Performing Arts Academy
The Performing Arts Academy is the newest artistic and educational endeavor at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. The academy offers multiple dance disciplines for all age categories and skill levels. The academy instructor is Scioto County native Summer Logan. Our goal is to provide a welcoming creative environment for our community.
Academy Levels & Descriptions
Pre-Primary Level is designed for dancers 3-5yrs old. This level focuses on development of gross motor movement, spatial awareness, rhythm, and the foundations of creative movement.
Primary Level is designed for dancers 6-10yrs old. This level focuses on development of gross and fine motor movement, spatial awareness, rhythm & musicality, use of ballet vocabulary, correct body alignment, incorporating foundations of creative movement along side classical and contemporary dance techniques.
Level I is designed for dancers 7+ with beginner/ intermediate skill levels with 1-2yrs of prior dance experience. This level focuses on development of gross and fine motor movement, spatial awareness, rhythm & musicality, use of specific technique vocabulary, correct body alignment, expansion of beginner/intermediate techniques, and development of the dance aesthetic.
Level II is designed for dancers 11+ with intermediate/advance skill level with 2-3yrs of prior dance experience. This level focuses on the expansion of gross and fine motor movement, spatial awareness, rhythm & musicality, use of specific technique vocabulary, correct body alignment, expansion of intermediate/advanced skills, and continued development of the dance aesthetic.
Creative Movement: “Creative dance combines the mastery of movement with the artistry of expression.” – Ann Green Gilbert This class focuses on developing gross motor movement and muscle control while incorporating imagination and artistic expression. Students will learn the fundamentals of ballet technique and vocabulary while exploring larger movement concepts through play. American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum Ballet: All ballet classes are taught through the world renown American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. The ABT NTC approach incorporates classical techniques such as Vaganova, Cecchetti, Russian, French and Italian methods. Dancers will learn the foundations of Ballet while promoting performance qualities that are key to becoming a well rounded and healthy dancer.
Contemporary Technique Contemporary classes taught in the Academy will cover a beginner/ intermediate movement vocabulary for Contemporary Jazz/Modern Technique. Classes are designed for dancers who fall into the Level I & II age groups. The class is intended to help the student
understand dance as a process of exploring movement, performing and relating to other dancers and audience. Contemporary dance involves the integration of new movement styles with kinesthetic development. Tap Technique Tap class in the Performing Arts Academy will cover the Beginner- Advanced movement vocabulary for American Tap Dance. Classes are designed for dancers who fall into the Level I & II age group. The course is intended to help the student understand dance as a process of exploring movement, performing and relating to
other dancers and audience. Students will learn traditional steps and combinations as well as develop rhythmic patterns for contemporary tap styles.