The goal of the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute is to provide the highest level of dance training to every student, whether coming to experience the pure enjoyment and artistry of dynamic movement to music, or to prepare for a professional career in dance. Our emphasis for all levels and each dance discipline is a solid grasp of the fundamentals, strong technical, creative, and performance skills, and an understanding of the traditions and history behind each.

Students in the Dance Institute perform choreographed dances and demonstrate their technical skills in a dance recital at the end of each year. During each term, windows onto the School’s dance studios allow parents to observe the instruction and progress of their children. Photography, video taping and/or sound recording of class is not permitted.

Proper class placement is important for student success. After reviewing the information below, parents and students should choose a class in the student’s area of interest (ballet, tap, etc.) and at the student’s level (beginning, intermediate, advanced). The student then attends the first class prior to formally registering. The teacher of the class observes the student, and can either confirm enrollment in that class or recommend a more appropriate class/level for the student. Following this confirmation from the teacher, the student must then register for the class in order to continue instruction.

Students must make every effort to be on time for all classes and lessons. All classes/lessons will end at the scheduled time so that subsequent classes and lessons remain on time. Note that students who arrive more than 10 minutes late to dance classes may not participate, but are encouraged to stay and observe the class. Students arriving later than 10 minutes miss the essential warm-up time, and thus risk physical injury. This rule helps to prevent injuries from occurring.

Proper dance attire is required for all dance classes. For the Spring Dance Recital, a small costume fee may be charged.

    Boys: Solid color t-shirt (no logos/snug fit, Jazz pants, Jazz sneaker or jazz shoe (laced or slip on). All hair must be pulled back and off the face

Teachers constantly evaluate the progress of their students while using teaching opportunities within the class to promote progress. The immediacy of their feedback encourages student development and growth. Students or parents who wish to have a conference to discuss progress may contact the teacher or Director.

Classes within the Dance Institute are organized by level, and/or age. Some types of dance instruction are offered on the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Classes are given in Ballet, Contemporary Jazz, Modern, Tap, Hip hop, Mexican Folkloric Dance, Yoga, Pilates and special technique classes for boys.

Ballet builds the foundations of technique, control, flexibility and strength needed in any and all dance disciplines. Each ballet class, regardless of level, is formulated to carefully build these qualities through a series of exercises at the barre, followed by more complex movement in the center floor. Knowledge and use of the proper French terminology for each step will be stressed, as well as proper placement and alignment of the body, musicality, and attention to the dynamics of each movement.

Creative Dance provides a bridge from Early Childhood movement classes to more formal dance training. Classes include an introduction to basic dance skills, dance vocabulary, and structured improvisation. Creative Dance can lead to beginning classical training (often started around age 7), can serve as an excellent grounding for the study of modern dance, or offers a class for dance students who desire a less formal approach to their studies.

This class is a fusion of the Limon Tradition, and Horton Technique, incorporating elements from Yoga, and Pilates. The use of breath, momentum, strength, and healthy alignment will be key aspects of the class, as well as celebrating the dancer as an expressive human being. Students will experience a professional class structure, learning key elements of modern dance such as standing in  parallel, moving from the body's  core, and experimentation with moving in and out of the floor.  The class will also explore natural movements such as walking, running, falling and jumping, and learn how these elements can be combined to create a piece of choreography.  This class fosters strength, coordination, balance and musicality within each student, and will help develop each student's body awareness and knowledge of moving through space. The class is suitable for both boys and girls. Students should wear either footless tights or dance pants, and a leotard or close fitting top, with their hair pulled back neatly and bare feet.

Boys Movin’ is a fun and fast-paced adventure in movement for boys. This sportive class presents imaginative exercises to music in order to improve balance, strength, coordination, flexibility, and agility, as well as concentration and creativity. These skills can help a child succeed in all aspects of life. Comfortable, loose clothing and sneakers are recommended.

Tap is a combination of simple and complex rhythms and movements, emphasized by the sounds of the dancer’s shoes. This connection to percussion in music makes for a deeply musical as well as physical experience. Correct technique is emphasized at each level, allowing for more advanced work to progress.

Contemporary jazz dance is a high-energy, dynamic experience in movement, reflecting its historical roots in Modern Dance, Tap and Ethnic Dance.

Students learn various styles of dances within the “Popping Umbrella” such as Popping, Boog Style, Animation, Tutting, Waving, Filmore, Strutting, Bopping, Stepping, Glides, and ground moves. The class focuses on these styles through routines and individual guidance introducing the foundational styles and covering the correct technique and historical origins of the dance. Routines are taught enabling students to learn how to use the foundations in various useful areas (such as varying levels, 360 direction, and changing basic foundations) so that students may improve on their freestyle and individual abilities.

This class focuses on learning the various regional folk dances of Mexico in a friendly, family environment. Classes begin with warm up and stretches, followed by lessons in vocabulary, footwork technique, and various stylizations according to region, leading to the study and performance of repertoire. In addition to technique, emphasis is placed on providing historical and geographical information in accordance with each state’s individual style.

The Pilates method of body conditioning builds efficient and toned muscles, increases flexibility, and teaches greater body awareness. Special emphasis is placed on strengthening the deepest postural muscles known as the body’s “core,” breathing techniques, and proper alignment of the spine. Classes include exercises executed while standing, sitting, and lying on a mat, and may incorporate balls, elastic bands, or other props. Mats and equipment are provided. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.

Anusara Yoga, a yoga style originated by John Friend, uses universal principals of alignment to bring the body into a harmonious and balanced state for maximum stability and maximum freedom. Anusara classes are energetic and mindful. Becoming aware of the pulsation of energy as it is expressed through the body as breath, movement, sensation and thought is emphasized. Time is taken after a series of poses to reflect upon, absorb and enjoy the benefits of the practice. These classes will be for all levels; variations will be suggested that can make for a more challenging experience. Though blankets, blocks and straps are provided, students are asked to bring their own mats.

Private (one-on-one) instruction is available in every dance discipline. Such instruction provides more individualized teaching, and results in more confidence when the student joins a group class. Students interested in private instruction should first check with the teacher to determine his/her availability.

The goal of the Professional Training Program (PTP) is to inspire young dancers with exposure to quality choreography while pushing the boundaries of their technique and artistry. The PTP is for serious pre-professional dance students who are prepared to work hard in a rigorous dance training program. Enrolled students are high school students at an intermediate or advanced level of training who are truly dedicated and disciplined. These students study intensively under the guidance of renowned faculty from major dance companies and educational institutions. The Professional Training Program is designed to give young dance students a broader understanding of various dance styles, with a major focus on ballet and modern dance. Performances during the year give students the opportunity to refine their technique and grow their understanding of the performance experience. Students selected for the 32-week program are expected to take a minimum of twelve classes per week; classes are 90 minutes in length. These classes include ballet, pointe and variation (girls), pas de deux, repertory, modern dance, contemporary jazz, basic music theory, and body conditioning.

Students interested in auditioning for the Professional Training Program must complete a brief application form, which may be obtained by contacting the School’s CSPA Office or by clicking here. To schedule an audition, return this completed form to the CSPA Office by mail or fax (213-621-2110), or drop it off in the CSPA Office. Audition appointments will be scheduled upon receipt of the application form.

Semester Enrollment – The majority of classes offered require registration and enrollment for the complete term (16 weeks in Fall and Spring, 8 weeks in Summer). This kind of enrollment enables the student to make the steady progress that comes from regular attendance and cumulative learning.