Class Sizes

We keep our dance classes small so that each student receives the quality instruction and the individual attention they deserve (as well as their own personal space!), especially for our children's dance classes. We have a class cap-off of 8 per class for small children and 12 adult students per class. If you want to enroll in a class it is better to do it sooner rather than later to ensure that you reserve your place in the class!

Class Prices                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Prices are listed at the end of each class description below. Small child classes (Creative Movement, Creative Music, Pre-Ballet) as well as all adult classes are paid by pre-paid punch cards. This allows you to miss a class if needed and not lose your monthly tuition! All other classes are a monthly tuition which is due at the first class of the month. Keep in mind that we offer a multi-class and multi-family member discount which is not reflected in the prices listed below. The more classes (or family members) taken, the larger the discount is on the overall tuition due. For more information on our discounts please call or mail AAPAC. All NEW students are required to pay a one-time registration fee of $15.                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Class Placement                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Most classes are separated by age group and ability. You or your child may be required to take an "adjudication class" to be placed correctly-- which may or may not be with your age group. Or if the student is on the "cusp" we may suggest taking a few private lessons to be caught up so that they can be moved into their age group. Additionally it is always at the instructor and/or directors discresion for students to move up to the next level. Keep in mind that some students or classes may stay in the same level for more than one year due to this. When the instructor feels they are ready to move up, they will graduate the student to the next level. AAPAC gives quarterly student evaluations so that parents are updated on the students progress. Parents are welcome to watch the last class of every month as well.

Studio Space                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

We are proud to have one of the largest dance studio spaces in the Willamette Valley! We have 3,000 square feet, which includes two studio rooms (over 1,000 sq. ft each), a private lesson room, a lobby with a reception and boutique area as well as separate mens and womens restrooms. We even have storage onsite for all of our costumes and props! Here are some pictures of Studio A, our main dance space. Although, from time to time we do use Studio B for dance as well. Though it is usually used for drama and music lessons, it's large open space works well for dance too!

Dance Classes Available  

Ballet 

The photos above are courtesy of White Rabbit Photography. Students Levels L-R: Pre-Ballet, Primary, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4 and Grade 5 ballet.

Creative Movement                                                                                                                                                                     

For ages 3 1/2 to 5. There is a class for boys and a class for girls. 30 minute class, once a week. Open enrollment depending on class size availability. This class is an introduction to dance using creativity, familiar shapes and images along with imagination to learn musicality, increase coordination, introduce class structure, etiquette and social skills. Although it is structured learning, it does not teach "ballet" technique or terminology. Punch cards only: $36 for a 4 class card. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.  

Pre-Ballet                                                                                                                                                                                  

For ages 5 to 6. 45 minute class, once a week. Pre-ballet is an introduction to dance with a little more structured approach than in Creative Movement class. It begins to teach some simple ballet vocabulary, the positions of the arms and feet and beginning of basic ballet steps while keeping a fun and retaining a creative approach to dance. Punch cards only: $36 for a 4 class card.  New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Primary Ballet                                                                                                                                                                            

For ages 6 to 7. 1 hour class, once a week (not currently scheduled for spring). This beginners ballet class focuses on an expanding on the introction to ballet technique and terminology, while progressing the basic ballet steps and classical ballet structure as well as the standard in ballet etiquette (no talking, no sitting, etc). Punch cards only: $40 for a 4 class tuition. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Ballet 1                                                                                                                                                                                    

For ages 7 to 9. 1 hour class, once a week. For students who are either beginners (those moving up from Primary level), or those in their second year of ballet. Class focuses and expands on learning ballet vocabulary, body control, technique and the ability to memorize exercizes and combinations. Monthly tuition is $40. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Ballet 2                                                                                                                                                                                    

For ages 8 to 11. 1 hour class, twice a week. No previous experience is required, although it is an increased difficulty in steps, combinations and technique in comparison to ballet level 1 and therefore some dance experiece is recommended. Monthly tuition is $72. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Ballet 3                                                                                                                                                                                

For ages 11 to teen. 1 hour class, twice a week. Some dance experience is required. This class has an elementary to pre-intermediate level of difficulty in steps, combinations, and technique. If the students technique qualifies, this is also the first level that is eligible to be on pointe. Monthly tuition is $75.  New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Ballet 4 (Pre-Intermediate Level)                                                                                                                                                                                 

For ages 12 to teen. 1 hour class, 2-3 times a week (not currently scheduled). Two or more years of dance required. Intermediate level of difficulty. If pre-qualified, students practice pointe technique the last portion of the class. Monthly tuition is $135. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Ballet 5 (Intermediate Level)                                                                                                                                                                                   

For ages 12 to teen. 1 hour class, 3 or 4 times a week. Three or more years of dance required. Intermediate/Advanced level of difficulty. Focuses on pre-professional advancement. Pointe technique is practiced and advances. Monthly tuition is $150. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Pointe Technique 1                                                                                                                                                                   

By audition only. 30 minutes once a week. This class may be their only pointe during the week or in addition to pointe done during ballet class, depending on the teacher's recommendation. Class includes pointe work at the barre and center (depending on strength and ability) with focus on discipline of correct technique and execution of steps. Level 1 is for beginning pointe work such as releve's, echappe's, retire' passe's, pique's, bourree's and more. Monthly Tuition is included as part of ballet levels 4 and 5. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Jazz, Tap & Theatre Dance

The photos above are courtesy of White Rabbit Photography. Levels of students L-R are: Jazz 2, Jazz/Hip-Hop 3, Adult Tap, and Theatre Dance.

Jazz 1 (Beginning)                                                                                                                                                   

For ages 7 to 11. 1 hour class, once a week. This class teaches a mix of dance styles such as Classic Jazz, American Theatre Dance and some street jazz. A very fun, up-beat class set to great popular music for the high energy kid! Monthly tuition is $40. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Jazz 2 (Intermediate)                                                                                                                                                               

For ages 8 to 12. 1 hour class, once or twice a week. A variety of dance styles such as Classic Jazz, American Theatre Dance, Street Jazz and Lyrical Jazz. Level 2 is for the coordinated new student or second year student. Elementary to pre-intermediate level of difficulty. Another high energy, super fun, up-beat dance class! Monthly tuition is $40. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Jazz 3 (Intermediate/Advanced)                                                                                                                                                                        

For ages teen-adult. 1 hour class, once or twice a week. Have fun learning dance moves while you sweat!  A variety of dance styles such as Classic Jazz, Modern Jazz, Lyrical and Street Jazz. Tons of fun for teens and adults! No experience required, although some dance experience is helpful. Monthly tuition of $40 for teenagers, punchcards only for adults (various class amounts available). New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Tap for Kids                                                                                                                                                                          

For Ages 8-12. Beginning to Intermediate level of difficulty. This is a fun way to get the heart rate going while increasing your coordination and musicality! No Experience required. Monthly tuition of $40. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Theatre Dance                                                                                                                                                                          

For ages 11- teen. 1 hour class, once a week. This class is designed for drama students, or people with little-to-no dance experience, or anyone who just loves musical theatre! This class teaches dance fundamentals in the style of Broadway and American Theatre Dance commonly used in musicals. No experience required! Boys and Girls welcome! This class is HIGHLY recommended for any drama student who wants to be in musicals. Be ahead of the game and learn to dance and pick up choreography! Monthly tuition of $40. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

More Adult Classes

The photos above are courtesy of White Rabbit Photography. Levels of students L-R are: Belly Dancing 1, Belly Dancing 2, Belly Dancing 3 and Modern 2. 

Adult Beginners Ballet                                                                                                                                                             

For ages teen to adult. 1 hour class, once a week. This class is for the mature student or adult who has little-to-no ballet experience, or has experience but hasn't taken classes in a long time and wants to get back into it for fun and exercise. Teaches ballet at a beginners-intermediate level, with focus on combinations for coordination, stretching for flexibility, and technique for strength. No pointe in this class. Monthly tuition of $40 for teens. Punch cards only for adults (4 classes for $40, 5 classes for $50 or 10 classes for $90). New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Ballroom Dancing

For ages teen-adult. 1 hour class, once a week for 5 weeks. These classes, taught by Emily Hanson-Gifford, is a five-week workshop. Each session may include any of the following styles of ballroom, social dancing: waltz, cha cha, rumba, tango, fox trot, or salsa. The class is geared towards beginners, but intermediate level dancers can benefit from learning an increased level of difficulty in techniques or various styles taught. No experience or partner required. Workshop tuition total is $50 per person for the entire workshop. Previously purchased punch cards may also be used, but there is no refund for missed classes.  New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Belly Dancing 1, 2 & 3                                                                                                                                                             

For ages teen-adult. These classes, taught by Emily Hanson-Gifford, teach a Middle Eastern style of belly dancing as well as other tribal and ethnic steps and moves. These are really fun (and addictive!) ways to increase your coordination, strength and flexibility. Once you've shimmied, you can't stop! Level 1 is for the absolute beginner; level 2 is for the intermediate, 3 is for more advanced; both 2 and 3 required instructors approval. See Emily or Marta for details. Punch cards only for adults (4 classes for $40, 5 classes for $50 or 10 classes for $90). New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Modern 1 & 2                                                                                                                                                                          

For ages teen to adult. Modern dance is a very grounded style that is danced barefoot. Although it was started by rebelious ballet dancers who decided to ditch the classical ballet technique along with the shoes, it's a form of free movement combined with contemporary technique. It builds strength, coordination and flexibility while freely expressing youreslf through dance. This class is a mix of Martha Graham and Lester Horton styles of Modern dance technique, for beginners to intermediate level of difficulty. Level 1 is for the absolute beginner and level 2 is for the intermediate/advanced level. (Don't be confused by the name; this is NOT Hip-Hop or Club dancing!) Monthly tuition of $40 for teens. Punch cards only for adults (4 classes for $40, 5 classes for $50 or 10 classes for $90). New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Conditioning

For ages teen to adult. Taught by Marta Stovin. Our conditioning class is a combination of Pilates (on the balance ball and floor mat series), a ballet "floor barre" series, stretching and yoga. It focuses on breathing, core strength, lengthening and strengthening the muscles, and balancing the body. It's great for dancers and non-dancers alike! You will definately "feel the burn" after this class. We do have some balance balls and yoga mats available to borrow, but depending on class size it may be a good idea to purchase your own and bring them to class. Monthly tuition of $40 for teens. Punch cards only for adults (4 classes for $40, 5 classes for $50 or 10 classes for $90). New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.  

Drama

The photos above are courtesy of White Rabbit Photography.

*Please note that we currrently have a class cap-off enrollment number of 25 students per drama class, or less depending on the show.

Creative Theatre Classes

For ages 4-7. One 30 minute class once a week. No experience required! Class size is limited to 8 children, so early enrollment is suggested. Children who love to express themselves creatively and use their imagination will LOVE this class! Students will enjoy learning basics in theatre through fun drama games and exercises perfect for this age group. We teach children how to use their bodies and voices to create characters, animals, and objects, while also learning speaking skills, confidence and social skills. This is a fun, structured class for any budding performer!

Intro to Theatre Classes                                                                                                                                                            

For ages 8-11. One hour class once a week. No experience or audition is required; all are accepted into this program (but must be able to read.) This class will perform their own short play or skits in the fall terms if not in the main play. The class will have the opportunity to have stage-time as an "extra" or in a chorus role for all musical performances in the spring. This class (or equivalent experience) is a pre-requisite for Intermediate and Advanced Drama classes at AAPAC. It teaches many valuable theatre techniques such as stage directions, improvisation, body language, character building, public speaking and projection, stage blocking, theatre ettiquete and much more. Much of this is taught through theatre games and skits during class time, as well as supporting roles in the advanced plays or musicals. This is a great introduction to acting class for the "budding actor/actress" who lives for the spotlight! Monthly tuition of $40. A script/score fee of $15 is due upon registration; all students get to keep scripts/scores.

Intermediate Drama                                                                                                                                                                 

For ages 10-16. One, 1 hour class a week with the Advanced drama students. Directors placement only. Must have taken Intro to Theatre or audition with director and produce previous theatre experience. Drama students will continue progress in learning and perfecting techniques such as auditioning, memorization skills, public speaking, stage blocking, character building, body language, timing, cues, stage crafts, costuming, stage make-up, performing and professional theatre ettiquete. The class learns and memorizes a play that they perform for the public at the end of the program. They perform one drama play per term, with the exception of one musical per year in spring term that requires 20 weeks of rehearsals instead of 14 weeks. No audition is required if you are a returning AAPAC student. This program has a huge success and has a 95% student return-rate because it is so much fun! The kids have a blast, learn a lot about theatre, teamwork, and make great friends and memories. Monthly tuition of $40. A script/score fee of $15 is due upon registration, which students may keep.

Advanced Drama Program                                                                                                                                                       

For ages 12-18. Two, 1 hour classes a week. Directors placement only. Must have taken Intermediate drama class or audition with director and produce previous theatre experience with recomendations. Drama students will advance in learning and perfecting techniques such as auditioning, memorization skills, public speaking, stage blocking, character building, comedy, drama, body language, timing, cues, stage crafts, costuming, stage make-up, performing and professional theatre ettiquete. The class learns and memorizes a play that they perform for the public at the end of the program. We do one musical per year that requires 20 weeks of rehearsals instead of 14 weeks. This program has a huge success and has a 95% student return-rate because it is so much fun! The kids have a blast, learn a lot about theatre, teamwork, and make great friends and memories. Monthly tuition of $75. A script/score fee of $15 is due upon registration.

Costuming

For ages 10 and up. Starting Summer 2010. 1 hour class once a week (summer only).  Learn basic costuming skills such as hand and machine sewing, simple crafting techniques such as fabric glue, hot glue, recycling common attire for costuming, what to look for in thrift store shopping, taking common household items and making them into costumes and much more! Costuming is a very handy skill to know as an actor or actress; learn how to think creatively and work with a small or non-existant budget!

Music

Kindermusic                                                                                                                                                 

For ages 3 1/2 - 6. One half-hour class, once a week. Children love music, and what better time to introduce them to music then at this age! Kids will get to learn fun songs where they can experience using different small percussive instruments, show-and-tell of bigger instruments and learn fun music games that encourage them to explore music from a vocal and instrumental side. Taught by Corin Parker. Punch Cards only; $36 for a 4 class punch card. New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Children's Choir

For ages 7-11. This is a 45 minute class, once a week. Students of this class will learn basic music theory such as sight reading, scales, rhythms, developing a musical ear, projection, proper tone, singing techniques and more while learning songs that are fun and enjoyable. Choir students will have an opportunity to sing in the chorus of our musical performances. This class is highly recommended for the budding singer or for any performer wishing to improve their musical performance quality. Taught by Corin Parker. Monthly tuition of $40. A score fee of $15 is due upon registration (students get to keep music).

Drumming 1                                                                                                                                                                          

Level 1 drumming. For ages 8-adult. This class is taught by instructor Tony Gifford, an experienced drummer and percussionist. The inspiration for this class is a combination of STOMP and the amazing street musicians Mrs. Stovin saw so many times while living in NYC. The idea is to bring your own empty bucket (something like a detergent bucket) and drum sticks. This is an in-expensive way to learn drumming, percussion techniques, time signature, and simple music theory. We do have a limited supply of real drums onsite for use (please call AAPAC for availability). You may bring your own hand drum if you have one, but it's not required. If you don't already have a drum, once you get addicted to it, then you won't feel bad about purchasing a REAL drum! This will be a lot of fun and we often are requested to have the drummers perform publicly! Monthly tuition of $40 for kids. Punch cards only for adults (4 classes for $40, 5 classes for $50 or 10 classes for $90). New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.

Drumming 2                                                                                                                                                                             

For ages 8-adult. Students must have taken Botta-Boom as a prerequisite or have permission from the instructor to join this class, as it is at an intermediate level. Students may continue to learn on a bucket, or they may either bring in thier own hand drum, or reserve one of the schools drums for class (must reserve at registration, as there is a limited supply). Students will continue to learn and increase the difficulty of rhythms and theory. Taught by Tony Gifford. Monthly tuition of $40 for kids. Punch cards only for adults (4 classes for $40, 5 classes for $50 or 10 classes for $90). New students require a one time additional fee of $15 at registration.