Connect to Dance

Contemporary Modern merges the deeply rooted, expressive techniques of historic modern dance with the dynamic momentum and fluidity of contemporary styles. Rather than choosing between the natural, earth-bound weight of modern and the expansive, cross-genre fusion of contemporary, this syllabus combines them. Students will explore fall and recovery, floorwork, and bodily intuition while drawing on elements of ballet and jazz to create versatile, powerful movement.

Hip Hop is a vibrant, dynamic dance style deeply rooted in the street culture of the 1970s Bronx. It has since grown into a global phenomenon encompassing a wide variety of techniques, including breaking, popping, locking, and commercial groove. At Malashock, our hip hop program focuses on rhythm, coordination, body isolations, and personal expression. We encourage dancers to connect with the music, build confidence, and develop their own unique style in a high-energy, supportive environment.

Ballet is one of the most widely recognized dance styles in the world, celebrated for its grace, fluidity, and exact precision. Originating in the 15th-century Italian royal courts, it has evolved over centuries into the iconic performances we recognize today, such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. At Malashock, our ballet program embraces this rich history without restricting students to a single, rigid syllabus. Instead, we focus on the universal principles of healthy alignment, strength, and artistry, drawing from various techniques to create well-rounded, versatile dancers.

Jazz dance is a dynamic and energetic style deeply rooted in African American vernacular dance, which evolved alongside the vibrant rhythms of jazz music. Over the decades, it has expanded to include influences from Broadway, commercial television, and concert dance. We encourage dancers to explore a variety of stylistic influences while building the strength, flexibility, and stage presence required for this highly expressive genre.