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Creative Dance
Age-appropriate basic dance concepts within the context of creative movement. Children use their imaginations to develop a sense of rhythm, music awareness and interpretation. A special first dance experience for the younger child.
Age: 4-6 years
Pre-Ballet
Introductory ballet for younger children. Students who are 5 1/2 years old and who have had at least 2 prior consecutive sessions of Pre-Ballet may enroll in the Thursday Beginning I class. They should also have the instructor’s recommendation before doing so.
Age: 4-5 years
Ballet
A classical dance form promoting grace, flexibility, balance and alignment. Pre-Ballet is not a pre-requisite for Ballet Beginning I if children are 6 years and older. Beginning students who are 10-11 years old should register in Ballet #4. Ballet #5 is for the more experienced student of 12 years and up.
Youth: Age 6 years and up.
Teen/Adult: Age 12 years and up.
Tap & Jazz
This class swings! First explore the basics
of jazz, learning the energized moves,
turns and steps. Then make music using
your feet as rhythm instruments. Tap shoes are great, but other hard-soled
shoes work fine. Jazz (or soft-soled) shoes
are recommended for the jazz portion of
the class.
Age: 7-11 years
Ballroom Dance
Come with a partner and enhance your
skills on the dance floor! Dances such as
the waltz, swing, tango and foxtrot are
taught in the international style. Hardsoled
shoes are required.
Beledi Dance
A dynamic and popular dance of the Middle East (“belly” dance or oriental dance.) A veil of sheer fabric (3 yards x 45”) is required. Finger cymbals are used by students in level III and IV.
Age: 16 years and up
Jazz & Hip-Hop
Feel the beat! Learn the isolations, turns and step combinations of traditional jazz technique along with current hip-hop moves that make the dance fun, highenergy and up-to-date. Jazz (or softsoled) shoes or bare feet are required.
Dance-Play Group
For mothers and children (infants
through 5 years). This new class is a special
opportunity for family fun, sharing
and enjoying the company of others. It is
about movement and play using props
and different dance styles. One or two
children may be brought to class.
Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement®
The goal of Feldenkrais Awareness through Movement® lessons is to enable students to move more comfortably in their daily activities. Gentle exercises, with their focus on sensory awareness, teach students how to release habitual patterns of movement and muscular tension. Class participants discover how to function in a fluid efficient manner in any activity, from running and vigorous sports to breathing, standing and walking. The techniques can frequently help in reducing stress, preventing strain and injury, and relieving chronic pain. The YMCA offers workshops whose topics include, but are not limited to, Improving Your Posture, Better Breathing, and Reducing Back and Shoulder Tension. The classes are taught by a certified Feldenkrais® practitioner.
Messy Me
These classes for parents and children ages 18 months to 4 years are designed to explore texture, color, and various art mediums. Adults and little ones will play in goop, frozen paint, playdough and more. Everyone should plan to dress for mess and bring a smock or old T-shirt to cover up. Classes end with play and songs.
Wee Ones Drama and Dance
One of Ann Arbor's dance/music educators shares her love of drama, music and dance in this class for 2-3 year olds and parents. We "act out" stories that are read, sing songs, and dance a bit. So everyone should come in comfortable clothes, prepared to move.
Fun with Theater
Students will develop their creativity, acting, speaking and movement skills in an enjoyable and supportive setting. Special activities, short scripts, and games will help class members explore the ins and outs of the stage and learn essential theater lessons.
Age: 7-11 years
Theater Performance
This class will focus on producing a short play with simple scenic and costuming design included. Students should have had some experience in the Fun with Theater class or some theater background.
Age: 8-14 years
Beginner Guitar
In this class students are introduced to the art of playing the guitar. Elements of the class include holding and strumming the guitar, learning string names and tuning techniques, and simple song instruction. Students leave the class able to play a variety of new and fun songs. Students need to have a guitar and must attend the first class of each session to learn the initial basics.
Age: 7-15 years
Crochet with Coleen
Students in the crochet class can make any project they choose (scarf, afghan, potholder, hat, shawl, etc.). A variety of project patterns are provided, basic skills are taught for beginners, and intermediate or advanced skills are added for those who already know how to crochet. Yarn and a standard crochet hook are made available for students to practice the basics. During the first week or two students receive help in selecting a project, determining the type and amount of yarn needed, and choosing the place to purchase it. This is a fun and sociable class for students ages 12 and up.
Dance/Arts Workshops
The Ann Arbor YMCA offers a variety of dance and art workshops each session. These enrichment classes allow students to try something new and expand their areas of knowledge and interest. Such workshops have included An Introduction to Calligraphy, Beginner Basketweaving, Salsa Dance, NIA Fitness, Bollywood Bhangra, and more. Students are encouraged to refer to our program guide each session to see what new and interesting workshops have been added.