Class Descriptions – Season One (August 2025–May 2026)

Welcome to East Tennessee Dance Theatre (ETDT)! Below is a complete breakdown of our Season One classes for ages 18mos through adult. Each class is designed to support growth, creativity, and technical mastery in a welcoming and inclusive space.

Mommy and Me (Ages 18 mos – 3 yrs)

Introduce your child to the joy of dance with our Mommy and Me class, held Mondays at 4:00 PM. This engaging class helps toddlers and their caregivers build coordination, musicality, and emotional connection through movement and play. A perfect first step into dance in a safe and nurturing environment.

Preparatory Ballet (Ages 3 yrs – 5 yrs)

Tuesdays at 4:00 PM, our Preparatory Ballet class offers young children the fundamentals of classical ballet in a creative and supportive setting. Students develop balance, rhythm, and movement awareness while gaining confidence and joy in every step.

Preparatory Tap (Ages 3 yrs – 5 yrs)

Immediately following Ballet at 4:30 PM on Tuesdays, Preparatory Tap teaches rhythm, sound, and musical exploration. Designed for toddlers and young dancers, this fun and energetic class builds early coordination and introduces the basics of tap dance.

Pre-Primary Ballet (Ages 5 yrs – 6 yrs)

Held Thursdays at 4:00 PM, Pre-Primary Ballet introduces dancers to more structured ballet technique while maintaining a playful and expressive atmosphere. Students build poise, posture, and self-discipline in a supportive environment that encourages individuality.

Pre-Primary Tap (Ages 5 yrs – 6 yrs)

At 4:45 PM on Thursdays, Pre-Primary Tap provides a high-energy introduction to tap fundamentals. This class strengthens coordination and musical timing while making rhythm fun and accessible for young learners.

Pre-Primary Jazz (Ages 5 yrs – 6 yrs)

Join us Thursdays at 5:30 PM for Pre-Primary Jazz, where dancers learn expressive movement through upbeat music and playful choreography. This class helps students develop flexibility, rhythm, and self-expression in a positive and welcoming space.

Primary Ballet (Ages 7 yrs – 8 yrs)

Primary Ballet, offered Mondays at 4:30 PM, builds on foundational ballet training with greater emphasis on technique, alignment, and artistry. This class prepares dancers for more advanced work while encouraging creativity and discipline.

Primary Jazz (Ages 7 yrs – 8 yrs)

Join us Mondays at 5:15 PM for Primary Jazz, a fun, fast-paced class featuring age-appropriate choreography, musicality, and technique. This class enhances coordination, self-confidence, and performance skills in a vibrant learning environment.

Primary Tap (Ages 7 yrs – 8 yrs)

Primary Tap, held Wednesdays at 4:00 PM, deepens dancers’ understanding of rhythm and timing. Students will learn new tap patterns and combinations while continuing to build foundational skills in an energetic and enjoyable format.

Primary Contemporary (Ages 7 yrs – 8 yrs)

Our Primary Contemporary class on Wednesdays at 4:45 PM offers young dancers the opportunity to explore fluid, expressive movement. Blending modern dance techniques with improvisation, this class nurtures creativity and emotional connection.

Junior Ballet (Ages 9 yrs – 11 yrs)

Held Mondays at 6:00 PM and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, Junior Ballet is ideal for dancers looking to advance their classical training. With a focus on technique, discipline, and grace, this class supports continued growth in a respectful and inclusive environment.

Pre-Pointe (Ages 9 yrs – 11 yrs)

Pre-Pointe, offered Mondays at 6:45 PM, is designed for ballet students preparing for future pointe work. Focused on strength, alignment, and conditioning, this class lays a critical foundation. Dancers must be enrolled in two ballet classes per week to participate.

Junior Contemporary (Ages 9 yrs – 11 yrs)

Explore expressive movement in Junior Contemporary, held Mondays at 7:15 PM. This class fuses lyrical, modern, and improvisational dance, helping young dancers connect emotion with technique while developing artistry and confidence.

Junior Jazz (Ages 9 yrs – 11 yrs)

Join us Wednesdays at 7:15 PM for Junior Jazz, a dynamic class that develops musicality, energy, and stylized movement. Dancers will refine technique and perform engaging choreography in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.

Senior Ballet (Ages 12 yrs+)

Senior Ballet is offered Tuesdays at 5:45 PM and Thursdays at 6:15 PM for intermediate and advanced dancers. These classes focus on developing advanced technique, precision, and artistry, essential for those pursuing a more serious dance education.

Pointe (Ages 12 yrs+)

Held Tuesdays at 6:45 PM, Pointe is for eligible ballet students advancing to pointe shoes. Emphasizing strength, control, and alignment, this class is a significant step in a dancer's journey. Students must be enrolled in two ballet classes weekly.

Senior Contemporary (Ages 12 yrs+)

Senior Contemporary, taught Tuesdays at 7:15 PM, pushes dancers to blend technical ability with emotional depth. Using modern, lyrical, and improvisational styles, this class inspires individuality and expressive storytelling through movement.

Senior Jazz (Ages 12 yrs+)

Join us Thursdays at 7:15 PM for Senior Jazz, a high-energy class focusing on advanced combinations, flexibility, and performance. Dancers will explore both classic and commercial jazz techniques in a challenging yet inclusive environment.

Adult Jazz/Contemporary (Ages 18 yrs+)

Adult Jazz/Contemporary, offered Tuesdays at 5:00 PM, is perfect for adults of all experience levels. This class combines jazz flair with contemporary expression in a fun, judgment-free space that encourages fitness, creativity, and community.

Adult Ballet (Ages 18 yrs+)

Wednesdays at 5:30 PM, Adult Ballet invites adults to explore or revisit the elegance of ballet. Focusing on technique, posture, and flexibility, this class is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for dancers at any stage of their journey.