A Class for Every Dancer in the Quad Cities
Stage 1
Ages 2-3
Our Stage One classes are 30 minutes long and held once a week. These sessions combine tap, ballet, and tumbling to give young dancers a well-rounded introduction to dance. Students will explore creative movement, music appreciation, and basic dance techniques in a fun and engaging environment.
Your child is likely ready for a Stage One class if they can stay without a parent for 30 minutes and have the enthusiasm to listen to music and be active.
Stage 2
Ages 3-4
Designed for three and four-year-olds with minimal experience, our Stage Two classes meet once a week for 45 minutes. These classes combine tap, ballet, and tumbling, focusing on more advanced techniques that emphasize body movement, shapes, and rhythm.
Your child is likely ready for Stage Two if they can be without a parent for 45 minutes and follow two-part directions. In this class, we will start working on jumping off both feet, balancing on one foot, and developing basic memory retention.
Stage 3
Ages 3-5
Our Stage Three classes are held once a week for 45 minutes. These sessions combine tap, ballet, and tumbling. At this level, students are expected to remember and recall steps from week to week, continuing to use body movement, shapes, and rhythm.
Your child is likely ready for a Stage Three class if they can jump on two feet, balance on one foot, understand the concepts of front and back, and show early signs of upper and lower body connection and coordination.
Stage 4
Ages 3-6
Similar to the Stage Three classes, our Stage Four sessions are 45 minutes long and held once a week. While they still combine tap, ballet, and tumbling, there is less emphasis on tumbling at this stage. Students are expected to move at a quicker pace and recall their steps from week to week.
Your child is likely ready for a Stage Four class if they can jump on one foot, perform a somersault with little to no assistance, and retain information from week to week.
Stage 5
Ages 5-7
This class marks the transition from young dancer to more advanced dancer. These one-hour sessions focus on the three core areas of dance: ballet, tap, and jazz, with a particular emphasis on ballet. At this level, students will learn more advanced concepts and skills.
Your child is likely ready for a Stage Five class if they can focus for a full hour, skip, and understand the difference between right and left.
Stage 6
Ages 6-9
Our 90-minute classes for children aged 6-9 dive deeper into the styles of jazz, ballet, and tap. We offer classes tailored for both beginners and more experienced dancers in this age group.
At this level, students will develop their memory, technique, and discipline.
Stage 7
Ages 8-12
Our 90-minute classes for children aged 8-12 expand on the styles of jazz, ballet, and tap. We offer options for both beginners and more experienced dancers in this age group.
At this level, students will enhance their memory, refine their technique, and develop discipline.
Stage 8
Ages 10+
Designed for children aged 10 and up, this two-hour class covers jazz, ballet, tap, and a touch of lyrical dance. It's ideal for experienced dancers who prefer not to join a competition team.
Stage 10
Ages 12+
This 90-minute class is designed for children aged 12 and up, offering a well-rounded experience in jazz, ballet, tap, and a bit of lyrical dance. Additionally, we incorporate improvisation and introduce beginning hip hop to broaden students' skills and creativity.
This class is perfect for experienced dancers who prefer not to join a competition team but still want to explore diverse dance styles and techniques.
Stage 9
Ages 12+
This 90-minute class is designed for children aged 12 and up. It covers styles such as jazz, ballet, tap, and a bit of lyrical dance.
It's ideal for experienced dancers who prefer not to join a competition team.
Join us to enhance your dance journey in a fun and supportive environment
Hip hop
Open to dancers aged four and up, this lively class focuses on teaching upbeat jazz routines using the latest songs and techniques. It's designed to help dancers improve their memory and maintain focus.
Ages 4-6
Required to take a stage class alongside their hip hop class.
Ages 7 and Older
Highly recommended to take a stage class for a well-rounded dance education.
Ballet
Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced dancer, we have a class to suit your needs. Our ballet classes are designed to impart the elegance and poise of a true ballerina.
These classes cater to both recreational dancers aged 10 and up, as well as members of our Diamond and above competitive teams.
Strength and Conditioning
While this 30-minute class is designed with dancers in mind, it offers an incredible workout for everyone! Focusing on flexibility, strength, control, and balance, this class will help your body achieve peak performance.
Available three days per week, this class ensures you get a comprehensive workout that targets optimal fitness.
Tumbling
Above the Barre proudly manages three fantastic establishments: Above the Barre Dance Academy, Evolve Gymnastics and Tumbling, and the Mini-Movement Center. All three businesses are conveniently located within one block of each other.
We recommend that tumbling and gymnastics classes be taken at Evolve or the Mini-Movement Center, depending on the age of your child, to ensure they receive the best possible training and experience.