Give us a call: (559) 432-6292
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Our fully integrated dance program gives students of all abilities the opportunity to learn a variety of dance styles.

Our skilled dance coaches strive to teach high-quality dance technique, terminology, and etiquette in an effort to pass down an appreciation for the art of dance movement. We offer beginning to advanced pointe technique classes, as well as a variety of other dance genres. We endeavor to keep our program wholesome and family-friendly; therefore, we do not teach suggestive movements or use music with explicit language or poor messages. 

Program Details

Fees are based on the number of classes in the session. Fees are due at the time of registration and are non refundable and no credit can be given. Please note: There will be no classes March 25th-30th, April 13th, May 18th & May 27th. As of February 19th all dance classes are closed to prepare for the up coming performance.

  • Monday (19 weeks): $402.50
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday (21 weeks): $437.50
  • Saturday (18 weeks): $385
  • Ballet Technique II (Monday & Wednesday): $770
  • Contemporary II (Monday & Wednesday): $770
  • Intermediate Ballet (Both classes are required)
    • Monday: $462
    • Thursday: $735
  • Advanced Ballet (Both classes are required)
    • Monday: $462
    • Thursday: $735
  • Non-performing Classes
    • Adult Ballet: $367.50
    • Creative Movement Parent & Me: $367.50
    • Dance Combo Class (Tuesday): $367.50

To schedule a class for your student your service coordinator must first send a referral to Break the Barriers.

As of February 19th all dance classes are closed to prepare for the up coming performance.

To participate in our programs, first check with our office staff for class availability by calling (559) 432-6292. If your student has never attended a class at Break the Barriers before, or if they have not attended a class within the last two years, then you will need to fill out the Child Liability Waiver (for students under 18yrs) or the Adult Liability Waiver (for students 18yrs+). Spring and Fall sessions include a dance recital.

Doctor’s Releases

Sometimes a doctor’s release is required to participate if a student has specific physical or medical conditions such as (but not limited to) heart conditions, epilepsy, or bone and joint issues.  Please contact us if you have questions about specific medical conditions.

Ballet

Ballet is one of the most famous styles of dance dating back to the 15th century and serves as the foundation to all types of dance. It is often characterized by classical music, elaborate tutu costumes, and pointe shoes. Ballet is amazing for strength, coordination, musicality, and discipline.

Watch Ballet Sample

Tap

Tap dancing is very well known for its shoe, which creates percussive “taps” on the floor due to the metal placed on the heel and toe. These taps are used to either create or accent music. Tap is one of the best styles of dance for musicality and coordination. Gene Kelly from Singing in the Rain is a very famous example of this style.

Watch Tap Sample

Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a blend of many different styles including classical, modern, and jazz. Although today, there are numerous sub-genres such as contemporary-lyrical, contemporary-hip hop, and contemporary-jazz, for example. It emphasizes fall and recovery, floor-work, turns, and leaps. This style also uses a lot of strong torso work, to “contract” the body. Contemporary has been heavily televised in shows like Dance Moms and So You Think You Can Dance and is very popular in kids/teen dance competitions today.

Watch Contemporary Sample

Hip Hop

Hip-hop, or “street style” dancing spends more time on interesting choreography and tricks over technique and precision. It is one of the most improvisational styles with sub-genres such as breaking, pop and locking and jazz-funk to name a few. It has been highly popularized since the 90s with the rise of music videos, dance crew competitions, and movies such as the Step Up franchise.

Watch Hip Hop Sample

Jazz

Jazz is described to be the descendant of ballet and African dance. It is often a highly-energetic form of dance characterized by isolations, sharpness, and technique. Jazz is another popular competition style dance next to contemporary and hip-hop. On the other hand, it is a very theatrical style heavily used in Broadway and musicals.

Watch Jazz Sample

Ballroom

Ballroom dance is an umbrella term used to describe any type of partner dance. There are two sub-genres: standard and Latin/rhythm. Standard includes sub-genres such as swing and foxtrot, Latin/rhythm includes the cha-cha, salsa, tango in example.

Watch Ballroom Sample

Girls Ballet

  • Dark solid leotard
  • Pink tights
  • Pink split-sole ballet shoes (please tuck in elastic ties)

Boys Dance Classes

  • Fitted shirt
  • Shorts
  • Black split-sole ballet or jazz shoes

Hip Hop

  • Fitted t-shirt
  • Dance pants, shorts, or joggers
  • Clean, supportive tennis shoes

Contemporary Classes

  • Fitted t-shirt
  • Dance pants, shorts, or joggers
  • Jazz shoes or barefoot

Creative Movement/Tap & Ballet/Tap Classes

  • Tap shoes
  • Ballet shoes (please tuck in elastic ties)
  • Dark solid leotard
  • Pink tights

All Classes

  • Hair should be off the neck in a bun (if hair is too short for a bun, a neat pony-tail is acceptable)
  • Absolutely NO tummies showing
  • No low-cut shirts (front or back)
  • No spaghetti straps (tank­-style shirts must have a minimum 1 inch shoulder strap)
  • All shorts must have at least a 6 inch inseam (no high cut bottoms or short shorts)

Classes are broken down by age group, not ability level. We want students to experience the magic in the mixture of all abilities working and learning together. Those who quickly master their skills progress to the next level; whereas students who need more time or adaptive equipment receive the necessary attention required to master their skills.

 

Program Schedule

As of February 19th all dance classes are closed to prepare for the up coming performance.

I have 7 children and one of my children has Spina Bifida (Abby). One of the things that sets BTB apart (other than the services and welcoming spirit of the community) is that Abby can participate in activities along side her other 4 sisters

Dance Mom

Staff Training

We strive to prepare our staff to effectively work with and teach children of all abilities to be in a class with other students. All staff are required to attend workshops where they:

  • Trained in an ability awareness class with co-founder, Deby Hergenrader
  • Familiarized with ASD
  • Learn how to use PECs, a structured schedule, social stories, and the Timed Timer
  • Co-teach spectrum classes with a trained staff member

Thank you to our MAJOR sponsors