Our Dance Classes – Musical Feet in Eugene, OR
Musical Feet offers two programs from which to choose: A Performing Program which runs a full school-year and a shorter length Non-Performing Program which is offered each term.
Performing Program 2012-13
(10 Months) September 10 – June 15
Classes assemble in the fall and apply their dance studies to three progressive performances during the season, enhancing technique and skill-building, team work, responsibility, and the joy of performance. There are two in-progress performances during the year and the year ends with a fully staged concert at the Hult Center.
Non-Performing Program 2012-2013
12-week session for fall term
10-week sessions for winter and spring terms
6-week session for summer term
Short-term classes begin fresh each term. Students apply the technique and skills they learn to short dance phrases without the pressure of performance deadlines. Students may join a non-performing class at any time during the season. Summer session offers a variety of choices and an opportunity to sample different dance forms and build skills for the next level. These sessions maintain open enrollment, space permitting.
Non-Performing Term Sessions 2012-13
Fall Term: Sep 17 – Dec 15
Winter Term: Jan 7 – March 16
Spring Term: April 1 – June 8
Summer: June 24 – August 2
Training -
Technique is the cornerstone of the training program. Both children and adults are taught the progression of skills, vocabulary, and improvisational methods of the dance form they are studying. We specialize in age-appropriate costumes, music, and choreography.
Our Studios are outfitted with floated maple dance floors. This provides resilience which minimizes potential for fatigue or injury. The surface is comfortable to dance on and produces high-quality tap sound.
View Class Listings and Schedule.
Tap Dance – Beginning, Intermediate & Advanced – Ages 6 and up
Musical Feet was founded in the 1970s as a school of tap dance and has since expanded to include five levels of tap expertise in its curriculum. As beginners, students learn the basics of the tap dance vocabulary as it was danced during the heyday of tap on Broadway (1920s – 1940s) and in the Hollywood musicals. As they progress to Tap II and III, they learn the more intricate footwork that is used in jazz/rhythm tap. With emphasis on musicality and laying the foundation of the classics of tap’s early history, students learn to make music with their feet, with traditional as well as contemporary music as their accompaniment. The School has two levels of tap companies: Along with the hip hop companies, these dancers have increased opportunities to perform in the community, including a show of their own.
Hip Hop – Beginning Intermediate & Advanced – Age 8 and up
Hip Hop has become a secondary leader in our dance training program. With an emphasis on age-appropriate choreography and music, we are able to turn kids onto dancing with the music they relate to and the contemporary moves of the day. The School now has two levels of hip hop companies. These dancers have increased performance opportunities in the community during the season, as well as a show of their own.
Hip Hop Jr. – Ages 4-7
Students are introduced to dance fundamentals with contemporary music. With an emphasis on fun, there will be dance games and exercises, as well as learning dances for performance.
Contemporary – 10 & Up and Teen/Adult
(10-up simply means there could be a 10- 11- or 12-year-old in the Teen/Adult)
An exploration in movement and body control by combining the fundamental principles from jazz, lyrical, and modern. Students will learn how to move and flow in various expressive ways with a concentration on technique and musicality. Great for those interested in expanding their training!
Jazz Lyrical – 10 & Up and Teen/Adult
(10-up simply means there could be a 10- 11- or 12-year-old in the Teen/Adult.)
This class includes fundamentals of Jazz Dance, with an emphasis on musical interpretation. A great technique class with fun choreography and music.
Creative Movement – Ages 3-5
Children age 3 are introduced to dance through creative movement, which accesses their imagination while teaching them fundamental of movement and music.
Ballet/Tap – Ages 3-5
This class includes the elements of classical ballet and beginning tap dance
Tap/Jazz/Ballet – Ages 4-8
Students are given an introduction to all three dance forms. Wearing tap shoes, they learn the basic tap vocabulary and begin immediately to learn dance steps, as well as playing rhythm games. During the part of class when they wear ballet or jazz shoes, they learn dance rudiments and the “personality” of each of the dance forms.
Musical Theatre – All Ages
Experience what it’s like to perform in a musical play, while learning song and dance in the same class. Learn how to Audition! Every class will be like an audition. You may be asked to perform your song or a monologue. You also will learn basic dance steps that you could expect to be given at any musical theatre audition. You will put together your resume and come up with a head shot so that you are ready to show up when an audition comes up that you want to do.