Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence in Dance Education

At APSD, we are proud to offer a wide range of classes designed to develop well-rounded, versatile dancers of all ages and experience levels. Our curriculum combines strong technical training with opportunities for creativity, expression, and performance.

Styles We Offer

  • Cecchetti and Non-Syllabus Ballet

  • Pointe, Pre-Pointe & Demi-Pointe

  • Lyrical & Contemporary

  • Jazz

  • Tap

  • Dance Acro

  • Hip Hop

  • Strength & Stretch

  • Partnering

  • Progressions

  • Toddler Classes

  • Adaptive Dance

  • Adult Classes

  • Teacher Training

  • Private & Semi-Private Lessons

How Class Placement Works

At Ann Parsley School of Dance, student placement is based first on individual skill level, and then on age. Each student is carefully evaluated by our instructors to ensure they are placed in a class that is both challenging and appropriate for their current abilities.

While age ranges and experience levels are listed on our schedule for guidance, it’s important to note that these are averages. We believe every dancer progresses at their own pace, and we prioritize safe, technically sound training that allows each student to thrive.

CLASSES OFFERED

CLASSES OFFERED

Ballet dancers practicing in a studio, focusing on their legs and feet in pink ballet slippers, with a colorful floral curtain and mirror in the background.

  • Classes for Young Dancers (Ages 2–6)

    Our early childhood classes nurture imagination, coordination, and confidence through age-appropriate movement and music. Each class is carefully designed to introduce foundational dance skills in a joyful and supportive environment.

    Tiny Twirlers (Pre-Ballet)

    Ages 2–3 | Recital Class
    A joyful introduction to movement, music, and imagination. This playful class helps young dancers develop motor skills, coordination, and confidence through creative activities and basic ballet concepts.

    Twirl & Tap Stars (Ballet/Tap Combo)

    Ages 3.5–6 | Recital Class
    This lively combo class introduces young dancers to the basics of ballet and tap in a fun, imaginative setting. Each month features a playful theme that inspires movement, creativity, and storytelling.

    Tumble Hop (Tumbling & Pre-Hip Hop)

    Ages 3.5–6 | Recital Class
    A fun and energetic blend of basic tumbling, pre-hip hop, and jazz movement. Dancers build coordination, rhythm, strength, and confidence through upbeat music and playful activities.

    Mini Movers (Pre-Jazz/Hip Hop)

    Ages 3.5–5 | Recital Class
    A creative introduction to jazz and hip hop styles with a touch of ballet technique. This class uses music, games, and movement exploration to build rhythm, coordination, and confidence.

Close-up of ballet dancers' feet wearing pointe shoes, rehearsing in a studio.

  • Ballet Program

    We offer 11 levels of syllabus and non-syllabus ballet, in addition to pointe, pre-pointe, demi-pointe, and partnering. Our ballet program follows the Cecchetti Method, a highly respected and structured system designed to develop balance, poise, strength, elevation, and elasticity in dancers.

    Ballet

    Ballet is the disciplined, codified technique that serves as the foundation for all other dance forms. Students learn to align their bodies and develop strength, flexibility, and musicality through a progressive vocabulary of movement.

    Dancers at APSD can begin their ballet training as early as age two and progress through a comprehensive program rooted in the Cecchetti Method. Graded Cecchetti classes are leveled by skill, not school grade, ensuring that each student advances at a pace appropriate to their individual development. In addition to syllabus-based classes, we also offer non-syllabus ballet classes, which provide a more open structure while still emphasizing strong classical technique.

    Pre-Pointe

    This class prepares dancers physically and technically for future pointe work. Emphasis is placed on foot and ankle strength, turnout control, core stability, and alignment. Students use a combination of ballet technique and physical therapy-based exercises with tools.

    Requirements:

    • Must be enrolled in Grade I ballet or higher

    • Must have a minimum of two years of ballet experience

    • Class is taken in soft ballet slippers, bare feet, or socks

    • Minimum of one full year in Pre-Pointe is required before progressing to pointe

    Below is a list of the items needed for pre-pointe as well as an Amazon link to purchase. Dancers will need to bring these items to every class. 

    Demi-Pointe

    Demi-pointe training uses specially designed shoes to bridge the gap between flat ballet work and full pointe. This class allows dancers to develop the strength and control needed for pointe work without the full demands of dancing on the box. It is often used as a preparatory step for younger or developing dancers transitioning to pointe.

    Requirements:

    • Instructor Permission

    • Must be enrolled in Grade II ballet or higher

    • Must have a minimum of three years of ballet experience

    Pointe

    Pointe is the advanced study of ballet technique on the tips of the toes using specialized blocked satin shoes. It requires a high level of technical proficiency, body awareness, and physical readiness.

    Requirements:

    • Instructor Approval

    • One full year of demi-pointe class

    • Must be at least 11 years old

    • Minimum two to three years of ballet training

    • Active enrollment in ballet classes

    • Medical clearance from a physician confirming bone maturity (via x-ray)

    • Instructor approval

    Partnering

    Partnering (also known as pas de deux) teaches dancers to work collaboratively in classical and contemporary forms. Dancers learn essential skills such as weight-sharing, support, timing, and trust in movement.

    Requirements:

    • Must be on pointe

    • Instructor Permission

A group of ballet dancers practicing in a dance studio, wearing blue leotards and black shorts, performing a synchronized dance with one leg raised and arms extended.

  • Lyrical and Contemporary dance are expressive styles that fuse the strength of ballet with the fluidity and emotion of modern movement. These styles allow dancers to explore storytelling through technique, musicality, and emotion.

    Lyrical

    APSD offers six levels of lyrical, available to dancers of all ages at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
    Lyrical dance is rooted in the interpretation of music lyrics and blends the sustained, controlled movement of ballet with the dynamics, freedom, and power of jazz and modern dance. Movement in lyrical is driven by the mood and message of the music and often tells a story with strong emotional intent. This style is shaped by the instructor’s choreography and the feeling of the song rather than rhythmic patterns.

    Contemporary

    Contemporary dance is a more abstract and less structured style of movement that still draws heavily from ballet and jazz foundations. It incorporates elements such as body contractions, flexed feet, off-center balances, asymmetrical shapes, and floor work.

    Ballet Requirement

    Because both lyrical and contemporary are built upon strong technical foundations, enrollment in a ballet class is required for all dancers participating in lyrical or contemporary.

Ballet dancers practicing in a dance studio with white walls and posters, all performing a high leg extension.

  • Jazz

    Jazz is a high-energy dance style rooted in ballet and modern dance technique. Each class begins with a full-body warm-up designed to develop strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. Dancers work on isolations, turns, jumps, and stylized movement while improving body alignment, balance, and musicality. Through across-the-floor exercises and center combinations, students enhance their technical foundation and performance quality. Jazz is offered at multiple levels to suit dancers of all ages and experience levels.

    Hip Hop

    We currently offer five levels of Hip Hop. This fast-paced class emphasizes musicality, precision, and personal style. Dancers explore both smooth and sharp movements, intricate footwork, controlled isolations, and dynamic poses. The movement ranges from high- to low-impact and encourages freedom of expression while improving flexibility and endurance. Choreography is set to age-appropriate, contemporary music that keeps dancers engaged and motivated.

Ballet dancers practicing, focusing on their ballet shoes and legs.

  • Ann Parsley School of Dance offers seven levels of tap technique, designed to build coordination, rhythm, and musicality through progressive training.

    Tap students learn a wide variety of steps and combinations that develop clarity of sound, timing, and expressive movement. Emphasis is placed on rhythmic patterns, syncopation, and performance quality. Classes include warm-ups, across-the-floor progressions, and center choreography.

    Our studio primarily follows the Al Gilbert Tap Technique syllabus, while also incorporating additional styles and teaching methods to provide well-rounded tap training.

A group of young girls practicing yoga poses on mats in a dance studio. They are in a forward-bending position with hands on the floor and feet flat on the mats.

  • Dance Acro is a fusion of classical dance technique and the strength, control, and athleticism of acrobatic skills. This class focuses on safely developing acro fundamentals that can be seamlessly integrated into dance choreography.

    At APSD, Dance Acro is taught by a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor and follows the Acrobatic Arts Syllabus, which emphasizes proper progression, alignment, and technique. Students learn how to execute acrobatic elements with control and fluidity, enhancing their overall versatility as performers.

    Dance Acro builds strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination—while ensuring that acrobatic skills are executed with the grace and style of a trained dancer.

Three ballet dancers mid-air during rehearsal at Ann Parsley School of Dance with a plain wall and ballet barre in the background.

  • Progressions is a technique-focused class that emphasizes traveling combinations, including leaps, jumps, and turns. Dancers work across the floor using dynamic movement phrases that incorporate changes in direction, weight, level, and spatial awareness.

    This class is designed to enhance technical proficiency, coordination, and control—helping dancers build confidence in their ability to move through space with precision and artistry.

    Please note: Progressions is a technique-only class and does not participate in the year-end recital.

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  • Ann Parsley School of Dance offers a welcoming and supportive environment for adult dancers of all ages and experience levels. Whether you're returning to dance or trying it for the first time, our adult classes are designed to build strength, flexibility, and joy through movement.

    Adults may choose to pay monthly or drop in as their schedule allows, and there is no required dress code—comfortable dancewear of your choice is welcome. Adult classes are open enrollment and may be joined at any point throughout the year.

    Please note: Adult classes are non-recital and do not participate in the year-end performance.

    For current offerings, please refer to our schedule for the latest adult class listings.

Group of six children dressed in colorful costumes, posing together against a plain white background.

  • Precious Moments is a specialized adaptive dance class designed for children with unique abilities, beginning at age 3 and up. This inclusive class provides a joyful and supportive environment where every dancer can thrive, grow, and belong.

    The focus is on enhancing each child’s abilities, building confidence, and offering the chance to enjoy dance as a fun and meaningful extracurricular activity—while being part of a team.

    The class is led by a licensed registered nurse and a certified pediatric occupational therapist, ensuring a safe and thoughtful approach tailored to each dancer’s needs. Additional support is provided by therapists and volunteers from Children's Hospital of Michigan and the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.

    A choreographed routine will be established, and all dancers are invited to participate in the annual recital, with appropriate modifications and support as needed.