Story, spirit, and expressive technique
Contemporary
Contemporary dance at Reverence draws on ballet, jazz, and modern to tell stories through movement. Our contemporary program runs from Level 1 through Level 4, with a dedicated adult class for returning dancers.
Ages we teach
- Ages 6–10
- Ages 11–13
- Ages 14–18
- Adult
What contemporary builds
Expressive range
Contemporary trains dancers to translate feeling into shape — a skill that serves every other style.
Floor work and partnering
Unique among our styles, contemporary works dancers on the ground and in contact with the floor and with partners.
Cross-genre foundation
Contemporary draws from ballet, jazz, and modern. Dancers who train in it carry vocabulary into every other class.
Meaningful choreography
At Reverence, our contemporary choreography often draws from themes of hope, renewal, and faith — pieces that mean something to the dancers and the audience.
A home for the storyteller
If your dancer loves the emotional arc of a piece more than a specific trick, contemporary is their style.
Progression path
- 1
Contemporary 1
Level 1
{ "Introduction to contemporary vocabulary": "weight transfer, contraction and release, simple floor work. Dancers typically have a year of ballet or jazz first." }
- 2
Contemporary 2
Level 2
Expanded vocabulary, more sustained phrases, introduction to partnering concepts and musical interpretation.
- 3
Contemporary 3
Level 3
Complex floor work, confident turns and inversions, performance-level choreography.
- 4
Contemporary 4
Level 4
Our most advanced level. Sophisticated technical vocabulary, choreographic input from the dancers, and performance readiness.
- 5
Adult Contemporary
Ages 17+
A welcoming class for adult dancers — many are returning after years away, some are brand new. Same technique, different pace.
What to expect
Every contemporary class begins with a floor warm-up that mobilizes the spine, connects breath to movement, and opens the joints. We build through across-the-floor phrases and a center combination that explores the day's theme. Class often closes with improvisation — a few minutes where dancers respond to music in their own way.
Dress code
Form-fitting top, leggings or shorts. Bare feet or socks (level-dependent). Hair secured back. Full dress code details are shared at enrollment.
The Reverence approach to contemporary
Contemporary without story is gymnastics set to music. At Reverence, we teach contemporary with full awareness of its roots — Graham, Horton, Limón — while holding on to the studio's commitment to dance as worship and as meaning-making.
Dancers in our contemporary classes work on technique as hard as any ballet class. They also work on voice: what this piece is about, why this phrase moves this way, what they want an audience to feel.
Ready to begin?
Most contemporary dancers have a year or more of ballet first. But we welcome dancers at any point — a trial class will help us place you. Schedule a trial.
What families say
“My daughters have been dancing at Reverence for 14 years. We absolutely love Reverence with all of our hearts. It's been a fantastic, positive, and upbeat atmosphere for them. The teachers are so kind and patient and give the dancers a sense of positive self-worth. This studio has changed my daughters' lives and mine for the better. ”
“After a negative experience at another studio, we were hesitant to try again. Reverence has completely restored my daughter's love for dance in a pressure-free environment. ”
“As a first-time dance parent, I was nervous about what to expect. From day one, Reverence made us feel welcome and provided clear guidance every step of the way. Our daughter looks forward to class each week! ”
“We weren't sure how a Christian studio would feel for our family. Reverence surprised us with how genuinely welcoming the community is. The technical instruction is strong, modesty and respect are real, and our daughter has never felt out of place. ”
“Reverence has been a blessing for our family. The instructors create such a positive environment where my daughter has thrived both technically and personally. ”
“As a working parent with a busy schedule, I appreciate how organized and communicative Reverence is. Everything from registration to recitals is streamlined and clear. ”
Ready to begin?
Schedule a complimentary trial class and experience a Reverence class for yourself.