Class Descriptions
Discover the diverse dance genres expertly offered at Charleston Dance Center in Charleston, SC.
Preschool Classes
For students potty trained (~2.5 years old) through 5, the Preschool Ballet & Tap combination classes are designed to introduce young dancers to movement and technical body positions through the use of props and characterization.
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.
Duration: 45 minutes
Jazz Classes
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.
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.
Duration: ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour
Tap Classes
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.
Required Attire: Any color or style dancewear as long as legs below the knee 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.
Duration: ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour
Ballet Classes
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.
Required Attire: Level I +) Solid black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, hair pulled back in a secure bun with hairspray, bobby pins and a hairnet.
Boys should wear black tights, leotard or tank top, black ballet shoes.
Duration: ranging from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Hip Hop Classes
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.
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).
Duration: ranging from 30 minutes to 45 minutes
Contemporary Classes
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. *Dancers must be currently enrolled in ballet to attend this class
Required Attire: Any style leotard, top or half top, jazz pants, tights, biker shorts, or unitard. No shoes required. Hair pulled securely back from face and neck. Boys should wear comfortable clothing they can move in – nothing overly baggy.
Duration: ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Pointe Classes
A, B
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.
Required Attire: Solid black leotard, pink tights, pointe shoes, hair pulled back in a secure bun with hairspray, bobby pins and a hairnet.
Duration: 30 minutes
Tumbling Classes
Pre, I, II, II, 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.
Required Attire: Comfortable form-fitting dance wear. Barefoot.
Duration: 45 minutes
Broadway Bound
CDC’s Broadway Bound class is a fun and energetic opportunity for dancers aged 6-10 to develop performance quality and acting skills, incorporating tap and jazz techniques. Students will immerse themselves in the world of Broadway, learning to translate emotions, portray characters, and cultivate stage presence through dynamic choreography and music from musicals, movies, and shows.
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) and black tap shoes. Hair securely pulled back from face and neck.
Duration: 30 minutes
Lyrical Class
Ideally for dancers ages 6-10, our Lyrical class combines the foundational principles of ballet with the freedom, fluidity, and expressiveness of jazz. It demonstrates emotion and technique while allowing students to stylize their movement with fluid transitions. *Dancers must be currently enrolled in ballet to attend this class
Required Attire: Any style leotard, top or half top, jazz pants, tights, biker shorts, or unitard. Half-soles/ lyrical shoes or jazz shoes. Hair pulled securely back from face and neck.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pom Classes
Ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-14, & 15+
Led by University of Tennessee dance team alumni, this high-energy class is perfect for dancers of all levels who want to combine dance, cheerleading, and precision movements. It offers the opportunity to develop pom skills through technique, choreography, and teamwork, all while creating visually stunning, synchronized routines in a positive and supportive environment.
*Please note: TBD on whether this class will perform in the YEP.
Required Attire: Tennis Shoes (no platform), Form Fitting Clothing, Hair pulled back.
Duration: 45 minutes
Christmas Show Classes
Ages 4-5, 5-7, 8-10, 11+
*Please note this class session runs August to December.
Be part of our first annual Christmas Show at the West Ashley High School Auditorium on December 8th!
By registering for this class, you agree to participate in our holiday production- A Charleston Christmas, which features dancers of all ages performing to festive music in our unique tale of a Charleston Christmas.
Required Attire: Form Fitting Clothing, Hair pulled back, and bring jazz, tap, and ballet shoes (if you have them).
Duration: 30 minutes
Jumps and Turns
Intermediate & Advanced
Our advanced Jumps and Turns class is designed for dancers who want to enhance their ability to perform dynamic jumps and precise turns. This class focuses on developing the technical skills, strength, and control needed to execute these elements with confidence and artistry. *These classes will not perform in the Year End Performance and will not learn or rehearse choreography.
Required Attire: Jazz shoes, Form Fitting Clothing, Hair pulled back.
Duration: 45 minutes