Dance Classes2024-2025
Dance Classes
2024-2025
2024/2025 classes begin Tuesday, Sep. 5th and ends Friday May 24th.
There are no classes between Saturday, Dec. 16th and January 2nd.
All dance classes except adult classes perform in a major recital in May. Most classes have additional performance opportunities during the fall semester.
New students considering Ballet 3 or above are encouraged to call and request a free placement class evaluation.
Any class with less than 5 students enrolled may be merged with another class.
Wichita Children's Theatre & Dance Center does NOT charge enrollment or recital fees.
There are no classes between Saturday, Dec. 16th and January 2nd.
All dance classes except adult classes perform in a major recital in May. Most classes have additional performance opportunities during the fall semester.
New students considering Ballet 3 or above are encouraged to call and request a free placement class evaluation.
Any class with less than 5 students enrolled may be merged with another class.
Wichita Children's Theatre & Dance Center does NOT charge enrollment or recital fees.
** Denotes instructor
PRE-SCHOOL DIVISION
Combination Ballet, Tap & Creative Movement
Combination Ballet, Tap & Creative Movement
JACOB'S LEARNING LADDER - PRE BALLET AND TAP
AGE: 4-5 years old
**Miss Adi Cain, Monday 3:45-4:30
A combination of ballet, tap & creative movement. From the click of a tap to the grace of ballet, pre-ballet/tap will ignite the joy of dance for your child; helping them grow in the development of learning and personal confidence through dance. This class will participate in the Jr. Dance Recital. This class is taught at Jacob’s Learning Ladder Preschool, 5002 E. Douglas Avenue, Wichita 67218. Your child MUST be enrolled in preschool at JLL to register for this class.
(All students must be 4 by September 1st.)
STORYBOOK ACADEMY
AGES: 3-5 (must be potty trained)
INSTRUCTORS: Tammy Qualye and Rilee Melzer
Mon. and/or Wed. 9:30 – 11:30
Sept. 9-Dec. 11 and/or Jan. 13-May 14
ENJOY A MOM’S DAY OUT and a FINE ARTS style PRE-SCHOOL class where your preschooler will learn through movement, art, and best of all: play! We will jam pack our time with ballet, tap, theatre and arts and crafts while introducing these artists to preschool staples: letters, numbers, the calendar and the weather! Each week will be themed in their favorite subjects such as but not limited to Encanto, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Princesses, Pirates, Dinosaurs, Mermaids and more! Storybook Academy will emphasize our Once Upon a Time Shows the week of the shows and the best part? Your student’s tuition will cover the cost of their ticket to all of our Once Upon a Time shows! A small snack will be provided. Please bring a water bottle to class with your child’s name on it and let our staff know if your child has any food allergies.
(THIS CLASS WILL PERFORM IN OUR JR. DANCE RECITAL/NO EVENING OR WEEK-END DANCE CLASS REQUIRED)
See dance class attire for what to wear for class. Recital costumes will be purchased during the school year.
COST: $ 75.00 per month for one day a week
COST: $150 per month for two days a week.
FAIRY TALE THEATRE COMBO
AGE: 3-5
THEATRE INSTRUCTOR Danzel Bond
DANCE INSTRUCTOR - Rilee Melzer
Saturday 9:30-11:00
45 minutes of drama, music, poetry, and movement all based on a storybook theme for the day followed by 45 minutes of pre-ballet & tap. This class follows the year-round dance schedule of Sept-May & will participate in our Jr. Dance Recital.
COST: $75 a month
PRE-BALLET & TAP 1/2
Ages 3-4
**Miss Allison Meinert , Monday 4:45-5:30
**Miss Blair Hanning, Tuesday 4:45-5:30
A combination of ballet, tap & creative movement. From the click of a tap to the grace of ballet, pre-ballet/tap 1 will begin to ignite the joy of dance for your child; helping them grow in the development of learning and personal confidence through dance.
This class will participate in the Jr. Dance Recital.
ACADEMIC BALLET DIVISION
Basic ballet positions, steps, technique, proper placement, and body alignment and a workable knowledge of ballet terminology. All Ballet classes ABOVE Ballet 1 level meet twice a week.
PRIMARY BALLET/TAP
AGE: 1st-2nd Graders, along with kindergarten dancers who have already had 2 years of pre-ballet/tap.
**Miss Grace Hauff, Saturday 9:30-10:45
PRIMARY BALLET/TAP
AGE: 1st-2nd Graders, along with kindergarten dancers who have already had 2 years of pre-ballet/tap.
**Miss Grace Hauff, Saturday 9:30-10:45
A combination class designed by our Miss Grace. This class is an introduction to classical ballet that finishes with a tap flourish. Dress code for girls–pink tights, blue leotards, pink ballet shoes, black tap shoes–boys– white t-shirt, black shorts or dance pants, black ballet shoes and tap shoes. Hair must be worn in a ponytail or bun.
Primary/Tap participates in the Jr. Dance Recital.
PRIMARY BALLET
AGE: 1st-2nd Grade
**Miss Allison Meinert, Monday, 5:30-6:15
This is the first in our sequential series of ballet levels. As a general guideline, students spend 2 years at each dance level, however, your child’s teacher will make specific recommendations as appropriate for your dancer.
Primary ballet participates in the Jr. Dance Recital.
BALLET 1 (meets only once a week)
AGE: 3rd Grade, or 8 years and older.
**Miss Rilee Melzer, Wednesday 5:30-6:30
**Miss Grace Hauff, Saturday 10:45-11:45
A continuation of training in basic ballet positions, steps, technique, proper placement and body alignment at both the barre and center. Training in a workable knowledge of ballet terminology will continue. This is still considered an entry level class, so beginners are welcome, while students with more experience will advance and continue to refine their skills.
This class participates in the Jr. Dance Recital.
ELEMENTARY BALLET DIVISION
Two classes per week are required for dancers in Ballet 2.
Dancers in this level require a minimum of 2 ballet classes per week with 3 classes required for any student progressing or preparing for pointe shoes. (Pointe is usually introduced at the Inter 1/2 level with a minimum age of 11, we begin preparing in Ballet 3 with Pre-Pointe.) It requires a highly individualized assessment and will only be recommended by instructors for dancers whose dance skills, physical development and maturity meet the necessary standards for safety and growth. New students are encouraged to call and request a free class placement evaluation.
Two classes per week are required for dancers in Ballet 2.
Dancers in this level require a minimum of 2 ballet classes per week with 3 classes required for any student progressing or preparing for pointe shoes. (Pointe is usually introduced at the Inter 1/2 level with a minimum age of 11, we begin preparing in Ballet 3 with Pre-Pointe.) It requires a highly individualized assessment and will only be recommended by instructors for dancers whose dance skills, physical development and maturity meet the necessary standards for safety and growth. New students are encouraged to call and request a free class placement evaluation.
BALLET 2/3
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Kris Anderson, Tuesday 5:30-6:45
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Kris Anderson, Tuesday 5:30-6:45
**Miss Makayla Riffel, Thursday 5:30-6:45
BALLET 3/INTERMEDIATE 1
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Kris Anderson, Saturday 9:45-11:00
BALLET 3/INTERMEDIATE 1 POINTE & PRE-POINTE
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Kris Anderson, Wednesday 6:45-8:00
Dancers in this level require a minimum of 2 ballet classes per week, with 3 classes required for any student progressing or preparing for pointe shoes- this means pointe class, plus 2 other ballet classes per week. (Pointe is usually introduced at the Inter 1/2 level with a minimum age of 11). It requires a highly individualized assessment and will only be recommended for dancers whose dance skills, physical development and maturity meet the necessary standards for safety and growth as a dancer. Rep class, Lyrical and Modern do NOT fulfill the 3 ballet class requirement for pointe.
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED BALLET DIVISION
Placement for all Intermediate & Advanced level classes are by instructor’s consent or audition only. These students will progress to more advanced technique, building stamina, strength, self-discipline, artistic style and performance skills. Three ballet classes per week, including pointe - are required for Intermediate 1 & above. However, 4 classes are recommended per week for Intermediate 3 & above.
Placement for all Intermediate & Advanced level classes are by instructor’s consent or audition only. These students will progress to more advanced technique, building stamina, strength, self-discipline, artistic style and performance skills. Three ballet classes per week, including pointe - are required for Intermediate 1 & above. However, 4 classes are recommended per week for Intermediate 3 & above.
These classes participate in the Sr. Dance Recital.
INTERMEDIATE 1 BALLET
Prerequisite: Instructor's Consent
**Miss Maddy Thiessen, Monday 5:30-6:45 (Inter 1/2/3)
**Miss Kris Anderson, Wednesday 5:30-6:45 POINTE/PRE-POINTE
**Miss Kris Anderson, Saturday 9:45-11:00 (B3/Inter 1)
INTERMEDIATE 2/3 BALLET
Prerequisite: Instructor's Consent
**Miss Maddy Thiessen, Monday 5:30-6:45 (Inter 1/2/3)
**Miss Joice Henry, Wednesday 6:45-8:00
**Miss Kris Anderson, Thursday 5:30-6:45 POINTE
**Miss Kris Anderson, Thursday 5:30-6:45 POINTE
**Miss Gabi Montes, Saturday 9:45-11:00 (Rep B Ballet)
INTERMEDIATE 4/ADVANCED BALLET
Prerequisite: Instructor's Consent
**Miss Kris Anderson, Tuesday 6:45-8
**Miss Kris Anderson, Wednesday 5:30-6:45
**Miss Kris Anderson, Thursday 6:45-8 POINTE
**Miss Kris Anderson, Saturday 11:00-12:15 (Rep A Ballet)
BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE LYRICAL
Prerequisite: Instructor's Consent
**Miss Gabi Montes, Saturday 11:00-12:00
**Miss Kris Anderson, Tuesday 6:45-8
**Miss Kris Anderson, Wednesday 5:30-6:45
**Miss Kris Anderson, Thursday 6:45-8 POINTE
**Miss Kris Anderson, Saturday 11:00-12:15 (Rep A Ballet)
BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE LYRICAL
Prerequisite: Instructor's Consent
**Miss Gabi Montes, Saturday 11:00-12:00
INTERMEDIATE 4/ADVANCED LYRICAL
Prerequisite: Instructor's Consent
**Miss Maddy Thiessen, Monday 6:45-8:00
REPERTOIRE
These classes are open to any dancers enrolled in Intermediate 1 & above. Dancers must be enrolled in 3 or more Intermediate 1 level classes in addition to the repertoire class. This is a performing class that will be called upon to represent Wichita Children’s Theatre in community events throughout the year. During the winter semester repertoire dancers will be invited to audition for featured roles in performances through the year. This class requires commitment and sacrifice from dancers if they choose to enroll, as attendance is imperative in order to be prepared to perform.
These classes are open to any dancers enrolled in Intermediate 1 & above. Dancers must be enrolled in 3 or more Intermediate 1 level classes in addition to the repertoire class. This is a performing class that will be called upon to represent Wichita Children’s Theatre in community events throughout the year. During the winter semester repertoire dancers will be invited to audition for featured roles in performances through the year. This class requires commitment and sacrifice from dancers if they choose to enroll, as attendance is imperative in order to be prepared to perform.
REPERTOIRE B PRODUCTION CLASS
**Miss Gabi Montes& Miss Kris Anderson, Saturday 12:15-1:30
This class is featured in the Jr. Dance Recital
**Miss Gabi Montes& Miss Kris Anderson, Saturday 12:15-1:30
This class is featured in the Jr. Dance Recital
REPERTOIRE A
**Miss Maddy Thiessen, Miss Blair Hanning, Miss Kris Anderson, Saturday 12:30-2:15
This class is featured in the Sr. Dance Recital
**Miss Maddy Thiessen, Miss Blair Hanning, Miss Kris Anderson, Saturday 12:30-2:15
This class is featured in the Sr. Dance Recital
STAGE DANCE DIVISION
Combination Tap & Jazz technique
Admission to Stage Dance III and above is by instructor’s consent only.
Combination Tap & Jazz technique
Admission to Stage Dance III and above is by instructor’s consent only.
PRIMARY BALLET/TAP
AGE: 1st-2nd Graders, along with kindergarten dancers who have already had 2 years of pre-ballet/tap.
**Miss Grace Hauff Saturday 9:30-10:45
A combination class designed by our Miss Grace. This class is an introduction to classical ballet that finishes with a tap flourish. Dress code for girls–pink tights, blue leotards, pink ballet shoes, black tap shoes–boys– white t-shirt, black shorts or dance pants, black ballet shoes and tap shoes. Hair must be worn in a ponytail or bun.
Primary/Tap participates in the Jr. Dance Recital
STAGE DANCE 1
AGE: 1st or 2nd Grade or 6 or 7 by September 1st.
**Miss Allison Meinert, Monday 6:15-7:15
This class participates in the Jr. Dance Recital
STAGE DANCE 2
AGE: 3rd Grade or 8 by September 1st 2023
**Miss Rilee Melzer, Wednesday 6:45-7:45
**Miss Grace Hauff, Saturday 11:45-12:45
STAGE DANCE 3/4
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Julie Sharp, Tuesday 6:45-8:00
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital.
INTERMEDIATE 1/2 TAP/JAZZ
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Joice Henry, Wednesday 5:30-6:45
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital.
INTERMEDIATE 2/3 TAP/JAZZ
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Mariah Campbell, Thursday 6:45-8:00
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital.
INTERMEDIATE 2/3 JAZZ
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Blair Hanning, Tuesday 6:45-7:45
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Joice Henry, Wednesday 5:30-6:45
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital.
INTERMEDIATE 2/3 TAP/JAZZ
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Mariah Campbell, Thursday 6:45-8:00
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital.
INTERMEDIATE 2/3 JAZZ
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Blair Hanning, Tuesday 6:45-7:45
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital
ADVANCED TAP
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Mariah Campbell, Thursday 5:45-6:45
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Mariah Campbell, Thursday 5:45-6:45
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital
ADVANCED JAZZ
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Blair Hanning, Tuesday 5:45-6:45
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital
ADVANCED JAZZ
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Blair Hanning, Tuesday 5:45-6:45
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital
MODERN DIVISION
An introduction to modern dance, which is a multi cultural natural form of dance. Admission to modern classes is by instructor’s consent only. These classes participate in the Sr. Dance Recital.
An introduction to modern dance, which is a multi cultural natural form of dance. Admission to modern classes is by instructor’s consent only. These classes participate in the Sr. Dance Recital.
MODERN 1
Prerequisite: Instructor's Consent
**Miss Makayla Riffel, Thursday 6:45-7:45
MODERN 2/3
Prerequisite: Instructor's Consent
**Miss Blair Hanning, Monday 6:45-8:00
Prerequisite: Instructor's Consent
**Miss Blair Hanning, Monday 6:45-8:00
MODERN 4
Prerequisite: Instructor's Consent
**Miss Blair Hanning, Monday 5:30-6:45
HIP HOP DIVISION
Popping, locking and breaking are some of the elements of this style of dance. Classes will be divided by age and experience level. Dancers can wear either dance or athletic clothes of their choice with ALL WHITE TENNIS SHOES, which will be required for the recital.
Popping, locking and breaking are some of the elements of this style of dance. Classes will be divided by age and experience level. Dancers can wear either dance or athletic clothes of their choice with ALL WHITE TENNIS SHOES, which will be required for the recital.
HIP HOP 1 (BEGINNING)
**Miss Hannah Flynn, Tuesday 6:30-7:30 AGE: 7-9 years old
**Miss Elizabeth Fulcher, Thursday 5:45-6:45 AGE: 9-12 years old
HIP HOP/POM
**Miss Hannah Flynn, Tuesday 5:30-6:30 AGE: 10+
HIP HOP 2 (ELEMENTARY)
AGE: 9-12 years old
**Miss Elizabeth Fulcher, Thursday 5:45-6:45
HIP HOP 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
AGE: 12-15, or Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Elizabeth Fulcher, Wednesday 5:45-6:45
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital.
ADVANCED HIP HOP
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Consent
**Miss Elizabeth Fulcher, Wednesday 6:45-8:00
This class participates in the Sr. Dance Recital.
SPECIALTY DIVISION
ADULT TAP
AGE: 18+
**Miss Julie Sharp, Tuesday 5:45-6:45
ADULT TAP
AGE: 18+
**Miss Julie Sharp, Tuesday 5:45-6:45
This is an advanced beginner tap class for adults. Class begins with a strong focus on musicality to build depth of knowledge and skill and then we break loose with some choreography to put it all together. Great for those who want to brush up their skills for music theater or for anyone who wants a little challenge in their week. So much fun here!
This is an advanced beginner tap class for adults. Class begins with a strong focus on musicality to build depth of knowledge and skill and then we break loose with some choreography to put it all together. Great for those who want to brush up their skills for music theater or for anyone who wants a little challenge in their week. So much fun here!
This class does NOT participate in a dance recital.