About
Our Program:
Our children's dance program offers year-round fun and fitness for kids as young as 4 years old. Our entry level classes are held once a week with the option to add additional classes at a discounted rate.
Our dance program operates on a semester basis. The first semester runs from September through December, and the second semester runs from January through May. Each semester concludes with a recital, where students will showcase their hard work. (There are rehearsals and recital fees associated with each semester's recital.) Students can join mid semester as long as it doesn't interfere with choreography. Our summer classes are not a semester commitment and run on a month by month basis.
Our Directors:
Katie Thompson has been involved in dance for over 27 years. She grew up performing, teaching, producing and directing dance in the mid-coast Maine area. Katie has trained in NYC, LA and Seattle. She has studied many styles of dance with a foundation in technique and street styles.
Jessica Whitney began her ballet training in Maine under Adrei Bossov, a former Kirov Ballet principal dancer, and later completed her studies at Makaroff's in Appleton, Wisconsin, under Juanita Makaroff, a graduate of the School of American Ballet in NYC. Jessica's journey led her to join the Children's Ballet Theater, where she gained valuable performance experience.
Our Values:
At Roots, we firmly believe that learning should be an enjoyable experience, where the joy of movement is at the forefront. We are dedicated to creating an environment where children feel welcomed and accepted, nurturing their love for dance. We understand that daily successes are the building blocks of confidence, and we ensure that children are appropriately challenged to exceed their own expectations, helping them grow not just as dancers but as individuals. We are committed to seeking excellence, as we believe that personal fulfillment comes from becoming the best version of oneself, both as an individual and a team member. Through teamwork, dedication, and an appreciation for the art of dance, we aim to instill a lifelong passion for the performing arts in our students.
Classes
Tumble Dance
Level 1
Ages 5-7
90 min
This is the place to start! Tumble dance is fast paced, highly engaging, and fun! Kids love that they get to work on both dance and gymnastics skills in one combo class. Tumble Dance includes the following curriculum:
-Ballet & Jazz foundation technique and terminology
-Beginning gymnastics floor skills that can be easily incorporated into dance.
-Creative movement. Dance requires a strong theatrical, emotive element in order to really bring it to life, to make it a powerful art form. Creative movement can help beginning dancers shed inhibitions, unleash imagination, and explore authentic self-expression which is so fundamental to dance.
-Rhythms, counting, and connecting to music.
-Conditioning & flexibility as age appropriate.
Dress Code: Leotard (May layer with leggings/shorts/tights)
Acro Hip Hop
Level 1
Ages 4-5
45 min
Level 1
Ages 6-8
90 min
Acro Hip Hop is an introductory class that will include dance instruction in the studio and gymnastics instruction on the floor. This class starts with the fundamentals, introducing and exploring the various styles and roots of hip hop movement (popping, locking, waving, breaking, etc.). Focusing on grooves, rhythm, footwork, personality in movement, and working to build confidence in self-expression.
The acro portion of class will also help build confidence as well as develop strength, flexibility, speed, coordination, power and balance.
Dress Code: Comfortable, movable clothing & Tennis Shoes.
Hip Hop
Level 1
Ages 9+
60 min
Level 2
Ages 9+
60 min
Hip Hop is an introductory class that will include dance instruction in the studio. This class starts with the fundamentals, introducing and exploring the various styles and roots of hip hop movement (popping, locking, waving, breaking, etc.). Focusing on grooves, rhythm, footwork, personality in movement, and working to build confidence in self-expression.
Dress Code: Comfortable, movable clothing & Tennis Shoes.
Jazz/Ballet
Level 2
Ages 6-8
60 min
Level 1
Ages 9+
60 min
Our Jazz/Ballet Combo class provides a fun and supportive environment where students will explore the fundamentals of both jazz and ballet. Through engaging exercises and choreography, students will develop basic skills in body alignment, coordination, and rhythm.
-In Jazz, students will learn the essential movements and styles that define this energetic and expressive dance form. They'll practice basic steps, develop a sense of musicality, and work on building confidence through simple choreography.
-In Ballet, dancers will focus on foundational techniques, including proper posture, basic positions, and gentle stretching. This component of the class helps improve strength, flexibility, and grace while fostering an appreciation for classical ballet.
Dress Code: Leotard (May layer with leggings/shorts/tights)
Ballet/Contemporary
Level 2
Ages 9+
60 min
Elevate your dance experience with our Level 2 Ballet/Contemporary Combo class, designed for students with a foundational understanding of ballet and contemporary techniques who are ready to delve deeper into both styles. This class aims to refine skills and explore more advanced concepts in a stimulating and creative environment.
Dress Code: Leotard (May layer with leggings/shorts/tights)
Jazz
Level 2
Ages 9+
60 min
Step up your dance game with our Level 2 Jazz Class, designed for students who have a basic understanding of jazz and are ready to advance their skills. This class focuses on refining technique and exploring more complex jazz movements and styles.
In this class, dancers will work on improving their technique with more intricate steps, including advanced turns, jumps, and combinations. The curriculum emphasizes performance quality, dynamic movement, and the development of personal style, challenging students to push their boundaries and express themselves more fully through dance.
Dress Code: Leotard (May layer with leggings/shorts/tights)
Adult Hip Hop
All Levels
Ages 18+
Wednesdays
8:00-9:00 pm
Come learn grooves, footwork, and the foundational movement of HipHop, then put them all together in fun choreography. We will work on old school grooves as well as movements of today’s culture. This class is all about letting go of the “I’m not a dancer” mentality and connect to your body through a positive and judgement-free environment.
$15 Per Drop in
*When you sign up for all month of classes you pay $12 per class. Must call the office to receive this discount. No refunds for missed classes.
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Sign up
Here are some ways you can get your child registered:
In Person
216 Commerce St.
Missoula, MT 59808