Skill Level Descriptions for Dance Classes
in Central Jersey

At Gotta Dance, we are proud to offer a wide range of classes for each skill level and every dance genre taught. Each level follows an educational syllabi that progresses upon each other in a pyramid fashion, leaving no gaps in the dancer’s education. Dance Educators also teach the syllabi in their entirety, naturally, as a result, incorporating skills into every aspect of classwork. We teach each of Gotta Dance’s levels, from Baby Ballet to Diamond,  a standardized and developmentally appropriate set of movements.

We offer all types of dance classes for children as young as two and a half all the way up to 18 years of age. So whatever your children’s interests may be, we have just the right classes for them. See the age and skill level descriptions below.

Preschool Dance

We arrange Preschool Classes at Gotta Dance by specific age groups. We do this to ensure that classes are developmentally appropriate for our youngest dancers. This also encourages preschoolers to build social skills with their peers in a fun, active and stimulating environment. In addition, no previous dance experience is required to enroll in a preschool dance class.

Core Classes

The core classes at Gotta Dance are Ballet, Hip-Hop/Jazz, and Tap. These classes are, most noteworthy, fundamental aspects of a complete dance education. Our syllabus program provides dancers with an essential skill set that helps them to grow and thrive.

Dance Levels

All Gotta Dance students who are new to dance or have just completed our Preschool Program will begin in the Garnet Level. Our educators continuously assess each student’s skills throughout the year. So, at the end of the year, educators recommend the next level most appropriate for each dancer. This may mean progressing to the next level or repeating a level.

The grades below are general, rather than exact ranges for the composition of each class. The syllabus focuses  on progression, growth and technique rather than grade level or a dancer’s age.

If you are  new to Gotta Dance with previous experience, please contact our office so that we may find the best level for your skill set.

Street Hip-Hop Levels

Street Hip-Hop 1

For any dancers new to Street Hip-Hop 11 years old (by 10/15) or in the Pearl level

Street Hip-Hop

(Age Divided): Dancers who complete Street Hip-Hop 1 may enroll in the age appropriate class level. Dancers must be that age by 10/15.

Street Hip-Hop Boys Ages 8-11
For Boys ages 8-11, no prior dance experience needed

Adult Levels

Adult 1

( Tap, Hip-Hop Jazz): For dancers who are 18 years of age or older with no previous dance experience.

Adult (2 & 3)

(Tap): For dancers who are 18 years of age or older with teacher recommendation.

Adult Street Hip-Hop

Open to dancers, 18 years of age or older, regardless of previous experience.

Acro Intermediate Preteen/Teen: In our third and fourth levels of Acrobatics, tumblers should have prior knowledge of basic skills. This level focuses on developing and progressing sequential tumbling movements that are more complex in nature. Entry points for this level include, but are not limited to: forward and backward rolls, a bridge from standing and recovery, handstand forward roll,  right and left cartwheels, one-handed cartwheels, and chasse step hop cartwheels.  Additionally, tumblers should be working and progressing towards front and back walkovers, round-offs,  and preparations for side aerial.

Acro Advanced Middle School/High School: In our most advanced level of Acrobatics, tumblers focus on strengthening advanced tumbling skills, primarily handsprings and aerials. We intergrade partner work and lifts with increasing flexibility. Entry points for this level include but are not limited to: headstands, front and back walkovers, and hurdle roundoff. Additionally, dancers should be progressing and working towards advanced tumbling skills such as front and back handsprings, back tucks, and front and side aerials.

Modern Levels

Beginning Modern

Dancers must have completed a ballet or jazz class, Aqua level or higher in order to enroll. Dancers must be at the Pearl level in the current season to register for Beginning Modern.

Intermediate Modern

Intermediate Modern is a two year program with a different syllabus each year. Dancers must be recommended for Ruby or higher Jazz or Ballet to register.

Advanced Modern

Advanced Modern is a three year program with a different syllabus each year. Dancers must be recommended for Diamond or higher Jazz AND Ballet to register.

Contemporary Levels

Pre-Contemporary

Prerequisite: Dancers must have completed a Ballet or HiphopJazz class, Topaz level or higher in order to enroll.
Dancers must be concurrently enrolled in a Jazz AND Ballet class, one being Amethyst level or higher while taking Pre-Contemporary. Example: A dancer may be enrolled in Garnet Grades 3-5 Ballet and Opal HipHopJazz and take Pre-Contemporary.

Contemporary 1

Contemporary 1 is a two year program with a different syllabus each year. Prerequisite: Dancers must have completed a Ballet or HipHopJazz class, Aqua level or higher in order to enroll. Dancers must be concurrently enrolled in a Jazz AND Ballet class, One of those classes being Pearl level or higher to register.

Contemporary 2

Contemporary 2 is a two year program with a different syllabus each year.  Dancers must be concurrently enrolled in a Jazz AND Ballet class, Citrine level or higher for both Jazz AND Ballet.

Contemporary 3

Contemporary 3 is a three year program with a different syllabus each year. Concurrent enrollment in Jazz AND Ballet, Sapphire Level or higher for both Jazz AND Ballet.

Broadway Levels
All students in the grade(s) listed are permitted to enroll, no prerequisites.

Broadway 1st – 2nd Grade

All students in the grades listed are permitted to enroll.
This level of Broadway is a two year program with a different syllabus each year.

Broadway 3rd Grade – 5th Grade

All students in the grades listed are permitted to enroll.
This level of Broadway is a three year program with a different syllabus each year.

Broadway Middle School – High School

All students in the grades listed are permitted to enroll.
This level of Broadway is a four year program with a different syllabus each year.

Pointe Levels

Pointe 1

This is the beginner pointe class. Dancers must receive a Pointe 1 recommendation from their educators and a representative from our Pointe Panel to enroll. Dancers must ALSO take two ballet classes in the year preceding pointe instruction, as well as two ballet classes while enrolled in pointe. Also, you must take the ballet class immediately preceding the Pointe 1 class, as well as a second ballet class

Peridot Pointe thru Diamond Pointe

This is for dancers who have successfully completed Pointe 1, and who are taking two ballet classes. You must take a ballet class immediately before the pointe class. You must also take two ballet classes in the preceding year in order to enroll.

Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Tap, Street Hip-Hop, and Jazz Workshop

These are special classes for advanced students. We select students for workshop classes through invitation only. Dancers have the opportunity to learn variations, company repertoire, and partnering. We offer master classes every year to our workshop tap classes. Recent classes were taught by Gavin Lee, currently performing on a Broadway.

and Anissa Lee with Syncopated Ladies is a Female Tap Dance Band from Los Angeles, CA created by EMMY AWARD NOMINATED, tap dancer and choreographer, Chloe Arnold, protege of Debbie Allen.

Workshop is Gotta Dance’s highest level, and our dancers commit to Workshop with dance as their priority.  In this class, everyone should have the same commitment.  When a dancer does not, it affects everyone’s growth.   By registering for Workshop level class(es), you are committing to this policy.

Workshop Requirements:

1. 1. Teacher recommendation
   2. Attendance policy
      1. 80% attendance must be maintained for each Workshop level class.
      2. Students will be contacted by the Gotta Dance office if attendance falls below 80% based on the below check dates.  Dancers will be allowed to make up classes in another class: Jazz, Tap & Ballet: Can make up in Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond & Workshop Contemporary: Can make up in Contemporary levels 2 & 3 Modern: Can make up in Intermediate Modern & Advanced Modern Street HipHop: Can make up in any level Street HipHop class Broadway: Can make up in Broadway Middle/High School class. All makeup classes must be completed deadline for each check.  If make-up classes are not completed by deadline, dancers will be dropped from the class and refunded 50% of the concert fee.
      3. Make-up classes are not Gotta Dance’s responsibility.  Any dancer that attends a makeup class, will be responsible to ask the teacher for the makeup class notebook, fill out the makeup class form, and have the teacher sign it.
      4. The only excused absences are studying abroad, earning a professional role (ex: Papermill, Radio City or Broadway), having a doctor’s note, a death in the family, a religious holiday where the studio is not closed, missing due to another Gotta Dance team rehearsal/performance and/or missing for college tours.  We ask that a note be emailed to office@gotta-dance.com for any excused absences. (If missing due to an injury, we still ask dancers to attend sitting out by attending virtually or in person)
      5. If a student is unable to commit to 80% attendance, they should register for a Diamond level class even if they are recommended for Workshop.
      6.  80 % attendance will be looked at when finalizing Showstopper Dance Company lead roles.