational understanding of tap dance technique and vocabulary including flap, shuffle, Irish, buffalo, maxi-ford, paradiddle, riffs, and cramp rolls.
Developing proficiency in musicality, sense of rhythm, articulation, and clarity of sound.
Introduction to technically progressive steps including: timesteps, turns, and pull backs.
Experience learning choreography.
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Dancers that have had four or more years of technical tap instruction or extensive experience learning advanced tap choreography for musical theatre productions.
Prerequisite technical skills
Knowledgeable of technical foundations and vocabulary.
Skilled in timesteps, wings, rhythm turns, pull backs.
Advanced proficiency in musicality, sense of rhythm, articulation, and clarity of sound.
Advanced proficiency in assimilating choreography.
Beginning Jazz/Tap Combo
This class combines the style of jazz with the rhythmic beats of tap, teaching foundational steps and techniques in both. Dancers will develop coordination, rhythm, and confidence in a fun, supportive environment. This will allow dancers to try multiple styles in one class.
What to wear: Dancewear of choice. Both a jazz shoe & a tap shoe. Hair pulled back out of face.
See full schedule here
Open-level Musical Theatre & Tap Dance
This energetic drop-in dance class includes technical instruction, conditioning, and choreography for musical theatre jazz and tap dance. Each style receives 40min of instruction, separated by a short break to change shoes. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be a perfect fit for performers with active rehearsal schedules who want to improve their technique, ability to pick up choreography, or develop an individual movement style. All levels of dance experience and exposure are welcome! Instruction provides a range of difficulty that allows dancers to be affirmed and comfortably challenged. Experience in any movement style is valued but not necessary. (Ages 12-18)
What to wear: See Tap section above.
Prerequisite technical skills
· Enthusiasm for musical theater and an eagerness to learn!
See full schedule here
Open-level Adult Tap Dance
Class includes instruction in the technique, vocabulary, and social traditions of tap dance. Adult dancers of all levels learn the important skills of rhythmic precision, clarity of sound, and personal style in a supportive environment that is inclusive to a variety of movement backgrounds. Instruction provides a range of difficulty that allows dancers to be affirmed and comfortably challenged. Experience in any movement style is valued but not necessary. A typical class consists of a warm-up, technical drills in center, traveling steps across the floor, and choreography. (Ages 18+)
Prerequisite technical skills
Enthusiasm for rhythm and an eagerness to learn!
See full schedule here
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Dancers with no previous experience are welcome! Dancers will learn:
Basic Rhythm and Timing: Ability to follow simple beats and rhythms in music.
Fundamental Movements: Knowledge of basic hip-hop steps and movements such as the two-step, basic isolations, and simple grooves.
Choreography Retention: Ability to remember and execute short, simple choreographic sequences.
Confidence: Beginning to develop confidence in performing movements in front of others.
Musicality: Basic understanding of how to move in accordance with the music’s tempo and mood.
Expression: Starting to express oneself through dance movements, albeit at a basic level.
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Dancers at this level will have:
Improved Rhythm and Timing: More consistent ability to follow complex rhythms and syncopation in music.
Expanded Movement Vocabulary: Proficiency in a wider range of hip-hop movements, including more intricate isolations, and an introduction to popping and locking techniques.
Choreography Retention: Ability to learn and perform longer and more complex choreography with some degree of stylistic interpretation.
Confidence: Comfortable performing in a group and beginning to exhibit personal style.
Musicality: Enhanced ability to interpret musical nuances and adjust movements to match.
Expression: Demonstrating personality and style through dance, using movements to convey emotion or tell a story.
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Dancers at this level will have:
Mastery of Rhythm and Timing: Ability to effortlessly interpret and execute moves to complex beats and musical changes.
Advanced Movements: Mastery of a broad range of hip-hop techniques, including popping, locking, house, krumping, and more.
Choreography Retention: Capability to learn, memorize, and perform complex choreographies, adding a personal flair and high-level stylistic choices.
Confidence: High level of confidence in performing solo or leading a group; ability to engage an audience effectively.
Musicality: Deep understanding of musicality, able to anticipate musical changes and adapt movements dynamically.
Expression: Strong expressive abilities, using hip-hop as a form of storytelling and personal expression, able to engage audiences and convey clear messages or emotions through dance.
Commercial Hip-Hop
Experience the energy and rhythm of commercial hip-hop in this dynamic dance class. Learn expressive choreography set to the latest hits in a fun and upbeat environment. Develop your style, musicality, and confidence as you groove to the hottest tracks. (Ages 7-18)
What to wear: Dancewear & shoes of choice. Hair pulled back out of face.
See full schedule here
Stretch & Conditioning
The Stretch and Conditioning class aims to improve flexibility, strength, and overall physical fitness. Dancers will engage in exercises designed to increase their range of motion, core stability, and muscle endurance.
What to wear: Dancewear & shoes of choice. Hair pulled back out of face.
See full schedule here
Tumbling
(Company Tumbling, Recreational Tumbling, Open Gym)
These classes are catered to a diverse range of age groups and skill levels. Our competition teams will have access to specialized classes tailored to enhance their tumbling skills for performances. For children aged 5 to 14, we offer recreational tumbling classes designed to develop fundamental skills in a fun and supportive environment. Additionally, we will be hosting open gym sessions for high school-aged participants and older, providing a dedicated space to hone specific tumbling and stunting techniques.
What to wear: Any athleticwear of choice, must wear bikers or compression shorts. Sneakers or cheer shoes (fresh pair put on at studio). Hair pulled back & no jewelry.
See full schedule here
cheer Fundamentals
(Ages 5 to 14)
The Cheer Fundamental Class is designed to provide participants with a solid foundation in basic cheerleading skills. Students will learn proper techniques for motions, jumps, stunts, and tumbling under the guidance of experienced instructors. This class is suitable for individuals of all skill levels, from beginners with no previous cheer experience to those looking to refine their abilities. Throughout, emphasis will be placed on safety, teamwork, and building confidence in a supportive environment.
What to wear: Any athleticwear of choice, must wear bikers or compression shorts. Sneakers or cheer shoes (fresh pair put on at studio). Hair pulled back & no jewelry.
See full schedule here
Foundational Freestyle Hip-Hop
This class covers hip-hop history and helps students gain confidence in their unique freestyle style. Students will explore various hip-hop styles and learn techniques used in battles and ciphers. This class is suitable for beginners and pre-professionals. Classes will be divided by age groups.
What to wear: Anything you can move in easily. Shoes must be changed at the studio to avoid dirt from the outside on the floors.
See full schedule here
Convention Preparation
Gear up for competition season with our Convention Prep Class, designed to equip dancers with the skills and confidence needed to excel at dance conventions. This class focuses on versatility and adaptability, teaching dancers how to quickly learn and perform choreography across various dance styles. We'll also emphasize performance techniques and stage presence to help dancers stand out in a crowd. Perfect for those looking to make a strong impression at conventions, this class is a must for any competitive dancer aiming to elevate their craft.
What to wear: Dancewear & shoes of choice. Hair pulled back out of face.
See full schedule here
Contemporary/lyrical
Contemporary/Lyrical combines ballet, jazz, and modern dance elements to create expressive and fluid movement. Dancers will explore improvisation, musicality, and emotional expression through choreography and technique.
What to wear: Dancewear & shoes of choice. Hair pulled back out of face.
See full schedule here
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Ages 7+
Dancers at this level will have:
Basic Understanding of Dance Elements: Familiarity with ballet, jazz, and modern dance elements.
Musicality: Ability to move in sync with music and understand basic musical phrasing.
Emotional Expression: Ability to convey basic emotions through movement.
Improvisation: Comfortable with basic improvisation exercises.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in basic technical skills such as pirouettes, simple floor work, and basic jumps.
Flexibility: Moderate flexibility in legs, back, and core.
Choreography: Ability to learn and perform intermediate-level choreography that includes a mix of fluid and sharp movements.
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Dancers 10+
Dancers at this level will have:
Advanced Understanding of Dance Elements: Mastery of ballet, jazz, and modern dance elements.
Musicality: Ability to move in sync with complex musical phrasing and rhythms.
Emotional Expression: Strong ability to convey a wide range of emotions through movement with subtlety and depth.
Improvisation: Skilled in advanced improvisation exercises and creating unique movement.
Technical Skills: Mastery of advanced technical skills such as multiple pirouettes, advanced floor work, complex jumps, and intricate footwork.
Flexibility: High level of flexibility and strength in all areas.
Choreography: Ability to learn and perform advanced-level choreography with complex sequences, smooth transitions, and a high degree of fluidity and expression.
You can purchase many of these items at local dance retailers or purchase them on your own:
Turns & leaps
This class focuses on perfecting various turns, leaps, and jumps used in multiple dance styles. Dancers will work on technique, control, and execution to enhance their technique.
What to wear: Dancewear & shoes of choice. Hair pulled back out of face.
See full schedule here
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Ages 7+
Dancers at this level will have:
Basic Turns: Ability to perform single pirouettes, chainé turns, and piqué turns.
Basic Leaps: Proficiency in executing jeté leaps, sauté leaps, and other simple leaps.
Control: Basic ability to control body movements and maintain balance during turns and leaps.
Spotting Technique: Understanding and application of proper spotting techniques for turns.
Strength: Adequate strength in legs and core to support turns and leaps.
Flexibility: Moderate flexibility in legs and back to achieve proper form.
Combination Skills: Ability to combine basic turns and leaps in simple sequences.
Posture and Alignment: Basic understanding of proper posture and body alignment for turns and leaps.
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Dancers 10+
Dancers at this level will have:
Advanced Turns: Mastery of double and triple pirouettes, fouetté turns, a la seconde turns, and complex turning sequences.
Advanced Leaps: Proficiency in executing grand jeté, switch leaps, calypso leaps, and other advanced leaps.
Control: Strong ability to control body movements, maintain balance, and execute clean landings.
Spotting Technique: Advanced application of proper spotting techniques for complex turns.
Strength: High level of strength in legs, core, and overall body to support advanced turns and leaps.
Flexibility: High degree of flexibility in legs, back, and hips to achieve proper form and extension.
Combination Skills: Ability to combine advanced turns and leaps in intricate sequences.
Posture and Alignment: Advanced understanding and application of proper posture and body alignment for turns and leaps.
Musical theatre
This class is designed to introduce and enhance skills in dancing, acting, and storytelling, providing a well-rounded foundation for aspiring performers. Students of all skill levels will explore iconic musical theatre routines, develop character portrayal, and explore their stage presence. Whether you're new to the arts or refining your triple-threat capabilities, this class offers a supportive environment where everyone can shine. (Ages 10-18)
What to wear: Dancewear & shoes of choice. Hair pulled back out of face.
See full schedule here
The art of latin ballroom
This class will teach the technique, patterns, music and vocabulary of the dynamic suite of dances considered ‘Latin Ballroom’. Latin Ballroom includes the exciting tempos, rhythms and athleticism of Cha cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Bolero, Mambo, East Coast Swing, and Jive. Class instruction includes basic syllabus patterns, musical interpretation and dance literacy. Along with the syllabus, class may include increasingly complex or open-level improvisation and choreographies over time. Students will develop an ear for what musical styles or rhythms pair with each Latin dance and will learn how to embody and recognize the character of each dance. Principles like Cuban motion, dynamics and patterns of body connectivity will encourage students to explore expression, storytelling, and emotional range within the stylistic bounds of each dance. The first part of the full session will be mostly solo dancing (versus partnered), though joint exercises and final choreography will incorporate partnering. Class emphasizes technical or competitive and performative forms of 5 Latin Ballroom dances, based on the Dance Vision International Dance Association (DVIDA) syllabus. Students will learn the history and evolution of social dances in the US and elsewhere. Salsa and Bachata are the most recognizable of all Latin dances; the basics of these Club dances will be part of this class to provide a more diverse Latin movement experience. Class will start with a warmup, technique and skill drills across the floor or at the bar, then dance basics and choreography. (Ages 11-18)
What to wear:
Leggings or Bodysuits: Form-fitting styles paired with black or colored/printed skirts. Fringe skirts are preferred.
Hair secured away from face
Shoes:
New dancers: Black leather practice shoes with a Cuban heel, skin-tone jazz shoes with a small heel, or a dance sneaker.
Advanced Students (Ages 15+): Dark tan satin Latin heels (2-2.5 inches) or Cuban heel sandals.
Pre-Teens (Under 15): Dark tan satin sandals with a 1.5-inch Cuban heel.
Options are available at Dance America or Amazon for appropriate footwear
By December, all need to have some dark tan satin Latin sandals with heels for practice and then showcase.
See full schedule here
Latin Dance Fusion
This drop-in Class is all about community, dance fitness and finesse, and a great Latin dance playlist! Learn basics of Club dances like Salsa, Bachata, Mambo, and Reggaeton, along with Latin ballroom dances like Samba, Cha cha, Paso, Swing and Jive while having a fun hour of energetic dancing. No partner needed. This class is a fusion of the best of both worlds! The focus of this class is to Move! You will get your steps in and your heart rate up, while learning a new skill. 50% of the hour will be dancing fully up-to-tempo to music, 25% of the class is doing some drills that will help tone and improve balance and confidence. Come learn something brand-new and feel the satisfaction of infusing your dancing with style, sass, attitude and freedom in a comfortable, accepting environment. Class emphasizes the historical community aspect of Latin and Afro-Cuban based dances so includes aspects of call-and-response or circles to close each class. (Ages 15 to Adults)
What to wear:
Leggings or Bodysuits: Form-fitting styles, yoga or exercise wear, Fringe or other short skirts, dancewear of choice, bright colors encouraged.
Shoes:
New dancers: regular sneaker (not sticky on the floor), dance sneaker (split sole), black leather/fabric practice shoes with a Cuban heel
Some experience - Advanced: Latin sandals/heels (2-2.5 inches), Cuban heel sandals or leather/fabric practice shoe with a Cuban heel.
Options are available at Dance America or Amazon for appropriate footwear
See full schedule here
Company Classes
Our Company Competition Team meets for weekly classes dedicated to learning, rehearsing, and working competition routines. These sessions are not just about choreography; they're a chance to strengthen team rapport and collectively prepare for the competitive season ahead. Company members go through a placement evaluation, if interested in learning more before the next eval, reach out to hello@509collective.com.
What to wear: Black dancewear of choice. Tan jazz shoes unless otherwise instructed.