Drop-In Class FAQ
What is the style of class?
Each ballet class begins with a traditional ballet barre with flexibility exercises mixed in. Music varies between classical and a mix of pop, rock, and indie music. The class then moves into the centre for more technical exercises in addition to across the floor exercises that will extend into theatrical expression as well as technical dance combinations.
Where are classes?
All Classes will be at Marr-Mac Dance and Theatre Arts
8627-109st, lower level down the stairs as you enter the building from the south. Parking n the south lot is free but you have to register electronically in the studio.
What is the price?
All Toy Guns Classes are $20 for a drop-in and $130 for a 10-class pass.
How do I register?
Just drop-in! or pre-pay for your class online.
What is class attire?
Toy Guns classes are open to artists from diverse artistic practices, we understand that traditional dance attire may be cost prohibitive for some participants or lead to self consciousness. We ask that everyone taking class come in form fitting clothes that allow full range of motion (stretch pants, shorts, leggings, and tights are all welcome as well as form fitting fitness tops or more traditional dance attire).
Footwear is at the discretion of the dancer with bare feet, socks, and ballet slippers preferred while any jazz sneaker or shoe with a heal are discouraged for ballet classes.
What kind of improvements can I expect?
The speed of improvement will be influenced greatly by your movement background.
Anyone coming from a extensive dance background will be able to apply principals at a faster rate but Jake will quickly delve into more advanced concepts. The expectation would be that after three classes you will understand what trajectory the training will take and how it will influence your other dance pursuits. By the end of ten classes positive habits should be forming which will allow you experience greater freedom and ease in technical steps as well as relating this to your performance needs. Often this is when we will search for a second layer of development and more specific focuses which will cater to the challenges of your physique.
An artist with movement training but less formal dance training will likely spend the first few classes becoming familiar with the exercises and pace of class. From here their trajectory will likely involve learning how to get the most out of each exercise. There is often a lot of detective work to discover where attention is being spent in class and refocusing that energy in the most practical and productive places. Since dance class is a group physical pursuit sometimes the specific intellectual or philosophical needs of an adult student are not met. Jake’s aim as a teacher is to respect the work that you have done in movement as well as other genres of art and focus that knowledge and energy into your movement.
Although the class is open to all levels, it is not meant for beginners to physical/movement work. As such someone without any background in movement/dance will require a certain fortitude to get through the initial classes as they will struggle to pick up exercises. Jake will offer safe alternatives to more advanced work and will assist you with basic movements when possible but it should be expected that the class will progress in timely and focused manner. That being said everyone at Toy Guns are hugely supportive of the daring adult beginner who is willing to pursue movement and dance despite challenges of a late start.
Each ballet class begins with a traditional ballet barre with flexibility exercises mixed in. Music varies between classical and a mix of pop, rock, and indie music. The class then moves into the centre for more technical exercises in addition to across the floor exercises that will extend into theatrical expression as well as technical dance combinations.
Where are classes?
All Classes will be at Marr-Mac Dance and Theatre Arts
8627-109st, lower level down the stairs as you enter the building from the south. Parking n the south lot is free but you have to register electronically in the studio.
What is the price?
All Toy Guns Classes are $20 for a drop-in and $130 for a 10-class pass.
How do I register?
Just drop-in! or pre-pay for your class online.
What is class attire?
Toy Guns classes are open to artists from diverse artistic practices, we understand that traditional dance attire may be cost prohibitive for some participants or lead to self consciousness. We ask that everyone taking class come in form fitting clothes that allow full range of motion (stretch pants, shorts, leggings, and tights are all welcome as well as form fitting fitness tops or more traditional dance attire).
Footwear is at the discretion of the dancer with bare feet, socks, and ballet slippers preferred while any jazz sneaker or shoe with a heal are discouraged for ballet classes.
What kind of improvements can I expect?
The speed of improvement will be influenced greatly by your movement background.
Anyone coming from a extensive dance background will be able to apply principals at a faster rate but Jake will quickly delve into more advanced concepts. The expectation would be that after three classes you will understand what trajectory the training will take and how it will influence your other dance pursuits. By the end of ten classes positive habits should be forming which will allow you experience greater freedom and ease in technical steps as well as relating this to your performance needs. Often this is when we will search for a second layer of development and more specific focuses which will cater to the challenges of your physique.
An artist with movement training but less formal dance training will likely spend the first few classes becoming familiar with the exercises and pace of class. From here their trajectory will likely involve learning how to get the most out of each exercise. There is often a lot of detective work to discover where attention is being spent in class and refocusing that energy in the most practical and productive places. Since dance class is a group physical pursuit sometimes the specific intellectual or philosophical needs of an adult student are not met. Jake’s aim as a teacher is to respect the work that you have done in movement as well as other genres of art and focus that knowledge and energy into your movement.
Although the class is open to all levels, it is not meant for beginners to physical/movement work. As such someone without any background in movement/dance will require a certain fortitude to get through the initial classes as they will struggle to pick up exercises. Jake will offer safe alternatives to more advanced work and will assist you with basic movements when possible but it should be expected that the class will progress in timely and focused manner. That being said everyone at Toy Guns are hugely supportive of the daring adult beginner who is willing to pursue movement and dance despite challenges of a late start.
