Class Levels
Spring Lake, MI
Professional Dance School
One-on-One Approach
Decades of Teaching Experience
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Our Current Dance Classes
Spotlight Dance Academy teaches a curriculum that is both developmental and progressive in nature. It prepares the student for advancement to a more difficult skill level while maintaining a focus on mental and spiritual growth, encouraging respect and appreciation of the art, and by stimulating creativity through choreography and performance.
Our school environment is positive, non-competitive, and encourages teamwork and respect for others. Our goal is twofold; to promote confidence and individuality by teaching and encouraging every student to explore and develop their artistic self through their expression of dance; and to promote lifetime fitness by providing a healthy and positive recreational dance program for all students. The program continues to grow and change with the needs of our students, however, exceptions are inherit and are subject to the discretion of the instructors or directors.
Beginning with the Children’s Program and continuing through the most advanced pre-professional classes, Spotlight Dance Academy provides children and adults an opportunity to explore the world of dance, experiment and learn technique, and enrich their appreciation for the various forms of the art.
Curriculum-based courses strengthen the dancer’s technique as well as develop artistic skills. The language of dance, as well as knowledge of correct structural and muscular placement, becomes second nature as students begin a concentrated focus in the different disciplines. There are no prerequisite classes or minimum class requirements; however, students are placed according to both age and ability.
Request a call back from Spotlight to register!
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List of Services
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Pre-I Age 3-4Item Link List Item 1
The Journey Begins
Beginning with the 3-year-old child, the pre-dance-I class exposes the child to creative movement, music, and direction. The student learns large and small motor skills (moving sideways gracefully, balance on 1 or 2 feet, weight transfer and more), how to stand on or in line, take turns, and basic ballet terminology and phrases. They participate in developmental games and learn short choreographed pieces to initiate memorization.
Goals include spending the entire 30 minutes in the classroom with our staff member, participation in activities and following directions, and collecting stickers and finding a parent waiting outside the door at the end of class. The 3-year-old preschool dancer does not need tap shoes; however, a pink, black or burgundy leotard and pink ballet shoes are required for young ladies and black sweatpants a white shirt and black ballet shoes are required for young men.
Placement:
New 3 year old students begin with our Pre-I classes. If you dancer will be turning 4 before December please call the office for suggestions. Returning Students are placed in a class based on an evaluation from the previous dance year. However, the teacher has the privilege to reassign a class level, following an evaluation of the student’s first 6 weeks of class.
Pre-I Dress Code:
Leotard- Colors Black, Pink, Burgundy or Grey
Tank, Short sleeve or Long Sleeve styled leotards
Tutus and Skirts are A-Okay!
Pink Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet shoes
Ballet pink matte tights
Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.
Boys- White, Black, Grey T-shirts, Black sweat pants or shorts
Black Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet Shoes
PLEASE PLACE THE DANCER'S NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES.
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Pre-II Age 4-5Item Link List Item 2
The Journey Begins
Creative movement designed to initiate the beginning of ballet technique begins and students are introduced to beginning tap technique (pre-dance II). Tap skills help the preschool age child hear rhythm, count music and they love to “make noise.” Continued emphasis is on creative movement, music, and developmental games. Tumbling is explored.
Pre-II classes have the same requirement as Pre-I with the addition of black Mary Jane patent leather tap shoes for young ladies and black oxford tap shoes for young men.
Placement:
New students should follow the guidelines mentioned above. Returning Students are placed in a class based on an evaluation from the previous dance year. However, the teacher has the privledge to reassign a class level, following an evaluation of the student’s first 6 weeks of class.
Level I classes are designed for the age specific dancer that has little to no organized group activity experience.
Level II classes are designed for the age specific dancer that has had group activity experience.
Pre-II Dress Code:
Leotard- Colors Black, Pink, Burgundy or Grey
Tank, Short sleeve or Long Sleeve styled leotards
Tutus and Skirts are A-Okay!
Pink Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet shoes
Ballet pink matte tights
Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.
Boys- White, Black, Grey T-shirts, Black sweat pants or shorts
Black Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet Shoes
PLEASE PLACE THE DANCER'S NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES
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5 & 6 I and 5 & 6 II Age 5-6Item Link List Item 3
The Journey Begins
Dancers in this level will learn basic positions and terminology and work on very basic technique in both ballet and tap, learn flexibility and strengthening skills, and be exposed to classical music. Emphasis is placed on connecting skills, working well within a group, storing information, and laying the groundwork for a lifetime love of dance. Tumbling skills will increase and lay structure to greater coordination skills. The same attire requirements of Pre-II.
Placement:
New students should follow the guidelines mentioned above. Returning Students are placed in a class based on an evaluation from the previous dance year. However, the teacher has the privileged to reassign a class level, following an evaluation of the student’s first 6 weeks of class.
Level I classes are designed for the age specific dancer that has little to no organized group activity experience.
Level II classes are designed for the age specific dancer that has had group activity experience.
5&6 I & II Dress Code:
Leotard- Colors Black, Pink, Burgundy or Grey
Tank, Short sleeve or Long Sleeve styled leotards
Tutus and Skirts are A-Okay!
Pink Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet shoes
Ballet pink matte tights
Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.
Boys- White, Black, Grey T-shirts, Black sweat pants or shorts
Black Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet Shoes
PLEASE PLACE THE DANCER'S NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES
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7 & 8 Class - Age 7-8Item Link List Item 4
The Journey Begins
This level of dance class will focus on ballet and tap technique and includes tumbling. Learning how to move through a full 1 hour class correctly is a goal. Our 7&8 year old dancers build strength and body awareness and control. These are transitional and exploratory classes for most dancers, usually, the last class taken before preferred disciplines are chosen or multiple classes become necessary to properly train for well-rounded advancement.
Placement:
New students should follow the guidelines mentioned above. Returning Students are placed in a class based on an evaluation from the previous dance year. However, the teacher has the authority to reassign a class level, following an evaluation of the student’s first class.
Level I classes are designed for the age specific dancer that has little to no organized group activity experience.
Level II classes are designed for the age specific dancer that has had group activity experience.
7&8 I & II Dress Code:
Leotard- Colors Black, Pink, Burgundy or Grey
Tank, Short sleeve or Long Sleeve styled leotards
Tutus and Skirts are A-Okay!
Pink Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet shoes
Ballet pink matte tights
Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.
Boys- White, Black, Grey T-shirts, Black sweat pants or shorts
Black Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet Shoes
PLEASE PLACE THE DANCER'S NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES
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BalletItem Link
A Time to Grow
Ballet is the foundation of dance; every dance form uses ballet positions and vocabulary.
Ballet classes are progressive classes that move slowly to learn and develop proper technique.
It is imperative for all dancers and aspiring dancers to know ballet technique and terminology. Ballet is not a supplement for any other dance forms, it is the substance. If Dance were a language, ballet would be the letters that form the words. Ballet is best known for dancers dancing precise, graceful, ethereal movements. But don’t let that intimidate or discourage you; Ballet is for dancers at any age, with every body type, at every level of dance knowledge. It promotes the development of flexibility, long lean muscles and strength.
Technique, choreography, and terminology are taught at every level. Conditioning and flexibility training, and theater are introduced. Positions for the feet, arms and body are introduced and reinforced. These classes will follow a format of a classical ballet class to include basic barre exercise and center practice. Dancers will also demonstrate skills and combinations traveling across the floor.
Female students must wear pink tights, leotard and pink ballet shoes. Male dancers wear black sweat pants, white tshirt and black ballet shoes. Hair must be fastened away from the face, preferably in a bun.
Beginning & Intermediate Levels are for the dancer ages 9 and up. These classes are for dancers will little to 3 years experience in a structured, classical, 45 minute- 1 hour ballet class.
Intermediate II-Adv I and II are for dancers ages 10 and up. These classes are the next step in our classical ballet classes and require a strong knowledge of terminology and body placement. 2-4 Years of experience in a structured, classical 60-minute ballet class.
Adv. III-Adv. IV are for dancers ages 12 and up. These classes are the last step in our classical ballet classes and require an above average knowledge of terminology and body placement. 3-5 Years of experience in a structured, classical 60-90 minute ballet class.
When a dancer takes multiple classes the tuition is prorated by hour with a discount.
Dress Code for Ballet:
Girls Beginning-Advanced
Pink, Black, Grey or Burgundy leotard
Tank, Short sleeve, or Long sleeve
Short skirts are allowed
Pink Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet Shoes
Ballet pink matte tights
Boys Beginning-Advanced
White, Grey, Black, or Burgundy T-shirt, Black sweat pants or shorts
Black Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet Shoes
Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.
PLEASE PLACE THE DANCER'S NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES
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JazzItem Link
A Time to Grow
Jazz is the most popular dance form among amateur dancers. Its movements are big, exaggerated, and there is typically an attitude the dancer wants to convey to the audience. Jazz emphasizes isolation, which is moving one part of the body such as the head, shoulder, or pelvis, while the rest of the body is still. It also emphasizes suspension, which is moving through a position rather than balancing. It is fast paced, so even though Jazz looks easy and fun, dancers must be 9 years of age to participate at SDA in a jazz class. This class is designed to introduce jazz technique, focusing on basic jazz positions, turns, jumps, and leaps. Students will also learn center and loco motor progressions as well as proper stretching techniques to enhance strength and flexibility. Basic Jazz dance terminology is discussed as well as stage directions, center and across the floor techniques, and short choreographed combinations.
Though both Jazz and Modern dance techniques are based on ballet, both are considered a rebellion against it.
Placement:
Age and experience are both factors in placement. Placement in Advanced III and IV Jazz is by invitation only. Skill level, focus, and regular attendance are considered for placement.
Beginning & intermediate levels are for the dancer ages 9 and up. These classes are for dancers will little to 3 years experience in a structured 45 minute jazz class.
Intermediate II-Adv I and II are for dancers ages 10 and up. These classes are the next step in our jazz classes and require a strong knowledge of terminology and body placement. 2-4 years of experience in a structured 45 minute jazz class.
Adv. III-Adv. IV are for dancers ages 12 and up. These classes are the last step in our jazz classes and require an above average knowledge of terminology and body placement. 3-5 years of experience in a structured 45-90-minute jazz class.
When a dancer takes multiple classes the tuition is prorated by hour with a discount.
Dress Code for Jazz:
Girls Beginning-Advanced
Tight fitted active wear in Pink, Black, Grey, Burgundy or White
Leotards are not required
Tan Jazz Shoes
Boys Beginning-Advanced
White, Grey, Black, or Burgundy T-shirt, Black sweat pants or shorts
Black Jazz Shoes
Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.
PLEASE PLACE THE DANCER'S NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES
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TapItem Link
A Time to Grow
These classes with multiple ability levels will focus on tap fundamentals including basic tap steps, cramp rolls, center and across the floor work. Students will be paired up with students of the same skill level and will progress according to their own prior training and ability. Tap dancers make frequent use of syncopation. Choreography typically starts on the eighth or first beat count. Another aspect of tap dancing is improvisation. This can either be done with music and follow the beats provided or without musical accompaniment, otherwise known as a capella dance.
Tap dance started during the 19th century and is a uniquely American dance form. Tap flourished in the U.S. form 1900 to 1955, when it was the main dance style performed on Vaudeville and Broadway. Vaudeville was inexpensive entertainment before television and it employed droves of skilled tap dancers. The name “Tap dance” comes from the tapping sounds made when the metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch the hard floor. This lively, rhythmic tapping makes the performer not just a dancer, but also a percussive musician. Some of the greatest hoofers include Fred Astaire, Donald O’Connor, Anne Miller, Eleanor Powell, Gene Kelly, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and Gregory Hines. There’s something undeniably energizing and liberating about this great Americana style of dance.
Placement:
Age and experience are both factors in placement. Placement in Advanced III and IV Tap is by invitation only. Skill level, focus, and regular attendance are considered for placement.
Beginning & intermediate levels are for the dancer ages 9 and up. These classes are for dancers will little to 3 years experience in a structured 45 minute tap class.
Intermediate II-Adv I and II are for dancers ages 10 and up. These classes are the next step in our tap classes and require a strong knowledge of terminology and body placement. 2-4 years of experience in a structured 45 minute tap class.
Adv. III-Adv. IV are for dancers ages 12 and up. These classes are the last step in our tap classes and require an above average knowledge of terminology and body placement. 3-5 years of experience in a structured 45-60- minute tap class.
When a dancer takes multiple classes the tuition is prorated by hour with a discount.
Dress Code for Tap:
Girls Beginning-Advanced
Tight fitted active wear in Pink, Black, Grey, Burgundy or White
Leotards are not required
Black Tap Shoes
Boys Beginning-Advanced
White, Grey, Black, or Burgundy T-shirt, Black sweat pants or shorts
Black Tap Shoes
Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.
PLEASE PLACE THE DANCER'S NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES
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Hip-HopItem Link
A Time to Grow
Hip-Hop refers to dance styles primarily danced to Hip-Hop music, or dance that evolved out of the Hip-Hop culture. Because of how it was formed and how it’s being practiced, it is considered a street dance. This means, with or without a formal dance background, whether or not you’ve had the resources to have been dancing since you were four, you can dance this style! Today, many classes practice elements of various Hip-Hop dances, often mixing them with more structured dance styles such as Jazz. Being such a broad genre, it gives students room to interpret the movements in various ways.
Although Hip-Hop classes are fast-paced and challenging, it allows each dancer to emphasize their creative rhythmic talents. Hip-Hop dance is a popular form of dance that incorporates street style dance with choreographed expression. Hip-Hop is the style that you see in the pop music videos. Hip-Hop performance choreography at Spotlight Dance Academy is kept to a policy standard that assures conservative movement that is appropriate to all audiences.
All movement will be modest and age appropriate. All music will be free of questionable lyrics.
Placement:
Age and experience are both factors in placement. Placement in Advanced III and IV Hip Hop is by invitation only. Skill level, focus, and regular attendance are considered for placement.
Beginning & intermediate levels are for the dancer ages 9 and up. These classes are for dancers will little to 3 years experience in a structured 45 minute hip hop class.
Intermediate II-Adv I and II are for dancers ages 10 and up. These classes are the next step in our hip-hop classes and require a strong knowledge of terminology and body placement. 2-4 years of experience in a structured 45-minute hip-hop class.
Adv. III-Adv. IV are for dancers ages 12 and up. These classes are the last step in our hip-hop classes and require an above average knowledge of terminology and body placement. 3-5 years of experience in a structured 45-90 minute hip-hop class.
When a dancer takes multiple classes the tuition is prorated by hour with a discount.
Dress Code for Hip-Hop:
Hip-Hop Dancers Beginning-Advanced
You may wear a tank top/t-shirt & shorts/sweatpants in Pink, Black, Grey, Burgundy or White
Clean tennis shoes
Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.
PLEASE PLACE THE DANCER'S NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES
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LyricalItem Link
A Time to Grow
Lyrical dance is a fusion of ballet and jazz techniques. Lyrical challenges choreographers and dancers to use connecting and flowing movements to interpret music and express inner emotions. This emotional expression is a critical element in Lyrical dance. Its lines are on a central axis, but often use tilts, arches, spirals, and curves as an aesthetic addition. When running, dancers lead with toes and connect with the floor with a light, airy quality. This dynamic dance form allows dancers to expand their knowledge of ballet and jazz techniques while challenging them to express their emotions and tell the music’s story.
Because Lyrical is a Ballet-based discipline, students must also participate in a full season Ballet class.
Technique, choreography, and terminology are taught at each level. Conditioning and flexibility training, and musicality are introduced. This class combines the strength of jazz with the concept of turn out used in ballet technique. Dancers must also be enrolled and participate in a ballet class during the current season. Included in this class are basic barre exercises and center practice. Dancers will also demonstrate skills and combinations traveling across the floor.
Students must wear a leotard and usually use foot undies or dance barefoot. Hair must be fastened away from the face.
Beginning & Intermediate Levels are for the dancer ages 9 and up. These classes are for dancers will little to 3 years experience in a structured, 30 minute- 45 minute lyrical class.
Intermediate II-Adv I and II are for dancers ages 10 and up. These classes are the next step in our lyrical classes and require a strong knowledge of terminology and body placement. 2-4 Years of experience in a structured, 45 minute lyrical class.
Adv. III-Adv. IV are for dancers ages 12 and up. These classes are the last step in our lyrical classes and require an above average knowledge of terminology and body placement. 3-5 Years of experience in a structured, 45 minute to 1 hour lyrical class.
When a dancer takes multiple classes the tuition is prorated by hour with a discount. Example dancers participates in a 45 minute ballet class, a 45 minute lyrical class and a 45 minute jazz class- their total hours of dance training is 2.25 hours per week. Tuition for 2.25 hours per week is $84.00 per month for 9 months September- June.
Student Dance Showcase Costumes Payment for Beginning-Advanced dancers is $75.00 per class and is due to the studio December 2nd-5th, 2019.
Dress Code for Lyrical:
Girls Beginning-Advanced
Ballet: Pink, Black, Grey or Burgundy leotard
Tank, Short sleeve, or Long sleeve
Pink Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet Shoes or Barefoot
Ballet pink matte tights
Boys Beginning-Advanced
White, Grey, Black, or Burgundy T-shirt, Black sweat pants or shorts
Black Pleather, Leather or Canvas Ballet Shoes or Barefoot
Hair securely off face. No large jewelry.
PLEASE PLACE THE DANCER'S NAME IN ALL DANCE SHOES
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Specialized Class SessionsItem Link
Learning How
Specialized Class Sessions offer introductory dance classes with a shorter commitment than our full-season classes. These beginner-level classes introduce new curriculum in each six-week session, providing students with a fun, energetic, and structured learning experience.
Class Information
New curriculum is introduced in each six-week session.
Sessions begin in October, January, and April.
Online registration opens one month before classes begin.
Registration schedules are available in September for each season.
No registration fee.
No showcase participation required.
No dress code.
Age ranges are broader, typically spanning two to three years instead of one to two years.
Examples of Specialized Class Sessions
Pre-I: Creative Movement and Tumbling (Ages 3–5)
Pre-II: Creative Movement, Rhythm Dance, and Tumbling (Ages 4–6)
Beginning Hip Hop: Ages 8–12
Beginning Ballet: Ages 7–9
Other classes are offered based on age and dance genre.
Session Pricing
30-minute class: $60.00 per session
45-minute class: $70.00 per session.
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Pre-Professional/Apprentice Program Ages 8+Item Link
Creating Artistry
This program provides the next step in the dancer’s journey and training toward becoming a full SDA Pre-Professional Dancer. This program requires an invite to audition. Auditions are typically held in August prior to the full dance season. Dancers who receive a position in this program will train four hours a week in technical training. Classes are typically scheduled Mondays from 4:15 – 6:15 pm and Tuesdays from 7:15 – 9:15 pm. However, these days and times may change based on the number of participants in the program. They will perform in two competitive pieces in competitions typically local in the Grand Rapids area. Competition pieces will require Saturday rehearsals (approximately 10) beginning in November.
Dancers will be evaluated on attendance, behavior, and technique in order to receive either an invite back to this program or to audition for the Competitive Troupe Program.
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Competitive Troup ProgramItem Link
Creating Artistry
Our competitive troupe dancers train anywhere between 5 and 8 hours a week in technique classes. These dancers are offered performance opportunities throughout the community and at both regional and national dance competitions. They work on technique and performance skills weekly in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip-Hop.
Competitive Dancers attend several Dance Conventions throughout the dance season.
Friday and Saturday Rehearsals are mandatory October through the end of March. Mandatory Attendance in a specialized 2 week summer intensive is required, along with additional summer training.
Please see the Competitive Troupe Guideline booklet for a complete overview of this program.
The SDA Pre-Professional program is about educating the dancer in more than dance. It’s about teaching lessons that will last a lifetime: dedication, determination, and an understanding of what hard work can accomplish.
As we enter our 23rd successful season we take great pride in the fact that, our studio’s solid reputation has been built on an understanding that our artistic team has the knowledge to determine the best approach for our students. We encourage parental support of your child, the studio, and your child’s dance training and performance. It isn’t about doing solos, or winning trophies; it is about motivating dancers to be team players striving for excellence, for the good of themselves and their artistic team. Competition is part of what we do, but not all we do.
Local Performances:
- Grand Haven Arts Festival – September
- Fallfest – September
- Haunted Mansion – October
- Christmas Performance Muskegon and Grand Haven — November/December
- Nutcracker all Jazzed Up – December
- Competition Kick – Off January or February
- West Michigan Student Showcase – March
- Regional Competitions — January through April
- National Competition – June or July (every other year)
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Experience Something New - Adult ClassesItem Link
Experience Something New
SDA offers several options for Adult Classes throughout the dance season.
6-week Classes Sessions will include:
Hip-Hop - Come out and have fun dancing the style of Hip-Hop. You will be increasing muscular strength, endurance, motor fitness, and aerobic fitness. Coordination, agility, and flexibility will also increase throughout this class.
Ballet - Have you ever wanted to reminisce about your childhood ballet classes or just try something new? Adult ballet is the class for you! This is a judgment free, all ages and levels welcome, ballet class. Brush up on your ballet technique or grow by learning a new way to move! If you want to be here, we want you here!
Essentrics -A dynamic combination of strengthening and stretching.This eccentric technique soothes and conditions our joints while sculpting lean, toned muscles.
Tap - An ideal class for beginners and experienced dancers too, this class is for the student who wishes to improve rhythm and musicality while learning and developing basic tap technique. Open to adult students of any age, and it explores tap styles from different time periods.
Schedules for our 6-week classes go live on our website one month before classes begin.
We offer drop-in classes for adult dancers in our Advanced III and Advanced IV Full Season Classes (Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical) September-December. These classes are taught at the Intermediate/Advanced Level . These classes typically begin in January. Please notify the SDA office if you are interested in receiving information regarding adult class options.
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