Weehawken Dance Presents Peter Pan, May 2023
Placement in Classes and Workshops
- Placement in classes and workshops is at the discretion of the WCA teaching staff.
- Some classes may have prerequisites.
- Some classes on the schedule may be at a mixed level. For example, 1/2 indicates a mixed-level class where students may be either Level 1 or Level 2.
- Age ranges are just starting points for determining the right class for your dancer. Teachers may move students based on skill and maturity levels.
- It is common for students to remain in a level for multiple years.
- New students will be placed in a class according to their age. Any deviations from the standard placement must be approved by an authorized WCA teaching staff member.
- For dance classes, we use age guidelines from the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum to streamline dance class titles and help determine the best fit for your child. Our levels follow the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum guidelines, recognized in dance studios across America. These guidelines provide a reference for student achievement and may vary based on individual experience, development, physical attributes, and teacher judgment. If a teacher determines that a student's previous training is inadequate for a certain level, the student may be asked to take a different class.
Weehawken Dance Presents Peter Pan, May 2023
- Note for Upper Level Ballet Students (POINTE) Students may begin pre-pointe and pointe work starting in Level III. Under no circumstances may students wear pointe shoes or take a WCA pointe class without first being approved by an authorized instructor. Pointe work can be very dangerous for students who are not properly prepared. Pointe & Pre-Pointe classes are add-on classes to ballet levels 2/3 and up. No student may be considered for pointe work before age 11, regardless of skill level. Students do not perform on pointe in their first semester of pointe class.
Dance Classes
PRE
PRE (ages 2.5-5): Preschool-aged children
- Dancers in this level work on movement fundamentals, following directions, group interaction, and class participation.
- Classes in the PRE level perform once in the winter and once in the spring, in a fun, exciting, safe, and age-appropriate manner.
PRIMARY
PRIMARY (ages 4.5-8): Kindergarten to 2nd grade
- Similar focus as the PRE level with added emphasis on developing basic skills and attention span.
- Classes in the PRIMARY level perform once in the winter and once in the spring, in a fun, exciting, safe, and age-appropriate manner.
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 1 (ages 8-9.5): 2nd to 4th grade
- Focus on technique, dance vocabulary, skill development, and discipline.
- Classes perform once in the winter and once in the spring.
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 2 (ages 9-10.5): 4th to 5th grade
- Similar focus as Level 1 with increased complexity and expectations.
- Classes perform once in the winter and once in the spring.
- Classes labeled LEVEL 2/3 may perform once or multiple times in the winter and spring.
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 3 (ages 10+): 5th grade and up
- Not for brand-new dancers. Continuation from previous levels with increased focus on technique and discipline.
- Classes perform multiple times in the winter and spring productions, with opportunities to audition for lead roles.
LEVEL 4
LEVEL 4 (ages 13+): 7th/8th grade
- Similar focus as Level 3 with higher expectations and complexity.
- Classes perform multiple times in the winter and spring productions.
LEVEL 5
LEVEL 5 (ages 14+): High school
- Not for new dancers. Continuation from previous levels with an emphasis on artistry and advanced skills.
- Classes perform multiple times in the winter and spring productions, with opportunities to audition for lead roles.
LEVEL 6
LEVEL 6 (ages 15+): High school
- Advanced level for experienced dancers. Emphasis on technique, artistry, and advanced skills.
- Classes perform multiple times in the winter and spring productions.
AERIAL CLASSES
INTRO TO AERIAL
INTRO TO AERIAL (ages 6-8): This fun and engaging class introduces young students to the world of aerial arts! Using aerial fabric in a knot, students will build foundational strength, flexibility, and coordination while exploring beginner-level skills in a safe and supportive environment. Ground-based movement exercises are also incorporated to enhance mobility, balance, and spatial awareness. Perfect for little movers looking to climb, spin, and fly, this class fosters confidence, body awareness, and a love for aerial movement!
AERIAL 1/2
AERIAL 1/2 (ages 8-10.5): This class bridges the transition from silks in the knot to open fabric, helping students develop the strength and coordination needed for more complex aerial skills. Students will also begin exploring lyra (aerial hoop), learning fundamental bar apparatus techniques. With a focus on building strength, flexibility, and proprioceptive awareness, both on the ground and in the air, this class provides a fun and supportive environment for young aerialists to grow in skill and confidence!
AERIAL 2/3
Aerial 2/3 (ages 10.5-13): This intermediate-level class is designed for students ready to refine their aerial technique and build strength, flexibility, and confidence on both aerial fabric and lyra. Students will progress beyond foundational skills, learning more advanced wraps, transitions, and drops on fabric, as well as dynamic movements and sequences on lyra.
With a focus on proper technique, body awareness, and fluidity, this class challenges students while maintaining a fun and supportive environment. Prior aerial experience is recommended.
SILKS 1/2
SILKS 2/3
SILKS 3/4
AERIAL & LYRICAL FUSION
LYRA
LYRA HOOP (age 13+ to adult): This dynamic class is designed for teens and adults of all levels, from beginners building a strong foundation to experienced students refining their technique. We’ll focus on essential Lyra skills while exploring more advanced transitions, beats, and fluid movement sequences. For those interested, we’ll also introduce safe and supported doubles work. Whether you're new to the hoop or looking to expand your aerial vocabulary, this class provides a fun and challenging environment to grow your strength, control, and artistry.
ADULT AERIAL
FLOAT & FLOW (ages 18+) Aerial & Pilates Fusion for Adults. This unique fusion class combines the core-strengthening principles of Pilates with the grace and control of aerial movement. Designed for all levels, Float & Flow focuses on building strength, flexibility, and body awareness both on the ground and in the air. Using aerial fabric, along with Pilates-based exercises, you’ll develop the stability and control needed for fluid, safe movement. Instructor Natasha holds Comprehensive Pilates Certifications from Balanced Body and the National Pilates Certification Program. She has also completed Level 1 and 2 of Paper Doll Militia’s Silks Teacher Training Course. With her expertise, this class offers a supportive environment to explore movement and build confidence. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to move, breathe, and float!
AERIAL ADULTS (ages 18+) This mixed-apparatus class is designed for adults of all levels looking to build strength, flexibility, and confidence on aerial fabric and lyra hoop. Students will explore movement on both apparatuses, focusing on clean technique, fluid transitions, and creative sequencing. The class will incorporate foundational skills for beginners while offering progressions for more experienced students, ensuring a supportive and adaptable environment for all. Whether you're new to aerial arts or looking to refine your technique, this class provides a well-rounded approach to movement in the air, with a focus on proper form, body awareness, and artistic expression. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn, move, and have fun!
Tajiana Rueschhoff’s dance journey began at the age of 5 when she first stepped into a small ballet school in Mississippi, sparking a passion that would endure a lifetime. Growing up in Ouray, Colorado, she continued to nurture her love for dance with Weehawken, honing her skills over the years. Travel played a pivotal role in her development, allowing her to train under diverse instructors and immerse herself in various dance styles. Summers were often spent in intensive training at the Kansas City Ballet, further shaping her dedication to dance. Tajiana pursued her passion with pre-professional training at the Northwest Florida Ballet. Now, back in Ouray, she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Geology at the University of Florida while eagerly embracing the opportunity to share her profound love for dance through teaching.
