About the Genres

We offer classes in three primary dance genres: ballet, modern, and contemporary. You’ll find a variety of approaches within each form with every teacher using their expertise to offer new insight and possibility. Whether you want to hone your skills or get started with something new, a daily Dancio class is nothing short of transformative!

BalleT

Ballet is a technique designed to appear as if it’s defying gravity! Originating in Italy, it’s a definitively European dance technique built on anatomical precision, a codified vocabulary of steps, and a lyrical style. While still undeniably rooted in European sensibilities, it’s practiced around the world, with tons of folks making it their own!

Dancio’s ballet classes are taught by teachers from American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet, as well as masters of Vaganova, the Russian technique, and Cecchetti,the Italian technique.

Modern

Based in a rebellion from ballet and a need for new forms of expression, Modern Dance is rooted in invention. It is a broad and varied tradition, and Dancio offers the most influential forms including:

• Graham, the first comprehensive and dramatic American modern dance technique; a codified system of contraction, release, and spiraling movements.

• Horton, an essential technique of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, emphasizing both lyrical and percussive actions with bold musical precision.

• Taylor, an athletic and fluid style, originated by a swimmer and building off of powerful swooping vocabulary.

• Limón, defined by the concept of “fall and recovery”, encourages coordinated breath and momentum based movement.

• Cunningham, a crystalline and challenging form with delightfully counterintuitive coordination and asymmetric musicality. 

• Contemporary Modern, rooted in response to 20th century modern forms, focusing on innovation and melding new ideas with classic roots

Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a multifaceted, kinetic form currently and continually evolving. Hallmarked by innovation, dynamism, globalism, and individuality, contemporary dance requires flow, finesse, and adaptability. 

Dancio’s contemporary collection falls into two subcategories: structured classes, composed primarily of defined steps and exercises, and improv-based classes, where dancers have the agency to explore new movement while guided by prompts.