Exclusively designed to give our TEENS and ALUMNI a safe space to continue to challenge & express themselves through dance
Experience different styles of dance (ie. hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and more) to inspire self-expression, with a focus on developing more advanced dance technique in the process
Choreograph and collaborate with peers, and co-produce a dance showcase together
Grow through additional leadership opportunities through volunteering or extra performance opportunities as well!
NEW! 2024 Fall Program for Teens & Alumni
- Registration now open! -
It is with much excitement to announce that we are introducing and piloting an ALUMNI & TEEN Leadership through Dance™ Program at CSM (College of San Mateo) on Sunday afternoons. As our teens embark on new experiences in high schools through dance teams or other competitive teams, our environment will allow them to continue their self-expression and creativity through their own choreography to be performed for family and friends at the end of each season.
With a proper dance studio (at the College of San Mateo), we will have an increased focus on helping our students gain more advanced dance techniques. Additional leadership opportunities or performance opportunities may be available to this class.
Capacity will be limited, so REGISTER TODAY to secure your spot!
CSM (College of San Mateo) // Dance Studio
Sundays 2pm-5pm
For TEENS 13+
Dates: Aug 25 - Dec 15, 2024* (no class 9/1 or 12/1)
Tech & Performance: Sunday, Dec 15, 2024
15 week program
Proper dance shoes and dance attire will be required for this class. Current 6th-8th Graders who are ready and interested in an increased focus of technical training may be invited to join our Teen/Alumni program. Please contact us if your 6th-8th grader is interested.
Dance ATTIre/Shoes Required for this class:
For Lyrical/Jazz Training - Nude colored Jazz Shoes (available on Amazon) or Half-Soles (available on Amazon)
For Hip Hop Training - Athletic shoes, ideally white for performances
Dance Attire - Comfortable clothing that allows for stretching and movement (eg. Leggings/sweats & tshirts/tanks). No jeans or jean shorts please.
*note that because the Sunday after the show lands on the weekend that starts the holiday season, we will NOT be planning a class after the show. However, I will invite our CSM students to join any of our other class celebrations during the week of 12/16. Wednesday 12/18 at North Star will probably be most ideal for this group.
“I hope you know what you created has cultivated a beautiful healthy space in the lives of youth, where they feel challenged and safe to be themselves where they are.”
General Class Structure:
While this program is focused on developing Leadership skills, all students will be moving and dancing in this class, with breaks, discussions, and team activities in between. This will be an active program meant to engage your child physically and mentally!
Part 1 = Dance! (includes Warm-up, Core Strengthening, Stretching, Technique Development & Instructor-led Choreography)
The first part of the class will include a warm-up, a focus on specific dance techniques from different styles of dance, and an instructor-led dance piece. For advanced techniques, we will include core conditioning and strengthening as part of the program.
Part 2 = Topic of the Day (facilitated by Melody)
While the kids take a break from dancing, they will be actively engaged in activities around a topic for the day that is meant to help them with their team project.
Part 3 = Teamwork!
Small teams will then be formed, allowing the kids to get creative with a smaller group to create their own dance choreography.
Part 4 = Reflect and Close
With the challenges they will face working together, comes valuable lessons that can be applied to their day-to-day lives. We’ll reflect on learnings and celebrate the progress made as we close the day.
Offline Homework/Activities
Students may need time outside of class to choreograph on their own or with their teams, although we do our best to give the students time during our program. We will teach them strategies to do this even if they don't have dance experience.
Learn more:
Frequently Asked Questions by Program: Virtual Programs | Onsite Programs
“I love the confidence
you bring out in so many girls who might never have dared to do this type of thing. All skill levels, all body types, all nurtured!”
“I just wanted to express my gratitude and awe for all you have accomplished, and everything you made possible for our community. The show was perfect. I was really impressed. Above all, it was wonderful to see girls of all ages learning, teaching and supporting each other. ”
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