Fall 2025
Thursday Creative Ballet (ages 3.2 - 5 including Kindergarten)
Our Creative Ballet offers a unique curriculum which allows for both a joyous experience as well as basic dance skill development. These uplifting classes, for 3-5-year-olds and Kindergarteners, include movement stories, creative games, structured free dance, dance with a prop, show and tell, musical interludes, dancing the roles in story ballets, and ballet basics. Each day will have a surprise "treasure box" interlude with a special activity! In keeping with our fine-arts approach, our youngest dancers will experience dancing to a wide range of music including classical, great ballet scores, contemporary classical, folk and of course beloved children's songs.
Our Creative Ballet offers a unique curriculum which allows for both a joyous experience as well as basic dance skill development. These uplifting classes, for 3-5-year-olds and Kindergarteners, include movement stories, creative games, structured free dance, dance with a prop, show and tell, musical interludes, dancing the roles in story ballets, and ballet basics. Each day will have a surprise "treasure box" interlude with a special activity! In keeping with our fine-arts approach, our youngest dancers will experience dancing to a wide range of music including classical, great ballet scores, contemporary classical, folk and of course beloved children's songs.
Thursday
3:45 PM to 4:30 PM
3:45 PM to 4:30 PM
Burgdorff Center Maplewood
Contemporary/Modern 1 with Choreography (1st-2nd grade)
Our Contemporary/Modern classes embrace a wide range of modern and contemporary modern techniques including the drop and release techniques of Doris Humphrey and Jose Limon. Current modern dance is a fusion of many movement qualities and includes a strong ballet base as well. This class uses a wonderful range of music including classical, percussion/drumming, jazz and selected pop. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Our Contemporary/Modern classes embrace a wide range of modern and contemporary modern techniques including the drop and release techniques of Doris Humphrey and Jose Limon. Current modern dance is a fusion of many movement qualities and includes a strong ballet base as well. This class uses a wonderful range of music including classical, percussion/drumming, jazz and selected pop. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Thursday
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Burgdorff Center Maplewood
Contemporary/Modern 2 with Choreography (3rd-5th grade)
Our Contemporary/Modern classes embrace a wide range of modern and contemporary modern techniques including the drop and release techniques of Doris Humphrey and Jose Limon. Current modern dance is a fusion of many movement qualities and includes a strong ballet base as well. This class uses a wonderful range of music including classical, percussion/drumming, jazz and selected pop. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Our Contemporary/Modern classes embrace a wide range of modern and contemporary modern techniques including the drop and release techniques of Doris Humphrey and Jose Limon. Current modern dance is a fusion of many movement qualities and includes a strong ballet base as well. This class uses a wonderful range of music including classical, percussion/drumming, jazz and selected pop. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Thursday
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Burgdorff Center Maplewood
Contemporary/Modern 3 Technique with Broadway Jazz Elements (6th grade and up)
Our Contemporary/Modern classes embrace a wide range of modern and contemporary modern techniques including the drop and release techniques of Doris Humphrey and Jose Limon. Current modern dance is a fusion of many movement qualities and includes a strong ballet base as well. This class uses a wonderful range of music including classical, percussion/drumming, jazz and selected pop.
Our Contemporary/Modern classes embrace a wide range of modern and contemporary modern techniques including the drop and release techniques of Doris Humphrey and Jose Limon. Current modern dance is a fusion of many movement qualities and includes a strong ballet base as well. This class uses a wonderful range of music including classical, percussion/drumming, jazz and selected pop.
Thursday
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Burgdorff Center Maplewood
Student Company with Choreography, Performance Skills and Coaching (Ages 13 and up who are taking Contemporary 3)
Our exciting Student Company is open to dancers ages 13 and up with a strong desire to choreograph and perform their own pieces. You must be enrolled in Contemporary 3 to be in the Student Company. An alternative to competition dance school companies, our dancers work in small groups to develop and polish well crafted dances. This in-depth experience allows students to think creatively using their own unique voices. Thought will be given to the music, design elements and emotional nuance in each dance. The LJD Student Company performs their own works at the end of the year.
Workshops in various dance techniques will be offered throughout the year to the Student Company. For example past workshops have included introductions to Graham and Duncan techniques.
The Company offers an unparalleled opportunity to work directly with acclaimed choreographer Lydia Johnson who has received acclaim from prestigious New York dance writers over many years.
"Johnson is a craftsman and a poet; her works, which stress the ensemble and attend closely to the music, have an ebb and flow in addition to a strong emotional current. The basis of her technique is ballet, and her dancers are strong. The program at New York Live Arts includes four works, two of them new, set to a variety of musical styles, from Handel to Golijov."
The New Yorker
Our exciting Student Company is open to dancers ages 13 and up with a strong desire to choreograph and perform their own pieces. You must be enrolled in Contemporary 3 to be in the Student Company. An alternative to competition dance school companies, our dancers work in small groups to develop and polish well crafted dances. This in-depth experience allows students to think creatively using their own unique voices. Thought will be given to the music, design elements and emotional nuance in each dance. The LJD Student Company performs their own works at the end of the year.
Workshops in various dance techniques will be offered throughout the year to the Student Company. For example past workshops have included introductions to Graham and Duncan techniques.
The Company offers an unparalleled opportunity to work directly with acclaimed choreographer Lydia Johnson who has received acclaim from prestigious New York dance writers over many years.
"Johnson is a craftsman and a poet; her works, which stress the ensemble and attend closely to the music, have an ebb and flow in addition to a strong emotional current. The basis of her technique is ballet, and her dancers are strong. The program at New York Live Arts includes four works, two of them new, set to a variety of musical styles, from Handel to Golijov."
The New Yorker
Thursday
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Burgdorff Center Maplewood
Wednesday Creative Ballet (ages 3.2 - 5 including Kindergarten)
Our Creative Ballet allows for both a joyous experience as well as basic dance skill development. This uplifting class, for 3-5-year-olds and Kindergarteners, includes movement stories, creative games, structured free dance, dancing with a prop, musical interludes and dance basics. Our young dancers will experience dancing to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, folk, scores from famous dance works and of course beloved children's songs.
Our Creative Ballet allows for both a joyous experience as well as basic dance skill development. This uplifting class, for 3-5-year-olds and Kindergarteners, includes movement stories, creative games, structured free dance, dancing with a prop, musical interludes and dance basics. Our young dancers will experience dancing to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, folk, scores from famous dance works and of course beloved children's songs.
Wednesday
4:00 PM to 4:45 PM
4:00 PM to 4:45 PM
St. Andrew's
Wednesday Ballet 1A (Older 5s and Kindergarten)
Ballet 1A is designed for young dancers who have advanced beyond introductory ballet classes. The class blends imaginative sequences with fundamental pre-ballet techniques, offering a dynamic and engaging curriculum tailored to their developmental stage. Through creative storytelling and playful choreography, children explore foundational ballet moves, fostering their creativity and expressiveness. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to build on their previous experience, allowing them to deepen their understanding of ballet while celebrating the joy of movement.
Ballet 1A is designed for young dancers who have advanced beyond introductory ballet classes. The class blends imaginative sequences with fundamental pre-ballet techniques, offering a dynamic and engaging curriculum tailored to their developmental stage. Through creative storytelling and playful choreography, children explore foundational ballet moves, fostering their creativity and expressiveness. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to build on their previous experience, allowing them to deepen their understanding of ballet while celebrating the joy of movement.
Wednesday
5:00 PM to 5:50 PM
5:00 PM to 5:50 PM
St. Andrew's
Saturday 9:00am Creative Ballet (ages 3.2 - 5 including Kindergarten)
Our Creative Ballet offers a unique curriculum which allows for both a joyous experience as well as basic dance skill development. These uplifting classes, for 3-5-year-olds and Kindergarteners, include movement stories, creative games, structured free dance, dance with a prop, show and tell, musical interludes, dancing the roles in story ballets, and ballet basics. Each day will have a surprise "treasure box" interlude with a special activity! In keeping with our fine- arts approach, our youngest dancers will experience dancing to a wide range of music including classical, great ballet scores, contemporary classical, folk and of course beloved children's songs.
Our Creative Ballet offers a unique curriculum which allows for both a joyous experience as well as basic dance skill development. These uplifting classes, for 3-5-year-olds and Kindergarteners, include movement stories, creative games, structured free dance, dance with a prop, show and tell, musical interludes, dancing the roles in story ballets, and ballet basics. Each day will have a surprise "treasure box" interlude with a special activity! In keeping with our fine- arts approach, our youngest dancers will experience dancing to a wide range of music including classical, great ballet scores, contemporary classical, folk and of course beloved children's songs.
Saturday
9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
St. Andrew's
Saturday Ballet 2 with Choreography (3rd-5th grade)
Our Ballet 2 with Choreography includes the study of developmentally appropriate ballet basics such as ballet terminology, the positions of the arms and legs, musicality and rhythm. Correct alignment and posture are addressed increasingly at these stages. The class allows our young dancers the chance to explore today's increasingly contemporary ballet vocabulary. Ballet has changed and is no longer focused exclusively on story ballets. This class offers a wonderful chance to dance to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, jazz as well as selected pop songs and folk. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Our Ballet 2 with Choreography includes the study of developmentally appropriate ballet basics such as ballet terminology, the positions of the arms and legs, musicality and rhythm. Correct alignment and posture are addressed increasingly at these stages. The class allows our young dancers the chance to explore today's increasingly contemporary ballet vocabulary. Ballet has changed and is no longer focused exclusively on story ballets. This class offers a wonderful chance to dance to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, jazz as well as selected pop songs and folk. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Saturday
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
St. Andrew's
Modern/Jazz Level 1 (3rd-6th grade)
NEW CLASS! In our Modern/Jazz Level 1 class, dancers will explore a fusion of modern dance and jazz technique! Through upbeat music, expressive movement and dynamic choreography, the class will inspire both beginners and more advanced dancers alike. Each class includes a mix of warm-ups, across-the-floor combinations and a choreography section during which our students can contribute their own ideas to create dance phrases as a group. As in all our classes, there are ballet basics included in the warm-up, as these are essential in every current style. A great class for dance beginners, those refreshing or for students looking to add an additional class to their week!
NEW CLASS! In our Modern/Jazz Level 1 class, dancers will explore a fusion of modern dance and jazz technique! Through upbeat music, expressive movement and dynamic choreography, the class will inspire both beginners and more advanced dancers alike. Each class includes a mix of warm-ups, across-the-floor combinations and a choreography section during which our students can contribute their own ideas to create dance phrases as a group. As in all our classes, there are ballet basics included in the warm-up, as these are essential in every current style. A great class for dance beginners, those refreshing or for students looking to add an additional class to their week!
Saturday
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
St. Andrew's
Saturday 11:10am Creative Ballet (ages 3.2 - 5 including Kindergarten)
Our Creative Ballet offers a unique curriculum which allows for both a joyous experience as well as basic dance skill development. These uplifting classes, for 3-5-year-olds and Kindergarteners, include movement stories, creative games, structured free dance, dance with a prop, show and tell, musical interludes, dancing the roles in story ballets, and ballet basics. Each day will have a surprise "treasure box" interlude with a special activity! In keeping with our fine- arts approach, our youngest dancers will experience dancing to a wide range of music including classical, great ballet scores, contemporary classical, folk and of course beloved children's songs.
Our Creative Ballet offers a unique curriculum which allows for both a joyous experience as well as basic dance skill development. These uplifting classes, for 3-5-year-olds and Kindergarteners, include movement stories, creative games, structured free dance, dance with a prop, show and tell, musical interludes, dancing the roles in story ballets, and ballet basics. Each day will have a surprise "treasure box" interlude with a special activity! In keeping with our fine- arts approach, our youngest dancers will experience dancing to a wide range of music including classical, great ballet scores, contemporary classical, folk and of course beloved children's songs.
Saturday
11:10 AM to 11:55 AM
11:10 AM to 11:55 AM
St. Andrew's
Saturday Ballet 1A (Older 5s and Kindergarten)
Ballet 1A is designed for young dancers who have advanced beyond introductory ballet classes. The class blends imaginative sequences with fundamental pre-ballet techniques, offering a dynamic and engaging curriculum tailored to their developmental stage. Through creative storytelling and playful choreography, children explore foundational ballet moves, fostering their creativity and expressiveness. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to build on their previous experience, allowing them to deepen their understanding of ballet while celebrating the joy of movement.
Ballet 1A is designed for young dancers who have advanced beyond introductory ballet classes. The class blends imaginative sequences with fundamental pre-ballet techniques, offering a dynamic and engaging curriculum tailored to their developmental stage. Through creative storytelling and playful choreography, children explore foundational ballet moves, fostering their creativity and expressiveness. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to build on their previous experience, allowing them to deepen their understanding of ballet while celebrating the joy of movement.
Saturday
12:00 PM to 12:50 PM
12:00 PM to 12:50 PM
St. Andrew's
Saturday Ballet 1B with Choreography (1st-2nd grade)
Our Ballet 1B with Choreography includes the study of developmentally appropriate ballet basics such as ballet terminology, the positions of the arms and legs, musicality and rhythm. Correct alignment and posture are addressed increasingly at these stages. The class allows our young dancers the chance to explore today's increasingly contemporary ballet vocabulary. Ballet has changed and is no longer focused exclusively on story ballets. This class offers a wonderful chance to dance to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, jazz as well as selected pop songs and folk. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Our Ballet 1B with Choreography includes the study of developmentally appropriate ballet basics such as ballet terminology, the positions of the arms and legs, musicality and rhythm. Correct alignment and posture are addressed increasingly at these stages. The class allows our young dancers the chance to explore today's increasingly contemporary ballet vocabulary. Ballet has changed and is no longer focused exclusively on story ballets. This class offers a wonderful chance to dance to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, jazz as well as selected pop songs and folk. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Saturday
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
St. Andrew's
Monday Ballet 1B with Choreography (1st-2nd grade)
Our Ballet 1B with Choreography includes the study of developmentally appropriate ballet basics such as ballet terminology, the positions of the arms and legs, musicality and rhythm. Correct alignment and posture are addressed increasingly at these stages. The class allows our young dancers the chance to explore today's increasingly contemporary ballet vocabulary. Ballet has changed and is no longer focused exclusively on story ballets. This class offers a wonderful chance to dance to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, jazz as well as selected pop songs and folk. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Our Ballet 1B with Choreography includes the study of developmentally appropriate ballet basics such as ballet terminology, the positions of the arms and legs, musicality and rhythm. Correct alignment and posture are addressed increasingly at these stages. The class allows our young dancers the chance to explore today's increasingly contemporary ballet vocabulary. Ballet has changed and is no longer focused exclusively on story ballets. This class offers a wonderful chance to dance to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, jazz as well as selected pop songs and folk. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Monday
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Baird Community Center
Monday Ballet 2 with Choreography (3rd-5th grade)
Our Ballet 2 with Choreography includes the study of developmentally appropriate ballet basics such as ballet terminology, the positions of the arms and legs, musicality and rhythm. Correct alignment and posture are addressed increasingly at these stages. The class allows our young dancers the chance to explore today's increasingly contemporary ballet vocabulary. Ballet has changed and is no longer focused exclusively on story ballets. This class offers a wonderful chance to dance to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, jazz as well as selected pop songs and folk. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Our Ballet 2 with Choreography includes the study of developmentally appropriate ballet basics such as ballet terminology, the positions of the arms and legs, musicality and rhythm. Correct alignment and posture are addressed increasingly at these stages. The class allows our young dancers the chance to explore today's increasingly contemporary ballet vocabulary. Ballet has changed and is no longer focused exclusively on story ballets. This class offers a wonderful chance to dance to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, jazz as well as selected pop songs and folk. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own.
Monday
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The Baird Community Center
Ballet 3 Technique (6th-10th grade)
Building on our Ballet 2 level curriculum, while accepting some beginners, our Ballet 3 continues the focus on correct alignment while adding more complex movement sequences. The class will introduce new ballet steps and works on the concept of how these are linked together. An increasing awareness of fluid transitions is seen at this age. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own. This age group is particularly able to use their own ideas and to integrate them into dances that also include ballet phrases. Ballet has changed and is no longer focused exclusively on story ballets. This class offers a wonderful chance to dance to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, jazz as well as selected pop songs and folk.
Building on our Ballet 2 level curriculum, while accepting some beginners, our Ballet 3 continues the focus on correct alignment while adding more complex movement sequences. The class will introduce new ballet steps and works on the concept of how these are linked together. An increasing awareness of fluid transitions is seen at this age. All of our classes include a choreography section during which our students can use their own ideas to create dance phrases of their own. This age group is particularly able to use their own ideas and to integrate them into dances that also include ballet phrases. Ballet has changed and is no longer focused exclusively on story ballets. This class offers a wonderful chance to dance to a wide range of music including classical, contemporary classical, jazz as well as selected pop songs and folk.
Monday
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The Baird Community Center