Dance Academy

The Arvada Center Dance Department is excited to launch the Arvada Center Dance Academy. As the Arvada Center ventures into its first year as a Dance Academy our patrons will see little difference in how we teach, mentor or relate to our students.  Where they will see a difference is in the number and variety of classes offered and the ability to take more than one class back to back. Families will only need to register two times each school year, as Academy class sessions are 20 weeks long. The summer session will remain as a separate 6 week session.
    The dance department has matured over the years and currently has close to twenty-five alumni who are dancing professionally, directing their own companies, running their own schools or teaching around the country.  Many have gone on to major or minor in dance along side their science, teaching and engineering degrees.  In a field where approximately 1% of highly trained dancers go on to make a career in dance, these numbers are astounding.  This success made us realize that we should expound on what we do best; train well rounded dancers who also become good citizens.
    For the past 24 years Christina Noel Adcock, Arvada Center Dance Coordinator, has dedicated herself to developing a dance program that cares for the whole dancer, not just the technician, caring for her student’s self confidence, growth spurts, love of dance along side their technical training. She has an ability to attract some of the best teachers in the region who share her passion for dance and teaching.  Students in the Academy train in ballet, jazz and modern and learn an abundance of life skills that help them flourish as they become adults. Dancers who train at the Arvada Center Dance Academy learn discipline, respect, responsibility, time management, a strong work ethic and team work.  Additionally, they learn theater skills; such as, performance quality, pantomime (telling a story through movement), stage make up, artistry and back stage etiquette and protocols.  Much thought was given to what the majority of our students already do, what changes would help them to achieve their dreams and goals, and how many classes growing children can take without risking injury.  We feel we found a balance between what our students need to improve technically and still allow time for school work and family time. 
    The Arvada Center Dance Theater is also growing. Our dancers are strong in several styles of dance and so we have unified the dance company for intermediate through advanced dancers. Arvada Center Dance Theater company dancers learn a variety of choreographic styles from many choreographers.  Prospective company members audition August 15 and 22nd for a season that begins September 1, 2010.
    For those students who are too young for the Academy or do not wish to commit to the intensity required, we offer open dance classes. These classes are for dancers ages 3-73.  Beginning January 2011, Open Enrollment classes will be offered in 12 week sessions and include study in ballet, tap, jazz, mat/stretch, and hip hop. Art Start Dance Classes for pre K students will expand this year to include Wednesday morning classes.  The flexibility that the Open Enrollment program offers is a big plus for dancers who want to come to dance once a week or want to try dance between their other activities. 
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The Arvada Center Dance Academy is a jewel in the backyard of Arvada and the northwest Denver region. For further information or question, please contact dance coordinator, Christina Noel Adcock at 720-898-7237.