By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Young children interested in learning ballet, tap, hip-hop and jazz will have the opportunity to participate in afterschool classes this fall.

Tippi Toes Dance Company in Birmingham has now expanded to offer afterschool classes at Helena Elementary School and Chelsea Park for children between kindergarten and second grade, as well as third through fifth graders.

The ballet, tap and jazz combo class will begin Tuesday, Aug. 1 and will take place each Tuesday thereafter until Dec. 15. The class will be at Helena Elementary School from 3-3:45 p.m. every Tuesday.

The ballet, tap and jazz combo class at Chelsea Park will begin Aug. 1 and begin at 4 p.m. each Tuesday. A jazz and hip-hop combo class for third through fifth graders will be at Chelsea Park every Tuesday at 5 p.m. starting Aug. 1.

The classes will incorporates ballet, tap, jazz and Hip Hop technique while also encouraging self-expression and creativity. High-energy music will be used throughout the class to get dancers moving and having fun, according to the class description.

Tippi Toes Dance also said it would be introducing new music and dances from its fourth Tippi Toes CD, “On Top of The World” which reached No. 7 on the Billboard’s Chart, according to the company.

At the completion of the fall semester, there will also be a big recital on stage at a local venue, complete with professionally-made costumes. The child must be enrolled in Community Education to participate.

The mission of Tippi Toes Dance is to develop a love of dancing in children by creating a positive experience that promotes healthy living habits, helps build self-confidence and a love for others.

Monthly tuition for each class is $65 and children must be registered with Community Education to participate.

To enroll in Tippi Toes classes, visit Tippitoesdance.com/birmingham or call Vallie Pate at 547-0647.