Rochester School of Dance

Dance Classes

Experience quality dance training in a welcoming environment. Discover the classes we offer below:

For technique & grace

Ballet Lessons

The Rochester School of Dance curriculum emphasizes the classical ballet technique based upon the Russian tradition of training called the Vaganova Method; this method involves the systematic and progressive study of all ballet movements by breaking them down into their separate elements.

Students are also introduced to other styles to help enrich their education and prepare them for the current dance trends used in today’s professional dance world.

Intermediate and Advanced Classes are 1 ½ hours in length and incorporate a full barre, stretches, center adagio, petit allegro and grand allegro.

We also offer beginning ballet lessons for children aged 3-8, to teach basic dance skills and elementary steps in a fun environment. Younger beginning classes start at 45 minutes and progress to a longer class as their attention and skills progress. Click the link below to see the progression of ballet classes.

For precision & poise

Pointe

When students have achieved the necessary strength thanks to their ballet training, they can progress to build their skills en pointe.

Pointe classes follow ballet technique classes and are ½ hr – 1 hour in length. Students usually commence pointe training after the age of 11.

Please note: Promotion to Pointe is not automatic. It is added after the instructor’s careful consideration of the determining factors.

For self-expression & fun

Jazz

One of the most popular and well-known forms of dance. In a Jazz class, the dancers learn how to isolate body parts, move in both fluid and sharp ways, gain strength and flexibility, conditioning technique and progressions including kicks, leaps and turns and appreciate a wide variety of music.

Beginner Jazz – ages 6-8
Beginner Jazz – ages 9-12
Intermediate Jazz – ages 10-12
Advanced Jazz – ages 12+

Tumble and flip

Acro Dance

The fusion of classic dance technique and the precision and athleticism of acrobatic elements.

Defined by unique choreography, acro dancers seamlessly blend musicality, emotional expression, line and extension with acrobatic movements in a dance context.

This challenging style requires training in both dance and acrobatic elements. Acro technique includes balancing, limbering, tumbling and partnering, based in flexibility, contortion and strength.

Acro – ages 4-7
Acro – ages 8-12
Acro – Teen

Coordination & showmanship

Tap

Made popular during the 20th Century, this rhythmic dance style is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. The sound is made by shoes that have a metal “tap” on the heel and toe. Different brands of shoes sometimes differ in the way they sound. Learning tap dancing is ideal for those hoping for a career in musical theatre.

Beginner Tap – ages 4 – 8
Intermediate Tap – ages 9 – 12
Advanced Tap – ages 13+

Free and flowing

Contemporary

Contemporary dance takes inspiration from any number of other dance genres or movement. Known for its emphasis on strong torso and legwork, contract and release, fall and recovery and floor work. It is also known for unpredictable and disordered changes in speed and rhythm throughout the dance.

Beginner/Intermediate Contemporary – ages 11-13
Advanced Contemporary – ages 13+

Telling stories through dance

Lyrical

This style bridges the gap between jazz and ballet, offering a fluid movement style and encouraging creative thinking.

This form of dance often shares emotive storylines, encouraging students to express themselves through movements.

While it is less ‘rigid’ than ballet, lyrical still requires students to build a strong technical foundation. It often uses a piece of music and unconventional movements to tell a meaningful story.

Beginner Lyrical – ages 8 – 12
Intermediate Lyrical – ages 11 – 14
Advanced Lyrical – ages 13+

Step up

Men’s Class

Men’s Class focuses on refining the technique and strength required for male dancers, emphasizing jumps, turns, and athleticism tailored to their unique physique and performance style.

Master the essentials

Partnering

Partnering is the art of dance collaboration where two or more dancers work together to create synchronized movements, lifts, and dynamic sequences, requiring trust, communication, and precise coordination between partners.

Learn the highly important skill of working with a partner on the dance floor.

For fitness & strength

Adult Classes

For recreational students interested in learning to dance using the correct technique.

These classes are an enjoyable way to study dance, shape up and relieve everyday stress.

Start today for free

We Invite you to Join a Trial Class

Drop by to get to know our teachers and students. We look forward to meeting you and your child.