General Dance Program

Arts Umbrella
About the Program

Open to dancers of all experience levels, the General Program offers a variety of options for dancers ages 2-18. Our ballet-based programs develop the strength and understanding necessary for long-term success in all Arts Umbrella Dance programs.

Our classes focus on the dancer as a whole, emphasizing physical, emotional, and intellectual development throughout the year. Parents can expect to remain in close contact with faculty throughout the year to assess student development, placement, and aspirations. To celebrate all of our aspiring young dance artists, Arts Umbrella Dance presents an annual year-end Recital each June at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre.

 

 


Dance Programs

Ballet: Levels 1-7

Ages 6-13
GI
These ballet classes provide an introduction to the world of ballet technique with a focus on alignment, form, and overall body strength. Concepts of posture and alignment, basic movement fundamentals, and coordination are all practiced in a supportive and well-paced environment.

In this program, students take a minimum of one ballet class per week. Additional classes, such as jazz, character, contemporary, tap, and/or musical theatre are introduced as early as Level 2. Students must be taking ballet in order to add any additional styles of dance. Placement is determined by academic grade. For example, Level 2 dancers are in Grade 2 and do not need to have completed Level 1. Younger students attend 1-2 classes per week, gradually increasing to four classes per week by Level 5.

Contemporary Choreography Workshop

Ages 13-18
GI
Ballet BC artist Michael Garcia will guide dancers through the process of learning, rehearsing, and presenting contemporary choreography. The class takes the form of a workshop and is designed for dancers who wish to investigate and develop their presence within performance, introducing dancers to a holistic professional and creative atmosphere. This exciting program is open to teens with previous dance experience, or currently enrolled in a dance training program (Arts Umbrella and non-Arts Umbrella students welcome).

Hip Hop

Ages 8-15
GI
In Hip Hop, students think on their feet and move their way through group dances, percussion games, and choreography. Energizing and fast-paced, this class develops rhythm, coordination, focus, strength, and agility, without losing the beat of fun.

Teen Program

Ages 13-18
GI
Classes are offered in ballet and contemporary, and offer teen dancers with as little as one year of dance experience a casual schedule that allows time for other activities outside of school and dance. Options are available for 1-2 classes per week, requiring a commitment of just 1.5-6 hours. Students must be taking ballet in order to add any additional styles of dance.

Teen Stretch/Conditioning 

Ages 13-18
GI
Teen Stretch & Conditioning is designed for dancers who wish to develop and increase their range of movement as well as the strength to support greater flexibility. This class is focused on movement sequences that will integrate a better understanding of alignment and coordination. This is a great addition to any dance program and will support in enhancing all dance abilities. This new program is open to teens with previous dance experience, or currently enrolled in a dance training program (Arts Umbrella and non-Arts Umbrella students welcome).


Program Levels

The Arts Umbrella Dance General Program provides many avenues into dance study – from recreational programs to intensive training. All students have the opportunity to explore dance as artists, performers, audience members, and professionals.

At older levels, dedicated dancers may choose to audition for the Arts Umbrella Professional Training Program.

More information

View details about our General Program areas below or contact dance@artsumbrella.com for more information.

Uniform

For uniform requirements, please visit our Dance Uniforms page.

Support Arts Umbrella

Arts Umbrella donors, volunteers, and sponsors share the same belief: that arts education can transform a child’s life. Whether attending an event, making a monthly gift, or donating time, our supporters are vital to helping us inspire creativity for good through the arts.