Our Classes

NEW 2023-2024 Season Schedule

Be a part of our 50th YEAR 2023-2024 season! Schedule updated 8/30/23. Subject to change.
  • Age used as a guideline for placement. Ages as of September 1. Dancers evaluated individually based on graded curriculum.
  • For safety reasons, parents drop off and pick up students, doors remain locked while classes are in session. Only students and staff remain inside.

Toddler & Me,  Ages 18 months-3

A 30 minute fun-filled child and adult caregiver class designed to impart the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of our youngest dancers while nurturing the bond between caregiver and child.  This curriculum includes age appropriate exposure to developmental milestones, natural exploration and progression of motor development through, dance, sensory-motor activities and play.  Interactive songs, rhythm activities, obstacle courses,  and props are introduced.  
  • Students do not need to be potty trained.
  • The September-June season culminates in a performance of one routine in the June Recital with both the child and their adult caregiver :) Costume fee applies for child. Adults wears all black.
  • This class is a great introduction to dancing school and helps in the transition to the independent Preschool class.
  • To uphold the integrity of our dance education, Toddler & Me classes require 1 adult per dancer.  If you have multiple children, another adult must attend per child. No other adults or siblings allowed in dance room.  Other siblings/children, may not be left unattended the Studio.

Preschool, Ages 2 yr8 mo-5

A 45 minute class designed to introduce and explore creative movement, Ballet and Tap. Emphasis is on developing gross motor skills, muscle control, balance and spatial awareness, as well as listening and leadership skills. Rhythmical patterns and props are used to create a fun, moving environment!
Students must be 100% potty trained in order to enroll. 
The September-June season culminates in a performance of two routines in the June Recital. Costume fees apply.

Primary, Ages 5-7

A 60 minute class exploring the very basics and fundamentals of Ballet, Tap, Tumbling and Creative Movement. This class builds confidence, strength, and coordination and is an extension of the Preschool Class.  We recommend adding Acro Ages 3-5 or 6-11 in addition to this class.
Students must be 5 years old by September and in Kindergarten.
The September-June season culminates in a performance of two routines in the June Recital. Costume fees apply.

Primary/Acro Combo, Ages 5-7

A 90 minute combo class of Primary dance and Acrobatics. Dance styles include Ballet, Tap and creative movement. Acrobatics includes stretches and tumbling, focusing on balance, endurance and flexibility. It’s the “floor routine” in gymnastics! Primary and Acro are also offered separately.
Students must be 5 years old by September and in Kindergarten.
The September-June season culminates in a performance of two routines in the June Recital. Costume fees apply.

Level 1, 2, 3, 4, Ages 7-17

At age 7 a more formal and structured dance training begins! There is a graded curriculum  of skills dancers must meet to progress to the next level. Each level is intended for 2-3 years. Age is a guideline.
Level 1, ages 7-9, Ballet, Tap, Jazz    105 minute class
Level 2, ages 9-12, Ballet, Tap, Jazz   120 minute. class  *new for the 2023-2024 season!
Level 3, ages 12-14, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary   135 minute class
Level 4, ages 15-18, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary   135 minute class 

The September-June season culminates in a performance of three routines in the June Recital. Costume fees apply.

BALLET
Ballet is the base of all dancing and is used throughout every other style of dance. The Vaganova Method is implemented in this stage of a young dancer’s development. Now, children are physically and emotionally capable of studying in a more structured way. Dancers now  begin each class at the barre, going through a series of exercises and warm up techniques to get the body ready for center, progressions, and combinations throughout the class. Technique and terminology are broadened at these levels.

Pointe is the dream for dancers! To safely start pointe, Dancers should be at least 11 years old and have studied ballet for at least 3 years for 3-5 hours per week. Their feet must also be structurally ready for demands of pointe work. Only select Company dancers go en pointe.

JAZZ
An American art form of dance emphasizing Jazz technique and style, while introducing Theatre Dance, Contemporary, Funk, African, and many more. Jazz dance class is a blend of old and new whether it be music or simply the style of dancing. Jazz has evolved throughout the years and we always update curriculum to keep fresh for our dancers! Classes consist of center warmup, floor stretches, isolations, progressions and combinations. Strength and conditioning elements are structured throughout class, ie. work on centering core for pirouettes, strengthening legs for jumps.

TAP
Feet are our instruments! An American art form of dance taught in the true tradition. Focus and emphasis on musicality and syncopation. Rhythms and coordination are a focus, progressively advancing each year. Tap terminology is highlighted. Our curriculum encompasses many styles of Tap.

CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary dance combines elements of several genres including jazz, lyrical and ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements and have the opportunity to express themselves through improvisational movements. This form of expressive dancing emphasizes on connection of body and mind through dance, often music driven. We encourage dancers to connect with their inner self to properly emote what the music is telling them.

Acrobatics, Ages 3-17

Stretches, tumbling and acrobatic tricks, focusing on balance, endurance and flexibility. It’s the “floor routine” in gymnastics!

We have class  based on age that focus on the foundation of acrobatics and building strength and flexibility. As well as classes with skill prerequisites for the more serious acrobatics students looking to progress at a faster pace.

NO RECITAL ROUTINES FOR ACRO

Acro, Ages 3-5
A 45 minute class introducing basic acrobatic skills to our youngest dancers.  This class will build strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and confidence.  Students will stretch, learn acrobatic poses, tumble, climb through obstacle courses and get their wiggles out in a safe space with our certified instructors.
Placement for this class is by age, no previous skills required. Must be 100% potty trained. No recital dance for this class.

Acro, Ages 5-9/6-11
A 45 minute class focusing on acrobatic skills like somersaults, splits, backbends, etc, while building strength and flexibility. This class will build strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and confidence.
Placement for this class is by age, no previous skills required. No recital dance for this class.

Acro Level I & II
Ages 7+ years old with 1 year minimum Acro experience, see pre requisites.
Placement for these classes is by skill.
These 60 minute mixed-level intensive classes are for focused students who want to work hard! This class builds strength, flexibility, agility and confidence in Acro skills. Throughout the session, students will work on various skills based on level: Acro I - handstands, front/back walkover, cartwheels, etc., Acro II - aerial, handsprings, and more advanced acro skills.
  • Prerequisite for Acro 1 -  Standing backbend without a spot
  • Prerequisite for Acro II - Front/Back walkover without a spot

Acro for Dancers
Acro for Dancers Minimum 1 year Acro experience required.
This mixed-level intensive class builds strength, flexibility, agility and confidence in Acro skills that benefit a dancer. Each week will focus on various skills that are utilized in dance.  Dancers will practice transitions of acro skills and technique into dance, such as: "chaine carwheel (variations) saut de chat",  Backbends, Cartwheels, Arials, Handstands, Splits and more. Students should expect a hard working class!
Prerequisite -  Ages 7+, Standing backbend
What to Wear:
Girls: Solid Black leotard, pink/tan transition tights, Hair pulled back securely away from face (no scrunchies), Barefoot.
Boys: White T-shirt, Black athletic pants, Hair pulled away from face, Barefoot

Hippity Hop, Ages 5-7
Hip Hop, Ages 7-11

Hippity Hop: A 45 minute hip hop class designed for ages 5-7. Class begins with a warmup, progressions, and students learn a combination with introductory hip hop moves that will build each week. Movement games and props are used each week. Music and lyrics appropriate for their age group. Most of all...this class is fun!!
Not in the Recital.

Hip Hop: A 45 minute Hip Hop class combines elements of various street dance styles, blending Old School, New School, Breakdancing, and even Jazz, performed to upbeat, current and popular music.
The September-June season culminates in a performance of one routines in the June Recital. Costume fees apply.

Dance Companies

The Carolyn Dutra Companies consist of young dancers who show promise and potential in dance. Dance is priority for these dancers and their main activity. There is much commitment and expectations required by Company dancers and families.
Students must audition for a position in the Company during the Summer program. Auditioning students are recommended by their teachers, indicate that they are interested in becoming a Company member to their teachers, or are hand-picked by Miss Carolyn.
Company classes meet at least twice a week at any of the three Studio locations. There are various mandatory rehearsals, events, and performances in addition to good attendance in classes.
Company Dancers have many opportunities to perform throughout RI and the United States!  Recent performance venues:  Disney,  Carnival  & Royal Caribbean Cruises (international!), Hershey Park, Carnegie Hall, The Dunkin Donuts Center for the Providence College Mens Basketball Halftime, as well as local community events, and more!!
Companies and Ages
Closed Class: Ages 7-9
Preparatory: Ages 8-11
Pee Wee Company:  Ages 8-11
Rhythmettes: Ages 11-14
Junior Company: Ages 13 & up
Senior Company: Ages 13 & up
*Age is used as a guideline and may change from year to year

Adult Classes

We offer an array of adult classes throughout the year that run in weekly sessions and pop-up classes, such as Tap, Jazz, Yoga, POUND Fitness, Zumba and more! Classes are for dancers with some experience, unless specified. See Session page for current classes.