Class Descriptions

Discover the Right Class for Your Dancer

Charleston Dance Center offers a wide variety of classes for every age, level, and interest—from tiny dancers just starting out to teens preparing for the stage. Whether your child loves high-energy hip hop, wants to build technique in ballet, or dreams of the Broadway spotlight, we have a class for them!

Preschool • Jazz • Tap • Ballet • Hip Hop • Contemporary • Pointe • Tumbling • Open • Broadway Bound • Lyrical • Stretch • Conditioning

Have questions about which class is right for your dancer? Contact us — we’re happy to help you find the perfect fit!

Preschool

Levels: I, II, III

Our Preschool Ballet & Tap combination classes are a joyful introduction to movement, musicality, and foundational technique. Designed for dancers who are potty trained (typically ages 2.5 to 6 years old), these classes use props, songs, storytelling, and imagination to explore dance while developing gross motor skills, rhythm, and classroom structure.

Duration: 45 minutes

• Level I: Recommended for ages 2.5-4, or those new to a structured class environment.
• Level II: Perfect for those with prior experience or ready to dance without a caregiver. Recommended for ages 4-5.
• Level III: Recommended for older preschoolers and those preparing for leveled classes (typically ages 4-6).

Required Attire: Any style or color leotard, tights, dance dresses, skirts, tutus, jazz shorts, etc. Tan tie tap shoes, pink ballet shoes, and dance bag. Hair pulled securely back from face and neck.

JAZZ

Levels: Pre, I, II, III, IV

Jazz classes focus on traditional jazz vocabulary and various styles of jazz including Broadway and commercial jazz. For dancers ages 6 – 18, our classes focuses on developing strength, flexibility, correct alignment and coordination, which will draw from ballet technique and alignment.

Duration: ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour

Required Attire: Any style leotard, top or half top, jazz pants, tights, biker shorts, or unitard. Tan jazz shoes (our competition teams wear Bloch Super Jazz). Hair securely pulled back from face and neck.
Boys should wear comfortable clothing they can move in – nothing overly baggy – and black jazz shoes.

TAP

Levels: Pre, I, II, III, IV

Classes will focus on the teaching of rhythm tap and strong foundational tap basics that compound throughout the year. These fast moving classes are fun and upbeat serving the beginning to advanced student’s growth and development in this genre of dance, for dancers ages 6 – 18.

Duration: ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour

Required Attire: Any color or style dancewear as long as the ankle and feet are not covered. Tap I and below wear tan mary jane style shoes. Tap II and above wear black lace-up Oxfords tap shoes. Boys should wear gym shorts or sweat pants, t-shirt or tank top, black tap shoes.

Ballet

Levels: Pre, I, II, III, IV

Our classes focus on body alignment, technical awareness, and placement for dancers ages 6 – 18. Experience a comprehensive program with a rich vocabulary of steps, poses, leaps, and jumps, woven together to convey captivating stories, complemented by traditional barre and center work combinations. _{*Only specific classes (as indicated on schedule page) will perform in the Year End Performance and will rehearse choreography}

Duration: ranging from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours

Required Attire: Girls: Solid black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, hair pulled back in a secure bun with hairspray, bobby pins and a hairnet. Boys: Black tights, black or white leotard or tank top, black ballet shoes.

Hip hop

Levels: Pre, I, II, III, IV

Hip Hop is a high-energy class that focuses on intricate movements, body isolations, and dynamics, builds stamina and keeps dancers, ages 6+, up-to-date with current hip hop trends. In a positive environment, students improve technique, engage in freestyle dance, and develop confidence and performance style, all while enjoying age-appropriate music.

Duration: ranging from 30 minutes to 45 minutes

Required Attire: Stylish, trendy, and comfortable attire including sweatpants, leggings, tees, tank tops, hoodies, basketball shorts, jazz clothes etc. is encouraged. Wear sneakers (Platforms, Bare feet and Boots prohibited).

contemporary

Levels: I, II, III, IV

Contemporary classes explore creative, artistic movement through a strong foundation in ballet and jazz technique. Dancers will work on moving in and out of traditional techniques while picking up on new subtle movement challenges. Classes emphasize rhythm, design, shape, and motion in space with a deliberate use of gravity. Ideal for dancers ages 6 – 18, this style of dance is constantly changing and evolving with current trends in contemporary movement.

Duration: ranging from 45 minutes to 1 hour

Required Attire: Any style leotard, top or half top, jazz pants, tights, biker shorts, or unitard. It is important clothing does not impede movement – nothing overly baggy – but is much more open for creativity, expression, and comfort. No shoes required. Hair pulled securely back from face and neck.

pointe

Levels: II, III, IV

Our pointe classes build upon the dancer’s previous ballet training and offer dancers the chance to study classical ballet variations. Dancers will learn and practice pointe barre work with emphasis on individual’s correct foot and body alignment as well as study of the proper techniques for the execution of more difficult steps. _{*Only specific classes (as indicated on schedule page) will perform in the Year End Performance and will rehearse choreography}

Duration: 30 minutes

Required Attire: Solid black leotard, pink tights, pointe shoes, hair pulled back in a secure bun with hairspray, bobby pins and a hairnet.

tumbling

Levels: Preschool, Pre, I, II, III, IV

Our tumbling classes combine fundamental acrobatic technique to increase flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, timing, body awareness, self-discipline, and confidence. Through guided instruction and practice dancers will develop tumbling techniques that complement their dance routines. _{*These classes will not perform in the Year End Performance and will not learn or rehearse choreography.}

Duration: 30 to 45 minutes

Required Attire: Comfortable form-fitting dance wear. Barefoot.

open

Levels: III, IV

Looking to shake things up and push your versatility? Our Open Class is a fast-paced, style-blending experience where dancers learn a new routine each week — no two classes are the same!

Each session focuses on a different style such as jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop, or guided improvisation, giving dancers a chance to explore new movements, adapt quickly, and develop their artistry.

This class is perfect for dancers who want to expand their training, improve retention, and stay challenged in a high-energy, ever-changing format. Great for both recreational and competitive students. Please note this class will not perform in the show. Drop in attendance opportunities available.

Duration: 30 minutes

Required Attire: Any style leotard, top or half top, jazz pants, tights, biker shorts, or unitard. It is important clothing does not impede movement – nothing overly baggy – but is much more open for creativity, expression, and comfort. Shoes needed may vary by week so be prepared with all of your dance shoes! Hair pulled securely back from face and neck.

broadway bound

Levels: Pre (ages 6-7), Levels I, II

Get ready to shine center stage! Broadway Bound blends jazz technique with the energy and expression of musical theater. Dancers will learn choreography inspired by classic and contemporary Broadway shows while building character, confidence, and stage presence. Each class focuses on storytelling through movement and facial expression—helping dancers bring big emotions to life in a big way.

Whether your child is a budding performer or just loves the spotlight, Broadway Bound is the perfect place to develop performance skills in a supportive, high-energy environment.

Duration: 30 minutes

Required Attire: Fitted dancewear, jazz shoes or character shoes; hair pulled back

lyrical

Levels: Pre (ages 6-7), Levels I, II

Lyrical blends the technique of ballet with the expressive movement of contemporary styles to create emotional, story-driven choreography. In this class, dancers will focus on musicality, fluid transitions, and connecting movement with emotion. Lyrical is all about grace, expression, and letting the music guide the story.

It’s the perfect class for dancers looking to deepen their artistry and explore the emotional side of performance.

Duration: 30 minutes

Required Attire: Any style leotard, top or half top, jazz pants, tights, biker shorts, or unitard. It is important clothing does not impede movement – nothing overly baggy – but is much more open for creativity, expression, and comfort. Jazz or half-sole shoes. Hair pulled securely back from face and neck.

stretch

Levels: I, II, III, IV

A gentle, low-impact class focused on increasing flexibility, improving range of motion, and preventing injury. Perfect for dancers of all levels looking to enhance their technique, recovery, and body awareness through guided stretching and breathwork.

Duration: 30 minutes

Required Attire: Fitted dancewear, jazz shoes or barefoot; hair pulled back

conditioning

Levels: I, II, III, IV

This cross-training class builds strength, stamina, and control for dancers of all levels. Through age-appropriate and challenging exercises, dancers improve power, balance, and endurance—helping them leap higher, turn stronger, and perform with confidence. A great tool for injury prevention and long-term technical growth.

Duration: 45 minutes

Required Attire: Any style leotard, top or half top, jazz pants, tights, biker shorts, or unitard. It is important clothing does not impede movement – nothing overly baggy. Sneakers. Hair pulled securely back from face and neck.

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Description: Creative movement and introductory dance concepts in ballet and tap combination classes taught through music, foundational movement, and imagination. Distinction between preschool levels can be found on our website.

Suggested Age: Ages 2.5–5

Description: Introductory classes designed for dancers building off preschool foundations or new dancers ready for more structured classes and styles. These classes create a solid bridge into our leveled technical program.

Suggested Age: Ages 6–7

Description: Foundational technique with structured skill-building, across-the-floor work, and beginner choreography. Level 1 dancers often have some prior dance experience and adapt quickly to new material.

Suggested Age: Ages 8-9

Description: Builds on Level 1 with increased complexity, strength, and musicality. Dancers are expected to have a solid technical base, focused classroom habits, and a desire to grow.

Suggested Age: Ages 10-12

Description: Advanced technique and performance classes with a strong focus on control, stamina, and intricate choreography. These levels are not recommended for new dancers. Instructor placement required.

Suggested Age: Ages 13+ (by placement)

You’ll find level-specific class details, recommendations, and schedules in the Studio Portal when you register!

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Class Schedule