Boys I & II
Aaron Lee is a Junior at Le Mars Community High School, a nine-year member of Central Dance Academy, and a first-year teacher. He will be co-teaching the Boys I and Boys II classes this season.
Aaron runs cross country and track and also participates with the Sioux City swim team. He sings and is in the leadership team for band at LCHS.
Outside of school, Aaron plays piano, has earned his Eagle Scout honors and is on the officer team for both FFA and his 4-H club.
Dance
Classes for
Every Level
CDA Dance Classes
Preschool
General Information
We offer 3 class options for our youngest students. Students may be in each class multiple years depending on the age they start and their growth each year.
If you are unsure which class is the best option for your child, please communicate with us. We’d be happy to make a recommendation.
Each class has a uniform of pink leotard, specific pink tights, and specific pink ballet shoes for girls and black pants, white shirt and black ballet shoes for boys. They may also wear a pink skirt if they so wish. Your dancer may also opt to wear a pink CDA sweatshirt or pink wrap sweater when it’s chilly.
These dancers perform in our Tiny Dancer shows in June.
Butterfly Ballet (Ages 2 - 5)
Young dancers ages 2-5 years may sign up. This 30 minute class is offered during the last four weeks of the current dance year (May/June). These dancers learn pre-ballet moves.
These dancers perform in our Tiny Dancer shows in June.
This class has a uniform of pink leotard, specific pink tights, and specific pink ballet shoes for girls and black pants, white shirt and black ballet shoes for boys. Dancers may also wear a pink skirt if they so wish. Your dancer may also opt to wear a pink CDA sweatshirt or pink wrap sweater when it’s chilly.
Please note that dancers may be in this class for multiple years depending on their age and development.
Tumble Tots (Ages 2-4)
This class is for students ages 2-4. Students will learn the very basics of Tumbling and Stretching.
Even with our youngest dancers, we focus on proper technique! We want our tumblers to be safe!
Twinkle Toes Ballet (Ages 2 - 5)
This class begins in January each year. Twinkle Toes is a well-rounded program for young students ages 2-5. Dancers will learn beginning techniques and skills in a fun, energetic 30-minute class.
These dancers perform in our Tiny Dancer show in June.
This class has a uniform of pink leotard, specific pink tights, and specific pink ballet shoes for girls and black pants, white shirt and black ballet shoes for boys. Dancers may also wear a pink skirt if they so wish. Your dancer may also opt to wear a pink CDA sweatshirt or pink wrap sweater when it’s chilly. We also have special weeks each year when dancers are allowed to wear specified clothes other than their uniform.
Please note that dancers may be in this class for multiple years depending on their age and development.
Tippy Toes Ballet (Ages 3 – 5)
This class runs the full year, September through our June show. Tippy Toes Ballet is an introduction to classical ballet using creative, imaginative role-playing and fun props. This class may involve pretending to be animals, playing instruments to learn rhythm, balancing, skipping and running and techniques, or picking up “diamonds” (shhh…they’re actually just feathers) from the ground to develop their hand-eye coordination. This class is suitable for both boys and girls. They’ll be having so much fun that they don’t even realize that they are learning the fundamentals of ballet technique along the way.
These dancers perform in our Tiny Dancer show in June.
This class has a uniform of pink leotard, specific pink tights, and specific pink ballet shoes for girls and black pants, white shirt and black ballet shoes for boys. Dancers may also wear a pink skirt if they so wish. Your dancer may also opt to wear a pink CDA sweatshirt or pink wrap sweater when it’s chilly. We also have special weeks each year when dancers are allowed to wear specified clothes other than their uniform.
Please note that dancers may be in this class for multiple years depending on their age and development.
Recreational Classes
General Information
The recreational classes at the CDA consist of our “Youth” classes and our “Level I-IV” classes.
All classes, with the exception of the “Boys Only” classes, are open to both girls and boys.
Youth classes are typically taken by dancers in grades 1-4.
Level I-IV Classes are typically taken by dancers in grades 4-12.
Please know that we only have so many levels set up in our studio. This means that your student is likely to spend 2-3 years in a particular level before moving to the next. In March of each year our teachers make recommendations for the coming season so parents know what to register for.
While we do identify age or grades for initial class placement, please know that a student may be recommended for a different class based on their skill level. We want every dancer to feel both challenged and confident in their classes!
Youth Combination I, II & III (1st-4th grade)
In these classes, your dancer will learn super fun, basic ballet and tap skills in an imaginative way.
In tap, they will learn steps including toe-heel, heel-toe, stamps, and shuffles, as well as making as much noise as possible in our fun, safe and educational environment. We use the Al Gilbert Method as part of our curriculum at the CDA.
The ballet portion will introduce them to basic ballet concepts and creative movement exercises that increase balance and coordination. We use the Cecchetti teaching method here at CDA.
Class placement is first determined by age and then by skill level. Students are typically in each level for 1-3 years.
Our Youth Combination Classes perform both Ballet and Tap routines in the shows in June.
Class Uniform is lavender leotard and pink tights for girls and black pants, white shirt and specific ballet and tap shoes.
Youth Jazz/Hip Hop Classes (1st-4th Grade)
Currently we have two levels Youth Jazz/Hip Hop classes. Dancers may start taking Jazz/Hip Hop at age 5 and can move to Jazz/Hip Hop II when they are in Youth Combo III.
This is a class for our elementary students who are 5-10 years. The music for this class is fun and familiar to them and expands on the techniques learned by our younger classes.
We do some cardio warm-up, stretching, progressions across the floor (including different walks, turns, and kicks), and put it altogether a dance for the Youth Shows in June!
Class Uniform is black leotard and tan tights, unless they have a combo class on the same night.
Boys Only Classes
Currently, we have two levels of boys classes at the studio. Boys I is currently for ages 5-9. Boys II is currently for ages 8+. Class placement depends on age, maturity, and skill level.
The Boys classes focus on basic hip hop steps with popular music. Students will learn to count music and find their groovy and funky sides!
The boys classes perform in our annual youth shows in June.
Class uniform is athletic wear and clean tennis shoes.
*Boys with a sibling enrolled may attend the Boys Class at no charge!
Ballet I, II, III & IV (4th-12th Grade)
Our level I, II, III, and IV ballet classes continue teaching dancers classical Cecchetti ballet.
Classwork includes ballet barre, center floor, and across the floor work. Our teachers focus on the art form’s correct placement, technique, and attitude. Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles.
Each level builds on the prior. Please note that students will do each level 1-3 years depending on their growth each season.
Once students reach Level III Ballet, they may dicuss the option of doing pointe with their teacher. Please review the Point Technique section below for further information and requirements.
Class Uniform is black leotard and pink tights for girls and black pants, white shirt for boys. Specific pink ballet shoes for girls and black for boys.
Jazz I, II, III & IV (4th -12th grade)
Our level I, II, III, and IV jazz classes offer dancers a fast-paced class that includes a cardio warm-up, across-the-floor technique, and all the latest moves in jazz combinations.
Our Jazz students are building on the basics of jazz technique to popular and age-appropriate music. Some examples of the techniques our jazz students will learn include turns, kicks, leaps, and body isolations.
These dancers will perform in our Pre-Teen/Teens shows in June!
Each level builds on the prior. Please note that students will do each level 1-3 years depending on their growth each season.
Class Uniform is black leotard, tan tights (unless you have ballet), and specific jazz shoes. Black pants, white shirt and specific black jazz shoes for boys.
Tap I, II, III & IV (4th–12th grade)
Our level I, II, III, and IV Tap students continue their skills progressions using the Al Gilbert Method.
Dancers continue learning the basics of tap technique as well as build their sense of rhythm and confidence. We teach traditional tap and occasionally crossover into rhythm tap.
Dancers perform in our Pre-Teen/Teen Shows in June.
Each level builds on the prior. Please note that students will do each level 1-3 years depending on their growth each season.
Class Uniform for girls is black leotard and tan tights (unless you have ballet), and specific tap shoes. Boys wear black athletic shorts or pants, white shirt and specific tap shoes.
Hip Hop I, II & III (4th - 12th grade)
Our level I, II, III, and IV Hip Hop classes offer our students an upbeat, fun class with all the latest moves! (We carefully screen our music selections).
Dancers perform in our Pre-Teen/Teen Shows in June.
Class Uniform for all dancers is athletic wear and clean sneakers.
Each level builds on the prior. Please note that students will do each level 1-3 years depending on their growth each season.
Tumbling I, II, III & IV (K-12th grade)
We’ve known for a long time that kids love nothing more than attempting and perfecting new “tricks.” We do our absolute best to teach our students proper technique to protect their bodies while building their skills in proper progression.
The levels are beginner, intermediate and advanced, and once our students have mastered the skills in their level, they move up to the next, allowing them to develop their skills at their own pace. Please speak with our tumbling faculty to assess the best placement for your child.
Dancers perform a tumbling/dance for our annual shows in June!
Each level builds on the prior. Please note that students will do each level 1-4 years depending on their growth each season.
Class Uniform is black leotard, tan tights for girls and black pants, white shirt for boys and specific jazz shoes for both.
Uniquely You!
This class is tailored for students of all ages with Down Syndrome, Autism and other developmental disabilities.
Uniquely You is a great way for children with special needs to get involved in an extracurricular activity while improving motor skills, confidence, and socialization. Through simple patterns, sequencing, and repetition, students will learn the basic movements of ballet and jazz.
This class does two pieces in our shows in June!
Class Uniform is black leotard and tan tights for girls; black pants, white shirt for boys and specific jazz shoes for both.
Modern (Levels I-IV)
Modern dance is a highly expressive style of dance that challenges the structured dance technique of classical ballet.
Modern dance focuses on expression rather than following a rigid set of postures or technical positions.
Dancers perform a piece in our annual show in June!
Dancers in grades 5-12 may take this class.
Class Uniform is fitted athletic wear and either barefoot or specific jazz shoes depending on teacher requirements.
Lyrical/Contemporary (Youth and Levels I-IV)
We offer two options of Lyrical/Contentemporary classes: Youth for those in “youth” classes and Level I-IV for those in levels I-IV classes.
Lyrical is the fusion of different dance styles (ballet, modern, jazz, etc.), stressing versatility and expression. This class focuses on self-expression, special awareness, and body movement.
Dancers perform a piece in our annual show in June!
Class Uniform is fitted athletic wear and specific jazz shoes.
Musical Theater (Youth and Levels I-IV)
We offer two options for musical theater classes: Youth for those in other “youth” classes and Level I-IV for those in levels I-IV classes.
Students will experiment with theatrical dance instruction and performing arts. They’ll learn choreography, singing, and performing while studying the fundamentals of acting and developing character!
Dancers perform a piece in our annual show in June!
Class Uniform is athletic wear and specific jazz shoes.
Pointe Technique for Upper-Level Ballet Students
Students in Ballet Levels III and IV are invited to add pointe to their technique class when they exhibit the correct, strength, body placement, and technique in their regular class.
Pointe is also done as a summer technique or pop-up class.
Pointe shoes must be professionally sized. We suggest Mark’s Dancewear. In addition to their store in Johnston, IA they periodically schedule times to come to this side of the state and do fittings at local studios.
Adult Classes
We are extremely excited to offer adult classes!
Each season we are assessing how to best serve those who wish to continue dancing as adults or try dance for the first time!
Currently we offer an Adult Jazz Class and an Adult Grooves Hip Hop Class. These classes for adults ages 18+.
In this fun and energetic environment, adults can let their hair down and their personalities shine while grooving to some fun music. These classes will build confidence while enjoying simple but fun moves.
These classes have the option to perform in our annual shows in June!
Other Offerings
Summer Classes, Camps & Pop-Ups
Check out this year’s schedule here.
We offer technique classes and themed camps and pop-ups each summer! Help your dancer keep their skills up over the summer so they don’t lose a beat between seasons.
Private Lessons
Our CDA Faculty is here to offer a full range of private lessons for any student wishing to further their dance training. Your dancer will receive 30 minutes of one-on-one personalized class time to work on jumps and turns, memorization, counting, strengthening, and/or general guidance in any of our weekly technique classes offered.
Private lessons are a great way to improve your dancer’s technique and skills at a faster pace!
Students may purchase an individual private lesson for $40/half hour. Sign up with a specific teacher in the office or using our form.
Additional individual or group private lessons for wedding dances and other special events can be offered upon request.
Stretch Gym
The Stretch Gym is an apparatus that helps students gain flexibility and strength.
Stretch Gym allows dancers to stretch their back, shoulders, hips and legs while simultaneously strengthening their turn out muscles, arms, and abdominals.
Some of the largest problems a dancer faces is getting the back of their knees straight, lengthening the hip flexors and strengthening their lower back.
The Stretch Gym takes time and training to use; therefore, no one will be allowed to use it without supervision.
We encourage both students and parents to sign up for private lessons to use our Stretch Gym since strength and mobility are key to longevity and a healthy lifestyle.
The first two sessions will be the instructor devising the best individualized stretch/strengthen program for that student.
The next three sessions would be supervised by the instructor to make sure the student is executing exercises properly and to assist the changing of the Stretch Gym to different heights for different stretches.
Students/parents may purchase a Stretch Gym punch card for 5 sessions for $100.00 or may pay for each individual session for $25.00 each.
Please contact Beth or Katie to sign up for Stretch Gym times!
Parties
Basic Package (1.5 hours)
CDA Provides:
- 1.5 hours of studio time
- Dance taught by a fun high energy Dance Party Host! (theme of your choice)
- End of Party Dance performance for parents
- Table Settings: General birthday plates, cups, forks, napkins, and tablecloths.
- Balloon Bouquet for Birthday girl/boy to take home!
Parents Provide:
- Birthday cake, candles, drinks, or any other desired snacks or food.
- Parents have the option to decorate minimally 15 minutes prior to the party start time.
- Activities (games, free dance time, pizza, cake etc…)
Pricing:
- $120 = 10 or less
- $130 = 11-15
- $140 = 16-20
Extreme Package (1.5 hours)
CDA Provides:
- 1.5 hours of studio time
- Dance taught by a fun high energy Dance Party Host! (theme of your choice)
- End of Party Dance performance for parents
- Teacher run games & activities
- Table Settings = General birthday plates, cups, forks, napkins, and tablecloths.
- Balloon Bouquet for Birthday girl/boy to take home!
- Cake/Cupcakes, Candles & Drinks
Parents Provide:
- Any additional decorations and/or desired snacks/food.
- Parents have the option to decorate minimally 15 minutes prior to the party start time.
Pricing:
- $150 = 10 or less
- $160 = 11-15
- $170 = 16-20
Ultimate Package (2.5 hours)
CDA Provides:
- 1.5 hours of studio time
- 1 hour Art Center Activity/Project
- Dance taught by a fun high energy Dance Party Host! (theme of your choice)
- End of Party Dance performance for parents
- Teacher run games & activities
- Table Settings = General birthday plates, cups, forks, napkins, and tablecloths.
- Balloon Bouquet for Birthday girl/boy to take home!
- Cake /Cupcakes, Candles, Drinks & Pizza
Parents Provide:
- Any additional desired decorations
Pricing:
- $210 = 10 or less
$220 = 11-15
$230 = 16-20
Contact Us to set up your party!
Private Events
If you are interested in using our studio space for a private event such as a Graduation Party Brunch or other event, please contact us with inquiries. Contact Us
Competition Teams
General Company Information
What is the CDA Company?
A group of dancers who attend both technique and rehearsal classes on a weekly basis. Our youngest dancers attend approximately 1–2 hours of classes and rehearsals per week while our upper level dancers attend anywhere from 6-9 hours per week.
These dancers also compete locally and regionally, attend workshops, and some students go on to compete nationally. Company is a great opportunity for these dancers to accelerate their dance training, gain poise and stage confidence in both group and solo pieces. They get to meet dancers and dance teachers from all over the world. All the while, forming tight bonds with their teammates of every age.
Crystals
Our Crystals range in age from 5-6 years old. They have one 30 minute rehearsal each week in addition to their regular classes.
This group competes in a minimum of 3 required competitions. They also perform at the annual company exhibition to kick off the season. If available, they perform at other local events such as Christmas in Hometown Le Mars, Pioneer Village, LCHS and Gehlen dance team expos, Ice Cream Days and the Plymouth County Fair.
Dancers must be invited to join this group and at a minimum be in a youth combo class.
Pearls
Our Pearls range in age from 7-10 years old. They have two 30 minute rehearsals and a 45 minute Jazz technique class each week in addition to their regular youth combo III class. Students may also opt into taking additional Tumbling or Musical Theater recreational classes.
This group competes in a minimum of 3 required competitions. They also perform at the annual company exhibition to kick off the season. If available, they perform at other local events such as Christmas in Hometown Le Mars, Pioneer Village, LCHS and Gehlen dance team expos, Ice Cream Days and the Plymouth County Fair.
Dancers must be invited to join this group and at a minimum be in a youth combo class.
Sapphires
Our Sapphires range in age from 8-13 years old. These dancers must audition each June after the studio annual show to be placed in teams for the following season.
They attend multiple technique and multiple rehearsal classes each week. A typical Sapphire week consists of 5.5 hours of dance. Students may also opt into taking additional Tumbling or Musical Theater recreational classes.
This group attends multiple conventions where they learn from world renowned teachers. They also compete in multiple required competitions as well as other optional ones if there is enough group interest. They also perform at the annual company exhibition to kick off the season each January. If available, they perform at other local events such as Christmas in Hometown Le Mars, Pioneer Village, LCHS and Gehlen dance team expos, Ice Cream Days and the Plymouth County Fair.
Emeralds
Our Emeralds range in age from 11-13 years old. These dancers must audition each June after the studio annual show to be placed in teams for the following season.
They attend multiple technique and multiple rehearsal classes each week. A typical Emerald week consists of 5.5 hours of dance. Students may also opt into taking additional Technique, Tumbling and Musical Theater classes.
This group attends multiple conventions where they learn from world renowned teachers. They also compete in multiple required competitions as well as other optional ones if there is enough group interest. They also perform at the annual company exhibition to kick off the season each January. If available, they perform at other local events such as Christmas in Hometown Le Mars, Pioneer Village, LCHS and Gehlen dance team expos, Ice Cream Days and the Plymouth County Fair.
Rubys
Our Rubys typically range in age from 12-15 years old. These dancers must audition each June after the studio annual show to be placed in teams for the following season.
They attend multiple technique and multiple rehearsal classes each week. A typical Ruby week consists of 6.5 hours of dance. Students may also opt into taking additional Technique, Tumbling, and Musical Theater classes.
This group attends multiple conventions where they learn from world renowned teachers. They also compete in multiple required competitions as well as other optional ones if there is enough group interest. They also perform at the annual company exhibition to kick off the season each January. If available, they perform at other local events such as Christmas in Hometown Le Mars, Pioneer Village, LCHS and Gehlen dance team expos, Ice Cream Days and the Plymouth County Fair.
Diamonds
Our Diamonds range in age from 12-18 years old. These dancers must audition each June after the studio annual show to be placed in teams for the following season.
They attend multiple technique and multiple rehearsal classes each week. A typical Diamond week consists of 6.5 hours of dance. Students may also opt into taking additional Technique, Tumbling, and Musical Theater recreational classes.
This group attends multiple conventions where they learn from world renowned teachers. They also compete in multiple required competitions as well as other optional ones if there is enough group interest. They also perform at the annual company exhibition to kick off the season each January. If available, they perform at other local events such as Christmas in Hometown Le Mars, Pioneer Village, LCHS and Gehlen dance team expos, Ice Cream Days and the Plymouth County Fair. Dancers from this group may also have the opportunity to audition for pieces performed with the Browns during Home Town Christmas in Le Mars and their annual Celtic show.
Enriching the Lives of Dancers Since 1983
Central Dance Academy is built to encourage discipline and education in dancers of all ages and abilities. Our studio, located in Le Mars, IA, has three studios and professional dance equipment. Our instructors have impressive experience and diverse backgrounds, so no matter what your dance goals are, we are capable and committed to helping you achieve them!
Ready To Dance?
For more information about our classes, please contact us at 712-546-9217 today!
Hours:
Monday - Thursday
3:30 P.M. – 9:45 P.M.
Saturday
9:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
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