Class Level Guide

• No choreography. None.
• You’ll learn a small handful of basic steps — and just as importantly, the technique behind the movement (weight placement, bounce, groove, posture).
• Every movement is broken down slowly and repeated.
• This level exists to prepare you to learn real foundations in Level 1.

Consider a higher level if: you can follow along with basic steps on the beat without needing every movement demonstrated slowly.

• You’ll learn a minimum of 4–6 basic steps per class.
• Choreography may be included, but it’s kept simple:
  • Movement lands on single counts (1, 2, 3, 4…). Occasional half counts may appear, but rarely.
  • 2 counts of 8 maximum of unique material; this can stretch to 4 counts of 8 only when steps are repeated (e.g., one step repeated for 4 counts each).
• Everything is broken down step by step, every time.

Consider a higher level if: you can perform your basic steps without watching the instructor, and hold 2 counts of 8 in your memory.

• New steps are introduced and Level 1 steps are built upon with variations.
• Choreography is similar in difficulty to Level 1, but longer:
  • 6 or more different steps may appear in one piece.
  • Choreography-based classes (including K-Pop and Commercial, which start here) run a minimum of 2 counts of 8, maximum of 4 counts of 8.
  • Half counts and triplets are introduced; you’ll see them, but they’re not the focus yet.
• The real skill being trained here: transitions — moving from one step to the next seamlessly, instead of performing steps as separate pieces.

Consider a higher level if: your transitions feel smooth, and half counts don’t throw you off.

• Choreography runs a minimum of 4 counts of 8, up to 6 or 8 counts of 8 in some cases.
  • If the piece includes low-density sections (e.g., a pose held for 4 counts, or a full 8 count of slow, melting movement), an extra count of 8 is allowed but never required.
• Expect quarter counts, triplets, and syncopation as a regular part of choreography.
• The pace picks up: basic movements are no longer broken down every time. You’re expected to know your foundations from Levels Base–2.
• Focus shifts to how you move — timing, texture, and hitting details in the music.

Consider a higher level if: you can pick up 6 counts of 8 at a normal teaching pace and execute syncopated timing without it being re-explained.

• Choreography runs a minimum of 6 counts of 8, up to 8 counts of 8 (same low-density allowance as Level 3: one extra count of 8 if the piece includes extended poses or slow sections).
• Breakdowns are minimal. Steps are named or demonstrated once or twice, not taught. If a foundational step appears, you’re expected to already own it.
• Musicality steps up another layer:
  • Quarter counts, triplets, and syncopation are now the norm, not the exception.
  • Expect layered timing — hitting different sounds in the music with different body parts, tempo changes, and pauses used deliberately.
• Dynamics are graded: you’re expected to show contrast — hitting hard vs. moving smooth, big vs. small, not just landing the counts.
• Class moves at close to performance pace. You’ll run the piece full-out multiple times.

Consider a higher level if: you can retain 8 counts of 8 taught quickly, self-correct without instructor feedback, and perform with dynamics, not just accuracy.

• Choreography runs a minimum of 6 counts of 8 with no set maximum; pieces may be a full section of a song.
• Teaching happens at a professional pace. Choreography is demonstrated in large chunks, marked briefly, and run. There is no step-by-step breakdown.
• Full musical complexity is expected: syncopation, quarter counts, triplets, polyrhythms, tempo shifts, and stops — often within the same phrase.
• You are expected to:
  • Self-correct using mirrors; your own musicality feedback is about performance quality, not counts.
  • Add texture and personal interpretation where the choreography allows. Two dancers at this level should not look identical.
  • Perform every run full-out, with facials, dynamics, and stage awareness.
• This level mirrors a professional rehearsal or audition environment.

This is the top level — growth here means depth: cleaner execution, stronger identity as a dancer, and versatility across styles.