Thursday Combo Dancers

Dancers age ranging between 10-13 may be placed in either our Combo 9 or Combo 10 classes, meeting on Thursdays. Dancers in this combo classes might be entering their first experience with dance, or have completed previous seasons with TDA/other dance experiences and be placed in one of the two separate classes. Dancers may choose to add Hip Hop, Tap, Lyrical, and or Technique to their schedule with ballet and jazz as their two required classes for these dancers.

Combo 9-10 Class Times & Options (2024-25)

As dancers continue throughout our combo program, dancers will get opportunities in different styles with multiple routines to be presented in our end of year recital. These classes will focus on expanding dancer knowledge on dance skills to spark a passion and commitment to dance as a extra curricular activity. This class will take either their ballet or jazz class to compete at one local competition. If dancers choose to add on additional styles, they will have additional dances performed for those routines at the end of year recital. You can see those class options listed below as well. By focusing on these areas, dancers in this age group can build a solid foundation that will support their growth and development as they continue their dance journey.

Dancers at this age often start showing interest in wanting to take dance more seriously and could potentially do so, by auditioning for our competitive team. For Thursday Combo dancers they will focus on developing foundational skills, fostering a love for dance, and getting prepared for more advanced training. By focusing on these areas listed below, dancers in this age group can build a solid foundation that will support their growth and development as they continue their dance journey.

1. Technique: Building a strong technical foundation is crucial. Students will work on proper alignment, balance, flexibility, and strength as well as body positions and movements. Students will understand the importance of technique in both ballet and other styles they might be exploring.
2. Flexibility: Stretching and flexibility exercises will be incorporated regularly to prevent injury and improve range of motion. Classes will focus on safe stretching practices to avoid overstretching or straining muscles.
3. Strength and Conditioning: Dancers will develop their core strength and overall and understand the importance of body conditioning for stability and control. Dancers will participate in excercises that enhance strength, endurance, and coordination.
4. Musicality: Dancers will continue to build on their understanding of rhythm and timing. Dancers will get comfortable counting music, recognizing different rhythms, and matching their movements to the music.
5. Body Awareness: Dancers will work on spatial awareness and the ability to move through space confidently. This includes learning how to use the entire stage or practice area effectively and developing an understanding of how different movements affect their body.
6. Expressiveness: Dancers are encouraged to develop their own style and expressiveness. This can be through improvisation, exploring different emotions, and incorporating storytelling into their dancing.
7. Performance Skills: Dancers are introduced to performance aspects, such as stage presence, projection, and working with an audience as they become more confident and comfortable in performance settings.
8. Creative Exploration: Dancers are supported through creative exploration and improvisation as they develop their unique voice and creativity in dance.
9. Social and Team Skills: As dancers are working with others they will develop teamwork, communication, and social skills.
10. Injury Prevention: Dancers learn about the importance of warming up before classes, cooling down afterward, and listening to their bodies to prevent injuries.

Additional Events & Performances for all Thursday Combo Dancers:

• Recreational Competition – When dancers are in Combo, they will be entered into a competition. Here at TDA, we take pride in taking our recreational dancers to one competition and allowing them to get a taste of what that part of the dance world looks like. This is also a great step to help dancers see if they would like to commit more into dance and eventually audition for the competitive team. They will compete either their ballet or jazz routine. Dates and details for this event will be shared throughout the season, and there is one time additional fee that will be processed.
• Observation Days – On certain days throughout the year, teachers may invite parents to watch at the end of class. Additionally, there is an open window and or door for parents to view at all times. Additionally, all dancers and parents have access to our google drive folder that houses videos from class each week as well.
• Monster Mash – Near the end of October, dancers get the opportunity to come into class wearing a Halloween or any costume of their choice and we will perform the Monster Mash for parents to view. Its a fun evening of spooky fun, and a right of passage for all TDA Dancers! The dates for these performances and additional information will be sent throughout the year.
• TDA Going Nutz – In the month of November, dancers will be exposed to different traditional elements of The Nutcracker. Each age group and level at the entire studio is assigned different parts of the nutcracker curriculum to gain knowledge and perform for their families. The dates for these performances and additional information will be sent throughout the year.
• Christmas Parade – During the first weekend of December, all TDA Dancers are invited to join us in the Rolesville Christmas parade. Dancers will learn the traditional TDA Parade Dance that the will get to perform all the way through their High School Graduation.
• Picture Day – All dancers enrolled at TDA will be a part of picture day in the Spring portion of the season. Combo dancers will have one day of pictures in their one assigned costumes for their end of year routine. Families will be able to purchase and order digital downloads of images, and more information on that event will be provided throughout the year.
• Pajama Week – Dancers will get a week to be celebrated after completing their competition in Spring! Dancers will get snacks and get a chance to walk the red carpet as they get to celebrate their hard work throughout the year as well.
• Recital – All dancers enrolled at TDA will be a part of our annual recital. Dancers will perform their rehearsed routines in their assigned costume at one of our four recitals. If dancers are enrolled in: ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, or lyrical, those classes will have routines performed in the recital. Family members are encouraged to come and support your youngest dancers in the recital as well! Additional information on days, times, rehearsals, tickets, merchandise etc. will be available to you as we finish out the season.

Dance Attire: 

Girls – pink ballet shoes and any type of dance wear.

Boys – black ballet shoes and any type of athletic wear.  

Tap Shoes: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Hip Hop Shoes: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Please bring dance bag to class for dancers to change from their regular shoes and into their dance shoes, as well as a small water bottle for them to keep with them. We ask that you label all shoes with name. See below for a few pictures from some of our Combo classes to help you see what dancers typically wear, as well as a video from this past season recital.