School History
Nancy Etter established Feet First in 1982 in an effort to bring to the Phoenixville community quality dance training, emphasizing a blend of the technical and creative. Throughout the past twenty-five years, Feet First has provided classes in creative movement, modern, ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, improvisation and dance composition to students ages 3 through adult. Each year the last semester culminates in a performance highlighting the students from each class. Traditionally, the performance is a dance story with multicultural appeal. Recently, the performances have also included themes such as visual arts and poetry. In the fall of 2007, Kristen Bissinger and Karen Clemente will continue as the artistic directors.
School Philosophy
Feet First provides age appropriate dance education that recognizes the child, teen and adult as a whole human being, challenging and inspiring through technique, meaningful content and creative dance work. For the younger child Feet First provides a creative, self-esteem affirming approach to dance with a playful, dramatic use of stories and poems to inspire expression, team work, and individual development of emotional, social, mental and movement skills.
Attending class on a regular basis is important for a student's advancement.
The placement of a student in Creative Movement class is determined by age as of September 2007. The student continues in that level until the end of the year.
Students 8 years and older are advised to take two classes per week. Students in technique levels 3 and above are advised to attend three classes per week.
Students coming from Creative Movement 4 (8 years and older entering tecnique classes) are recommended to take the Ballet/Modern 1 class along with Creative Movement 4 or Tap 1 in order to provide a strong technical basis for all dance.
Students enrolled in Jazz and Modern classes are strongly encouraged to attend Ballet classes as well, in order to develop strong dance technique.
Dancers are encouraged to study a blend of classical ballet as well as contemporary dance forms in order to develop technique and creativity. Taking a variety of dance classes develops movement versatility and avoids a limited, one dimensional technical training. Likewise, training in the artistry of dance --dance expression and performance skills--is important to a comprehensive dance education. WITH THIS IN MIND, ANY STUDENT WHO REGISTERS FOR JAZZ FUNK IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR ANOTHER TECHNIQUE CLASS - BALLET, MODERN, TAP OR CREATIVE MOVEMENT 4. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY.
| Home | School History and Philosophy | Faculty | Class Information | Schedule of Classes |
| Class Descriptions | Performance Information | Summer Camp | Contact Us |