Classes

Ballet

A stylized, formal type of performance dancing, Ballet aims to create graceful patterns and involves rigorous training. It is the fundamental technique for all classes. Dancers at Maxine Patterson School of Dance are strongly encouraged to take Ballet with other techniques.

Pointe

Pointe is an extension of ballet. It requires solid, consistent, and current ballet training coupled with strength in the legs and the core of the dancer's body. A dancer must have at least 3 years of ballet training several days a week to do Pointe.

Tap

Movements of tap are concentrated in your feet and ankles. Wearing shoes with metal taps, you tap out the rhythm of the music you are dancing to. Arms, head and hands are important but complementary to the actions of the feet.

Jazz

Style is angular and disjointed. It employs hip isolations, shoulder shrugs and head rolls. Dance movements are technical and full-bodied; the use of flexibility is implemented in high kicks and large leaps. Students will learn this technique and will develop proper ways of emotionally expressing themselves through dance. Funk, Theatrical, Lyrical, Liturgical and African styles of dance can all be found in Jazz classes. Jazz students must study ballet as well.

Lyrical

​Concentrates with expressing a dancer's emotions. This style of dance uses technical elements of ballet, jazz and modern. Dancers of Maxine Patterson of School must be attending ballet in order to enroll in this class.

Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. Students must be enrolled in ballet class in order to enroll in a contemporary class.

Hip Hop

A form of street dance, the newest trend in jazz dance. Classes emphasize co-ordination, creativity and rhythm in an atmosphere of "moving to the beat". Ages 6 and older may enroll in this class.

Acro/Tumbling

Acrobatics uses strength and flexibility to perform gymnastic-based tricks, It teaches flexibility, balance, strength, and coordination.

* Inform instructor of any injuries that prevent you from dancing full out during class time.

Studio Required Dress Code

                     Why a dress code?

Dancers create lines and shapes with their bodies. In order for instructors to see the created lines and the correct use of muscle, leotard and tights are the required attire to wear for all classes.

Form fitting attire in black (ie, jazz pants, boy cut shorts with tights, leotards, etc) can be worn for tap, jazz, and lyrical classes.

Adhere to the dress code. If students are not properly dressed for dance class, they may have to observe class for that day.

Hair must be pulled away from the face during dance class to prevent distractions.

No jewelry is allowed in dance class.

Dress the Part of a Dancer

                   Dance Attire:

                   Ballet/Pointe

• Students wear pink ballet slippers with elastic.
• Students must also wear pink tights & black leotard for ballet/pointe classes.

Tap

• Students wear black buckle tap shoes (now required for all classes). Black lace up tap shoes are required for advanced classes. Please no black patent leather tap shoes.
• Students must also wear pink or tan tights with any color leotard for tap classes.

Jazz

• Students wear black slip on jazz shoes.
• Students must also wear pink or tan tights with any color leotard for jazz classes.

Lyrical

• Students wear lyrical shoes or barefoot.
• Students must also wear convertible tan tights with any color leotard for lyrical classes.

Tights worn to class must be in good condition, no runs or holes.  

                    Please note:

Dress code will be

 enforced by instructors.

Please purchase all dance shoes at 

The Dance Connection, Hwy. 80, Pooler.

• Smoking is not permitted in the studio or outside on our property.

• Please remain quiet in the studio in order to maintain a disciplined environment.

• There will be no observing of classes unless approved by Mrs. Patterson.

• Visitors will be welcome during last week of classes before Winter Break. Due to Covid-19 Visitor's Week is suspended until further notice.

• If class is cancelled due to weather or an emergency, a make-up class will be

  scheduled. Please check website for updates. Make-up classes are allowed because of illness, but you must call to arrange for time and day.

• Dancers must remain in the studio after their class is dismissed.

  No dancer will be allowed outside the studio unless their parent/guardian is present to pick them up from class.

• There will be a fee of $5 per 15 minutes or any part of 15 minutes that a parent is late picking up a child. Please make sure to pick your child up on time.

• No parents, guardians, siblings are allowed in the studio during classes. If a family member is from out of town and wishes to observe class, permission must be obtained ahead of time.

• Cell phones are not allowed in the studio. We are not responsible for cell phone loss. They will be taken away if seen. We have a phone which students may use.