Programming Options
Our programs are thoughtfully designed by our ZGD faculty and include classes for students of all ages and levels. All of our dance programs run from September to June and include a year-end performance.
At ZGD our main focus is to provide a studio where we thrive from our competitive program while also offering pre-school and recreational programs - offering something for everyone. We strive to provide a strong dance education across all programs and ages.
Pre-School Programming
Is your little one excited to dance? Always dancing around the house? Or maybe you can’t wait to see your tiny one dance?
Our preschool programs have developed over the years to be one of the most educational classes for dance, creativity and music! Our programs provide the most imaginative story lines, as well as age-appropriate dance techniques.
Intellidance® Tots
(Ages 2-4)
• Caregivers and tots move together
• 10-week program
• September and January start
• Saturday mornings
• Drop-ins welcome ($25 + GST/class)
• Explore movement concepts through storytelling, songs, instruments, props, and simple choreography
• Gain confidence, coordination and body awareness
• Keep the same teacher when you graduate to un-parented program classes below
Pre-School & Pre-Competitive Class Offerings
(Ages 3-6)
Tutu Cute Dance Program
Dancers 2.5-4yrs: great for a 1st time dancer (30 minute class)
Class includes a tutu & dance pal (stuffie)
Certificate once you complete your 10 classes
In-class Performance for parents on the last day of the session
No shoes required!
**Fall & winter sessions available
Blossoming Ballerinas & Ballerinos Preschool Program
3-4 yr old combo class (30 minute class)
Opportunity to perform in Winter Wonderland and year-end Encore Recital
**half and full year programming available
Discover Dance Preschool Program
4-6yr old combo class (45min class)
Opportunity to perform in Winter Wonderland and year-end Encore Recital
**half and full year programming available
Tap & Hip Hop Combo Class
4-6 year olds (30 minute class)
Introduction to Primary Tap & Hip Hop - perfect for 1st or 2nd year dancers with little or no previous experience
Classes will alternate weekly and will work on dancer skill development, balance and agility.
Opportunity to perform in the Winter Wonderland and year-end Encore Recital
Class will be available as an 8 or 10 week session
**Class will be available as an 8 or 10 week session
Primary Programs
(Ages 5-7)
For Pre-Competitive Dancers—the stepping stone to a festival/competitive dance experience.
Dancers in this program will begin working on building confidence, building friendships, staying active and having fun!
The ultimate goal of this program is to provide a positive dance experience and to begin to foster a love for dance.
Our Primary foundations are classes focused on the core dance disciplines that all work to achieve growth in each specific style of dance. An accredited syllabus will be taught by qualified teachers. We follow the RAD ballet syllabus as well as the Acrobatic Arts syllabus for this age level.
***Opportunity to perform in Winter Wonderland and year-end Encore Recital
Primary Classes (Ages 5-7)
Ballet & Jazz Combo
1.0 hour class includes learning the pre-primary/primary RAD ballet syllabus
Beginner Acrobatic Arts levels of acro
Basic jazz fundamentals and concepts
Monday & Saturday options
***Opportunity to perform 2 dances in Winter Wonderland and year-end Encore Recital
Acro
5-8 year olds, 30 minute class
Beginner Acrobatic Arts levels
Acro combines classical dance techniques with acrobatic elements.
These classes aim to develop flexibility, balance, strength, and control, while also focusing on discipline and concentration.
Hip Hop
Classes for 6-7 years & 7-10 years
Hip Hop keeps the kids active and teaches skills to further their dancer development, balance and agility.
***opportunity to perform in Winter Wonderland and year-end recital
Enrichment Programs
Part-Time/Recreational - Ages 7 years and older
Our enrichment programs are for students who want to learn to dance and stay active. These classes are suited for students who love to have fun, exercise and socialize, but don’t want to commit to more than a couple of training hours each week. Students do not need previous dance experience to enroll in this program and can begin taking classes at any age. The enrichment program will teach students movement fundamentals and basic technique through fun, age-appropriate activities.
Level 1: Enrichment Program
Dancers 7-10yrs
Ballet (60mins) & Jazz (60mins) = 2.0 Hours
Two dances are taught during class time for 2 festivals and the ZGD year end show
Dancers may take one style separate from the other
Acro can be added into program if dancer is taking ballet
Level 2: Enrichment Program
Dancers 11-15yrs
Ballet Technique — 0.75hrs—(must be at approximately grade 4 RAD level)
Jazz/Contemporary Technique and Choreography —1.5hrs— technique class & 2 routines will be taught during this time
Tap - must also be enrolled in Ballet technique to take a competitive class
Acro - must also be enrolled in Ballet & Jazz
Program includes:
Classes September to June
$100.00 non refundable costume deposit due October (per routine)
$50.00 non refundable competition fee deposit due October (per routine for each event)
2-3 competitions/festivals
Dress rehearsal (February) & Studio Recital (June)
**Withdrawal is not appreciated after October 15th as choreography has been started and costumes have been ordered. All competition and costume fees are non-refundable.
Competitive Programs
Full-Time Competitive - Ages 7 years and older
This program provides a higher standard of training to the next generation of artists who are passionate about dance with commitment, dedication and focus being main components.
Students will train with certified, experienced teachers in various styles of dance, compete around central Alberta and have the opportunity to learn and dance with guest teachers. Travel opportunities are also available in this program.
Our ZGD Full Time Competitive Team requires commitment from both students and their parents. Dancers require hard work, dedication, and a drive for self-improvement. They must have a supportive family and respect each other at the studio. Dancers in this program are required to take a set number of technique classes per week and participate in a set number of group routines.
Every season dancers will be reassessed. A placement/audition class will allow us to ensure dancers are placed in the level that allows them the opportunity to reach their full potential. Teamwork, sportsmanship and personal hard work will help them reach their full potential and build their confidence while becoming a well-rounded team member and dancer.
Dancers will attend 4-5 competitions from March-May and there may be a minimum of one competition that will be out of town. Dancers must attend all mandatory competitions and cannot pick and choose which competitions to attend. Dancers are also to be attending workshops and other outside training to enhance their training. ZGD may participate in a convention as a team in the the fall, but dancers may attend another convention of their choosing. All students will also dance at our dress rehearsal in February and our year end recital in June.
