Arroyo Grande, CA - Dance Classes, Music Lessons, Voice - Preschool Dance, Theater Classes, Fitness

Children’s Music Classes

Mommy & Me Music Time

Ages 18mo. - 3years. This fun class introduces little ones to music and movement, developing rhythm, flexibility, balance, coordination and confidence. Gives mom, dad or grandparents a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with their special little person!

Music & Movement

Ages 5-6. An introduction to basic music terms and ideas through music and movement, and using percussion instruments, stories and rhymes! This class will also emphasize listening skills, following directions and classroom readiness.

Sing & Dance with Miss Teresa!

Ages 2-4. Through songs, rhymes, stories and dance, your child will discover the love of music and movement that is naturally within them!

Keyboards

Keyboards 1

Ages adult. An easy introduction to playing the piano in a friendly group environment. Students will learn how to read and play music, learn basic theory and also learn in an interactive way, how to use their senses (eyes, ears, movement) to enhance their musical enjoyment. No previous knowledge of music is necessary.

Keyboards 2

Ages teen-adult. For the more intermediate pianist, this class expands on the skills learned in Keyboards 1/A in n a friendly group environment. Students expand upon their knowledge of reading music, basic theory and a playing as a group. Keyboards 1 or some previous experience required.

Woodwinds

An introduction to small group playing (chamber music). Students will learn how to play in a small group environment and increase their skills of reading and listening to the music and each other. A greater knowledge of music theory will also be explored. Open to beginning, intermediate, and advanced flute, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, and oboe players. Beginners must have at least one year of playing experience. Auditions will be held to determine placement. This class is also open to small groups that are already established and would like extra help preparing for auditions, music festivals, and contests (one month minimum requirement).

Guitar

Guitar 1

An entry level, no experience required, introduction to rhythm guitar. Our goal is to give the student a firm foundation of technique and understanding in a relaxed and fun group

environment. All the basic chord positions are taught as well as keeping correct tempo, reading chord charts, the importance of practicing, and the joy playing with others. Come learn guitar and have fun at the same time!

Guitar 2

For the more intermediate guitarist, this class will build on the techniques learned in Guitar 1. Focus will be on improving chord and strumming techniques with an introduction to barre chords and single note songs.

Drums

Bucket Drums

Ages 7 and up, 10 and up. Every kid dreams of being a drummer, get them started with this fun interactive percussion class. Drumming improves all aspects of performance and musicality including rhythm, timing, and confidence. This class focuses on rudimental technique, grip, and ensemble performance. The Bucket Drummers will perform a full “bucket composition” at the end of the course!

D.A.D. Drummers (Drums and Disabilities)

Ages 7 and up. An international drum therapy program designed to help children and adults with disabilities develop physical and cognitive skills.

“DAD (Drums and Disabilities) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that helps children and adults with Autism, Dyslexia, ADD, Tourette's, Aspergers, ADHD, OCD, ODD, and other disabilities, to develop Retention, Coordination, Social Skills, Sensory Integration, Fine Motor Skill, and Physical and Cognitive functioning. The DAD Program is featured in Schools Systems, Hospitals, Health Facilities, and Community Centers throughout the world.” - www.dadprogram.org

Drums

Using a drum pad, students will learn the basics of reading music, counting time and beginning drum beats and fills.

Voice Program

Beginning Voice

Ages 10-18. This class is a great choice for students hoping to grow in their musical foundations as a singer. Whether you want to be a soloist or just learn more about your voice, this class will be a great place to begin. Students will learn basic vocal and performance technique in a friendly and fun environment.

Beginning Voice - Adult

Ages 18 and up. This class will offer beginning vocal and performance technique for adult students hoping to grow in solo performance! This class is designed for students with no pervious vocal training who are excited to sing and learn more about the foundations of music.

Children’s Choir

Ages 6 - 12. Come and sing in our new children's choir! This will be a great new class for kids who are interested in music and want a taste of what it is like to sing with other kids. This class will require no previous musical experience and will offer basic music training and just plain fun songs to sing!

Beginning Vocal Ensemble

Ages adult. Ever wonder what it would be like to sing in an ensemble? Well, here is your chance! Learn what it takes to sing your own part in a group, perform together, and find a unified sound that comes from proper vocal technique. Students will learn a variety of ensemble music as well as get to know other singers in the music department.

Theater Program

CDMA Glee

Ages 10 and up. Based on the hit TV show, this class will give aspiring actors & actresses the chance to sing to their favorite songs from the show (appropriate song choices utilized). They will also have the opportunity to perform what they learn at venues around the county!

Musical Theater

Ages 6 - 10. This class provides students the opportunity to explore acting exercise, movement for musical theater, and singing. Students will learn songs from current and classic musicals. The development of performance skills in basic broadway style, movement, technique, and singing will be the focus of this class.

Theater Kids

Ages 6 - 9. An intro to theatre class filled with fun and exciting theatre games for high-spirited/energetic kids. Games include, call and response storytelling, imagination exploration, and free movement to music, all created to boost confidence and imagination.

Theater Movement Exploration - Coming Soon!

Ages 13 and up. This class will explore the physical side of creating a character, through the use of free form movement to international music and the physical exploration of words, poems, tempos, sounds, and contact improvisation with partners.

Shakespeare for Teens - Coming Soon!

Ages 13 and up. Students learn the basic tools needed for the speaking and performing of William Shakespeare beginning with A Midsummer Nights Dream and resulting in a sharing of scene work and/or performance of a Shakespearean play.

Mask - Coming Soon!

Ages 13 and up. Mask will explore the physical side of creating a character. This class will work on stimulating the imagination, exploring the use of the whole body and its physical actions, and creating a complete, fully dimensional character.

Ensemble Theater - Coming Soon!

Ages 10 and up. Teaches students to achieve goals through theatre improvisation exercises and theatre games. Strengthens the student's abilities to succeed by exercising their connection to imagination, impulse, and their ability to personalize scene work.

Acting for the Stage - Coming Soon!

Ages 13 and up. Learn theories of character development used by R. Cohen's Acting One, Uta Hagen's Respect of Acting and Stanislavski's An Actor Prepares to develop skills in scene work using the exploration of the senses, trust, physicality and vocal self.

Fitness Program

Fit Over 50

Ages 50 and up. Fit Over Fifty is designed for the active senior interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Participants will work on improving strength, flexibility, and balance through an energetic workout to music of the forties, fifties, and sixties. A great way for seniors to stay fit, ensuring an active and independent retirement! Fit over 50 is based on a different fee rate as follows: $8 drop-in fee or $30 per month. Discount rate does not apply

Zumba!

Ages 18 and up. The Zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. Zumba® Fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!

Zumba® is based on a different fee rate as follows: $8 drop-in fee or $30 per month. Discount rate does not apply

Strength & Balance

Ages 9 and up, Jr. High. This class will teach you techniques in strength and balance training that will greatly improve your overall dance technique.

Specialty Classes

Company/Professional - Coastal Chamber Youth Ballet

By audition only. Click here for more info....

Performance Repertory

CDMA’s performance troupe dancers learn choreography and performance skills in preparation for performing. This class is by invitation/audition only. Click here for more info...

Adult Dance Classes (Ballet, Contemporary Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Break Dance)

Ages 18 and up. All adult dance classes are based on technique that is unique to the specific dance style, and are designed for the adult body. Dancers will focus on flexibility, stamina, strength building, and creative exploration in movement. Additional benefits include improved memorization skills, body alignment, balance, and musicality. A great way to stay in shape and have fun at the same time.

Summer Camps and Intensives

Start in July and continue through August.

Private Lessons

For those students interested in taking private instruction to perfect technique or to get some more personalized attention, you may schedule your time through the front desk by calling 489-5678. Single or recurring, private and semi-private classes in dance, music, theater and voice are available. This is a common way for either students or couples to accelerate their skills in all of our offered disciplines. We have multiple teachers for each instrument to ensure we can accommodate your needs.

Children’s Dance Classes

Baby & Me Music and Movement

Ages 6mo. - 18mo. This class is a fantastic way for mom, dad or a grandparent to get some exercise while exposing baby to all different types of music and movement. Bond with your baby, make some new friends and enjoy moving to great music in a family friendly atmosphere.

Toddler & Me Music and Movement

Ages 18mo. - 3. This fun class introduces little ones to music and movement, developing rhythm, flexibility, balance, coordination and confidence. Gives mom, dad or grandparents a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with their special little person!

Preschool Dance

Available classes for ages 3-4, 4-5 & 3-5. Fun for the young ones! These classes introduce the very young dancer to the basic dance forms through creative movement and imaginative dance games. Children have fun and make friends while developing large motor skills, musicality, flexibility, attention span, and creative expression.

Ballet, Jazz & Tap Combo

Available classes for ages 5-6, 5-7, & 7-10. Enjoy three dance styles in one class. Dancers will learn the basic positions and proper body alignment with an emphasis on large muscle coordination, flexibility, musicality, and artistic expression. These classes build on the skills learned in Preschool Dance, and instill confidence, develop memory skills, teach proper technique, introduce mastery of choreography, and foster a love of creative expression.

Beginning Ballet

Available classes for ages 5-6, 6 and up, & 6-8. These classes introduce ballet to brand new and beginning dancers. Students will focus on basic ballet positions, alignment, and placement. These classes place an emphasis on large motor skills and coordination, flexibility, and musicality. These classes build on the skills learned in Preschool Dance and Ballet/Jazz/Tap Combination classes and require more discipline, focus, and longer attention span.

Hippity Hop

Available classes for ages 3-5, 5-6, & 5-7. Introduction to beginning hip hop movements, encouraging exploration of musical expression utilizing basic jazz technique and hip hop styling. Develops rhythm, confidence and memorization skills. As in all classes, all music is age appropriate.

Ballet Classes

Beginning Ballet TEEN

Ages 12 - 18. This class is an introduction to the discipline of ballet. Focus is on proper body alignment, placement and basic ballet positions and vocabulary. Beginning ballet fosters discipline, artistic expression and a love of ballet in a nurturing environment.

Boy’s Technique

Ages 8 and up. This class is an introduction to the discipline of ballet, emphasizing male technique. Focus is on proper body alignment, placement, basic ballet positions and vocabulary. This class fosters discipline, artistic expression and a love of ballet, in a nurturing and comfortable environment.

Ballet 1A & 1B

Ages 8 and up. Beginning ballet students will focus on basic ballet positions and movements, proper body alignment and placement, and beginning ballet vocabulary. Dancers will develop musicality, flexibility, strength, memorization skills, discipline, and artistic expression in a nurturing environment.

Ballet 2A & 2B

Ages 10 and up, 11 and up. Dancers will focus on the study of intermediate ballet technique including intermediate level steps and positions, more complex movement combinations, and continued emphasis on technical aspects learned in Ballet 1 Prerequisite: One to two years prior basic ballet training.

Ballet 3A & 3B

Ages 13 and up, 14 and up. Dancers will focus on the study of advanced ballet technique, including advanced level steps and positions and more complex movement combinations, with continued emphasis on technical aspects of Ballet 2.

Prerequisite: Ballet 2B and/or three years prior ballet training.

Pre-Pointe

Ages 10 and up. This class is designed for students who have received instructor approval to enroll and have completed at least two years of previous ballet training. Dancers will focus on alignment, balance, control, strengthening exercises and flexibility in the feet, ankles, and legs required to dance en pointe. All students in this class must also be enrolled in at least 2 ballet classes.

Prerequisite: Two years of ballet and teacher approval

Pointe 1

Ages 13 and up/instructor approval. This class builds on the skills acquired in Pre-Pointe. Dancers will continue to focus on alignment, and strengthening exercises and flexibility in the feet, ankles, and legs and will also study beginning center floor work as well as across the floor movement en pointe. A slow, thorough, and careful approach assures a safe and solid foundation that allows the student to be in control and at ease as she dances on pointe. Students are encouraged to take Pointe 1 for a second year to augment their Intermediate Pointe studies.

Prerequisite: Pre-Pointe and two years Ballet/teacher approval

Pointe 2

Ages 13 and up/instructor approval. This class builds on the skills acquired in Pointe 1. Continued focus on alignment, balance, control, strengthening exercises and flexibility in the feet, ankles and legs. Will study beginning center floor work and across the floor movement en pointe. Students are encouraged to take Pointe 1 in addition to pointe 2 to augment their Intermediate Pointe studies.

Prerequisite: Pointe 1 and three years Ballet/teacher approval

Pointe 3

Ages 14 and up/instructor approval. This class builds on the skills acquired in Pointe 2. Continued focus on alignment, strengthening exercises and flexibility in the feet, ankles and legs. Will study beginning center floor work and across the floor movement en pointe.

Prerequisite: Two to three years en pointe/teacher approval

Contemporary Pointe

Ages 13 and up. Geared to challenge the advanced dancer, contemporary pointe is a fusion of pointe, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and modern dance. This class is designed to help advanced dancers develop and strengthen expressive movement and performance by discovering an emotional connection between personal experiences, music and point/ballet technique. This class features the music of today’s popular artists.

Prerequisite: Teacher approval needed.

Company/Professional - Coastal Chamber Youth Ballet

By audition only. Click here for more info about the Coastal Chamber Youth Ballet Company....

Contemporary/Lyrical Classes

Contemporary 1 & 2

Ages 10 and up for beginning to intermediate dancers. This class is an introduction to Contemporary dance forms and draws on modern dance techniques and an array of still developing philosophies of movement based on the study of the human body and body/mind inter-relationships.

Prerequisite: One to two years prior jazz training/teacher approval.

Contemporary 3

Ages 12 and up for intermediate to advanced dancers. Building on Contemporary 1 & 2, this class focuses on the choreographic and performing process and draws on modern dance techniques and an array of still developing philosophies of movement based on the study of the human body and body/mind inter-relationships.

Prerequisite: Jazz 3/teacher approval.

Lyrical 2 & 3

Ages 12 and up. Focusing on Ballet and Jazz techniques, Lyrical dance challenges dancers to express emotions through movement. This class uses a combination of intricate, highly technical, and pedestrian/naturalistic moves. A solid, ballet-based technique is an essential component of this advanced style of dance.

Prerequisite: Ballet 2/teacher approval.

Hip Hop Classes

Boys Hip Hop & Breaking 1 & 2

Ages 6 and up. Learn basic hip hop and breakdance movements and patterns in this high energy class specifically for boys. Students will develop coordination, small and large motor articulation, self-confidence, memorization skills, and discipline.

Hip Hop & Breaking

Ages 13 and up. This class teaches basic hip hop and breakdance movements and patterns. Develops coordination, small and large motor articulation, memorization skills and discipline in the beginning hip hop/breakdance student.

Hip Hop Teen/Adult

Ages 13 and up. This class is an introduction to beginning hip hop movements, encouraging exploration of musical expression utilizing basic jazz technique and hip hop styling. Develops rhythm, confidence and memorization skills.

Hippity Hop

Available classes for ages 3-5, 5-6, & 5-7. Introduction to beginning hip hop movements, encouraging exploration of musical expression utilizing basic jazz technique and hip hop styling. Develops rhythm, confidence and memorization skills. As in all classes, all music is age appropriate.

Boy’s Hip Hop & Jazz

Ages 8 and up. A boy's only class teaching the basics of Hip Hop and Jazz. Dancers will learn proper technique in a disciplined, yet fun and supportive atmosphere.

Open House Hip Hop

Ages 12 and up. Come enjoy learning the various forms of hip hop in a fun and high-energy atmosphere. Be prepared to sweat!

Jazz Classes

Beginning Hip Hop & Jazz

Ages 8-12. Basic jazz movement and positions are learned. Develops coordination, small and large motor articulation, musicality, memorization skills, discipline and artistic expression in the beginning jazz student.

Contemporary Jazz Teen

Ages 13-18. This class is an introduction to Contemporary and Jazz dance forms and draws on modern dance techniques and an array of still developing philosophies of movement based on the study of the human body and body/mind inter-relationships.

Jazz 1

Ages 8 and up. Basic jazz movement and steps for beginning dancers. Dancers will develop coordination, small and large motor articulation, musicality, memorization skills, discipline, and artistic expression.

Jazz 2

Ages 9 and up. Jazz 2 builds upon the skills learned in Jazz 1, focusing on technique including leaps, turns, and upper body involvement. Dancers will continue to develop rhythm, flexibility, strength, musicality, memorization skills, discipline in training, and artistic expression.

Prerequisite: One to two years prior basic jazz training.

Jazz 3

Ages 12 and up. Jazz 3 builds on the skills learned in Jazz 2, and focuses on more technically difficult steps and a wider range of artistically expressive styles. Dancers will continue to develop rhythm, flexibility, strength, musicality, and memorization skills. This class encourages discipline in training and artistic expression in the more advanced jazz student.

Prerequisite: Two to three years prior jazz training.

Jazz 4

Ages 14 and up. Jazz 4 builds on the skills learned in Jazz 3, and focuses on more technically difficult steps and a wider range of artistically expressive styles. Dancers will continue to develop rhythm, flexibility, strength, musicality, and memorization skills. This class encourages discipline in training and artistic expression in the advanced jazz student.

Prerequisite: Three years prior jazz training.

Beginning Leaps & Turns

Ages 8 and up. Improve your skills! This class focuses on beginning leaps and turns. Sharpen your spot, improve your lines, and increase your knowledge of what it takes to execute leaps and turns.

Intermediate Leaps & Turns

Ages 10 and up. Improve your skills! This class focuses on intermediate leaps and turns. Sharpen your spot, improve your lines, and increase your knowledge of what it takes to execute leaps and turns.

Street Jazz

Ages 8 and up. Street Jazz is a blend of hip hop and jazz dance. Pop and lock. Crump and funk. Jazz with pazzaz. This urban style will have you movin’ and groovin’! Glide slide and cruise your way across the dance floor!

Tap Classes

Beginning Tap

Ages 8 and up. Geared toward new dancers, this class focuses on basic tap steps. Develops coordination, flexibility, strength, musicality, memorization skills, discipline and artistic expression in the beginning dancer.

Tap 1

Ages 8 and up. Basics steps for beginning tappers. Dancers will develop coordination, flexibility, strength, musicality, memorization skills, discipline, and artistic expression.

Tap 2

Ages 9 and up. Tap 2 builds on the skills learned in Tap 1, focusing on more intricate footwork, turns, and upper body involvement. Dancers continue to develop small and large motor articulation, musicality, memorization skills, discipline in training, and artistic expression.

Prerequisite: One to two years prior basic tap training.

Tap 3

Ages 12 and up. Tap 3 builds upon the skills learned in Tap 2, and focuses on more technically difficult steps and a wider range of artistically expressive styles. Dancers will continue to develop small and large motor articulation, musicality, and memorization skills. This class encourages discipline in training and artistic expression in the more advanced tap student.

Prerequisite: Two to three years prior tap training.

Tap 4

Ages 14 and up. Tap 4 builds upon the skills learned in Tap 3, and focuses on more technically difficult steps and a wider range of artistically expressive styles. Dancers will continue to develop small and large motor articulation, musicality, and memorization skills. This class encourages discipline in training and artistic expression in the advanced tap student.

Prerequisite: Three years prior tap training.

New classes are added frequently. Check our class schedule for the latest information and times. If you have questions about a class or its requirements, contact us (805) 489-5678 or visit us at 1012 E. Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420.