Dance Programs

This has evolved as an American dance form, popularised throughout the world, with debate about its origins coming from African dance, Irish dance and/or clog dancing. The dancer uses their feet to strike the floor, beating out different rhythms, with dancers wearing tap shoes which have small metal plates on the toe and heel to give the distinctive sound. Tap dance is a theatrical art form often seen on stage in musicals. The Tap program at Gibsons Dance Centre is a relaxed style with feet sounding out exciting rhythms. Young and old love the “sound” of tap dancing to all forms of modern music. Tap is a wonderful way to improve on timing and rhythm. And, for the serious dancer, Tap is essential to having a well-rounded background in dance. At Gibsons Dance Centre we offer training in Street Free Style Tap as well as training in the I.S.T.D. & C.D.T.A.  For information on exams and competition opportunities at Gibsons Dance Centre please refer to our Competitions and Exams section. Tap classes at Gibsons Dance Centre are offered to student ages primary to adult.

Lyrical dance style has its primary basis in ballet, combining the many technical elements of classical ballet with the freedom and airier aspects of jazz, contemporary and modern dance. Lyrical dance is expressive, simultaneously subtle and dynamic, focused on conveying musicality and emotion through movement. It is a combination of intricate, highly technical, and pedestrian/naturalistic moves. It is commonly set to popular music with vocals as well as rich instrumental portions of a pop song. Lyrical inspires choreographers and dancers to use movement to interpret music and express emotion. More than other aforementioned dance styles, a lyrical performance aligns with the essence of a musical piece, in addition to highlighting the beauty, openness and strength of the dancer.

Contemporary is a dance style that is originally based on Greek Natural movement. Again, as in Jazz, there are several styles that have been developed and Contemporary has been incorporated into a Classical style so that “Dance” has become homogenized in current choreography. Contemporary style is incorporated into the R.A.D. Ballet syllabus and is valuable in teaching students the “Rise & Fall” in movement. Gibsons Dance Centre incorporated Contemporary into their program along side of classical work. The “Pure” style Contemporary classes at Dance Works are offered to pre teens, teens and adults.

Jazz is a rhythmical dance form set to Jazz music of various styles. This genre of dance is popular with all age groups Jazz is always evolving with various stylistic influences from North Americas East Coast and west Coast. Jazz dance is an important of a dancer’s training. Gibsons Dance Centre offers set work in the I.S.T.D. syllabus in its Jazz program as well as Street Jazz techniques.  Freestyle choreography for competitions and performances. Refer to our Competitions and Exams section for more information. Jazz classes at GDC are offered for ages Primary to Advanced.

Believed to have originated in New York (Brooklyn Uprock or b-boying/b-girling) in the 1970’s and heavily influenced by the West Coast “Funk Movement’ Hip Hop has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Hip Hop involves many techniques from other genres of dance and benefits from acrobatic ability.  At Gibsons Dance Centre we offer Hip Hop classes with exciting choreography for competition and performance set to popular yet positive Hip Hop music. Although there is not a set syllabus for Hip Hop, serious Hip Hop students are encouraged to take Ballet and other forms of dance to sharpen their technique and over all ability. Our Hip Hop teachers have a background with the appropriate examinations in many forms of dance. For information of the competitive opportunities in our Hip Hop program at GDC please refer to the Competitions and Exams section. Classes in Hip Hop are offered at GDC for the ages of 4 to adult.

The Musical Theatre program at Gibsons Dance Centre is a wonderful way to explore one of the many forms of the Performing Arts. Students enrolled in this program are taught the fundamentals of singing and voice training in a theatre setting. For those interested in a theatrical career, or for those who simply enjoy performing, the Musical Theatre program is a great choice. We highly recommend Musical Theatre training to create a well-rounded performer. This course works along side our Acting program. Classes in Musical Theatre at GDC are offered to the ages of 6 years to adult.

Acrobatic Dance, or "acro" as it is commonly referred to by dancers and dance professionals, is the beautiful fusion of classic dance technique and the precision and athleticism of acrobatic elements. Often defined by unique choreography, acro dancers seamlessly blend musicality, emotional expression, lines and extension with acrobatic movements in a dance context. Acro’s roots are in traditional Chinese dance, later appearing as a favoured style on the Vaudeville stage. More recently, acro gained popularity with the wide spread success of the contemporary circus productions of Cirque du Soleil.  Main stream media including dance television programs like ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ and ‘Dance Moms’ have further fuelled it’s demand in amateur competitive dance and studio settings. Acro is an especially challenging style for dancers to master as training in both dance and acrobatic elements is required. Acro technique includes balancing, limbering, tumbling and partnering, based in flexibility, contortion and strength. Dance Works offers the Acrobatic Arts syllabus for both recreational dancers and exam/competitive dancers. Acting and drama are an excellent form of self-expression and a great way to improve confidence and public speaking skills. Sr. Acting classes are available for the beginner actor or the experienced alike and are offered to 13 years to adult. Jr. & Pre-Teen Acting classes are now offered for students ages 7-12 years.