Springfield, IL Dance Programs

Jazz dance originated from the African American vernacular dance of the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Today, jazz dance is present in many different venues and forms. 

Jazz dance thrives in dance schools and remains an essential part of musical theater choreography; it sometimes interweaves with other dance styles as appropriate for the particular show.

Jazz dancing is popular in music videos, and several Las Vegas showgirls are jazz dancers. It is also featured on the hit show "So You Think You Can Dance" and performed by dance companies worldwide.

Lyrical dance is a fusion of ballet and jazz dance techniques—lyrical dance challenges choreographers and dancers to use motion to interpret music and express emotion. A lyrical dancer's movements attempt to show the meaning of the music.

Lyrical dance has a relatively recent history and a genesis based on combining ballet with rock/folk/pop/alternative music, various jazz dance styles, and modern dance. It is mainly performed to music with lyrics, and the song's lyrics are a driving force and essential inspiration for the movement. This choreography is often emotional, gripping, and exquisitely delicate, all at the same time.

'Dancing en pointe' is the action of rising to the tips of the toes while performing steps from ballet. Also known as pointe work, it is performed using hard-toed and stiff-shanked pointe shoes. Dancing en pointe requires strength and skill and is a central part of a ballet dancer's training and repertoire.

This style can incorporate all forms of dance to create visual effects primarily for entertaining at halftime shows. Poms are done with teams of 6 to 45 people and are one of the most public forms of dance where form, team uniformity, showmanship, precision, and choreography are essential.

Tap dance is a style of American theatrical dance that uses precise rhythmical patterns of foot movement and audible foot tapping. It was developed in the United States during the nineteenth century and is popular today in many parts of the world.

The name comes from the tapping sound made when the small metal plates on the dancer's shoes touch a hard floor. This lively, rhythmic tapping makes the performer not just a dancer but also a percussive musician.

Tumbling is a gymnastics sport that combines the skills of artistic gymnastics on the floor and those of trampolining.

Gettin' Down is our movement program designed exclusively for individuals with Special Needs. Click here to learn more about the Gettin' Down program.