Class Descriptions

Private Instruction |

Private Lesson Policy

Beginning in July 2021, RCD re-instated the allowance of private instruction under the following restrictions and protocols: Private instruction is available on an extremely limited basis, pending studio space availability and faculty availability. Private lessons are not a replacement for class instruction. Of course, RCD class and rehearsal programming takes precedence over private lesson studio usage.

Private Lessons are only available to students enrolled full-time in an RCD class program.

Private Lesson fees are payable directly to instructor, at the following rates:

$130/hr. payable directly to instructor with an additional $30/hr. payable to RCD for studio usage
$75/half hr. payable directly to instructor with an additional $20 for half hour payable to RCD for studio usage.

Exceptions to the standard policy requiring full-time enrollment are:

College, company, or intensive program audition material
Professional choreographic needs
Where an appropriate class level/discipline is not offered by RCD

Private lessons must be booked directly through faculty. They are first-booked, first-served and must receive office approval.

Private lessons may not exceed the number of classes taken weekly.

Accounts with outstanding balances may not book private lessons until all RCD fees are paid.

Cancelations: Privates canceled less than 24 hours are subject to a 50% fee. No-shows will be billed 100% of the fee.

Private lessons are not a substitute for class instruction. Private lessons do not guarantee level advancement nor preferred roles. The sole purpose of private instruction is for the dancer’s benefit of additional studio time to work on technical skills.

Young Dancers Program |

The Young Dancers Program at the Conservatory is joyful, healthy, and wholesome. These classes expose students to the joy of dance through movement games, creative exercises, exploration of dance styles, and an introduction to movement vocabulary. Children flourish in a positive atmosphere of self-discovery while learning a curriculum that introduces the basic concepts of ballet, promotes musicality and rhythm, and instructs foundational and fundamental dance techniques.

Dance for 1’s is for one year olds (must be 12 months old by 9/1/23) and one participating adult companion. This class requires full participation from the parent or caregiver who can move with, hold, and assist their child in exploratory and stimulative play both on the floor and through the dance studio space through the use of incorporated props, songs, and imaginative play. Babies and adult wear comfortable clothing and no footwear is required besides socks. Only one adult participant, please.

Dance for 2s and 3s with Companion is for two year olds (must be 24 months by 9/1/23) and three year olds who are more comfortable with the presence of their grown up, and their participating adult companion. This class requires full participation from the parent or caregiver who can interact with, encourage, and assist their child in introductory dance movements both on the floor and through the dance studio space. The class structure includes a creative movement floor warm-up together, a brief barre familiarization, an introductory dance vocabulary lesson introduced through a playful creative movement freeze dance, a guided movement story, and more. Dancers wear a white skirted leotard, pink ballet shoes, and pink tights. Hair is secured in a ponytail or bun. One adult companion is permitted, wearing comfortable attire and socks.

Dance for 3’s Independent is for three year olds (must be 36 months by 9/1/23), who are ready to separate and work independently without the support of an adult class companion present. The class structure follows the same elements of the Dance for 2s and 3s with Companion class, including the floor warm-up, barre familiarization, dance vocabulary lesson, guided movement story, and more. Dancers wear a white skirted leotard, pink ballet shoes, and pink tights. Hair is secured in a ponytail or bun.

Pre-Ballet for Pre-K is for students entering Kindergarten in Fall 2024. This transition to more formal pre-ballet builds upon the class elements of the creative movement floor warm-up, adding a few formal barre exercises and build upon the vocabulary exercises and movement story. We begin to add center work including port de bras and simple footwork. Traveling steps are introduced. Dancers wear a pink skirted leotard, pink ballet shoes, and pink tights. Hair is secured in a ponytail or bun.

Dance for K is for students entering Kindergarten in Fall 2023. As we continue to add elements of more pre-ballet to the floor warm-up and barre exercises, the class reflects the more formal structure dancers experience in their academic day. We add to the center work and traveling steps. Dancers wear a purple skirted leotard, pink ballet shoes, and pink tights. Hair is secured in a ponytail or bun.

Ballet Program |

Ballet Technique classes (for students second grade and up) are the foundation for training at the Conservatory and focus on developing a solid ballet technique with emphasis on understanding correct body placement, proper use of turn out, coordination of the upper body (epaulement), and use of arms (port de bras). The Conservatory’s unique syllabus exposes students to aspects of traditional French, Vaganova (Russian), and American techniques. Class begins with work at the barre to build strength and coordination, followed by center exercises, culminating in a grand allegro combination or variation. Clear explanations of exercises and theory help students use the ballet vocabulary in a simple, practical way that leads to increased technical understanding, healthy physical development, and lifelong enjoyment. Students 11 and older with strong ballet technique, sufficient core and ankle strength, and a teacher’s recommendation go on to study ‘en pointe’. Advanced students of the Ballet Program may audition for the Conservatory’s pre-professional company: Ridgefield Civic Ballet.

Level I is generally for Dancers in grades 1-5 in Fall 2023, or older beginners.

Level II is generally for Dancers in grades 5-7 in Fall 2023, or older beginners.

Level III is generally for intermediate Dancers in middle school in Fall 2023, or older beginners.

Level IV is generally for intermediate/advanced Dancers in high school in Fall 2023.

Level V is generally for advanced Dancers in high school.

Pre-Pointe is for Dancers wishing to prepare for eventual pointe work through strengthening and conditioning. Progressional to pointe work is by evaluation and recommendation only.

Pointe IV Beginner is for intermediate/advanced Dancers in Ballet IV taking a minimum of two ballet technique classes per week. This is the only pointe class new pointe dancers may take. A ballet technique class always must be taken on the same day immediately prior to the pointe class. Experienced pointe dancers may add a Pointe IV Beginner class.

Pointe IV Experienced is for intermediate/advanced Dancers in Ballet IV taking a minimum of two ballet technique classes per week. A ballet technique class always must be taken on the same day immediately prior to the pointe class.

Pointe V is for advanced Dancers in Ballet V taking a minimum of two ballet technique classes per week. A ballet technique class always must be taken on the same day immediately prior to the pointe class.

Modern Dance Program |

RCD boasts a strong Modern Dance program rooted in classical modern traditions. Modern dance appeals to the creative, artistic soul in everyone because of its expressiveness and freedom of individuality. The Conservatory’s Modern Dance classes (for students second grade and up) introduce students to elements of Graham-based technique including fundamental principles of contraction/release, spiral, and shift of weight. The students focus on movement from the inside out, encouraging use of breath, energy, and connection. Class begins with traditional floorwork exercised, progresses into standing work, moves to travelling phrases across the floor, and culminate in movement phrases that explore dynamic possibilities. A strong foundation technique, Graham-based modern prepares students to use breath, opposition, and strength that carries over into other disciplines. Modern dance is strongly encouraged for dancers aspiring to a college dance program.

Hip Hop Program |

Hip Hop is a stylized form of street dance that includes uprock, breaking, popping, locking, boogaloo and the robot. Class begins with warm up exercises in the center that increase control, coordination, and rhythm, followed by dance combinations that teach dynamics, shading, phrasing, and musicality. This class includes extended rhythmic phrases and improvisation exercises. The goal is to develop expressive dancers who are equally strong as performers.

Contemporary Dance Program |

Contemporary Dance pushes boundaries of previously learned techniques and styles and will pull from a more “pedestrian”, human, and creature-like vocabulary. The intention is to break down patterns and habitual movement qualities and find newness and awareness of where the body naturally goes and how it naturally moves. This class will examine an array of styles from Modern-Contemporary to Contemp-Pop with an exploration of musicality, movement style, dynamic shifts, space, time, spinal mobility, movement initiation, physicality, floor work- identifying correct pathways for moving in and out of the floor with alignment to help injury prevention, flying through space, exploratory games, and partnering work. There will be strong association with the breath to keep calmer muscles when learning new and difficult informationand to supplement the muscles when required to move with extreme physicality. There is a place in this class for every curious dancer who is interested in creativity for dnace making and dance understanding.

Jazz Dance Program |

Jazz is a dance form that appeals to everyone because of its energy, variety, and vitality. Jazz Dance classes (which students can begin at second grade) explore contemporary and classic jazz dance, rooted in the vernacular (social dance) forms, that draws inspiration from a wide range of music including jazz, swing, blues, pop, soul and funk. As the official home of the internationally recognized Jazz Dance Technique & Syllabus by creator/author James Robey, Conservatory jazz classes begin with a warm-up to develop strength, flexibility, correct alignment and coordination, followed by progressions across the floor, and culminates in extended dance combinations. The movement explores a range of styles in both lyrical and percussive disciplines with a focus on jazz elements such as isolations, swing, and rhythm. The goal is to develop dancers who are expressive, dynamic, musical and passionate.

Tap Dance Program |

Tap Dance is a timeless art that combines dance and percussion. Tap dancers in musicals, movies, television, commercials, and concerts inspire us with their infectious rhythms. Tap Dance classes (for students grade 2 and up) explore the two traditions of rhythm tap (hoofing) and Broadway tap. Class begins with warm up exercises in the center that increase control, coordination, and rhythm, followed by across the floor exercises that teach dynamics, shading, phrasing, and musicality, concluding with extended rhythmic phrases and improvisation exercises. The goal is to develop tap dancers that are equally strong musicians, dancers, and performers.

Musical Theater |

Musical Theater dance draws on many styles of jazz, and is the dance form known to Broadway’s diverse musical production history. A foundation in ballet is strongly encouraged alongside this theatrical jazz-based training.

Ridgefield Civic Ballet |

A history of performing ensembles at RCD

In 1978, RCD founder Patricia Schuster formed the non-profit Ridgefield Civic Ballet as a way to expand her vision to give young dancers the opportunity to perform on the larger public stage alongside professionals, an experience she believed would inspire them to a higher appreciation for the full world of dance. Some of her students from the early days went on to become professionals themselves, most notably New York City Ballet Principal Dancer James Fayette. Nutcracker was the first main performance that Ridgefield Civic Ballet engaged in.

Former RCD Director James Robey went on to establish other performing ensembles including Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Rhythm Tap Ensemble, and Junior Dance Ensemble, affording the groups similar performing opportunities. Later came expansions including senior and junior contemporary ensembles, ballet ensembles, and jazz ensembles. Following the pandemic last year, we pared down the format to offer a limited number of very serious, committed dancers a position in our Ridgefield Civic Ballet.

Below are the qualifications for Ridgefield Civic Ballet company members:

· Must have a passion to perform, in both ballet and contemporary works

· Must commit to the company for the entire year (both Fall and Spring seasons)

· Must take a bare minimum of 2 ballet and 1 pointe class per week plus a minimum of 2 other classes, with one being contemporary or modern. *Must also take Saturday Conditioning class.

· Must represent RCD in a professional manner as a positive role model for younger dancers

· Must commit to weekly contemporary Friday rehearsal in Fall and Spring and one weekly ballet rehearsal in Spring, with no more than 2 absences per semester

· Must audition for and participate in Nutcracker in Fall semester.

The company is an extension of additional performing opportunities above and beyond what we offer our student body. The performance ensemble should not be treated as one of the dancer’s classes, but rather as an elite selective opportunity to explore a commitment to pre-professional dance, with the added element of the weekly company training class exclusively for the most serious and dedicated dancers of RCD. In other words, company dancers should already be taking advantage of RCD’s many classes and performance opportunities including Nutcracker and Spring Concert, and be seeking out further dance performance opportunities beyond that of our core curriculum. The expectation of, and the experience provided by, performance ensembles are higher than in previous years under this new model established last season.

The Nutcracker |

The Conservatory’s production of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition in the Ridgefield community. Ballet students in Level I-V with participation in a ballet class the full previous year may audition. Performed annually at the Ridgefield Playhouse, participants enjoy exquisite choreography, custom-designed costumes, and performing for sold out audiences in Ridgefield’s beautiful Ridgefield Playhouse theatre. $395 participation fee includes rehearsal and performance participation and t-shirt.

Spring Concert |

All students (Pre-Ballet for Kindergarten and up) have the opportunity to perform in the Conservatory’s annual Spring Concert. Each level and discipline presents a piece demonstrating the skills they have acquired throughout the preceding year. This gives students an opportunity to gain valuable on-stage experience in a friendly and highly supportive environment. Costume fees apply. Younger dancers in Pre-Ballet for Pre-K and younger will perform in an age-appropriate in-house showing, where students are transitioned gently into the performing process.

What level should my child be in?Jeff2023-09-05T17:05:25-04:00

What level should my child be in?

Young Dancers Program Levels

Our young dancer program levels place children according to developmental milestones according to age and academic placement. For the 2023-24 season, our age cutoff date is September 1, 2023.

Dancers entering Kindergarten in Fall 2023 are placed in Pre-Ballet for Kindergarten.
Dancers entering Kindergarten in Fall 2024 are placed in Pre-Ballet for Pre-K.
Dancers not entering Kindergarten until Fall 2025 are placed in Dance for 3’s Independent, and must be 3 by September 1, 2023.
Dancers who are 2 by September 1, 2023 and older three year olds not ready to dance independently are placed in Dance for 2s and 3s with Companion.
Babies who are one year old by September 1, 2023 are eligible for our Tiny Dancer class.

Levels I – V

For First Graders and up, the following general rules apply:

Dancers should be prepared to spend 2-3 years in any given level, and sometimes even longer.
Dancers should expect to be placed according to their own individual abilities and training experience, never based on age.

New students should be assessed by faculty in a trial placement class when possible.
Dancers entering First Grade through Third grade, regardless of prior dance experience, are placed in our Level I which expands upon our pre-ballet curriculum.
Dancers can expect a progress report emailed to them at the end of the Fall semester to enhance and reinforce the verbal feedback they have received in class all semester.
Dancers should understand that while Ballet is not required to study other disciplines, those taking ballet almost always advance more quickly in their other disciplines. Similarly, those taking multiple classes per week generally advance more quickly as well.
Consistent attendance and prompt arrival to the start of class is vital to the success of the dancer’s progression in training.
Dancers should bear in mind that we adjusted our curriculum and syllabi to include five levels, as opposed to six prior to the 2021/2022 season. This means that each level covers more material. Dancers can expect to spend more time in each level than in previous years. We have five levels to accommodate twelve grades of school, and dancers spend time at the introductory level, time working AT their level, and time fine tuning at the advanced stage of each level. Many students wish to skip the last step, and “be challenged” amongst the higher level before they are ready to benefit. Skipping the stage of advanced learning in each level is detrimental to a dancer’s growth and causes for gaps in training. Please trust the professional expertise of your child’s instructors, Executive Director, and Educational Director to ensure a thorough, healthy, complete dance education. There are no short cuts in dance training. We encourage the self-disciplined strategies of self-challenge and deep investigation of technique at the level they are working in. A little encouragement at home goes a long way to support what we are teaching in class and what is reflected in progress reports and verbal feedback.

Why doesn’t my young child take anything but pre-ballet at RCD?Jeff2023-09-05T12:25:22-04:00

Why doesn’t my young child take anything but pre-ballet at RCD?

While many schools offer various dance-style themed classes, we believe that children are best served with a strong foundation in creative movement and pre-ballet before their young bodies are able to execute advanced stylized movements, and before their minds are able to process the nuanced and mature concepts. Thus, our dancers get a well-rounded foundation in dance education through our extensive pre-ballet curriculum offering age-appropriate creative exploration through a structured class syllabi.

Why doesn’t RCD offer Musical Theater before Level III?Jeff2023-09-05T12:25:17-04:00

Why doesn’t RCD offer Musical Theater before Level III?

Musical Theater is an extension of Jazz, further developing foundational jazz training in Broadway-based theatrical dance. A maturity in the knowledge of ballet and jazz dance is required to progress well in Musical Theater dance class.

What is the difference between Contemporary Dance and Modern Dance?Jeff2023-09-05T12:25:13-04:00

What is the difference between Contemporary Dance and Modern Dance?

Dancers in Levels I and II are introduced to the basic concepts of Contemporary and Modern disciplines, and by Level III can choose to study them exclusive of each other.
Modern Dance covers the era of dance after the turn of the twentieth century up to the present time. At RCD, students learn the technique of American Modern Dance pioneer Martha Graham, whose work, like other modern dance greats of the time, challenged traditional ballet, creating a more humanistic style of dance, paralleling the same movements across all media of the time. This historically significant dance style coincides with the architectural movements of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Cubism of Pablo Picasso, and the scores of Igor Stravinsky. Modern dance is considered to be an essential part of most college dance programs and we are proud to boast a strong modern dance program where students can study as young as First Grade. Musical accompaniment is often rhythmic drumming, tribal World beats, and minimalist piano scores.
Contemporary Dance’s definition varies from studio to studio, and at RCD classes are considered to be influenced by Lyrical Jazz, Ballet, and Modern and offer a more commercial approach to dance. This dance style is featured on many popular dance shows like “So You Think You Can Dance”. Generally, this movement is considered to have followed the Modern dance and art movement, taking us from the experimental dance studies of the 1970’s to today’s commercial dance scene. Musical accompaniment to Contemporary dance ranges from classical compositions, to experimental neoclassical compositions, to popular rock music.

What are requirements for my child to participate in the Nutcracker?Jeff2023-09-05T12:25:08-04:00

What are requirements for my child to participate in the Nutcracker?

New dancers must have had at least one year of prior dance training to be eligible to audition.
Returning RCD dancers must have been enrolled for a full year of ballet (Fall and Spring semesters).
Dancers must attend the audition to participate.
Dancers in First Grade and up only may audition, due to the extensive rehearsal and performance schedule.
Dancers are expected to attend all rehearsals including during tech week leading up to the weekend shows.
Dancers must attend the Sunday rehearsal of Thanksgiving weekend, which includes a fitting/dress rehearsal.
Dancers in levels I-III can expect to receive one role only.
Dancers in Levels IV and V may receive one or two roles, but may choose to opt to have one role only prior to the audition, which will keep them limited to one weekend day per week (Saturday or Sunday only) during the main rehearsal period.

What performing opportunities are there for my child at RCD?Jeff2023-09-05T12:25:03-04:00

What performing opportunities are there for my child at RCD?

Tiny Dancer, Dance for 2’s & 3’s Companion, and Dance for 3’s Independent celebrate the end of the year in their last June class with invited guests for an informal in-house showing.
Dance for 3’s, Pre-Ballet for Pre-K, and Pre-Ballet for Kindergarten are eligible for the annual Spring Concert in June and the Holiday Showcase in December.
Dancers in Levels I – III are eligible for the annual Spring Concert in June and the Holiday Showcase in December.
Dancers in Levels IV – V are eligible for the annual Spring Concert in June and the Holiday Showcase in December, and may audition for Ridgefield Civic Ballet with the following requirements:
- 3 minimum ballet technique classes per week
- 1 minimum pointe class per week
- 2 additional disciplines per week, one of which must be Modern or Contemporary (one may be a fourth ballet class)

When can my child go en pointe?Jeff2023-09-05T12:24:58-04:00

When can my child go en pointe?

Pointe work is an extension of ballet training and is reserved for advanced dancers strong enough to execute the demands. Faculty approval is required. We are aware that we typically do not place students en pointe until later than most dance schools. The following factors are considered:

Dancers must have had at least three full years of ballet training.
Dancers must be in Level IV.
Dancers must be at least eleven years old and show growth plate closure, in order to prevent long-term injury.
Dancers must take a bare minimum of two ballet technique classes per week, and more are strongly recommended.
Pre-pointe is offered to anyone in Level III taking a minimum of two weekly ballet technique classes. Pre-pointe is not a guarantee of a timeline for going on pointe, but rather is an offering to assist dancers in strengthening and conditioning in preparation for eventual pointe work during the Level III years.

Who can observe classes, and when?Jeff2023-09-05T12:24:53-04:00

Who can observe classes, and when?

For our Tiny Dancer and our Dance for 2s and 3s with Companion class, ONE accompanying adult is expected to participate in each class. Additional adults and siblings are not permitted, as we find more than one adult per child too distracting for an optimal experience. (It is not designed to be a full family activity). Rather than a passive observatory role, the participating adult is responsible for taking the child to the bathroom, guiding the dancer and keeping them on task, and interacting/participating with and encouraging the dancer. At the end of each semester during the last class, limited additional friends and family members are invited to observe.
For 3 year olds not ready to separate from their adult, please choose the Dance for 2s and 3s with Companion. We do not permit adults in the studio in the Dance for 3s Independent class. Some dancers need more time before they are ready to dance independently.
Dance for 3’s Independent and up through Level V invites limited friends and family members to observe one day at the end of each semester.
While our Studio C Main Street windows offer a viewing opportunity, we ask parents to refrain from interacting with children because it causes significant distraction. While passive observation is permitted, please do not tap on windows or ask to enter the studio from the Main Street doors.

Why can’t I take pictures and videos of my child in dance class?Jeff2023-09-05T12:24:49-04:00

Why can’t I take pictures and videos of my child in dance class?

Cameras and phones can be distracting to dancers and faculty.
Some of our parents are not comfortable with imaging of their child being taken without permission.
Some of our students are under contractual agreements such as modeling contracts which prohibit imaging to be captured without express permission.
Our curriculum and syllabi are the intellectual property of RCD and RCD Teaching Artists/Faculty.
At times, faculty may invite you to take pictures or video during visitor weeks only, but only if they have ensured that all students in the class have given permission to do so.

Who should be in the RCD building and at what times?Jeff2023-09-05T12:24:44-04:00

Who should be in the RCD building and at what times?

Students should not arrive more than fifteen minutes early to class and should be picked up promptly at dismissal time.
Parents, siblings, and caregivers should use the parent lounge, but only dancers should use the student lounge and dressing rooms.
Students should not be in the building during days and times they do not have classes.
RCD does not have staff available to supervise children outside of their class times.
Dancers should never be inside studios unattended. This includes parent participation classes. Please never bring your child into or let your child enter the studio before the instructor invites them in.
If your young dancer cannot attend to using the bathroom by themself, we ask you to remain in the building in the Parent Lounge to assist with any trips to the bathroom, as we cannot assist your child in going to the bathroom since we are not a licensed and insured daycare facility.

Why is there a dress code?Jeff2023-09-05T12:24:39-04:00

Why is there a dress code?

As a conservatory, we follow industry standards of classical theatre dance. Dress codes are a traditional part of a proper dance class. It allows faculty to see postural alignment and allows us to make adjustments. Our dancers take pride each time they advance to the next level’s “color” leotard and provides a consistent, uniform look to each group of dancers. Young dancers must wear hair away from the face in a ponytail, bun, or other up-do, and by Level I must wear a bun for ballet classes.

Why is RCD different as a nonprofit organization?Jeff2023-09-05T12:24:34-04:00

Why is RCD different as a nonprofit organization?

RCD was established as a nonprofit organization following the passing of its founder, Patricia Schuster.
As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to serving the communities of Ridgefield and surrounding areas including Wilton, Redding, Danbury, Katonah, North Salem, South Salem, Waccabuc, Cross River, and Brewster in New York. Our students come anywhere from right here in Ridgefield to as far as Ossining.
As a nonprofit, we are eligible for funding resources that help keep us in community-engaged projects.
RCD enjoys a board of directors comprised of professional volunteers overseeing the wellness and success of RCD’s leadership and programming.

Why do some of my child’s teachers take off time to perform?Jeff2023-09-05T12:24:28-04:00

Why do some of my child’s teachers take off time to perform?

RCD boasts a professional faculty, many who are still active, high level performing artists for dance companies, some of which are world-renowned. Our faculty members have been members of prestigious dance companies or freelance performers with extensive careers. RCD supports its teaching artists by encouraging performing opportunities. This means that our teachers are staying active and are relevant in the professional dance community. Thank you for understanding that sometimes teachers are engaged in touring commitments. RCD always provides top-notch guest artists to cover in those cases.

class descriptions

Young Dancers Program Levels

Levels I – V