Ballet, Tap, & Hip Hop

Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop is one of our most popular dance classes at Robert Crown. This class provides an introduction to dance technique covering the fundamentals of ballet, tap, and hip hop.

This class provides a particular focus on developmentally appropriate topics for ages 4 to 6-and-a-half, including introducing students to the fundamentals of coordinated movement and how to take a dance class. Tap and hip hop introduce the basics of rhythm and movement sequencing, while ballet provides a strong foundation in balance, basic jumps, and body positioning.

This hour-long class is typically divided into four segments: warm-up followed by ballet, tap, and hip hop (typically in that order).

Who is Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop Intended for?

Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop is a dance class best suited for early primary-school-age children who love to move and dance or who have demonstrated an interest in expressive movement. Prior dance experience is not required.

Ages: 4–7 years.

Class Length & Attire

This class meets weekly for one hour. Clothing should be comfortable, non-obstructive, and support dynamic movement in all spatial planes. Dressing up is welcome.

Shoe requirement: tap shoes are required for the tap portion of class. Ballet can be done in socks or ballet slippers. Hip hop requires comfortable, non-marking sneakers. It is recommended that students practice taking their dance shoes on and off before attending their first class meeting to assist with smooth transitions during our time together. Students who are still learning to tie laces independently may want to consider slip-on options where available.

We take short breaks between segments to switch shoes as necessary and grab a drink of water, so be sure to bring a water bottle.

Accessibility & Inclusivity

We strive to make all our dance classes at Robert Crown Community Center accessible and inclusive. This is both my personal commitment as a professional educator who cares deeply about equity and inclusion and is also a part of the City of Evanston's accessibility commitment.

As part of this commitment, I include sensory check-ins with students to make sure music volume levels are appropriate. One thing to note is that since we practice in tap shoes in this class, some strong auditory stimuli can occur. Students are encouraged and empowered to take sensory breaks as needed. My Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop class is a good alternative for students with particular needs around limiting auditory sensory stimulation since it is similarly structured and offered for the same age range but without the tap dance element.

The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a city-wide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accomodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or fill out a request form online at evanstonil.qscend.com/311.