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Classes Offered
Ballet is an artistic dance form performed to music using precise and highly formalized sets of steps and gestures. Classical ballet, which originated in Renaissance Italy and established its present form during the 19th century, is characterized by light, graceful, fluid movements. First Position Dance Studio believes ballet is the core of all other dance genres: ballet training will improve technique in all other forms of dance. We strive to provide an understanding of ballet terminology and create a strong ballet foundation that will enrich our students. The Ballet Curriculum at First Position is designed to progress each student in a systematic way, in which each student must understand and apply material before moving on to the next level. Our ballet program is largely based off Vaganova technique; yet incorporates other styles to better equip our students for future education.
Hip-Hop dance refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music or that have evolved as part of hop-hop culture. This dance style is said to have originated by Latin Americans and African Americans in New York City and California in the late 1960s. Hip-hop dance includes a variety of stylized movement such as popping, locking, breaking, tutting, whacking and many more but also incorporates aspects of modern, tap, and jazz dance. Within our hip-hop program our students learn rhythm, musicality, precision, and confidence all while having fun and “rockin’ the beat.”
Jazz is often a high energy and fun style of dance! Started in the 1920’s, jazz dance was built on African American’s vernacular styles of dancing that emerged with jazz music. Jazz dance is constantly evolving: what started out as the Charleston and Broadway jazz then gave rise to Latin Jazz such as Mambo and Salsa. First Position’s jazz program is structured to teach students style, rhythm, body awareness, stage presence and grounded movement while having fun with upbeat music.
Modern dance is often considered the rebellion to the classical ballet dance form. Primarily arising out of Germany and the United States in the late 19th century, pioneers to modern such as Isadora Duncan and Maud Allan wanted to break away from the strict technique of ballet and move into more natural movements. First Position’s modern program teaches multiple techniques such as Duncan, Graham, Horton, Cunnigham and more. Through each style we teach the concept of lines, shapes, and space within our bodies and movements.
Musical Theater is a combination of singing, dancing and acting. Our musical theater program is a double class to fit in a lot of fun: we have an hour of reading music, singing, and music theory with Mr. Wilbourn. Then we have an hour of dancing, musicality, and acting for Miss Taylor's movement portion of this class. We believe it’s important to teach our students respect for the many moving parts to “a show.” Our goal is to have students work with light technicians, sound technicians, make up artists, costume designers, writers, set designers and more to learn and perform some of these tasks!
Pointe is a specialized form of classical ballet in which the dancer supports his/her weight entirely on the tips of the toes while wearing pointe shoes. This technique resulted from a desire for female dancers to appear weightless. Although men and women are both capable of pointe work, it is most often performed by women. Extensive training and practice are required to develop the strength and technique needed for pointe work. Dance teachers consider many factors such as age, experience, strength and alignment when deciding whether to allow a dancer to begin pointe work. For this reason, First Position Staff will invite students to pointe class when they feel the student is ready.
Tap dance originated in the United States at the crossroads of African and Irish American dance forms. When traditional African percussion instruments were taken away from slaves, African Americans used their own two feet to express themselves and retain their cultural identities. Paired with clog dancing from the British Isles, Tap was created as a unique form of movement and rhythm. First Position’s tap program explores various styles of tap dance such as Broadway, funk, and improv and will teach students rhythm, syncopation, and balance all while making beautiful music with their one own two feet!
Tumbling Acrobatic arts have been found in many cultures throughout history, such as Ancient Greece during the Middle Ages and in China during the Tang Dynasty. During the 19th century tumbling became part of circus acts, including tightrope walking, acrobatics on the floor, as well as riding on elephants or horses. First Position’s tumbling program is used as an advancement to our dance program. Within this program the students will fine tune motor skills, learn balance, gain confidence, build muscle tone, and flexibility all while having fun!
Yoga combines physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation to promote physical and mental well-being. Yoga's origins can be traced back to India, beginning over 5000 years ago! It has evolved substantially over time and is practiced all over the world not just as a form of exercise but as a means of increasing flexibility, reducing pain, developing focus, and maintaining physical and mental balance. We offer vinyasa yoga but explore aspects of restorative and yin yoga in our practice.
Contact Us!
152 Main Street
Wellsboro, PA 16901
E-Mail: FPDS.staff@gmail.com
Tel: 570-439-7782 OR 570-404-6115
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