Gymnastic Academy of Rockford GAR

All classes are held at Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park, IL

REGISTER FOR ENTIRE SESSION, SELECT MONTHLY OPTION, OR GAR PREMIER MEMBERSHIP

Welcome to Motion Evolution! We offer a variety of dance clases for all ages 3 years and older.

Erika Smith has danced for over 20 years, with more than 6 years of teaching experience, from ages 3 to adult. She has danced every style from Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Lyrical, with a focus in Lyrical. In addition to dance, she has also taught tumbling, choreographed for high school musicals, and coached poms and cheerleading at the junior high level. She was on the original All STAR competitive cheer squad in Rockford and is a volunteer cross country coach. With her energy, dedication and varied teaching background, Erika hopes to take Motion Evolution to the next level!

Rachel Premo, resident of Chicago, holds a BFA in Dance Performance from Northern Illinois University. Rachel premiered her choreography in Chicago at Dance Chance, in February 2011, and since then, her piece "Tabula Rasa" was selected to be performed at Dance in the Parks, in the Summer of 2011. This summer Rachel has also presented choreography for Freespace, in St. Charles, as well as performed in a trio at the Produce series in Chicago in July. Some of Rachel's previous performances include Giselle, Le Corsaire, The Nutcracker, Pas de Quatre, and numerous Art for Life Benefits. Aside from choreography, Rachel works as a freelance dancer, while also teaching dance and pursuing her budding photography business in Chicago and the surrounding areas.

Krista Robinson has been dancing in the Rockford area for many years. She began teaching dance at age 13 while studying at Contemporary
Dance Expressions. She has assisted and taught at other studios such as The Dance Source at the Gymnastics Academy of Rockford and Midwest Movement. Krista performed with Northern Dance Theatre for two years before she graduated in 2009 with a BA in English. Dance has always played a major role in her life and she is thrilled to be teaching again.

Attire: Ballet: tights, leotard and ballet shoes, Jazz: jazz pants and jazz shoes, Tap: jazz pants and tap shoes, Hip-Hop: must wear tennis shoes and confortable attire. Must have your dance shoes to participate in class! No socks or bare feet. Must have hair tied back.

Tiny Dancers: This is a dance class for ages 3-5. There will be new things taught every week along with review from the week before. This class will focus on Ballet and creative movement, preparing students for Beginning Ballet or Beginning Jazz.

Tiny Tappers: This is a class for ages 3-5. This class will focus on rhythm, coordination and basic tap terminology.

Beginning Hip Hop: This class is for ages 5 and up. This is a funky upbeat class combining old school and new school moves as well as freestyle moves-in a fun upbeat environment.

Beginning Jazz: This class is for ages 6 and up. Students will be introduced to jazz fundamentals and terminology, focusing on technique. This is a prerequisite for Intermediate Jazz.

Beginning Ballet: This class is for ages 6 and up. Students will be introduced to terminology and to concept of combinations, to focus on execution and technique. This is a prerequisite for Intermediate Ballet.

Introduction to Dance: Can’t decide? Take this Introduction to Dance class, and try it all. For ages 3-8, this class includes Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap.