Classes at PUDS

At a glance

• Ages 3+ (with intentional overlap)
• Beginner foundations + competitive stream
• Technique, musicality, teamwork, confidence
• Led by Mrs. Kayla Devaux & Mrs. Kasia (with junior instructors)

Age ranges & placement

Age ranges overlap, so we can place dancers by readiness and experience. Final placement is confirmed by instructors. Please make sure the ages here match those on the registration page for the current season.

Creative Movement / Intro to Dance

Have your little ones leap into the studio for their first time to learn the basic necessities of dance and studio etiquette — all while exploring different music types and regions with Mrs. Kayla and one of our junior instructors.

Beginners

The first official Ukrainian class focused on the fundamentals of folk dance. Following an RAD-like beginner syllabus, this is where good habits begin with Mrs. Kayla and our junior instructors.

Kyiv

Continuing the fundamentals of Ukrainian dance and adding onto those first and most important steps. Dancers begin their Shumka Syllabus training while learning the choreography of the Poltava or Transcarpathian region.

Lviv

Shumka Syllabus continues as dancers are introduced to corner work, across-the-floor work, and character development. Choreography varies depending on costume availability, with a focus on Poltava, Hutsul, and storytelling.

Lutsk

Advancing in Shumka Syllabus, corner work, center work, character development, and regional work. Dancers also focus on flexibility and core strengthening. Choreography depends on costume availability and focuses on Hutsul, Transcarpathian, Poltava, and Polissian styles, as well as storytelling.

Kosiv

Our eldest dancers continue reflecting on their Shumka Syllabus foundation while performing a repertoire created by Mrs. Kayla & Mrs. Kasia. Character style and RAD elements enhance technique and movement. The barre is modified regionally based on the season’s focus.

Choreography includes (but isn’t limited to) Podillian, Volyn, Poltava, Bukovynian, Hutsulchyna, and Transcarpathian. Many Kosiv dancers are also junior instructors — giving back is a big part of the program.