Class Descriptions

PreSchool and Kindergarten Programs (Ages 2 1/2 to 6):
" ArtsCaravan" (tap/ballet) PreSchool Class
ArtsCaravan students are read a story at the beginning of each class. Improvisation, theater games, props and costume pieces are used to enhance the story. The class includes songs, routines, ballet and tap, but the steps are taught as part of the story. The progam was designed to be a creative introduction to theater and dance that appeals to both boys and girls.

Musical Theater and Crafts
At each class the children make a prop or costume piece that is used in the performance they present each week at the end of class. This class is recommended for non-readers. The students in this class do not learn many lines.

Classes for Ages 5 1/2 to Adult:
Acting
Students develop and polish monologues and scenes in a workshop setting. The class explores acting and movement techniques, character development and staging.

Ballet
Curriculum for beginning ballet students will cover the elementary exercises of classical ballet training, as well as focusing on the development of musical and rhythmic awareness. As students progress, more ballet vocabulary and more complex movement phrases are introduced. Emphasis is placed on teaching the student how to work on improving their technique safely and within their own body placement.

Hiphop
This dance style emphasizes timing, power, strength and rhythm. Students learn the latest in hophop and street dance trends. Class includes warm-up followed by age appropriate dance combinations. Emphasis is on developing individual style.

Jazz
Students are taught the techniques of jazz, including isolation and strengthening exercises, stretches and combinations.

Modern
In this class students learn the beautiful style of Doris Humphrey with its fluid grace and dramatic movement.

Musical Theater Workshop
Each class starts with a physical warm-up, followed by theater games and improvisation. Over the fifteen week session the class helps to create a script and design the sets, props and costumes for the mini musical presented at the end of the session. Each week scenes and musical numbers are rehearsed. All classes members have parts of comparable size and are in three production numbers.

Salsa/Ballroom
Each salsa class covers a number of dynamic steps, illustrates style and enhances technique. The ballroom classes encompass the classic ballroom dances with emphasis on technique, patterns and partnering skills.

Tap
Beginning ArtsCaravan tappers learn the fundamentals of clean, clear tap sounds. As students advance they are taught a varity of tap steps and styles with an emphasis always on clarity. Intermediate and advanced tap students must take at least two years of ballet or jazz.

Theater Dance
This class explores the steps and styles used extensively in Broadway choreography.

ThankYouVeryMuch
This class is named in honor of Professor Travis Merritt, credited with starting the now legendary charm school at MIT. In addition to offering lessions in etiquette and manners, the class will explore the impact our actions have on others, as well as responsible ways of interaction. A fun and relaxed atmophere is assured.

Voice Production
A "Must have" class for those interested in theater, singing or public speaking.

Irish Step
Irish Step at ArtsCaravan will be taught for the joy of learning this dance style without the element of competition usually associated with step classes.


Yoga for all ages!

Ages 5-7
Children connect with their bodies through a dynamic combination of breathing techniques, yoga poses, guided imagery, music, games, art and relaxation.

Ages 8-10
Children learn how to focus their attention, developing body awareness through breathing techniques, yoga flows, and exploring partner poses to support positive social interactions. The children are also introduced to basic meditation and relaxation techniques designed to quiet their minds.

Ages 11-13
In addition to the basics of yoga, students are encouraged to deepen their practice through more advanced breathing techniques and posture flows, incorporating balancing poses and inversions. Students are supported in a loving and positive manner, as they relate to their bodies, encouraging self acceptance.

Ages 13-18
Yoga for Teens emphasizes a deepening sense of body awareness and acceptance, and includes breathing techniques to calm and to energize, relaxation techniques to reduce stress and quiet the mind, meditation, more advanced poses to help create a sense of balance on the mat in order to promote more balanced actions in their lives.

Family Yoga – Ages 5+
Families come together and explore the joy of yoga through simple breathing techniques, playful yoga poses – individual and partner, cooperative games and relaxation techniques.

Adult Beginning Yoga
An introduction to the basics of yoga, including breathing techniques, stretching, yoga postures, meditation and relaxation, offered in a supportive manner designed to leave the student feeling the joy of yoga.

Adult Level 1
Designed for students with prior knowledge of the basics of yoga, who wish to continue their ongoing process of self awareness through more breathing techniques and poses, deepening meditation and relaxation techniques.

Adult Level 2
Classes designed for the intermediate student with at least one year prior experience, offering more challenging posture flows, delving into deeper practices in breathing and meditation.

Adult Level 3
For advanced practioners wanting to explore their “edge” through advanced postures, yoga flows, breathing techniques, and meditation.

Adult Open
Designed for level 1, 2 and 3 students, offering modifications where needed, helping students find a level of comfort within their personal practices.

Adult Gentle
For those in need of a more restorative practice, with an emphasis on breathing, stretching and simple yoga poses. Modifications are offered for physical limitations in a gentle, loving and supportive manner, encouraging self acceptance.

Pre and Post Natal
Our pre-natal classes offer women a safe and nurturing environment to explore their bodies throughout their pregnancies. Poses and breathing techniques are offered to support body awareness and acceptance of changes within and without, emphasizing balance, strengthening of back muscles, and hip opening.

Our post-natal classes are designed to help new mothers tone and strengthen while bonding with their babies. Poses emphasize toning of the pelvic floor and abdomen, while developing strength and flexibility. Babies receive gentle stretches, massage and songs designed to sooth and comfort. Infants are welcome from six weeks to six months.

Yoga and Meditation
Students practice yoga postures and flow sequences, while learning the blissful benefits of meditation. All levels welcome

Young at Heart Yoga
For students whose spirits are willing but whose bodies may require TLC. For those with physical, or age related issues who may benefit from yoga with individual modifications.

Nia
Find health through movement, getting fit the boby's way with carefully selected movements and concepts from Yoga, Tai Chi, Tai Kwon Do, Aikido, Jazz, Modern Dance and other modalities. Classes offer total body conditioning for any sport or sport or activity. All Nia movements are adaptable and can be personalized for any level of fitness and agility.