KDT COMPANY
Kennedy & Company - Kennedy and Company is KDT's Competitive Performance Team. Dancers ages 4+ are able to audition for Kennedy & Company as a whole. Dancers are placed in the appropriate competitive group(s) based on the company directors' decision. Their division(s) may depend on age, core class, stylistic strength and skills and attendance record. Dancers in the graded division may be in multiple groups within Kennedy & Co. They participate in several competitions, conventions and additional community performance events and service projects throughout the year.
Ballet Jete'
Our Pre-Professional Company, Ballet Jete’, is designed to further the student’s education in Ballet training. Pre-requisite to audition is 3 or more years of ballet training in the graded ballet program (or the equivalent of). Students perform throughout the year in classical and contemporary styles and are showcased in KDT’s annual presentation of “The Nutcracker”. Jete’ is directed by Ballet Mistress, Yuka Omori. Her goal is to promote arts education and to prepare her students who desire to go on to become professional dancers, or to continue on in their study of dance at the university level. Those in the company spend countless hours in the dance studio training in ballet technique and choreography. These elite dancers will receive more performing opportunities throughout the year including being featured in KDT’s annual performances of The Nutcracker and “Enchanted Evening.” They also participate in many other community performances at the Jewish Community Center, Dance Houston festivals, NASA functions, and have competed at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP).
Petite Jete'
Petite Jete is a performing group with the focus on ballet. This group will be by audition only for Intermediate classes and graded 1 & 2. It will be an extra ballet class once a week where students will work on technique and learn additional choreography for various community performances and they’ll get to perform at the Ballet Jete' Tea. Ms. Erica Carmona is excited to be able to lead this performing group.
KDT PERFORMING GROUPS
KDT’s Performing Groups are for younger students who want more performance opportunities. These groups participate in many community performances, holiday shows, and some attend competition as well as performing at Recital.
Divas (ages 3-10)
A jazz performing group that is made up of three levels split according to age and ability. "Divas" learn jazz technique as well as fun energetic choreography to perform at various events throughout the year. Pre-requisite: enrolled CD 1 or higher; this performing group is by invitation only and students must be enrolled in a core dance technique class. Directed by Jennifer Holbert and Kelsey Mueller.
Funky Feet
A performing tap group for Level CD ½. CD 2 & CD 2/3 taught by Erica Carmona. This group performs throughout the year for community events as well as KDT and Dance Tree Recitals. By Invitation or class audition only. (pre-requisite: enrolled in a current tap class).
Rockin' Tappers
A performing tap group for Level CD 3, Int. 1, Int. 2, SAC 1, SAC 2 and Graded 1 taught by Jeremy Carmona. This group performs throughout the year for community events as well as KDT and Dance Tree Recitals. By Invitation or class audition only. (pre-requisite: enrolled in a current tap class).
SHINING STARS CLASS
Kennedy Dance Theatre has opened up its studio for a Special Needs Program as a way to reach out to the community. The classes offered are for students with Down Syndrome, Autism and other developmental disabilities. Teachers and student assistants involved volunteer their time each week so the classes can be offered free of charge. This program has been featured on both FOX News and ABC 13 News as a great way for Special Needs children to get involved in an extracurricular activity while improving motor skills, confidence, and socialization. The Special Needs classes are directed by Jennifer Holbert. These classes are for ages 6 and up and include technique and performance in Tap, Hip Hop, Gymnastics, & Musical Theatre with a dress code-Girls – Black Leotard, Pink Tights, Black Tap Shoes, Pink Leather Ballet Shoes and Boys in White KDT T-shirt, Black Shorts, Black Tap Shoes, Black Leather Ballet Shoes. The Special Needs classes perform at KDT’s annual Recital held each year.
AERIAL SILKS
"Silks" is a specialty fabric students use to climb, wrap, twist, bend and drop from in a variety of positions and movements. Fabrics can spin, swing or remain static depending on how students manipulate the silks. Class sizes remain small and are for ages 8 through Adult.
FLAMENCO
Flamenco dance (baile) is a highly-expressive, Spanish dance form. The flamenco is a solo dance characterized by hand clapping, percussive footwork, and intricate hand, arm and body movements. With roots in Indian, Arabic, Spanish cultures, flamenco dance is known for its sweeping arm movements and rhythmic feet stomping. Flamenco dancers spend a great deal of time practicing and perfecting the often difficult dance. *Private Lessons are available upon request.
BALLROOM AND SALSA
Basic Ballroom Dance Session I is an introduction to the foxtrot, waltz, and swing. Besides learning the basic steps in each dance, students will learn techniques for partnership, proper leg action, and how to listen to the music and identify the various rhythms. This class is open to all, even those with two left feet!
Basic Ballroom Dance Session II features the basics in foxtrot, rumba, cha-cha, and meringue. As in Session I, students will learn techniques for good partnership, proper, and how to listen for the beat. Latin hip action will be introduced.
Session I and Session II are interchangeable. A student may enter either one first. At the end of these sessions you will be able to go out dancing using the basics in six dances and have lots of fun!
Salsa class features Rumba, Meringue, and Mambo. As well as learning the basic steps in each of these dances, techniques for good partnership and proper leg action will be presented. Emphasis will be on Latin hip action and listening for Latin beat!
There is no required dress code, but if possible please wear leather soled shoes that are not backless (no flip flops or running shoes).
Kennedy & Company - Kennedy and Company is KDT's Competitive Performance Team. Dancers ages 4+ are able to audition for Kennedy & Company as a whole. Dancers are placed in the appropriate competitive group(s) based on the company directors' decision. Their division(s) may depend on age, core class, stylistic strength and skills and attendance record. Dancers in the graded division may be in multiple groups within Kennedy & Co. They participate in several competitions, conventions and additional community performance events and service projects throughout the year.
- Spirit in Motion
- Rhythm and Moves
- Kennedy & Company Apprentices
- Jazz Company Minis & Juniors
Ballet Jete'
Our Pre-Professional Company, Ballet Jete’, is designed to further the student’s education in Ballet training. Pre-requisite to audition is 3 or more years of ballet training in the graded ballet program (or the equivalent of). Students perform throughout the year in classical and contemporary styles and are showcased in KDT’s annual presentation of “The Nutcracker”. Jete’ is directed by Ballet Mistress, Yuka Omori. Her goal is to promote arts education and to prepare her students who desire to go on to become professional dancers, or to continue on in their study of dance at the university level. Those in the company spend countless hours in the dance studio training in ballet technique and choreography. These elite dancers will receive more performing opportunities throughout the year including being featured in KDT’s annual performances of The Nutcracker and “Enchanted Evening.” They also participate in many other community performances at the Jewish Community Center, Dance Houston festivals, NASA functions, and have competed at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP).
Petite Jete'
Petite Jete is a performing group with the focus on ballet. This group will be by audition only for Intermediate classes and graded 1 & 2. It will be an extra ballet class once a week where students will work on technique and learn additional choreography for various community performances and they’ll get to perform at the Ballet Jete' Tea. Ms. Erica Carmona is excited to be able to lead this performing group.
KDT PERFORMING GROUPS
KDT’s Performing Groups are for younger students who want more performance opportunities. These groups participate in many community performances, holiday shows, and some attend competition as well as performing at Recital.
Divas (ages 3-10)
A jazz performing group that is made up of three levels split according to age and ability. "Divas" learn jazz technique as well as fun energetic choreography to perform at various events throughout the year. Pre-requisite: enrolled CD 1 or higher; this performing group is by invitation only and students must be enrolled in a core dance technique class. Directed by Jennifer Holbert and Kelsey Mueller.
Funky Feet
A performing tap group for Level CD ½. CD 2 & CD 2/3 taught by Erica Carmona. This group performs throughout the year for community events as well as KDT and Dance Tree Recitals. By Invitation or class audition only. (pre-requisite: enrolled in a current tap class).
Rockin' Tappers
A performing tap group for Level CD 3, Int. 1, Int. 2, SAC 1, SAC 2 and Graded 1 taught by Jeremy Carmona. This group performs throughout the year for community events as well as KDT and Dance Tree Recitals. By Invitation or class audition only. (pre-requisite: enrolled in a current tap class).
SHINING STARS CLASS
Kennedy Dance Theatre has opened up its studio for a Special Needs Program as a way to reach out to the community. The classes offered are for students with Down Syndrome, Autism and other developmental disabilities. Teachers and student assistants involved volunteer their time each week so the classes can be offered free of charge. This program has been featured on both FOX News and ABC 13 News as a great way for Special Needs children to get involved in an extracurricular activity while improving motor skills, confidence, and socialization. The Special Needs classes are directed by Jennifer Holbert. These classes are for ages 6 and up and include technique and performance in Tap, Hip Hop, Gymnastics, & Musical Theatre with a dress code-Girls – Black Leotard, Pink Tights, Black Tap Shoes, Pink Leather Ballet Shoes and Boys in White KDT T-shirt, Black Shorts, Black Tap Shoes, Black Leather Ballet Shoes. The Special Needs classes perform at KDT’s annual Recital held each year.
AERIAL SILKS
"Silks" is a specialty fabric students use to climb, wrap, twist, bend and drop from in a variety of positions and movements. Fabrics can spin, swing or remain static depending on how students manipulate the silks. Class sizes remain small and are for ages 8 through Adult.
FLAMENCO
Flamenco dance (baile) is a highly-expressive, Spanish dance form. The flamenco is a solo dance characterized by hand clapping, percussive footwork, and intricate hand, arm and body movements. With roots in Indian, Arabic, Spanish cultures, flamenco dance is known for its sweeping arm movements and rhythmic feet stomping. Flamenco dancers spend a great deal of time practicing and perfecting the often difficult dance. *Private Lessons are available upon request.
BALLROOM AND SALSA
Basic Ballroom Dance Session I is an introduction to the foxtrot, waltz, and swing. Besides learning the basic steps in each dance, students will learn techniques for partnership, proper leg action, and how to listen to the music and identify the various rhythms. This class is open to all, even those with two left feet!
Basic Ballroom Dance Session II features the basics in foxtrot, rumba, cha-cha, and meringue. As in Session I, students will learn techniques for good partnership, proper, and how to listen for the beat. Latin hip action will be introduced.
Session I and Session II are interchangeable. A student may enter either one first. At the end of these sessions you will be able to go out dancing using the basics in six dances and have lots of fun!
Salsa class features Rumba, Meringue, and Mambo. As well as learning the basic steps in each of these dances, techniques for good partnership and proper leg action will be presented. Emphasis will be on Latin hip action and listening for Latin beat!
There is no required dress code, but if possible please wear leather soled shoes that are not backless (no flip flops or running shoes).