Worship Through Dance

Thank you for choosing Worship Through Dance for your daughter’s dance training. It is important that you and your dancer(s) understand these guidelines and support them cheerfully to bring security, peace and consistency for all who are involved.

1. Dancers should be on time to class and follow the dress code guidelines. Please have your dancer use the restroom before class. (Please make sure her ties are neatly tied and tucked into her shoe comfortably so they are not seen at all in class.
2. For the safety of all dancers, cover-ups should be worn to and from the church. The cover-up needs to cover your top and hips. Please do not wear dance shoes outside!
3. Levels pre-ballet through level 3: Parents should be outside the dance room when it is time for your child to be dismissed. Teachers do not have time to find missing mommies and this is scary for the younger students.
4. Parents and/or siblings are not allowed in the class room during class time. Please wait in the designated waiting areas. Siblings of dancers are NEVER to be left unattended. No rowdy play is allowed. Everyone must be quiet and respectful inside the church building.
5. Please clean up after yourself and your children.
6. Try not to “catch” a teacher between class. If you have a concern please email her during the week.
7. Please only come to class when your child is well. (No fever, green mucus, or stomach symptoms within the previous 24 hours.)
8. Inclement Weather Policy: We only post on social media and our phone line if weather is a concern. We do not email classes about inclement weather cancellations. You can call (678) 784-5317 ext 2 or you can check Facebook (Johnson Ferry Sports) or Twitter (@jfbcsports). Remember: We do not automatically cancel classes even if the school system cancels. We follow the church’s lead in cancelling classes.
9. Make up classes—there will be no makeup classes offered for levels Mommy and Me-Level 2 unless a class is cancelled for bad weather. Makeup classes are only available for Ballet 3-5 and you must schedule this with Tennyson.
10. If you must leave your child during class time, please sign out with a phone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency. Please be in the hallway when class is finished.
11. Please use the seating provided throughout the church. Please do not stand or sit on the walking track. Do not move any furniture.
12. Please keep our equipment outside of class rooms in good condition by not allowing siblings to play with them or around them.

Worship Through Dance is a unique opportunity for students to learn the discipline of dance in a Christ-centered atmosphere. Our team of instructors is led by Tennyson Carden. She has served as the Director of Dance at Johnson Ferry for 12 years. We offer classes catering to differing skill levels in Creative Movement, Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Lyrical. Tennyson’s heartbeat is for classical dance to be taught in an atmosphere that is glorifying to God and where young hearts can find their acceptance in Him. Each class includes a devotion and prayer. Praise and worship skills and technique are incorporated into each class.

PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR CURRICULUM IS DESIGNED FOR DANCERS TO SPEND 2-3 YEARS IN EACH LEVEL.

Mommy and Me (18 months-30 months): This fun class is an introduction to dance for the youngest dancer. Children will learn music interpretation, spatial awareness and creative movement. They will begin to develop balance and listening skills. A mom or nanny participant is required. Children are welcome to wear leotard, tights, and ballet shoes but this is not required. Moms and students should have on comfortable clothing that is conducive to moving easily. These students do not participate in the Christmas and Spring Concerts.

Creative Movement (30 months-3-year olds—must be 30 months old by September 1 of the current school year): This class is designed for young 3 year olds who just missed the cutoff date for the Pre-Ballet class. The smaller class size will allow the instructor to introduce young preschoolers to the discipline of ballet in a fun, safe environment. Each class is designed around a Bible story theme. These students do not participate in the Christmas and Spring Concerts.

Pre-Ballet and Pre-Tap (3 and 4-year olds—must be 3 by September 1 of the current school year): This fast-paced class introduces children specifically to the discipline of ballet as the foundation of dance as worship is laid. The basic ballet position and vocabulary are introduced at this level. Each class is designed around a Bible theme. Children will be taught to follow instructions, move as part of a group, and to explore their individual creativity while doing all to the glory of God. Instruction will seek to develop gross and fine motor skills and self-awareness. This class is wonderful preparation for later dance training or group sports. The optional Tap portion will take place during the last 10-15 minutes of class as an introduction to the style. These students will perform a ballet dance only in the Christmas and Spring Concerts.

Ballet 1 (K -1st grade): This beginner class teaches children basic ballet position, movement, and technique. Posture and discipline are emphasized in a positive, non-threatening atmosphere. Dancers are continuously reminded of focusing their attention on worship and of their acceptance in Christ.

Ballet 1/2 (K-4rd grade): This beginner class teaches children basic ballet position, movement, and technique. Posture and discipline are emphasized in a positive, non-threatening atmosphere. Dancers are continuously reminded of focusing their attention on worship and of their acceptance in Christ.

Ballet 2 (2nd grade and older): This class is designed to accommodate dancers in the 2nd grade and older that have some previous ballet experience and also dancers in this age range that have little to no previous ballet experience. Participants will review and continue to master basic ballet position, posture, and movement. Dancers are continuously reminded of focusing their attention on worship. A non-competitive environment is encouraged as we focus on our acceptance in Christ.

Preparatory Ballet 2 (2nd grade and older): This class is designed to accommodate dancers in the 2nd grade and older that have demonstrated proficiency in Ballet 1. Students will be placed in the class after they have demonstrated proficiency in Ballet 1 curriculum. New students to the program are required to be evaluated before being placed in this class. (Please contact the dance director at [email protected] to set up an evaluation.) Participants will continue to improve basic ballet position, posture, and movement. Technique is emphasized as the ballet repertoire is expanded. Dancers are continuously reminded of focusing their attention on worship. A non-competitive environment is encouraged as we focus on our acceptance in Christ.

Invitational Ballet 3 (4th grade and up): This level is designed for students who demonstrate an understanding of beginning classical ballet alignment, technique, and repertoire. It is intended for students who have demonstrated proficiency in level 2. The level is divided into 3B (typically 4th grade) and 3A (typically 5th grade). Students who are transferring from another program will be required to take an assessment class to be a part of this level. Students are required to take 2 ballet classes a week (one technique class and one repertoire class). Students must commit to dancing year-round to be a part of this level. Students in level 3A have the option of participating in the Lyrical 3A class.

Invitational Ballet 4 (6th grade and up): Students will continue to develop technique and build repertoire in this level. The level is divided into 4B (typically 6th grade) and 4A (typically 7th grade). Level 4B is a pre-pointe level and level 4A is beginner pointe training. Students in this class must dance in Ballet 3 (or similar level if transferring from another school) prior to being eligible. Students who are transferring from another program will be required to take an assessment class to be a part of this level. (Please contact the dance director at [email protected] to set up an evaluation.) Students are required to take 2 ballet classes a week, one technique class and one repertoire class. Students at this level are invited to take Lyrical 4. Students must commit to dancing year-round to be a part of this level.

Invitational Ballet 5 (8th-12th grade): Students will continue to develop technique and build repertoire in this level. Students have experience dancing en pointe in this level. This level is divided into 5B and 5A (top of the level). Students in this class must dance in Ballet 4 (or similar level if transferring from another school) prior to being eligible. Students who are transferring from another program will be required to take an assessment class to be a part of this level. (Please contact the dance director at [email protected] to set up an evaluation.) Students are required to take 2 ballet classes a week and also the Saturday Conditioning and Lyrical classes. Students must commit to dancing year-round to be a part of this level.

Invitational Ballet 6 (11th grade-adult): Students will continue to develop technique and build repertoire in this level. Students have several years of experience dancing en pointe in this level and are required to have mastered a specific list of skills to be invited to this level. (Please contact dance director for a list of the skills required.). Students in this class must dance in Ballet 5 (or similar level if transferring from another school) prior to being eligible. Students who are transferring from another program will be required to take an assessment class to be a part of this level. (Please contact the dance director at [email protected] to set up an evaluation.) Students are required to take 3 ballet classes a week and also the Saturday Conditioning and Lyrical classes. Students must commit to dancing year round to be a part of this level.

Jazz 1-5: Jazz position, technique and movement will be taught in a fun, upbeat and conservative fashion. Jazz levels will coincide with ballet placement. If a dancer does not have ballet training she will be placed by age through level 2 and assessed and placed accordingly if older than 3rd grade.

Tap 1-5: Tap curriculum teaches tap steps, technique and rhythm in a fun upbeat style of dance. Dancers have the opportunity to learn to explore the rhythm of music and musical patterns. Students with no previous tap experience will start with Tap 1. Students are placed in levels 2-5 by assessment only.

Each class has specific required attire. Every dancer needs to arrive dressed in the attire below. Recommended Dance Store: Dancemax Dancewear (Canton Rd, Marietta)

Pre-Ballet and Pre-Ballet/Tap: Pink tights (Bloch T0921G), pink leather ballet shoes (full sole), and a solid pastel pink leotard (no skirt attached). Ballet shoes must have elastic sewn across the top. No skirts will be allowed at this level. Hair must be in a bun– neat and tidy off the neck and out of the eyes.

If taking Pre-Ballet /Tap: In addition to the above, you will need Mary Jane style tap shoes with buckles or Velcro. (Bloch is recommended brand.)

Ballet 1: Leotard options: Energetics style #CL04, #CL11, #CL02 in Turquoise*. Pink Tights (Bloch T0921G or T0982) and pink (full sole) leather ballet shoes. Ballet shoes must have elastic sewn across the top. No skirts will be allowed at this level. Hair must be in a bun and neat and tidy off the neck and over the eyes. (*If you have one of the discontinued turquoise Motionwear leotards from the 2020-2021 season you may wear that to class for one more season. No other brands are allowed.)

Ballet 2 and Ballet 2 (Preparatory): Leotard options: EnergeCcs style #CL04, #CL11, #CL02, AL09 in Cerise*. Pink tights (Bloch T0921G or T0982) and pink (full sole) leather ballet shoes. Ballet shoes must have elastic sewn across the top. No skirts will be allowed at this level. Hair must be in a bun and neat and tidy off the neck and over the eyes. (*If you have one of the discontinued raspberry Motionwear leotards from the 2020-2021 season you may wear that to class for one more season. No other brands are allowed.)

Ballet 1/2: If you are in Kindergarten or 1st grade, please follow the dress code for Ballet 1. If you are in 2nd grade or up, please follow the dress code for Ballet 2.

Invitational Ballet 3: Leotard options: #CL11/AL11, #CL09/AL09, #CL12/AL12 in Deep Purple.*. Performance Pink Tights (So Danca TS95 or TS96) and pink (split sole) ballet shoes. Ballet shoes must have elastic sewn across the top. Everyone has the option of wearing a black ballet skirt at this level. Hair must be in a secure bun and neat and tidy off the neck and over the eyes. (*If you have one of the discontinued concord blue Motionwear leotards from the 2020-2021 season you may wear that to class for one more season. No other brands are allowed.)

Invitational Ballet 4: Leotard options: Leotard options: #CL11/AL11, #CL09/AL09, #CL12/AL12 in Aubergine*. Performance Pink Tights (So Danca TS95 or TS96) and pink (split sole) ballet shoes. Ballet shoes must have elastic sewn across the top. Hair must be in a secure bun and neat and tidy off the neck and over the eyes. (*If you have one of the discontinued plum Motionwear leotards from the 2020-2021 season you may wear that to class for one more season. No other brands are allowed.)

Invitational Ballet 5: Leotard options: solid black AND solid white in dancers’ style of choice. White leotard must not have lace or mesh cutouts. A white wrap ballet skirt may be worn on white leotard days. Performance Pink Tights (So Danca TS95 or TS96) and pink (split sole) ballet shoes. Shoes must have elastic sewn across the top. Pointe shoes have to have elastic and ribbons sewn properly for every class. Hair must be in a secure bun and neat and tidy off the neck and over the eyes.

All Tap Classes: Leotard and tights: Same attire as ballet level. Some “extras” are permitted such as dance shorts or dance pants. Please no shirts, skirts, or “baggy” clothing.

• Shoes: Pre-level and level 1: Tan Mary Jane style tap shoes (Bloch is recommended brand)

 

• Level 2-5: Tan lace up tap shoes (Capezio is recommended brand)

All Jazz Classes: Leotard and tights: Same attire as ballet level. Some “extras” are permitted such as dance shorts or dance pants. Please no shirts, skirts, or “baggy” clothing.

• Shoes: Tan slip on jazz shoes

All Lyrical Classes: Leotard and tights: Same attire as ballet level. Some “extras” are permitted such as dance shorts or dance pants. Please no shirts, skirts, or “baggy” clothing.