Leap 'n learn Program - Children 3-7 years old
Dance Gallery is the only studio in the Sioux Falls area licensed to teach the Leap 'N Learn curriculum. Leap 'N Learn is a dance curriculum written by Beverly F. Spell with applied expertise from child psychologist Dr. Annie Spell, Ph.D.
Leap 'N Learn has a deep understanding of the progression of movement in children and integrates into the curriculum child development. Children are placed in age-specific class levels and students work on exercises that are physically, emotionally, and mentally appropriate for them. Teachers utilize developmentally appropriate lesson plans that engage the child's creativity as well as stimulate their educational learning. The Leap ‘N Learn Curriculum is the introduction to ballet, as well as other forms of dancing. With Leap ‘N Learn, Dance Gallery has a fantastic method to begin a child’s dance journey!
Additional parent information about the Leap N Learn curriculum can be found HERE.
*Once dancers advance to Leap ‘N Learn 5, they are at an age when they are ready to add elective classes to their schedule. See details below on additional class options.
Click HERE for the NEWLY REVISED CLASS SCHEDULE FOR OUR 18 MONTH TO 7 YEAR OLD DANCERS.
Tiny Leapers CLASS & MOMMY & ME CLASS for 18 Months-2 year olds
This class is an introduction to dance for our young toddlers, they will have the opportunity to continue to develop their independence while dancing and exploring rhythms. They will use their imaginations, begin to develop an understanding of how to follow instructions, and begin to develop classroom etiquette. This class incorporates concepts from our Leap ‘N Learn Curriculum. Parents/Guardians are welcome to observe through our observation area or by utilizing SpotTV. We highly encourage parents to not be visible to their dancers so they can explore and learn independently. “Mommy & Me” classes will incorporate one parent, adult friend, or adult relative to dance with the toddler. This is a great class to introduce toddlers to movement with a familiar adult in the classroom.
CLASS LENGTH & FREQUENCY
30 Minutes, Once a week
REQUIREMENTS
Children must be 18 months old by September 1st, attend class once a week, and follow the specified dress code. The dress code for Tiny Leapers and the Mommy & Me class is a lavender tank-style leotard with attached lavender skirt, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair in a classical ballet bun. For Mommy & Me classes, adults can wear any comfortable clothing to move in with socks or ballet slippers if they wish.
Leap 'n learn for 3 year olds
In LNL 3 dancers are introduced to the dance class environment. Dancers begin to develop an awareness of their bodies in relation to movement. Pretend play is an additional piece incorporated into LNL 3. It is through the use of pretend play and movement that children begin to develop spatial awareness with the use of creative movement and pre-ballet exercises. Classes are designed to meet the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of a 3 year old.
CLASS LENGTH & FREQUENCY
45 Minutes, Once a week
REQUIREMENTS
Children must be 3 years old and potty trained by September 1st, attend class once a week, and follow the specified dress code. The dress code for LNL 3 dancers is a short sleeved white leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair in a classical ballet bun. Dancers may wear a short dance skirt, but if the skirt becomes a distraction, the teacher may ask for it to be removed.
leap 'n learn for 4 year olds
In LNL 4 there is a focus on pre-ballet, creative movement, and pretend play using the Leap 'N Learn curriculum. Students are introduced to basic French terminology of ballet terms. Classes are designed to meet the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of a 4 year old.
CLASS LENGTH & FREQUENCY
45 Minutes, Once a week
REQUIREMENTS
Children must be 4 years old and potty trained by September 1st, attend class once a week, and follow the specified dress code. The dress code for LNL 4 dancers is a short sleeved white leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair in a classical ballet bun. Dancers may wear a short dance skirt, but if the skirt becomes a distraction, the teacher may ask for it to be removed.
leap 'n learn for 5 year olds
In LNL 5 dance classes focus on pre-ballet at a primary level, creative movement concepts, and pretend play with greater complexity using the Leap 'N Learn curriculum. Students continue to expand their vocabulary in French terminology of ballet terms. During class time, exercises used are to help increase the child's musical awareness, balance, agility, and gross-motor development.
CLASS LENGTH
60 Minutes
REQUIREMENTS
Children must be 5 years old by September 1st and follow the specified dress code. The dress code for LNL 5 dancers is a short sleeved light pink leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair in a classical ballet bun. Dancers may wear a short dance skirt, but if the skirt becomes a distraction, the teacher may ask for it to be removed.
*Starting at age 5, dancers may add an elective class to their schedule (Pre-Tap or Pre-Jazz)
leap 'n learn for 6 year olds
In LNL 6 dance classes focus on primary ballet concepts with greater complexity using the Leap 'N Learn curriculum. Students now perform exercises in a "turned-out" position and steps are combined to form dance combinations. Each class focuses on French terminology, musical awareness, balance, agility, and gross-motor development. Pretend play and creative movement concepts continue to be weaved into exercises during class.
CLASS LENGTH
60 Minutes
REQUIREMENTS
Children must be 6 years old by September 1st, and follow the specified dress code. The dress code for LNL 6 dancers is a short sleeved light pink leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair in a classical ballet bun. Dancers may wear a short dance skirt, but if the skirt becomes a distraction, the teacher may ask for it to be removed.
*Starting at age 6, dancers may add additional class electives to their schedule (AcroDance, Pre-Tap, Pre-Jazz)
leap 'n learn for 7 year olds
In LNL 7 dance classes focus on the transition from the pre-ballet creative movement program of younger ages into the beginning level of classical ballet taught at age eight. Children begin to use the ballet barres. There is an increased focus on French terminology, musical awareness, balance, agility, and gross-motor development.
CLASS LENGTH
Lengths Vary from 1 Hour to 1 Hour & 15 Minutes
REQUIREMENTS
Children must be 7 years old by September 1st and follow the specified dress code. add an elective class to their schedule. The dress code for LNL 7 dancers is a short sleeved pale blue leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair in a classical ballet bun. Dancers may wear a short dance skirt, but if the skirt becomes a distraction, the teacher may ask for it to be removed.
*Starting at age 7, dancers may add additional elective classes to their schedule (Musical Theater, Contemporary, Hip Hop, AcroDance, Tap, Jazz)
