UNINHIBITED CREATIVITY.
NEVER MISS A CHANCE TO
dance
General Registration for the 2024-2025 season is currently closed to allow preparation for our recital. There is still an opportunity to dance with our monthly drop-in workshops! See Classes & Schedule.
Registration for Adult classes remains open.
Register for Adult classes and workshops here!
2024-2025 Dance Season
Gilliam Dance Project offers classes in ballet/lyrical, pointe, jazz, tap, and hip hop for ages 3 and older. Our season begins in September and ends with our recital in June. Dancers attend classes on a weekly basis and tuition is paid monthly.
Our goal is to create an atmosphere where all students "feel at home" while simultaneously receiving a first-rate dance education right here in Smyrna, Delaware. We believe all students deserve dedicated and passionate dance instruction designed to discover, nurture, and enhance their individual dance artistry. We are constantly seeking new ways to reach all of our students, exploring new techniques and approaches. We utilize additional tools and equipment to aid in teaching to ensure our dancers grasp concepts and are as successful as possible.
Below is our current class schedule followed by class descriptions. Visit our PRICES page for tuition rates! Don't forget to check out our required DANCE ATTIRE to ensure your dancer is prepared for class!
2024-2025 Dance Workshops
In addition to the regular weekly class schedule, GDP is excited to open our workshops to ALL students this season! Previously only offered to company members, our dance workshops provide an opportunity for dancers to train beyond their weekly classes, try new dance styles, and discover new ways to exercise. They are also the perfect option for families with varying schedules or students who'd like to dance after we've closed enrollment for the season to meet the timeline for our June recital (such as those enrolled in fall and winter sports).
The workshop schedule will change from month to month. Enrollment will be drop-in style for only $12.50 per class! With our workshops, you are able to add to the classes your dancer is currently enrolled in to build an entire month of classes, tailored to what's most convenient for your family - all without a commitment beyond what you're signed up for! If you are a current GDP family, to enroll, log into the parent portal, search for events and select desired workshops. Those not currently enrolled in our regular season should register and select the desired workshop. You do not need to be enrolled in our 2024-2025 season, attending weekly classes to attend a workshop!
2024-2025 Class Descriptions
Enrollment for our 2024-2025 season is currently open!
Intro to Dance (Ballet)
Designed to introduce your little one to ballet and creative movement. This class is a 2-year program for ages 3-4 years. Dancers will wear solid color leotards, pink tights, and leather ballet shoes. Hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. (45 mins)
Intro to Dance (Ballet & Tap Combo)
Building on the basics taught in Intro to Dance or new to dance exploration, this class is designed to broaden exposure to different dance styles. This 2-year program is ideal for children (4-5 years old) with some experience with a directed group activity. Solid color leotards, pink tights, leather ballet shoes, and black patent tap shoes are required. Hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. (60 mins)
Beginner Hip Hop
For our younger students wanting a relaxed environment of freestyle dancing. Dancers will learn the basics of hip hop dance. For dancers ages 5-7 years old. (30 mins)
Beginner Ballet/Lyrical
Our next step for 6-10-year-old dancers graduating from the Intro to Dance program or those new to dance. This class begins to build on the ballet foundation while incorporating more fluid, lyrical movements. Ballet barre work and combinations will be utilized for warm-ups and technique emphasis while expanding to lyrical-styled center and floor combinations. Solid color leotards, convertible pink tights, and canvas ballet shoes are required. Hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. (60 mins)
Beginner Jazz/Tap
Ideal for 6-10-year-old dancers interested in the more rhythmic movements of the jazz and tap dance styles. Dancers will be exposed to more tap footwork and jazz turns and leaps. Solid color leotards, convertible tan tights, slip-on jazz shoes, and patent tap shoes are required. Hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. (60 mins)
Intermediate Ballet/Lyrical IA, IB & II
For dancers with some dance experience in ballet or lyrical. Ballet barre work and combinations will be utilized for warm-ups and technique emphasis. Dancers will continue to build on their lyrical technique with more complex turns, leaps, and floor work. Students will also begin partner work. Dance attire should allow free movement. Canvas lyrical shoes are required and hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. Typical age range for Level IA & IB is 6-12 years old, while Level II can be from 8-14 years old. Skill and ability ultimately determines level. Teacher placement is required. (IA & IB 60 mins, II 75 mins)
Intermediate Jazz IA & IB
Ideal for 6-12-year-old dancers interested in the more rhythmic movements of the jazz dance style and more advanced than the beginner level. Dancers will be exposed to more tap footwork and jazz turns and leaps. Solid color leotards, convertible tan tights and slip-on jazz shoes, Hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. Teacher placement is required. (45 mins)
Intermediate Jazz II
For dancers with previous exposure to jazz dance technique. Dancers will progress into more advanced combinations, turns, and leaps. Dance attire should allow free movement. Canvas lyrical shoes (to be used for jazz) are required and hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. Teacher placement is required. (60 mins)
Intermediate IA, IB & II Tap
Offered to students with at least a beginner's level tap experience (IA and IB) and 3 years of experience in tap (II). This class includes center- and across-the-floor warm-up and combinations with increasing difficulty. Dancers can choose their attire, lace up tap shoes and hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. Teacher placement is required. (45 mins)
Intermediate I & II Hip Hop
Freestyle dance for experienced or new dancers ages 6-10 (Intermediate I) 10-14 (Intermediate II) years old. Dancers can choose their attire, black tennis shoes and hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. (45 mins)
Advanced Tap
Offered to students with at least 3 years of experience in tap. This class includes center- and across-the-floor warm-up and combinations with increasing difficulty. Toe work is also integrated for advanced tappers. Dancers can choose their attire, black lace up tap shoes and hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. Teacher placement is required. (30 mins)
Advanced Ballet/Lyrical
Advanced technique in ballet, lyrical, and contemporary styles of dance. Ballet barre work and combinations will be utilized for warm-ups and technique emphasis. Dancers will continue to build on their lyrical and contemporary technique with more complex turns, leaps, partner, and floor work while exploring a variety of emotions. Dance attire should allow free movement. Canvas lyrical shoes are required and hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. Teacher placement is required. (75 mins)
Pre Pointe & Pointe
For intermediate and advanced ballet dancers with multiple years experience in ballet. Class will focus on ankle development and strength in preparation for pointe shoes. Fundamental ballet technique is required. Ages 10 and up. Teacher placement is required. (60 mins)
Advanced Jazz
For advanced jazz dancers with multiple years of experience in fast-paced classes. Will continue to build on complex turn and leap sequences. Dance attire should allow free movement. Canvas lyrical shoes (to be used for jazz) are required and hair should be pulled back from dancer's face. Teacher placement is required. (60 mins)
Advanced Hip Hop
Freestyle dance for experienced or new dancers ages 14 years and up. Dancers can choose their attire and hair should be pulled back from dancer's face (45 mins)
Adult Ballet
Designed for all skill levels, focusing on a fundamentals and general body movement & stretching. Attire should allow for free body movement. Ballet shoes are required. (60 mins)
Adult Tap
Designed for all skill levels! If you've ever wanted to learn how to tap dance - this class if for you! Tap shoes are required. (45 mins)
Adult Hip Hop (Workshop)
Freestyle dance for all levels of experience. Dancers should have shoes they can dedicate to dance. (45 mins)