Ages 9–18 · Fremont, CA
Contemporary & Lyrical Classes in Fremont
Where technique stops being the point and starts being the tool — the styles dancers move into when they want to say something.
Lyrical and contemporary are related but not identical. Lyrical is the older of the two and sits closer to ballet — it takes ballet's line and jazz's freedom and attaches them to the lyrics of a song. Contemporary is broader and more experimental: floorwork, weight, release, and movement that does not have to be pretty to be right.
Both ask more of a dancer emotionally than any other class we run, which is why we place them later. A dancer needs enough technique that they are not thinking about their feet, because the work is in what they are expressing while their feet take care of themselves. Most dancers arrive here after several years of ballet or jazz.
What these classes develop
- Floorwork. Getting to the ground and back up with control — a vocabulary ballet does not teach.
- Weight and release. Using momentum and gravity rather than resisting them.
- Musical interpretation. Responding to lyrics and phrasing rather than just counts.
- Performance intent. The hardest and most valuable part: knowing what a piece is about and communicating it without overplaying.
Levels at ASI
Dancers move up when their teacher judges they are ready, not on a fixed timetable.
- Lyrical I–II
Ages 9–12
Introduction to lyrical movement for dancers with a ballet or jazz base. Line, extension, and connecting movement to lyrics.
- Contemporary III
Ages 12+
Floorwork, release technique, and choreography that asks dancers to make interpretive choices.
- Contemporary IV
Advanced
Competition-level repertoire, sustained emotional work, and improvisation as a choreographic tool.
Contemporary & Lyrical class times
| Class | Ages | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contemporary III/IV | Ages 12+ | Wednesday | 6:30 PM |
Not sure which level fits? Book a trial and we will place your dancer in person — placement is always by ability, never by age alone.
Every new dancer gets a 7-day free trial — and no charge until you tell us you want to enrol.
Book a free trialQuestions parents ask
What is the difference between lyrical and contemporary?
Lyrical stays closer to ballet and jazz and is tied to a song's lyrics. Contemporary is broader — more floorwork, more weight, and more willingness to break a classical line on purpose. Dancers usually meet lyrical first.
Does my dancer need previous training?
Yes, for these two more than any others. A ballet or jazz background gives dancers the control these styles assume. If your dancer is new to us, start elsewhere and we will tell you when they are ready.
What do dancers wear?
Fitted clothing that lets the teacher see the line of the body, and usually bare feet or half-soles. Details are on our dress code page.
Dancers who take Contemporary & Lyrical often add
Ballet
From first positions at four through pre-pointe and pointe. Structured levels, proper vocabulary, and the technique every other style borrows from.
Explore Ballet → Ages 6–18Jazz
Turns, leaps, isolations and performance quality. The bridge between ballet's discipline and the stage presence competition dancers need.
Explore Jazz → Ages 6–18Hip-Hop
Groove, freestyle and choreography to current music. The most popular first class at ASI, and the easiest place to start if your dancer isn't sure yet.
Explore Hip-Hop →Come try a class before you commit
Every new dancer gets seven days to take as many classes as they like. Nothing is charged until you tell us you want to enrol — no automatic billing, no cancelling to avoid a fee.