​Ballet 1 | Ages 5+

A foundation of ballet basics through creative expression to apply skills gained in introductory dance classes.  This class continues the development of coordination, creativity, and musicality while introducing the basics of ballet.  Dancers will explore new ways to move through space with quality of movement while expanding their creative expression in a structured and intentional way.  Dancers are recommended to enroll for two years.  The first year is for introduction, the second for mastery of skills.

Ballet 2 | Ages 7+

A progression of ballet to develop the basics into technique, preparing dancers for the complexities of ballet.  Dancers will work at the barre, without the barre, and move through space to learn ballet positions, terminology, body placement, patterns of movement, and preparatory steps.  The focus of class shifts into more structured movements, while maintaining creative expression, and musicality.  Dancers are recommended to enroll for two to three years.

Ballet 3 | Ages 10+

A continuation of ballet skills with added complexity.  Dancers will apply ballet basics as they increase the complexity of their movement.  Basic positions and steps are progressed to provide the building blocks for stability, turns, and jumps.  Dancers are recommended to enroll for two to three years.

Ballet 4 | Instructor Permission

A ballet technique class for dancers who desire to strengthen their technique for all genres of dance.  Dancers will strengthen their bodies and minds through more challenging steps, sequences, and movement patterns.  A focused mind and thoughtful application of technique are incorporated to support dancers in executing the increased complexities of ballet.

Ballet 5 | Instructor Permission

An intermediate ballet technique class for dancers continuing to build their knowledge and skills.  Dancers will work on refining the challenging steps, sequences, and movements of previous levels with additional complexities.

Pre-Pointe | Instructor Permission

Pre-pointe exercises will be offered to strengthen muscles and proper alignment in preparation for dancing in pointe shoes.

Adult Ballet | Ages 18+

An intermediate ballet technique class for dancers continuing to build their knowledge and skills.  Dancers should have a good working knowledge of ballet.  We dance together as a community.  Drop-Ins welcome.

Celtic 1 | Ages 7-10

Curious about Celtic dance? Celtic 1 is the perfect place to start! This fun introductory-level class is open to dancers ages 7-10, with no prior dance experience necessary. Dancers will learn the basics of both Scottish Highland dance and Irish dance, focusing on the foundational footwork and techniques that make each unique style. This class will explore how these two forms of Celtic dance are similar, where they differ, and how they can come together in exciting and beautiful ways. Dancers will focus on both traditional steps and delve into choreography that blends the two styles. Come ready to move, learn, and enjoy the rich spirit of Celtic dance!

Celtic Company | Invitation Only

Celtic Company is a community-minded and choreography-focused dance class for GMPA dancers enthusiastic about Celtic traditional and contemporary choreography. Founded in 2011 by Heather Morris, we have been carrying on Celtic Company’s legacy of sharing a love for Celtic dance across Vermont.
More info available here!

Dance Tots | Ages 3-5

An introduction to dance that incorporates the fundamentals of ballet, tap, and jazz concepts to develop coordination of the body, creative expression, and musicality. This class uses imaginative storytelling through movement to prepare dancers for a successful lifetime of dancing. Dancers will explore ways to move through space using coordinated musicality to encourage the development of both their bodies and their minds.  Dancers are recommended to enroll for two years.  The first year is for introduction, the second for mastery of skills.

Dance Basics | Ages 7+

This class is designed for dancers ages 7+ who are interested in dancing for the first time or exploring new styles of dance.  This class will provide an introduction to different dance styles as an opportunity for school aged dancers to dance with their peers at a beginner level.  This class with work on the fundamentals of dance in order to build knowledge from the beginning. 

Primary Highland | Ages 4-6

This introductory Scottish Highland dance class is tailored for young dancers ages 4–6. In Primary Highland, dancers will learn the basics of Highland dancing, including the five positions and the foundational footwork that is the basis for future learning. Highland dance, which is often performed to bagpipe music, is upbeat and energetic, while also encompassing graceful movements similar to ballet. This class builds coordination, rhythm, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment - perfect for young dancers just beginning their dance journey.

Highland 1 | Ages 7-9

Highland 1 is designed for dancers ages 7–9 who have completed a year of Primary Highland, Beginner Highland, or are new to Scottish Highland dance. Dancers will continue building their skills with foundational footwork and start learning traditional Highland dances like the Sword Dance and Highland Fling. The class also will have plenty of time designated for learning contemporary choreography, giving dancers a chance to apply their technique in new and creative ways. Highland 1 is designed to help younger dancers grow in strength, coordination, and confidence while staying active and having fun!

Highland 2 | Ages 10-13

Highland 2 is designed for dancers ages 10-13 who have completed at least one year of Highland class to continue building their skills and deepening their love for Scottish Highland dance. In this class, dancers will focus on strength-building exercises to improve technique and control. They’ll learn new traditional dances, such as the Flora and Seann Triubhas, while also mastering more advanced skills like leaps and traveling steps. Dancers will continue to experience choreography that challenges them both technically and creatively. This class is a great next step for dancers ready to grow their confidence in the Highland dance discipline.

Highland 3 | Ages 13+

Highland 3 is for dancers ages 13+ with at least three years of Highland dance experience. Dancersmust have a strong grasp of Highland technique and be comfortable dancing the Sword, Fling, Seann Triubhas, Flora, and Lilt. In Highland 3, dancers will take on some of the more advanced traditional dances that challenge their strength, timing, and precision. The class will also have a strong focus on choreography, giving dancers the opportunity to help develop and shape new performance pieces. This is a great class for dancers who are ready to push their skills further and take a more active role in their creative process.

Hip Hop 

Dancers will learn the latest moves to the coolest grooves in hip hop, pop, rap and R & B.  All classes are taught with age-appropriate music and choreography.

Irish Soft Shoe

Irish Soft Shoe 1 | Ages 5+

Irish Soft Shoe 1 is an upbeat class for dancers ages 5+ who love to hop and skip! In this class, dancers will begin their Irish dance journey by learning the basic Soft Shoe moves as well as the beginnings of Irish dance technique. Dancers will play dance games to build body awareness, promote a sense of rhythm, and foster creativity! Our recital choreography will incorporate the basics of the traditional style with a contemporary touch for a fun and festive recital piece. Dancers in Irish Soft Shoe 1 may wear black ballet shoes. Please follow instructor recommendations for appropriate level placement.

Irish Soft Shoe 2 | Ages 8+

Irish Soft Shoe 2 is an energetic class for dancers ages 8+ who are beginning or continuing their Irish dance journey! In this class, dancers will learn the basic Soft Shoe moves and foundations of Irish dance technique. Dancers will learn the fundamental figures and formations of traditional group or “Ceili” Irish dancing, along with individual Reel and Jig steps. Dancers will also learn to honor and celebrate our artistic roots in the Irish heritage! Our recital choreography will incorporate the traditional style with a contemporary spin for a fun and festive recital piece. Dancers in Irish Soft Shoe 2 should wear Irish soft shoes (also called ghillies, light shoes, reel shoes, or pumps). More info here. Please follow instructor recommendations for appropriate level placement.

Irish Soft Shoe 3 | Ages 10+

Irish Soft Shoe 3 is an upbeat and high-energy class for dancers ages 10+ who are continuing their Irish dance journey! This class is open to beginners, but beginning dancers should be aware we will move at a faster pace. In this class, dancers will add new Soft Shoe skills to their repertoire. Dancers will learn more figures and formations of traditional group or “Ceili” Irish dancing. They will also learn individual Slip Jig steps alongside Reel and Jig steps. Dancers will continue to honor and celebrate our artistic roots in the Irish heritage! Our recital choreography will incorporate the traditional style with a contemporary spin, and we will begin to explore storytelling through our dancing. Dancers in Irish Soft Shoe 3 should wear Irish soft shoes (also called ghillies, light shoes, reel shoes, or pumps). More info here. Please follow instructor recommendations for appropriate level placement.

Irish Soft Shoe 4 | Invitation Only

Enrollment in Irish Soft Shoe 4 is by invitation only. At this level, dancers will incorporate more strength training into their class structure to support learning harder skills and jumps. Dancers will work out more difficult figures and formations. They will continue to level up their individual Slip Jig, Reel and Jig steps. Our recital choreography will incorporate the traditional style with a contemporary spin, and we will lean more into storytelling through our dancing.

Irish Soft Shoe 5 | Invitation Only

Enrollment in Irish Soft Shoe 5 is by invitation only. Dancers will continue with strength training in class to tackle challenging jumps, kicks, and turns. Our reel, jig, and slip jig steps are highly technical, and our recital choreography may lean contemporary and experimental as we strive to use the traditional form to tell a story.

Irish Hard Shoe

Irish Hard Shoe 1 | Ages 9+

Irish Hard Shoe 1 is an energetic class for dancers ages 9+ who like to keep the beat with their feet! In this traditional style, students are more than just dancers, they are percussive musicians! In this class, dancers will get comfortable dancing in hard shoes and develop a sense of rhythm. Dancers will begin to learn the basic movements of Irish Hard Shoe dancing. They will learn about traditional Irish music and the dances that were created alongside. We will also explore similar rhythms in contemporary music. Dancers in Irish Hard Shoe 1 should wear Irish hard shoes (also called heavy shoes or jig shoes). More info here.

Irish Hard Shoe 2 | Invitation Only

At this time, enrollment in Irish Hard Shoe 2 is by invitation only. In this class, dancers will improve their trebles and add new skills like drums and heel clicks. Beginning traditional set dances and more complicated rhythms will be introduced. Dancers will also incorporate strength training to support learning new skills.

Irish Hard Shoe 3 | Invitation Only

Enrollment in Irish Hard Shoe 3 is by invitation only. In this class, dancers will speed up their basic skills and add new skills like back trebles and heel drops. More technical traditional set dances and more complicated rhythms will be introduced. Dancers will also incorporate strength training to support learning new skills.

Jazz 1 | Ages 5+

Jazz 1 is recommended for dancers ages 5+ who are new to jazz or have one year of experience. Learn basic jazz technique and build strength while exploring personal style and flare. This is a high energy style where students will learn dynamics, isolations, musicality, and animated expressions to create an entertaining performance.  

Jazz 2 | Ages 7+

Jazz 2 is recommended for dancers with an understanding of basic jazz technique.  Dancers will build on their previous knowledge by exploring more precise dynamics, isolations, and musicality. Dancers will focus on growing their technique in order to complete more challenging and complex choreography. Dancers in Jazz 2 will be introduced to floor work and partner work.

Jazz 3 | Ages 10+

Jazz 3 is recommended for dancers who have completed Jazz 2 and members of our Troupe team. In this intermediate class dancers will focus on elevating jazz technique, work on precise dynamics and musicality, as well as flexibility. Dancers will learn choreography that will be dependent on understanding of jazz technique and performance. This class will include time dedicated to working on leaps and turns.  

Jazz 4 | Instructor Permission

Jazz 4 is an advanced class for dancers based on instructor permission.  Dancers should have a clear understanding of jazz technique, floor work experience, and performance quality.  Dancers will work to build their technique, work on advancing clarity of movement, drill iconic jazz steps, and work on strengthening and  flexibility. There will also be a focus on leaps, turns, and precise choreography. 

Modern 1 | Ages 7+

Modern 1 is recommended for dancers ages 7+ new to modern or have completed one year of modern 1. In this style dancers will explore how to incorporate dynamics, emotions, and dancing through their while body. Dancers will use basic ballet and jazz technique as a reference point and explore more freeform dancing based off those techniques. There will be a big focus on freedom of expression and story telling through dance. 

Modern 2 | Ages 12+

Modern 2 is recommended for dancers who have already been introduced to modern dance. This class will build on skills learned in modern 1.  Dancers will work on advancing their understand of how their body moves and apply that to their technique and choreography. Dancers will start to focus on flexibility, learning floor work, and elevate their story telling skills.

Modern 3 | Instructor Permission

Modern 3 is an intermediate level modern class based on instructor permission. Dancers should have an understanding of the technique and the style of modern. Dancers will begin to explore story telling with more intense emotions and themes. Dancers will advance their knowledge of floor work, partner work, and an introduction to lifts.

Modern 4 | Instructor Permission

Modern 4 is an intermediate level modern class for dancers who have modern dance experience and a clear understanding of story telling. Dancers will focus on building emotional themes as well as furthering their technique to learn more complex choreography.  Dancers will increase their knowledge of modern dance with a focus on flexibility, more complex floor work,  partner and group lifts, and an introduction to improve.

Modern 5 | Instructor Permission

Modern 5 is an intermediate/advanced class for dancers who are continuing their modern training. Dancers will focus on building their emotional connection with each other as they explore emotionally driven choreography. Dancers will focus on building strength and technique, learning intense dynamics, and expanding their knowledge of floor work, partner work, and improve.

Modern 6 | Instructor Permission

Modern 6 is an advanced modern class for dancers with multiple years of experience in the modern program. Dancers will build on their previous knowledge of technique, choreography, story telling, and defining when it is important to use technique and when to let loose. Dancers will explore more intricate and complex choreography and themes with a highlight on performance. Dancers will continue to work on their flexibility, parter and group work, and story telling. There will be a focus on improve. 

Performing Arts Crew (PAC) | Ages 7+

The Performing Arts Crew at GMPA is a great opportunity for dancers and nondancers who have an interest in performing arts. This hour of PAC will be completely dedicated to the process of theatre and performing arts.  This crew will work together as a team throughout the year and learn step by step how to create a performance!
PAC starts with theatre games and reading scripts to get an understanding of what it means to be a member of a performing arts crew.  We will discuss how to develop characters, a setting, a story line, etc. and eventually write a script together!  We will figure out how we want to put on our performance and from there move onto designing and making sets, props, and costumes.  
We will put on our production at GMPA and give families the opportunity to see what we created!

Tap 1 | Ages 5+

Tap 1 is an upbeat class for dancers ages 5+ who want to make music with their feet! In this class, dancers will learn the basic technique and fundamental movements of rhythm tap dance. They will play dance games to build body awareness, promote a sense of rhythm, and foster creativity! Dancers will also begin to improvise their own rhythms!

Tap 2 | Ages 8+

Tap 2 is an energetic class for dancers ages 8+ who are starting or continuing their tap journey! In this class, dancers will learn or build on the basic technique and fundamental movements of rhythm tap dance. They will explore what it means to be both a dancer and a percussive musician! This class will introduce the basic methods of counting out music and rhythms. Dancers will also practice the art of improvisation. 

Tap 3 | Ages 11+

Tap 3 is a dynamic class for dancers ages 11+ who are enthusiastic about rhythm! In this class, dancers will continue to exercise rhythm tap technique and build on their fundamentals. Dancers will aim to increase their speed while keeping their taps clear, precise, and on the beat. This class will expand on dancers’ knowledge of counting rhythms and introduce new subdivisions. This class will also teach dancers to listen to the groove of music and identify swing or straight grooves. We will practice improvising rhythms as well as steps. 

Tap 4 | Ages 14+

Tap 4 is an energetic class for dancers ages 14+ who are interested in making music as much as dancing to it! This class is open to tap beginners, but dancers should be aware we will move at a faster pace. In this class, dancers will utilize their fundamental rhythm tap technique to tackle intricate rhythms and challenging steps. Dancers will aim to increase their speed while keeping their taps clear, precise, and on time. We will introduce historical choreography and learn about different legends of the form. Dancers will continue to count in subdivisions and differentiate swing from straight groove, while trying out dancing to different time signatures.

Performance & Competition Troupe

This is a group of dedicated dancers who take classes in multiple styles and are interested in competitions and additional performance opportunities.  This group learns multiple dances throughout the year that they take to local competitions as well as perform in our recital.  
*Must attend Troupe Summer Intensive/Placement Audition