Through dance, we believe each student can improve their overall physical condition while also experiencing the pure joy that accompanies movement.

First Steps
Children ages 2 and 3 explore basic rhythmic activities and locomotor skills using props and unique apparatuses. Designed for a parent and tot to attend together (siblings not enrolled in the class cannot be accommodated). Children at this level do not perform on stage. A visitor’s day presentation is planned for the last class of each session.

Creative Movement
Children ages 3 and 4 are taken on a fun-filled educational journey into the world of dance stimulating their imagination and introducing them to musicality, locomotor skills and group movement activities using bright visuals and a variety of music. Child participates without parent. Children at this level do not perform on stage but are acclimated to the performance process by presenting class work on visitor’s day on the last class of each session.

Preballet
A preparatory course designed for the young dancer ages 4 through 6. Students are introduced to classroom etiquette, basic floor and freestanding exercises, musicality, imagination, mastery of gross locomotor skills and patterning in choreography. This class is conducted in a friendly atmosphere of fun discipline and learning. Preballet may be taken in combination with Tap. Children at this level are invited to perform in Harford Ballet Company’s Spring Production.

Ballet
Classical Ballet training is offered to students ages 6 through adult. Class technique centers predominantly around the Russian Vagonova system. The course offers barre work, center floor work, flexibility and endurance exercises, choreographic challenges, musicality and terminology. Students at this level are invited to perform in Harford Ballet Company’s Spring Production.

Pointe Technique
Pointe is offered to students ages 12 through adult upon recommendation of the instructor. It is only offered to students enrolled in the academic program due to the strenuous physical demands on the body. Classical variations and original choreographic excerpts may be taught.

Jazz
Jazz dance improvises on basic, defined ballet movements. This popular contemporary dance form is taught from a traditional approach. Instruction to basic jazz positions, exercises, foundation steps, turns, jumps and isolations are taught while working with rhythm using popular and cultural music. Working with particular styles such as musical theatre/Broadway, hip hop/street, and lyrical are introduced after the basic technique is established. Students taking class in this dance form are invited to perform in Harford Ballet Company’s Spring Production.

Tap
Tap is considered a secondary dance form at DCM. Learning to focus on rhythm, sound and silence using a variety of musical selections is introduced at an early age. Basic instruction involves learning steps, hops, brushes and gradually proceeds to slaps, shuffles, cramp rolls, pullbacks, wings, etc… Students taking class in this dance form are invited to perform in Harford Ballet Company’s Spring Production.

Workshops
These are offered in shorter sessions or single days periodically throughout the year, some sponsored by the Harford Ballet Company. Workshop topics may include modern, adagio (partnering), composition, and social and cultural dance forms.

Private Coaching
Only for academic study students enrolled at DCM. Available by appointment in one-hour sessions. Contact the school office for scheduling and studio availability at 410-877-3281. At least 24 hours notice of cancellation must be given or student will be charged the rate of the lesson.

Birthday Parties
An enchanting experience for children 4 through 8 years. Costumes, stage make-up, and a performance centered around a theme. Available on Sundays or weekday mornings. Contact the school office for a brochure and scheduling at 410-877-3281.

Guest Faculty
In addition to DCM’s own gifted faculty, highly qualified instructors from Maryland and surrounding states will offer instruction in various dance forms. More complete biographies of guests are available upon request.

Children’s Mini Camps
A three-day camp scheduled for various weeks throughout the summer months for children ages three through five. This two hour mini camp introduces children to the enchanted world of dance and the theatre. It provides young ones with a variety of experiences including a daily technique class that stimulates their imaginations. The children explore musicality, basic locomotor skills, and group movement activities. Each week is centered around a creative theme and is enhanced with crafts, snacks, and games. Description | Registration

Dance Conservatory Camp
A five-day camp scheduled for various weeks throughout the summer months for children ages six through eight. This two and a half hour mini camp is focused dance in the disciplines of jazz, tap, ballet, stretch and strength. This is a fun and focused experience that affords returning students the opportunity to refine their skills while all students have the chance to explore a variety of dance forms as they relate to different styles dictated by theme and music. Each week's dance curriculum is planned around a them bringing a sense of drama and theater to the experience. Supervised free swim time is available in the pool adjacent to the studio (certified life guards provided by the YMCA of Harford County). Description | Registration

Ballet Intensive Workshop
A 2-hour ballet technique class for intermediate and advanced dancers ages 11 through adult. Scheduled at the end of August, Monday through Friday. Taught by guest teachers and current faculty. No prorated fees. Harford Ballet Company dancers are required to take this program. See flyer for details. Description | Registration

Summer Class 6 Week Workshop
Ballet technique classes offered to intermediate and advanced dancers ages 10 through adult. A great program for the serious dancer who wants to maintain their strength and endurance, rather than starting over in the fall to rebuild. Attendance at multiple classes per week is strongly recommended to achieve results.