Dance Styles offered

• Acrobatics
• Babies/Preeschool
• Ballet
• Contemporary
• Hip Hop
• HSC Dance
• Jazz
• Modern Expressive
• National Character
• Pilates
• Private Lessons
• Singing
• Stretch
• Tap

Pilates

Pilates focuses on the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and which are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aim to strengthen the deep torso muscles.  The the central aim of Pilates is to attempt to create a fusion of mind and body, so that without even engaging the mind, the body will move with economy, grace, and balance. The principles governing the Pilates technique are :

• Breathing  
  Pilates breathing should be done with concentration, control, and precision. Proper and effective breathing, not only oxygenates the muscles, but also reduces tension in the upper neck and shoulders.  Pilates attempts to properly coordinate this breathing practice with movement, including breathing instructions with every exercise.
• Centering
  Pilates calls the very large group of muscles in the center of the body – encompassing the abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks – the “powerhouse.” All energy for Pilates exercises is said to begin from the powerhouse and flow outward to the limbs. . Pilates felt that it was important to build a strong powerhouse in order to rely on it in daily living.
• Concentration
  Pilates demands intense focus.  Beginners are instructed to pay careful attention to their bodies, building on very small, delicate fundamental movements and controlled breathing. - Control The Pilates method is built on the idea of muscle control.
• Precision
  Every movement in the Pilates method has a purpose. Every instruction is considered vitally important to the success of the whole. The focus is on doing one precise and perfect movement, rather than many halfhearted ones. The goal is for this precision to eventually become second nature, and carry over into everyday life as grace and economy of movement.

It takes time to experience the flow or efficiency of movement which is why we recommend completing the whole term of classes.

Movement is expected to be kept continuous between exercises through the use of appropriate transitions. Once precision has been achieved, the exercises are intended to flow within and into each other in order to build strength and stamina, however it takes time to learn the movements - be patient with yourself and your body!

Precautions

Pilates during pregnancy has been claimed to be a highly valuable and beneficial form of exercise, but you should inform the instructor if you are pregnant or have any other health condition.