Whether you are new to dance or new to ESD, we are here to answer any questions you may have.
How to get Started:
If your student is between 3-years-old and 7-years-old, see which classes are available on their specified “Age” page, otherwise, if you would like to schedule an appointment for a placement class, please email the studio office.
When you are ready, please review our Registration Page to get started on your new journey here at Excelsior School of Dance
ALL CLASSES – THINGS TO REMEMBER:
- WATER – bring your own water to class (closed containers please). Tap water at the studio is non-potable. If you forget, we sell bottled water in the foyer for $1 each.
- NO LOTION – our Marlie dance floor is made specifically for dance, however lotions and oils cause the floor to be very slippery.
Dress Code
Ballet
- Hair in a classical ballet bun. Download the “How to – Ballet Bun” for help.
- Sleeveless black leotard (tank or spaghetti strap). No crisscross straps, no halter style leotard, no skirt or embellishments attached.
- Black or light pink long sleeve wrap-around sweater for winter time.
- Pink ballet tights.
- Pink ballet shoes. These need to be purchased from a dance shop for the correct fit and need to show the arch of the foot – canvas split sole is recommended.
- Pink Satin Ribbons will need to be purchased from the studio and sewn on by student or parent for Exams and Production. See “How To Sew Ribbons” & “How To Tie Ribbons”
- A nude suite (Nude colored leotard) will need to be purchased later in the year for the Production
Modern/ Tap
- Tights and leotards are required, cover ups and color are at the teacher’s discretion.
- Slip on jazz shoes for Modern & black tap shoes for Tap
- A nude suite (Nude colored leotard) will need to be purchased later in the year for the Production
Hip Hop
- Loose fitting jeans, activewear, dance or sweat pants
- Appropriate coverage top
- Designated low top converse or air walk shoes OR high tops. Shoes must have a white sole. (Hip Hop shoes MUST be kept for “in studio” use only)
- A nude suite (Nude colored leotard) will need to be purchased later in the year for the Production
Conditioning
- Any type of modest active wear – tights and leotard must be worn under any shorts, crop tops, loose tops, low cut tops, sheer tops, skirts, and dresses.
Boys Attire:
- All Boys: Later in the year (around April/May) all boys will need a White, form-fitting, crew-neck, short-sleeve T-Shirt or tank and Black bike shorts (Example: Motionwear – Style 7105) This will be used to wear underneath their costume for the Production.
- Ballet: Hair tidy – slicked back in a pony tail if long, White, short-sleeve, form-fitting, crew-neck T-Shirt, Black bike shorts (Example: Motionwear – Style 7105), Black ballet shoes, White socks
- Modern: Same as above but can also wear appropriate activewear
- Conditioning: Same as Modern.
- Tap: Loose fitting jeans, activewear, dance or sweat pants, appropriate T-shirt, black tap shoes.
- Hip Hop: Same as Tap except with designated low top converse or air walk shoes OR high tops. Shoes must have a white sole. (Hip Hop shoes MUST be kept for “in studio” use only)
- All Boys:
Our Curriculum
Our goal is to nurture and help each student develop in dance and vision – as well as to learn to enjoy the self-discipline involved as their skills and artistry grow.
Our annual Ballet EXAMS provide the individual goals and are highly successful and rewarding for our students.
ESD Teachers are qualified, experienced and have a passion for dance and their students. They are leaders and role models, most of them are also currently professional dancers having traveled the world many times with Ballet Excelsior of Houston. They bring a wealth of knowledge to each class and also understand exams thoroughly and with care and diligence, they know how to coach students.
Benefits of a Syllabus and Examinations for a student: The directors know what each student is being taught each year. They oversee their progress and determine when they are ready to examine and move to the next level.
- Your student will be in a class with others of the same level.
- Provides a detailed plan for each student, each year.
- Weekly and semester class plans are guided by the requirements of the curriculum, which ensures that no area of ballet is neglected.
- Exams give students and teachers achievable goals.
Annual Performance
Our annual theatrical ballet productions are held in a local theater and have included Deliver Us – the story of Moses; Saviour – Gods passion for His people; Esther; Antshillvania – animation of the Prodigal Son; The Parable; The Ballet of The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe; Awaken; and Creation. All students perform and are part of a bigger picture as they dance in a production along with senior and professional dancers.
* Excelsior School of Dance trains the well-rounded dancer by also offering modern, tap, hip hop, conditioning and drama classes.