The Good Samaritan Dance Academy offers students the chance to build technique in a variety of styles for dancers of all ages.
We meet in a beautifully appointed dance studio as well as several other spaces here at the church. In addition to pursuing excellence in our dance, we are always pointing students to our creator God, the reason we dance. All skill levels are welcome.
Children's Division
Our Children’s Division introduces our youngest students to a love of dance, rooted in our love for Jesus! Dance training teaches musicality, motor skills, exercise, creativity, and teamwork, all in a safe, fun, and encouraging environment.
Preschool Dance (ages 3-5)
An introduction to dance for ages 3-5, including basic ballet terminology, stretches, imaginative play, and lots of creativity.
Mini Hip Hop (ages 4-8)
A high-energy class for ages 4-8, set to upbeat Christian music. A particular favorite for boys!
Elementary Ballet (ages 5-8)
Our first ballet technique class, for ages 5-8, is the bridge between the creative movement of early childhood and the discipline of ballet, balancing early technique development with fun games and creativity.
Junior Division
Our Junior Division (typically ages 8+ or 9+) lays the foundation of solid ballet technique, with a focus on core strength, turnout, extensions, musicality, and the retention and execution of longer combinations. Promotion is by ability, not age, for all Junior and Senior Division classes.
Intermediate Ballet (ages 9-13)
A focused, foundational ballet technique class for ages 9-13. The class includes a full ballet barre, focusing on developing stamina, posture, extension, and turnout, as we strive for the light, fluid movements of ballet. Intermediate Ballet students may add Ballet I or Open Ballet in addition to their Intermediate Ballet class (not in substitution).
Musical Theater (ages 8+)
This class draws from the wide range of styles used in theater, primarily jazz, lyrical and contemporary, with a touch of hip hop and folk. This engaging class builds dynamic and precise movement, expressing story and dramatic emotion.
Hip Hop (ages 8+)
Our most upbeat class! Set to high-energy Christian music, let everything that has rhythm praise the Lord!
Senior Division
In both the studio and in frequent performance opportunities, our Senior Division teens and adults improve technique and build artistry, musicality, and stamina while practicing dance as a form of worship of our triune God.
Ballet I, II, III, and Pointe
Classical Ballet technique classes with full ballet barre as we develop grace, speed, flexibility, and turnout. Like many American studios we borrow heavily from the Vaganova syllabus, but also use some SAB and Cecchetti. Ages 12-18 enrolled in ballet should take two classes a week minimum. Those en pointe are required to take two ballet classes per week in addition to their pointe class(es).
Adult Open Ballet (all skill levels welcome)
This low-impact class builds strength, stability, and flexibility, focusing more on barre than floorwork. We welcome dancers of all ages and skill levels, including dancers who want to come for exercise and fellowship but no longer perform.
Conditioning
This class improves core stability, flexibility, and alignment, particularly as applies to ballet, lyrical, and modern technique.
Modern I & II
Drawing from the technique of Martha Graham, Isadora Duncan, Jose Limone, Lester Horton, and our own founder Valerie Henry, this class uses floorwork and center exercises to develop grounded balance, contractions, and flexibility. Modern is often central to our Dance Choir repertoire pieces with themes of repentance, grief, and sorrow. Modern II is by invitation.
Dance Choir / Repertoire Rehearsal
Our rehearsal class for the Dance Choir, where we learn a range of both new and existing pieces, for performance in Sunday morning services and other events.
