CHCA Center for Dance
From first plié to final curtain call, the CHCA Center for Dance inspires technical excellence and God-given creativity in an environment that challenges, empowers, and uplifts.
Training artists in technique, performance, and grace.
Highlights
Our Levels
Eaglets
A joyful introduction to movement for our youngest dancers.
Overview
- Preschool (3-4 year olds)
Recommended Classes
- Eaglets
Level 1
Foundational training in ballet and rhythm.
Overview
- Kindergarten–Grade 3 (generally)
- Brand new to dance or emerging from our Eaglets program
- Dancers do not have a broad range of dance knowledge but do have the ability to listen and follow directions
Recommended Classes
- Eaglets
Level 2
Building strength, technique, and musicality.
Overview
- Grades 3–5 (generally)
- At least 2-3 years of dance experience
- Dancers have a solid dance base and understand proper placement/footwork for basic pirouettes, turns, and leaps
- Dancers are still working on correct body placement and control
Recommended Classes
- Acro 2/3
- Ballet 2
- Beginning Tap
- Jazz 2 Technique & Rehearsal
Level 3
Preparing for more advanced skills and choreography.
Overview
- Grades 5–7 (generally)
- At least 4+ years of experience
- Dancers have a very solid dance foundation and are working on more difficult variations of pirouettes, turns, and leaps/jumps
- Dancers display an understanding of proper body placement and can execute most technical skills with strength and control
Recommended Classes
- Acro 2/3
- Ballet 3
- Contemporary 3 Technique & Rehearsal
- Jazz 3 Technique & Rehearsal
- Pre-Pointe
Level 4
Designed for experienced dancers ready for complex routines.
Overview
- Grades 7–12 (generally)
- At least 5+ years of experience
- Dancers display a mastery of proper body placement, body lines, and correct technical execution of skills
Recommended Classes
- Acro 4
- Ballet 4
- Collegiate Team Prep
- Contemporary 4 Rehearsal
- Contemporary 4 Technique
- Floor Barre & Conditioning
- Jazz 4 Rehearsal
- Jazz 4 Technique
- Pointe & Variations
Competitive Ballet Track
For dancers seeking performance-intensive training and competitions.
Overview
- Specialized option designed for dancers who are eager to receive a more rigorous training regimen to help develop and refine their technique and artistry in classical ballet and contemporary
Recommended Classes
- CBT Ballet
- CBT Contemporary Ensemble Rehearsal
Class Guide
View our current courses, each specially designed to enhance technique and skill.
Preschool Eaglets
3-4 year olds
Mondays, 3:45–4:30 p.m. (.75 HR)
Nurture your child’s creative spirit in this fun introduction to dance. This class uses upbeat music and games to build an appreciation for music and the fundamental gross motor skills needed for dance. Students sharpen social awareness, coordination, and musicality while learning introductory ballet steps. They are also exposed to the proper mechanics of forward and backward rolling as well as other beginning tumbling skills, a stepping stone for coming years. At the teacher’s discretion, beginning tap exercises may also be added into the curriculum, in which case tap shoes would be required. The Eaglet class performs in both the Nutcracker Suite and Spring Showcase. There is a $100 program fee added to cover costumes.
Beginning Tap
Levels 1—2
Tuesdays, 4:45–5:45 p.m. (1 HR)
This introduction to tap is a fun opportunity to explore rhythm, weight shift, and coordination while establishing a fabulous sense of musicality and showmanship at an early age. Tap is incredibly beneficial to a dancer’s overall development and sets them up for success as they enjoy exciting, upbeat music with a theatrical flair.
Jazz
Jazz Technique & Rehearsal | Levels 1—4
Jazz 1 Technique | Wednesdays, 6:00–6:45 p.m. (.75 HRS)
Jazz 2 Technique & Rehearsal | Thursdays, 5:15–6:30 p.m. (1.25 HRS)
Jazz 3 Technique & Rehearsal | Wednesdays, 7:15–8:30 p.m. (1.25 HRS)
Jazz 4 Technique | Wednesdays, 8:30–9:30 p.m. (1 HR)
This class teaches the foundation of jazz dance, including leaps and turns. In Levels 1 and 2, beginning dancers perfect basic skills and begin to work on body awareness, balance, placement, and control. Levels 3 and 4 are reserved for intermediate/advanced dancers, where more intricate combinations and advanced variations of leaps and turns are taught. The second portion of the class, for Levels 2 and 3, focuses on preparing choreography for performance and competition. (If your dancer is not competing but is interested in learning choreography, she will have the option and opportunity to stay and learn the piece as an understudy.) Level 4 learns and practices jazz team choreography in a separate rehearsal. Level 1 will learn a routine performed in Spring Showcases.
Ballet
Ballet/Acro Combo Class (Level 1)
Tuesdays, 3:45–4:45 p.m. (1 HR)
During this beginning stage of dance development, introductory technique is the primary focus in ballet, which is learned through a series of repetitive movements that build upon each other. Students learn the five positions of feet and arms and participate in basic barre and center work. In acro, a foundation for basic tumbling is also taught to improve strength and coordination. The Level 1 combo class performs ballet pieces in both the Nutcracker Suite and Spring Showcase. There is a $100 program fee added to cover costumes.
Ballet | Levels 2—4
Ballet 2 | Mondays, 3:45–4:45 p.m. (1 HR)
Ballet 3A | Tuesdays, 4:45–6:00 p.m. (1.25 HRS)
Ballet 3B | Wednesdays, 5:15–6:30 p.m. (1.25 HRS)
Ballet 4A | Mondays, 4:45–6:15 p.m. (1.5 HRS)
Ballet 4B | Wednesdays, 3:45–5:15 p.m. (1.5 HR)
Ballet 4C | Thursdays, 3:45–5:15 p.m. (1.5 HRS)
Ballet is the foundation of all disciplines of dance. Classes consist of barre work, center floor combinations, and instruction of terminology. CHCA Center for Dance’s curriculum represents the highest level of ballet training. Students begin to build their classical foundation while developing strength, flexibility, and control, emphasizing body placement and articulation of the feet. Each student is nurtured and encouraged as they progress through the curriculum.
CBT Ballet
Fridays, 3:45–4:45 p.m. (1 HR)
This is a specialized option designed for dancers who are eager to receive a more rigorous training regimen to help develop and refine their technique and artistry in classical ballet and contemporary. These dancers meet on Fridays for an extra technique class and variation rehearsals with our Ballet Lead, Serena Hanavan. These dancers must also attend at least three of the other technique classes per week and participate in the team contemporary piece. Personalized to each dancer, this track helps dancers define realistic goals and provides resources to help them prepare for the prestigious Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) and New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA) competitions. This extra focus also helps prepare dancers for summer intensives and collegiate dance programs. An extra program fee, including registration for both YAGP and NYCDA, is required; costumes and additional travel expenses are not included. Please contact Anna Leithart to discuss evaluation for placement in this track.
Pre-pointe
Wednesdays, 6:30–7:15 p.m. (.75 HR)
Going “en pointe” is the natural progression of classical ballet training. For students who have had at least three years of ballet training, this class is designed to introduce and prepare dancers for a future transition into pointe work and strengthen younger dancers who have recently begun their pointe training. Depending on the dancer’s age, foot structure, strength, and maturity, this class gives the instructor time to assess and map out each student’s readiness for the wonderful world of pointe work.
Pointe & Variations
Mondays, 6:15–7:00 p.m. (.75 HR)
All pointe classes are designed for students who have had at least four years of ballet training. This class focuses on pointe technique, building strength and fluidity in the shoes, and artistry as a classical ballet dancer. It includes barre and center combinations designed specifically to strengthen the ankles and feet. The second portion of the class includes learning classical variations from some of the most famous ballets in the world. From Marius Pepita to George Balanchine and beyond, students are exposed to a wide variety of technical styles, stories, and steps.
Floor-Barre & Conditioning (Level 4)
Tuesdays, 6:15–7:15 p.m. (1 HR)
Floor-barre is a technique in ballet training that takes the basic ballet barre training from the standing position to the floor. The primary benefit of floor-barre is that it causes less strain on the hip joints. Floor-barre emphasizes the importance of utilizing natural turnout by allowing movement that is both gravity resisted and assisted. Floor-barre is also recommended for dancers recovering from injuries because it enforces a neutral spine, which corrects improper posture and is not too strenuous for the recovering body. As a dance-specific rehabilitation, it rebuilds strength and natural mobility. Exercises in floor-barre can specifically target certain parts of the body such as the psoas muscles, hamstrings, or pelvis while still allowing the dancer to focus on increasing center awareness.
Floor-barre works to:
- Improve turnout (for a strong and stable supporting leg)
- Increase mobility and flexibility (for more range of motion)
- Build strength (for extensions, better partnering, and more stamina)
- Enhance coordination (for fluid and graceful movements)
- Fine-tune proprioception (to quickly adjust your technique)
Conditioning exercises along with floor-barre are a proven way to better prepare our dancers to be strong, physically fit, and able to sail through the rigors of dance performance. A conditioning regime allows dancers to strengthen their bodies and complement their dance training to prevent injuries and perform at their highest level.
Contemporary
Contemporary Technique & Rehearsal | Levels 3—4
Contemporary 3 Technique & Rehearsal | Tuesdays, 6:00–7:15 p.m. (1.25 HRS)
Contemporary 4 Technique | Tuesdays, 7:15-8:30 p.m. (1.25 HR)
These classes fuse the elements of many dance genres, pulling most heavily from ballet, modern, and jazz. Dancers explore different movement qualities, transitioning from fluid to staccato while learning to pick up new choreography as well as practicing improvisation and generating their own movement. This class also focuses on teaching dancers how to intertwine storytelling, emotion, and prayer to their craft as they connect to God, the music, and their audience. For Level 3, the second portion of this class focuses on preparing choreography for performance and competition. (If your dancer is not competing but is interested in learning the choreography, she will have the option and opportunity to stay and learn the piece as an understudy.) Level 4 learns and practices contemporary team choreography in a separate rehearsal.
Contemporary 4 Rehearsal
Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m. (1 HR)
In this hour, dancers clean and rehearse the Contemporary 4 competition choreography. Dancers performing in this piece must attend the 30-minute team warm up prior to the rehearsal, the Contemporary 4 technique class on Tuesdays, and three weekly Level 4 ballet classes. Attendance for this rehearsal is mandatory; any dancer who misses more than two of these rehearsals per semester without a doctor’s note will be ineligible to compete or perform their solo at the next event.
CBT Contemporary Ensemble Rehearsal
Mondays, 7:00–8:00 p.m. CBT (1 HR)
This is a specialized option designed for dancers who are eager to receive a more rigorous training regimen to help develop and refine their technique and artistry in classical ballet and contemporary. These dancers meet on Fridays for an extra technique class and variation rehearsals with our Ballet Lead, Serena Hanavan. These dancers must also attend at least three of the other technique classes per week and participate in the team contemporary piece. Personalized to each dancer, this track helps dancers define realistic goals and provides resources to help them prepare for the prestigious Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) and New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA) competitions. This extra focus also helps prepare dancers for summer intensives and collegiate dance programs. An extra program fee, including registration for both YAGP and NYCDA, is required; costumes and additional travel expenses are not included. Please contact Anna Leithart to discuss evaluation for placement in this track.
Collegiate Team Prep (Level 4)
Thursdays, 8:00–9:00 p.m. (1 HR)
This class targets skills needed to shine at college clinics and prepares dancers to audition for college dance teams. In this class, dancers experience exposure to a variety of styles including pom, hip hop, game-day style combinations, and band dances. Movement studied in this class emphasizes clean, sharp, strong motions and explosive athletic energy.
Acro
Ballet/Acro Combo Class (Level 1)
Tuesdays, 3:45–4:45 p.m. (1 HR)
During this beginning stage of dance development, introductory technique is the primary focus in ballet, which is learned through a series of repetitive movements that build upon each other. Students learn the five positions of feet and arms and participate in basic barre and center work. In acro, a foundation for basic tumbling is also taught to improve strength and coordination. The Level 1 combo class performs ballet pieces in both the Nutcracker Suite and Spring Showcase. There is a $100 program fee added to cover costumes.
Acro | Levels 2–4
Acro 2/3 | Thursdays, 6:30–7:15 p.m. (.75 HR)
Acro 4 | Thursdays, 7:15–8:00 p.m. (.75 HR)
Our acro classes teach dancers basic to advanced tumbling skills to incorporate into their dance routines. Acro improves flexibility, balance, and strength. The acrobatic curriculum teaches safety and correct execution of acro dance. As a guideline, Level 2 dancers should be able to execute a cartwheel, handstand, and bridge without a spot. Level 3 and 4 dancers should be able to execute a back walkover and front walkover without a spot.
Details
Classes take place after school and on weekends. Dance attire and shoes are required. Enrollment opportunities and additional information are available through UltraCamp and via Schoology.
Timing
All classes run from mid-August through April and coordinate with the CHCA calendar. Classes will not be held on school holidays, unless otherwise noted by the instructor. Competitive team dancers will have choreography classes during the summer. Competition dates, basketball games, outreach, and other performances will be announced in early fall.
Enrollment
For students enrolled in technique classes only, enrollment is for the full year, and the fee will be based on the full year. However, withdrawals for non-competition fees and classes effective for the second semester will be accepted if submitted by November 5 to the Program Director and Fine Arts Director using the CHCA Center for Dance withdrawal form. In this case, instruction fees will be deducted through November 1, which effectively means the cost for the first semester will be greater than half of the annual fee. Program and registration fees are non-refundable.
If your student withdraws from a competition team(s) during the year, you are still responsible for the full amount of your financial commitment for the full year, including both instruction and program fees.
Instructional & Program Fees
TBD
New Dancers
If you are new to our studio and need help with registration, please contact our Dance Program Director, Anna Leithart, at anna.leithart@chca-oh.org. Please remember you cannot sign up for competitive teams without an evaluation unless you were a member of one of our competitive teams during the 2024–25 season. Contact Anna Leithart if you have any questions regarding evaluations or 2025–26 placement.
2025–26 Schedule
- May 2024 – Online registration begins
- June 10, 2024 – Online registration closes for competition teams
- August 16, 2024 – Online registration closes for technique classes. After August 16th, contact Anna Leithart to register.
- August 19, 2024 – Classes begin
- November 22 and 23, 2024 – The Nutcracker: Land of the Sweets
- May 4, 2025 – Center for Dance Spring Showcase
Director
Questions about the program? Contact Director Anna Leithart to get started. Please note that competitive teams cannot be joined without evaluation.
Anna Leithart
Dance Program Director
anna.leithart@chca-oh.org
Connect with Us
Find out more about CHCA and how we can be part of your story.