Dance Programs

Winter/ Spring 2026 Activity Guide [63MB]

All classes will be held in the Cecil F. Gilkerson Community Activities Center Dance Studio! Please call 540-433-2474 for registration dates and information.

The Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation Dance Program provides students with the utmost quality in dance education within a positive and nurturing learning environment.

The Dance Program promotes the art of dance by reinforcing proper technique and a sense of individuality. Our faculty strives to provide students with the experience to express themselves artistically while exploring movement in conjunction with the fine arts and humanities. We offer diverse dance pedagogies that connect to each student’s development, and all students will learn classical and contemporary dance technique.

Classes are offered year-round in the areas of Ballet, Tap, Jazz/Hip-Hop, Pre-School Dance, Modern/Lyrical, and Musical Stage for a variety of levels. We serve ages 3 ½ through Adult.

Our current dance instructors are Dance Program Coordinator, Cynthia Marafino, and Dance Program Instructors, James Marafino, Delaney Clarke, Mary Cyzick and Kenzy Hiner.

For information on dance program specifics contact Cynthia Marafino at Cynthia.Marafino@harrisonburgva.gov

For registration questions or help please email Harriet Flynn at Harriet.Flynn@HarrisonburgVA.gov

To register, please register online or come to the Community Activity Center at 305 S Dogwood Dr, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Dance Concert Information

When Does My Child Perform?

Music & Movement or Pre-Ballet/ Creative Movement:

Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30pm
Dance Concert: Saturday, May 9 at 1:00pm

Ballet/Tap, Beginner/Intermediate Jazz, Advanced Ballet, Intermediate/ Advanced Jazz:

Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, May 7 at 5:30pm
Dance Concert: Saturday, May 9 at 7:00pm

Advanced Youth Ballet, Advanced Ballet & Beginner Pointe, Advanced Youth Jazz, Modern/ Lyrical, Advanced Ballet & Pointe, Advanced Jazz, Advanced Modern/ Lyrical, Teen/ Preteen Tap & Musical Stage, Blue Crew:

Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 6 & Thursday, May 7 at 5:30pm
Dance Concert: Saturday, May 9 at 1:00pm & 7:00pm

All dress rehearsals and Concerts will be held at Harrisonburg High School.

What does My Child Need to Wear for the Dance Concert?

Please find the title of your dancer’s class and note the color tights and shoes they will need before the dress rehearsal and concert. Please also note how your dancer will be wearing their hair for the dress rehearsal and concert. Dancers should secure buns and hair pieces with hairspray, bobby pins, and a hairnet. If hats are worn, please secure with a skin color elastic. All hair elastics, nets, bobby pins should match the dancer’s hair, and not the costume. Nothing shiny or metallic should be worn in the hair. Hair material, all dance shoes, and tights can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Target, and Amazon. Please buy shoes that do not fall off your child’s feet while they dance.

Music & Movement/ Pre-ballet & Creative Movement

Girls
- Ballet Pink or white footed tights
- Pink Ballet Slippers
- Hair: bun
Boys:
- Black ballet shoes
- Black danceable pants
- Black tank to wear underneath costume shirt if need be
- Hair: combed neatly

Ballet/Tap Monday

Nude or tan footed tights
Black tap shoes
Hair: bun

Jazz Classes

Nude or tan tights
Black jazz or ballet shoes
Hair: bun

Advanced Youth Ballet

Ballet pink or white footed tights
Pink ballet slippers
Hair: bun

Modern/ Lyrical

Tan or nude footless or transitional tights
bare feet
Hair: bun

Advanced Ballet & Beginner Point Prep:

Ballet pink footed or transitional tights
Pink ballet slippers
Hair: bun

Teen Tap/ Musical Stage

Tan footed tights
Black tap shoes
Hair: bun

Intermediate/ Advanced Ballet

Ballet pink footed or transitional tights
Pink ballet slippers
Hair: bun

Advanced Ballet & Pointe:

Ballet pink footed or transitional tights
Pointe shoes
Hair: bun

Parent Volunteers:

There will be a sign-up sheet on the table in the dance lounge by mid-February in regard to Parent volunteers for both the dress rehearsal and dance concert

PLEASE NOTE that in order to perform, every younger class must have a parent volunteer this year! When the list is posted please consider signing your name on the sheet if you are interested in volunteering with a class backstage. This help is necessary and deeply appreciated! Parent volunteer information will be handed out to those interested at a later date.

[211KB] Dance Concert Information

Dance Class Descriptions

Young Children's Dance:

Music and Movement (ages 3 ½ -5):

This class is for students ages 3 ½ -5. Although ballet is used as the foundation, at this level the class is taught as a creative movement class. Each class starts with a sharing circle, which encourages students to speak in front of others. Within the sharing circle each student is asked to take a turn sharing something verbally with the group. This assists social skills, performance quality, and self-esteem. Then we usually stretch our muscles on the floor and work on body alignment and pointing our toes. Through stories and games, students will then learn 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ballet positions of the feet. They will then learn plies, releves, and jumps. Students also learn choreographed dances that reinforce basic gross and fine motor skills (Tuty Ta, Shake Your Sillies Out, Knees Up Mother Brown, Animal Action and much more). Jumping, hopping, walking, running, skipping, clapping, stomping, galloping, balance, and circling are enforced in these activities. The last section of class is geared toward creativity. We play creative games like Secret Garden and Dance Freeze. Following directions, Level changes, recognition of different movement qualities, and identifying shapes with our bodies are explored through this. Dress up time is usually given to express their creativity further. This class is a fun exploration into movement, rhythm, and music all done in a fun and positive environment.

Pre-Ballet and Creative Movement (ages 5 -6):

This class is a transition class between the Music and Movement classes and the beginning level classes. Pre-Ballet and creative movement will prepare students for the fundamentals of ballet and combines creative movement and other dance forms. It is geared towards children 5-6 years old. This class will have more of an emphasis on the correct and careful ballet technique. The creative process is a little more structured due to the students having a longer attention span. There is a great emphasis on musicality, rhythm, and counting. There is more time spent at the barre working on plies, releves, port de bras, proper body alignment, and reviewing the positions. In the center, turnout, pointing toes, and straightening the knees are reinforced through the introduction of tendu, pique, and passé. The across the floor exercises of chasse and leaping are introduced and enhance these skills. Skipping and swaying are emphasized more thoroughly in the creative movement section of class. With 5-year-olds with no dance experience Music and Movement might be suitable for that student, but lots of beginning 5-year-olds do fine in Pre-Ballet and creative movement. This all depends on the child’s individual developmental rate. Parents should base their decision on their knowledge of their child’s personality and capacity. This class is a great opportunity for children to be introduced to the different dance forms and styles in an encouraging and supportive environment.

Ballet/Tap:

Ballet/Tap: (ages 6-8)

A combination of ballet and tap basics. This class is an exciting introduction to rhythm, tempo, and musicality in Tap while building on skills and foundations of Ballet. Balance and grace are the focus. Proper technique, terminology and correct alignment are emphasized at every level.

Ballet:

Int./Adv. Ballet (ages 8-10)

A strong technical foundation, consisting of technique in the center floor and at the barre, forms the base of these classes, and is geared towards students who are ready to enhance their current skills. Students become familiar with retaining more difficult combinations and coordination challenges. Proper technique, terminology and correct alignment are emphasized at every level. Body conditioning and complex choreography are enhanced all within a positive and encouraging environment.

Adv. Youth Ballet: (ages 10-up)

This class is for the advanced ballet preteen and teen are ready to and is geared towards students who are ready to enhance their current skills. A greater range of musicality and physical precision is developed in this class. Students become familiar with retaining more difficult combinations and coordination challenges. Proper technique, terminology and correct alignment are emphasized at every level. Class structure includes barre work and adagios and allegros in the center. Students are challenged in reversing steps and combinations of steps. We help dancers strengthen their feet and ankles for preparation of pointe to ensure safety. Flexibility and choreography are also enhanced. Pointe basics will be taught in this level. This is a fun and spirited continuation of ballet!

Adv. Ballet Beginning Pointe and Prep (advanced skill requirements and Permission):

For the highly skilled advanced ballet dancers, a specialized form that will focus on pointe preparation and beginning pointe. Dancers will not commence pointe work until given permission. We help dancers strengthen their feet and ankles for preparation and purchasing and fitting of shoes to ensure safety. Pointe dancers progress at the barre and when the instructor feels the dancer is ready, they later move to center floor for technical work. Dancers focus on a strong technical foundation, consisting of advanced technique in the center floor and at the barre. Each week, students move across the floor and put steps together in complex combinations. Body conditioning, flexibility, and choreography are enhanced. Students are held to a high standard of work ethic and concentration. Students are enrolled in this class full year, both the Fall and Winter/Spring sessions, and is reserved for those students who are already enrolled in the fall.

Adv. Ballet & Pointe (advanced skill requirements and Permission):

For the highly skilled advanced ballet dancers, a specialized form of dance requiring pointe shoes. We continue to help dancers strengthen their feet and ankles for pointe work ensuring safety. Pointe dancers progress at the barre and later move to center floor for technical work. Dancers focus on a strong technical foundation, consisting of advanced technique in the center floor and at the barre. Each week, students move across the floor and put steps together in complex combinations. Body conditioning, flexibility, and choreography are enhanced. Students are held to a high standard of work ethic and concentration. Students are enrolled in this class full year, both the Fall and Winter/Spring sessions, and is reserved for those students who are already enrolled in the fall.

Jazz:

Beginner/ Int. Jazz: (ages 6-8)

This is a fun and great introduction to stylized jazz dance forms and choreography to upbeat popular music and jazz greats of the past. Increased flexibility, endurance, and basic rhythmic phrasing are explored. This upbeat class incorporates isolation movements and progressions across the floor and involves some hip-hop!

Int./Adv. Jazz: (ages 8-10)

A fun, upbeat class that incorporate isolation movements, progressions across the floor, and choreography. Strength and flexibility also are important components of each class. Dancers develop confidence as they express themselves while creating own, personal movement and style. This is a great continuation to jazz dance. Involves some hip-hop!

Adv. Youth Jazz: (ages 10-up)

A strong technical foundation, consisting of technique in the center floor and at the barre, forms the base of these classes. Each week, students move across the floor and put steps together in combinations as they explore this unique American dance style. Body conditioning and complex choreography are enhanced. Jazz reflects pop culture while helping to build adaptable dancers who can leap, turn, balance, and have a great time while doing it!

Adv. Jazz (skill requirement and Permission):

For the highly skilled advanced jazz dancers A highly strong technical foundation, consisting of advanced technique in the center floor and at the barre, forms the base of these classes. Each week, students move across the floor and put steps together in complex and fast-moving combinations. Body conditioning, flexibility, and complex choreography are enhanced. Jazz reflects pop culture while helping to build adaptable dancers who can leap, turn, balance, and have a great time while doing it! Students are held to a high standard of work ethic and concentration. Students are enrolled in this class full year, both the Fall and Winter/Spring sessions, and is reserved for those students who are already enrolled in the fall.

Tap and Musical Theatre:

Teen/Preteen Tap and Musical Theatre (ballet, jazz, or modern encouraged) (ages 10-up):

This class is a great way to develop rhythm, coordination and muscle control. Classes involve detailed footwork and articulation of sound focusing on the basics of tap as well as musical theatre dancing. This class has high energy and a great tool for self-expression. It’s great for exercise and fun! Instruction in drama and dance will be enforced in the movement. Students are taught the basics of acting and characterization while dancing. Dances are set to fun upbeat music with choreography designed for the stage or film. This class is a fun and enthusiastic class! Ballet, jazz, or modern is recommended in order to obtain strength and enhance coordination.

Modern/Lyrical:

Modern/Lyrical:( ages 9-up)

Instruction in the basic techniques from various Modern schools- no one style is emphasized. Students learn combinations, rhythmic patterns, dynamics, space, and form. Instruction in lyrical follows a ballet/jazz-based class with the emphasis on stylized movement to music with lyrics with the fundamentals of ballet technique concentrating on the development of correct alignment and placement. The class follows the traditional form of center work, barre and stretching, across the floor, and modern/lyrical combinations. A high energy movement class!

Adv. Modern/Lyrical (skill requirements and Permission):

For the highly skilled advanced modern dancers. Instruction in the advanced techniques from various Modern schools- no one style is emphasized. Students learn combinations, rhythmic patterns, dynamics, space, and form. There is a strong emphasis on creating choreography and improvisation through appreciating artistry! The class follows the traditional form of center work, across the floor, and modern combinations. Body conditioning, flexibility, and complex choreography are enhanced. Students are held to a high standard of work ethic and concentration. Students are enrolled in this class full year, both the Fall and Winter/Spring sessions, and is reserved for those students who are already enrolled in the fall.

Adult:

Adult Ballet (for fun and exercise): (ages 18-up)

This class teaches classical and contemporary ballet technique. Barre work incorporates learning and mastering ballet alignment, core strength, muscle strength and stamina, and flexibility. Exercises are built upon in center floor work, incorporating coordination and musicality. As students’ progress, moving combinations include turns and jumps across the floor as well as increasing coordination between arms and legs and eventually head positions. This class builds upon concepts and techniques studied in the beginning class and allows for a range of abilities to develop. This is a great class for dancers wishing to experience the joy of dance.

Adult Tap (for fun and exercise): (ages 18 up)

This class is a great way to develop rhythm, coordination and muscle control. Classes involve detailed footwork and articulation of sound focusing on the basics of tap. This class has high energy and a great tool for self-expression. It’s great for exercise and fun!

Blue Crew:

Blue Crew Dance (Permission Required):

Blue Crew Dance is a collective program that is open to the most advanced level student. Students must have the coordinator and instructors’ permission. As a prerequisite, students must be enrolled in two Advanced classes per week at Parks and Recreation. For safety, one of the two advanced classes must be an upper-level advanced ballet or jazz class and must meet advanced skill requirements. Taking three or more classes is highly encouraged! Students interested in Blue Crew Dance must be enrolled in both the fall and winter/ spring semesters as we create group choreography to be performed. Opportunities to perform at different venues may come about. Blue Crew Dance has a goal to serve as an educational establishment for the community and young dancers who want to excel in their technical ability, performance skill, and their enjoyment of dance. Blue Crew Dance is a great way to explore the creative process within a non-competitive environment. Students are enrolled in this class full year, both the Fall and Winter/Spring sessions, and is reserved for those students.

Dance Attire and Dress Code

Dance Attire and Dress Code for Class:

Dancers may wear clothing they feel comfortable moving in. Please no street clothing. Jeans, jean shorts, dresses, long or tight skirts, or school clothes are not suitable dance attire.
HAIR: Long hair must be tied back in a pony tail or a bun for all classes.
NO JEWELRY. Remember loose or dangling jewelry are a safety hazard and distraction for dancers and are not allowed.
The items below each class are suggestions.
Dance attire and some shoes can be purchased at Amazon, Target, or Walmart. Most Dance shoes can be purchased online through discount dance supply at: https://www.discountdance.com

Music and Movement/ Pre-Ballet and Creative Movement: