Shirley McPhail School of Dance
Teen dance class Leaping dancer Teen Dance Class
Providing dance classes in Austin, Texas
in tap, ballet & jazz since 1970...
 


"When our previous dance teacher retired, my tap-dancing buddy of 20+ years and I started looking for another adult tap dance class to join. We tried a lot of other studios, but none of them had the warm, friendly and fun atmosphere that we experienced at SMSD! We're here to stay!"
Cheri S.

 


CLASSES

Class
Description
Combination
For 3 to 8 yr olds - for the new, young student; a combination of Ballet, Tap and Tumbling. Introduction to the joy of rhythm, movement and coordination.
Ballet
For 9 yr olds & up - includes the basics of Ballet Barre, and Center work; introduction to French terminology that forms the basic universal language of Ballet; Emphasis on proper body placement, correct body building and development of poise and grace.
Tap
For 3 yrs and up- develops better coordination, rhythm and timing; strengthens feet and legs.
Jazz
For 9 years and up - stylized theatrical form of dancing; promotes good posture, strength, technique and rhythm.
CJBT I (Creative Jazz, Ballet and Tap, Level I)
For 5th year 7 year olds or by teacher recommendation. It continues building on the student's foundation of Ballet and Tap. The class is 1 hour and 15 minutes and Jazz is introduced this year.


CJBT II

(Creative Jazz, Ballet and Tap, Level II)
For 8 & 9 yr olds or by teacher recommendation. The class is 1 hour and 30 minutes with 30 minutes each devoted to Ballet, Tap & Jazz. Prepares student for the next year when their classes will be split up to 2 days per week.
Adult
It's never too late! Classes offered in Tap (all levels), Ballet, Jazz and Pilates.
Hip-Hop
For 9 yr olds to teens; incorporates isolation and stretching exercises to enhance student's physical fitness
Lyrical
For 10 yr olds to teens; a combination of both Jazz and Ballet ; uses the technique and discipline of Ballet with the freedom of Jazz. Students must be enrolled in at least one Ballet class in addition to the Lyrical class.
Yoga
Cotillion
Austin-Style
For 5th & 6th grade boys & girls; "Cotillion Austin-Style" is a new class providing training in basic etiquette, communication skills and social dance education; Ideal for the 5th & 6th grader's desire for social activity.
Modern
For all ages; resembles modern art and music in that it is experimental; dancers explore different shapes in space using the strengths gained from Ballet; includes partner work, improvisation and fun dynamic movement.
Musical Theater
For ages 5 to 12; students learn songs from hit musicals, acting and movement. Taught by Lauris Blackwell, a member of River City Pops.
 


News and Events

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Register NOW for Cotillion Austin Style Now. Download Registration Form HERE!
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Are you an adult who's thinking about taking a dance class? Read Kelley Cunny's humorous story, The Recital Report, about her first dance recital at the age of 43!