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Class Descriptions

Sonja's Studio of Dance

Ballet

Ballet is the foundation of dance.  Ballet develops discipline, body posture, placement, and flexibility, along with coordination, grace, and poise.  Emphasis is placed on technique with proper rotation and correct line of the body.  Proper behavior is strictly enforced.  Placement based on teacher invitation or level progression. 

Conservatory Ballet

The Conservatory Program is designed for ballet students who demonstrate the technical ability and work ethic to achieve a high level of study, execution and performance in classical ballet. Conservatory is an invite only program. A year long contract is required. 

Pointe

Pointe is designed for our ballet dancers wishing to continue development and performance in ballet.  By invitation only. ​

Clogging

Clogging is a high-energy, rhythmic style of dance that originated in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. It’s known for its percussive footwork, where dancers strike their shoes against the floor to create intricate sounds and rhythms, often in time with upbeat music like bluegrass, country, or even modern pop. Clogging is traditionally performed in groups, and dancers often wear tap-like shoes with double taps on the toes and heels to enhance the sound. Unlike tap dance, clogging typically emphasizes the downbeat and is often done with a flat-footed style, keeping the body relaxed and movements grounded.

Creative Movement

A combined ballet/tap and tumbling class that focuses on teaching 3-5 year olds how to follow instructions, listen and take turns in group exercise.  Students will enjoy keeping their busy bodies wiggling and giggling as they are introduced to basic dance and tumble skills.  The student must be potty trained and is able to say goodbye to mommy and daddy at the classroom door. ​

Parent Tot

A class for 18 months to 3 year olds.  Students will enjoy keeping their busy bodies wiggling and giggling with the help of a parent as they are introduced to basic dance and tumble skills.  One parent to tot ratio.  45 minute class.

Competition Teams

Prestige, Prominence, Premiere and Power are traveling, performing and competition teams.  Ballet class two times a week is required.  Team placement is based on annual tryout. ​

Contemporary

Contemporary is a form of dance in which dancers express their feelings, learn music interpretation through sustained extensions and expressive emotion.  Contemporary is a type of dance that relies on a direct relationship between lyrics of various songs/poems and specific dance movements. 

 

Modern

Modern dance is a highly expressive and creative style of dance that breaks away from the strict rules of classical ballet. Developed in the early 20th century, modern dance emphasizes natural movement, emotional expression, and individual interpretation.

Instead of relying on formal technique, modern dancers use the body’s full range of motion—often incorporating floor work, improvisation, and abstract concepts. It can be fluid or sharp, structured or freeform, and is often performed barefoot to stay grounded and connected to the movement.

Enliven Dance

A Dance Company for adults continuing dance training.  Must be accomplished in Ballet.  Audition only.  Founded in 2013 by Sonja Babcock, sponsored by Sonja's Studio, Directed by Pam Burlingame. 

Hip Hop

Hip Hop is a freestyle form of jazz dance which is performed to urban music.  Emphasis is placed on teaching the students basic jazz steps, while incorporating "street" dance style for the hip hop flair.​

Jazz

Jazz dance is a lively, upbeat style of dance known for its sharp movements, expressive energy, and strong rhythm. Rooted in African-American dance traditions and influenced by ballet and modern dance, jazz emphasizes technique, musicality, and performance. Jazz dancers use a mix of quick footwork, dramatic poses, leaps, turns, and isolations (moving one part of the body at a time). It’s often performed to popular, funky, or Broadway-style music, making it both fun and dynamic to watch and perform.

Street Jazz

Street jazz is a bold, high-energy style that blends the sharp, technical movements of jazz with the attitude and freestyle elements of hip-hop. Often seen in music videos, live performances, and commercial dance, street jazz is edgy, expressive, and all about performance.

Tap

Tap dance is a rhythmic and percussive style of dance where dancers use metal plates on the bottoms of their shoes to create intricate sounds and beats with their feet. It's like turning your feet into musical instruments! Tap emphasizes timing, coordination, and musicality, blending movement with sound. Dancers learn to create rhythms through shuffles, flaps, heel drops, and toe taps—often performing solos or synchronized group routines. Rooted in African and Irish dance traditions, tap has been a staple in Broadway, film, and live performances. Whether set to jazz, swing, pop, or even silence, tap dance is a fun, high-energy way to build rhythm, confidence, and stage presence.

Leaps & Turns

Leaps & Turns is a technique-focused class designed to help dancers improve their strength, control, balance, and flexibility—specifically for jumps, leaps, and turns used across many dance styles. Dancers work on mastering clean technique, proper body alignment, and graceful execution of movements like pirouettes, chainés, jetés, and more. The class typically includes drills, across-the-floor combinations, and conditioning exercises to build power and precision.

Perfect for dancers looking to refine their skills and gain confidence in their performance quality, Leaps & Turns is a great way to level up your overall dance technique.

Strength & Stretch

Dance Strength & Stretch is a conditioning class designed to improve a dancer’s flexibility, core strength, balance, and overall body control. This class focuses on exercises that support safe technique, injury prevention, and enhanced performance across all styles of dance. Dancers will work through targeted strength-building exercises (like core work, leg lifts, and balance drills) followed by deep stretching to increase flexibility and range of motion. Movements are often done slowly and mindfully, allowing dancers to connect with their bodies and improve posture and alignment. Whether you’re working toward higher jumps, stronger turns, or better extension, this class helps build the foundation dancers need to move with power, grace, and confidence.

Teen Technique

Teen Technique is the perfect class for teens who are new to dance or returning after a long break. This class blends elements of ballet, leaps & turns, and strength & stretch to build a strong foundation in a supportive, no-pressure environment. Dancers will focus on posture, flexibility, balance, and control while learning basic dance technique through across-the-floor exercises, gentle stretching, and beginner-friendly combinations. It’s a great way to gain confidence, improve body awareness, and prepare for more advanced classes if desired.

Sonja's Studio Gym

AK Pride Cheerleading

Cheerleading ​will cover jumps, stunts, motions, tumbling, cheers and chants with an emphasis on basic motion technique. 

Acrodance

Acro is a style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements.  It is defined by its athletic character, its unique choreography (which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics), and its use of acrobatics in a dance context. 

Tumbling

Learn fundamental tumbling skills in a fun and friendly class.  Basic and high level tumbling skills are taught using drills and lead ups to every skill.  The classes are organized according to level and age of student. ​

Sonja's Studio Education

Giggletime Preschool

A two or three day hands on creative arts program for ages 3 - 5.  Students will enjoy art, music, dance, tumbling and daily education basics.  Prerequisite: The student must be potty trained and is able to say goodbye to mommy and daddy at the classroom door. Check out the Giggletime tab on our website for more information! 

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Musical Theater

Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance.

Music Lessons

Students will take private lessons to advance their knowledge of their chosen instrument. Beginners or advanced students are welcome. Lessons are 30min each week. 

Voice

Designed for all ages, our voice coach will bring out your strengths & build your vocal confidence.

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