Original — design option 7 · Centre Pointe Performing Arts

The four tracks at a glance

Children’s Program

Introduces young dancers to the joy of movement.

Ages: 18 months to 8
Joining: Open to all young dancers
On stage: The CPPA Recital
Director: Nicolle Canapp

Classical Track

Focused on traditional technique.

Ages: 7 and up
Joining: By invitation and audition
On stage: Required performances at each level
Director: Susan R. Joines

Performance Track

For dancers who want to showcase their talent on stage.

Joining: By invitation
On stage: Competitions, January to May
Assistant Director: Molly Dodd

Centre Track

A solid foundation for aspiring dancers.

Ages: 8 and up
Joining: Open to all dancers
On stage: The CPPA Recital
Director: Allie Jones

Children’s Program

Ages 18 months to 8 · Open to all young dancers · Directed by Nicolle Canapp

Introduces young dancers to the joy of movement.

Young dancers in orange costumes posed together on a coral backdrop

A toddler in a lilac tutu sitting with a stuffed bunny

A toddler in a Centre Pointe T-shirt, shown from the front and the back

A young dancer holding a leg extension against a turquoise backdrop

We invite all young dancers to join our Children’s Program and experience the joy dance can bring to a child.

What dancers are introduced to

Basic ballet positions
Basic coordination
Dancing and sharing space with others
Center work
Traveling steps
A skill set that progresses through the year
Cooperating with children their age
Being respectful to the teacher
A fun and stimulating learning environment

Classes

Toddler
Creative Movement
Ballet Fundamentals
Primary
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop

CPPA Recital

Recital dancers get a performance at the end of the year to show off all their hard work. Every class on the fall schedule has the chance to perform, unless it is marked **.

The recital is at the end of the season; this year’s dates are on the studio calendar
There is a dress rehearsal before the recital

Classical Track

Ages 7 and up · By invitation and audition · Directed by Susan R. Joines

Focused on traditional technique.

A dancer in a black dress balancing on one leg against a tan backdrop

A dancer in a green top and brown skirt in a long kneeling lunge, one arm raised, against a rust backdrop hung with flowers

A ballerina in a white tutu balancing in arabesque on stage

Serious ballet requirements, with an evaluation required to take part. A rigorous curriculum designed to prepare dancers for professional careers in concert dance, and for entrance to top conservatories and college programs.

How it works

Classical Track dancers are admitted by invitation and audition only
Specific required classes and performances at each level, plus additional optional studies
Alongside classical technique, dancers study modern, jazz and forms of contemporary
Youth America Grand Prix preparation, supported by our nonprofit, MCDA

Classes

Graded Ballet
Pointe
Youth America Grand Prix

Performance Track

By invitation · Assistant Director: Molly Dodd

For dancers who want to showcase their talent on stage.

Centre Pointe dancers in team jackets with their competition trophies

Dancers in black-and-white Pierrot costumes performing on a competition stage

Three dancers in red costumes and a leopard-print jumpsuit striking a pose

The Centre Pointe team celebrating on stage at the Hall of Fame Dance Challenge

Dancers who are invited commit to a year-long obligation.

What that involves

Being an outstanding role model and representative of CPPA
Attending all required classes
Showing an exemplary work ethic
Being respectful to peers and teachers

Classes

Ballet
Modern
Jazz
Contemporary
Lyrical
Musical Theater
Acro

Competitions

Weekly rehearsals to prepare for upcoming competitions
Competitions run from January through May
Competitions are in-state or in a neighboring state
Dancers compete in group dances and are encouraged to take on solos, duos and trios

Conventions

Dancers are required to attend at least one dance convention each season
Conventions typically run two to three days, on weekends
Dancers learn from world-renowned teachers and choreographers
In-house master classes are also offered

Centre Track

Ages 8 and up · Open to all dancers · Directed by Allie Jones

A solid foundation for aspiring dancers.

Three dancers in teal and purple leotards in extensions and a split

A dancer in a purple leotard holding a high leg extension

A dancer in a black costume in a deep lunge on a dark stage

How it works

All dancers are invited to join Centre Track
Classes at a more recreational level let dancers experience the accomplishment dance can bring
Training without the commitment of competition

Classes

Ballet
Pointe
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop

Recital

Centre Track dancers are invited to showcase their hard work in the CPPA Recital
Classes marked ** on the fall schedule do not perform
The recital is at the end of the season; this year’s dates are on the studio calendar
There is a dress rehearsal before the recital

Common questions

How young can my dancer start?

At 18 months. Our Toddler and Creative Movement classes are designed for dancers who are brand new to a studio: short, playful and built around what the youngest dancers can do.

What should my dancer wear to class?

Requirements vary by program and style. Leotard colors, tights, shoes and hair are all specified on the class attire page.

How do we register?

Registration runs through our parent portal, where you can see open classes, enroll, and manage your account. If you would rather talk it through first, call 410-335-4409.

When can a dancer start pointe?

Pointe work is introduced by teacher approval only. Readiness depends on strength, alignment and training history rather than age or eagerness.

Do you offer anything besides weekly classes?

Yes. Birthday parties for ages 2 through 13, and the pre-professional programming supported by our nonprofit, MCDA.

Let’s find your dancer’s class.

Enroll through the parent portal, or call and we will help you choose the right track and time.