DANCE
BALLET, CONTEMPORARY, HIP HOP, JAZZ, TAP & AERIAL
At MusicalArts, our focus is the learning process and building strong technique. Dance builds confidence and self esteem to support the expressive artistic dancer. Young child classes are nurturing and engaging to set the tone for future learning. Students are appropriately challenged to master new skills and techniques with each level. The artistry and expression are paramount in student learning. Our ultimate goal is to nurture a life long love of dance and creative expression in every student.
Not sure what level to sign up for? We will be happy to help place your child in an appropriate class. For students who have had more extensive dance training, we will set up a placement class to ensure students are in the appropriate class. To get started, call the school at 603-778-4862!
UNIVERSITY TRAINED INSTRUCTORS
Our highly qualified faculty are university trained teachers and performers. More importantly, they are passionate about teaching and their students.
AGES 3 AND UP, BEGINNER TO ADVANCED
From age three through adult, students of all abilities have the flexibility to grow within our program.
INVITING DANCE STUDIOS & WAITING AREA
Our schools have large windows with natural light, providing a great environment for learning. State of the art professional dance floors reduce injury and fatigue. Parents can relax in our comfortable waiting area, which includes free Wi-Fi internet access.
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
Martha Graham
UNDER 6 CLASSES
BALLET/TAP COMBOS
All of our Ballet/Tap Combo classes are designed for new dancers, to get an introduction to dance in an age appropriate setting. Classes are structured to allow an engaging experience, where dancers can truly learn a love for dance in a safe, fun, nurturing, and creative environment. As classes progress throughout the year, we begin to strengthen the routine and organization of a typical dance lesson.
DRESS CODE: leotard, skirt & tights OR t‐shirt & pants; ballet shoes, black tap shoes
BALLET
Learn the graceful art of Ballet. Develop precision, poise, through the formalized steps and intricate flowing movement. Each class includes barre exercises, center floor work, and across-the-floor combinations.
BEGINNER BALLET
Students will begin their ballet education with beginning ballet, meeting once a week.
DRESS CODE: light blue leotard & pink tights OR white t‐shirt & black pants; pink or black ballet shoes
INTERMEDIATE BALLET
The next level in our ballet program, students meet twice a week. Instructor recommendation/placement.
DRESS CODE: maroon or black leotard & pink tights OR white t‐shirt & black pants; pink or black ballet shoes
ADVANCED BALLET
The third level in our ballet program, students meet twice a week and class is accompanied by a live pianist.
DRESS CODE: black leotard & pink tights OR white t‐shirt & black pants; pink or black ballet shoes
PRE-POINTE/POINTE
Instructor recommendation only, students will practice pointe following advanced ballet, twice a week.
CONTEMPORARY
Learn this expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical, urban and ballet. Popular themes and trends are explored in this offering.
COMPANY
Invitation only class, designed to challenge students and increase skill, while gaining further opportunities to perform. Company is an important step for students, challenging them both creatively and technically. It allows a time for camaraderie, and sets the bar higher for growing dancers. Company Dancers perform at a variety of public events throughout the year!
HIP HOP
Hip Hop is an energetic street/commercial style of dance, set to hip hop and/or pop music. Classes encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements.
DRESS CODE: any color tee shirt or leotard, athletic or dance pants or capris, sneakers
AERIAL
Learn the art of fabric dancing and movement! Class placement beyond intro by instructors. Using Aerial silks, students learn to climb, wrap, twist, bend and drop. Aerial Conditioning as an additional class is strongly recommended, not required.
DRESS CODE: comfortable fitted clothing (leotard and capris, yoga pants or footless tights, t-shirt)
AERIAL INTRO
For students taking Aerial Silks for the first time.
AERIAL BEGINNER
By instructor placement.
AERIAL ADVANCED
By instructor placement.
AERIAL CONDITIONING
Conditioning is encouraged for all aerial students in addition to their weekly aerial class. Conditioning meets weekly, where students work on strengthening and flexibility exercises to help them advance their skills.
COMBO CLASSES
These classes are designed for the dancer who wants to try a little bit of everything, where students will spend equal time weekly in ballet, tap and jazz!
DRESS CODE: leotard, tights, black jazz pants or capris, t‐shirt, pants, black jazz shoes & tap shoes
BALLET/TAP/JAZZ COMBOS
Intro level is a great start for those who have some previous experience in ballet, tap or jazz.
BALLET/TAP/JAZZ CONTINUING
By instructor placement.
ADULT CLASSES
This class is for the adult who used to dance, is dancing for the first time, or is just looking for a new hobby! Strengthen coordination, flexibility, core muscles and more in either of these classes offered once a week.
DANCE FACULTY
ALEXIS BROWN
DANCE/AERIAL INSTRUCTOR
Alexis has taught and performed both locally and internationally. Originally from the Greater Boston area, she received her early training at the Centre for Performing Arts in Acton, MA and the International Dance Project in Concord, MA studying ballet, modern, and jazz. At Marlboro College in Vermont she focused her education on Cultural History and Dance Education expanding her pedagogical, anatomical, historical, and philosophical training as well as technique. After college she performed for many years with the internationally diverse Bermuda Civic Ballet, BalletRox in Boston (now Tony Williams Ballet), and Ballet New England (formerly of Portsmouth, NH), as well as in various community theatre and concert performances throughout the Boston area. Her teaching returned her to Bermuda where she taught at the Bermuda School of Russian Ballet, as well as at the International Dance Project, Deborah Mason School of Dance in Cambridge, Brattleboro School of Dance in Vermont, Ballet New England, Alexander Children’s Theatre in Concord, MA, and numerous independent lessons throughout New England.
SHANNON HAFEY
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Shannon is a dance lover with experience in a variety of styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. She danced as a student at Musical Arts for four years and had the opportunity to dance as Alice in Alice in Wonderland and as Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. She attended Bridgewater State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology. Throughout her time in college, she took a number of dance classes and served on the executive board of her college's dance team where she was able to choreograph for and perform at events around campus. Shannon loves to teach and share her love for dance. She's so excited to be joining the Musical Arts team!
MACKENZE RYAN
AERIAL INSTRUCTOR
MacKenze has been doing Aerial Silks for 8 years! Mackenze started as a student and shortly after, started teaching children the art of silks. MacKenze attended school in Vermont at New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) to get her teaching certificates in Aerial Silks through Nimble Arts. She has received certifications in Intro to Teaching Aerials, Foundation Level Teaching Training, and Intermediate Level Teaching Training. She continues to take classes to learn new and exciting tricks that she can teach to the students!
TARYN HERMAN
OWNER & DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Taryn has been dancing since the age of three, and teaching and choreographing to people of all ages and skill levels for well over a decade. With a BA in Musical Theatre Performance from Columbia College Chicago, and an Associates in Early Childhood Education through Pace University, teaching in an arts setting allows Taryn to serve in both of her passions—arts and working with young people. Along with dance education, Taryn also finds herself directing and choreographing for theatre, most recently working at Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield, NH.
