Class Descriptions

What's the
Difference?

Tumbling and Trampoline vs. Gymnastics

At Mattoon Academy, tumbling and trampoline classes focus on developing athletes’ skills through three main rotations: floor, trampoline, and double mini trampoline. During the floor rotation, students work on fundamental tumbling skills such as rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, etc. The trampoline rotation helps athletes build height, body control, and air awareness while practicing jumps. On the double mini trampoline, students learn to combine power and technique as they perform controlled skills onto and off of the apparatus.

Gymnastics classes, on the other hand, are more well-rounded and include training on all four traditional women’s gymnastics events: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor. Students learn strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination while developing skills across each apparatus.

What's the
Difference?

Ballet vs. Tap vs. Jazz vs. Hip Hop

Ballet classes focus on the foundation of dance by teaching proper technique, posture, balance, and grace. Dancers learn basic positions, barre work, and center combinations that help build strength, flexibility, and control.
Jazz classes are energetic and expressive, combining strong technique with fun choreography. Dancers work on turns, leaps, kicks, and flexibility while learning upbeat routines that focus on style, performance, and musicality.
Tap classes focus on rhythm, timing, and musicality using special tap shoes that create sounds against the floor. Dancers learn how to produce different rhythms and patterns while developing coordination and listening skills.
Hip Hop classes are high-energy and focus on freestyle movement, rhythm, and performance. Dancers learn foundational hip hop steps and combinations while building confidence, coordination, and style.

18 mo. -5 yo.

Baby Ballerina (3-4)

Our advanced gymnastics and dance classes at Mattoon Academy are designed for students with higher skill levels who are ready to take their training to the next level. In gymnastics, athletes will focus on refining technique, mastering advanced skills on all apparatuses, and building strength and flexibility. In dance, students will develop performance quality, advanced choreography, and technique across multiple styles. These classes offer a challenging, supportive environment that encourages growth, discipline, and creativity.

Parent & Tot (18 mo. -2 yo.)

This caregiver-&-child class follows our fun Teddy Tumble Bear format, offering a playful introduction to movement & gymnastics. It's a great way to bond while building early motor & social skills together!

Teddy Tumble Bear (3-5)

This fun, themed class introduces young children to gymnastics, tumbling, & trampoline through music & imaginative play. Kids build balance, coordination, & motor skills like taking turns & following directions. A great first step into the world of movement!

Ages 5-8

Ballet & Tap 1 (5-6)

Develops basic ballet technique, grace, & coordination alongside tap rhythms, timing, & musicality in a fun, upbeat setting.

Jazz 1 (5-6)

Engages dancers with age-appropriate jazz steps that build strength, flexibility, & confidence to kid-friendly music.

young hip hop dance group with 5-6 year olds.jpg

Hippity Hop (5-6)

A lively introduction to hip hop, focusing on rhythm, coordination, & creative self-expression through energetic, fun choreography.

Intro to Dance (5-6)

Curious about dance? Come try it out & see which style is right for you! This fun, low-pressure program lets young dancers explore ballet, tap, & jazz by attending one or two classes. It's a great way to discover what you love before committing to a full session.

*Pre-registration required one week prior. Join us & start your dance adventure!

Gymnastics 1 (5-8)

This beginner-level class introduces girls to all four women's gymnastics events: balance beam, uneven bars, vault, & floor. Students build strength, flexibility, balance, & coordination, making it the perfect way to start your child's gymnastics journey!

Tumbling & Tramp 1 (5-8)

Perfect for kids who love to bounce! This beginner class teaches tumbling basics - like rolls, cartwheels, & bridges - plus trampoline skills such as jumps, seat drops, & front drops. Students also get a fun, safe intro to the double mini trampoline.

Boys Tumbling (5-8)

This energetic boys' class mirrors Tumbling & Tramp 1 & 2, teaching beginner tumbling & trampoline skills, plus time on the double mini trampoline - all focused on building strength, coordination, & safe technique in a fun environment.

Ages 9-12

Ballet 2 (7-10)

Enhances posture, body alignment, flexibility, & strength through barre & center work tailored to young dancers.

Tap 2 (7-10)

Introduces complex rhythms, footwork, & combinations to improve clarity, timing, & musicality.

Jazz 2 (7-10)

Builds on jazz basics with faster, more dynamic movements & across-the-floor progressions to boost coordination & style.

Hip Hop 2 (7-10)

Advances hip hop skills with more intricate choreography, freestyle elements, & confidence-building exercises.

Gymnastics 2 (9-12)

This beginner level class is perfect for older beginners & follows the same curriculum as our Gymnastics 1 Class

Tumbling & Tramp 2 (9-12)

This beginner-level class is perfect for older beginners & follows the same curriculum as our Tumbling & Tramp 1 class.

Boys Tumbling (9-12)

Advanced Classes

Ballet 3 (11 & over)

Focuses on technical precision, strength, flexibility, & expressive artistry through structured exercises & combinations.

Tap 3 (11 & over)

Develops advanced rhythmic patterns, intricate footwork, & performance skills to enhance musical interpretation.

Jazz 3 (11 & over)

Challenges dancers with complex choreography, increased flexibility demands, & dynamic style development.

Hip Hop 3 (11 & over)

Encourages mastery of advanced hip hop techniques, personal style, & stage presence through challenging choreography & freestyle.

Gymnastics 3 ( All Ages)

Our Level 3 class is for gymnasts who've mastered the basics & are ready for more. Athletes build strength, flexibility, & technique while learning advanced skills on floor, bars, beam, & vault. With a focus on proper form, consistency, & confidence, this class prepares athletes for competition or personal growth.

Gymnastics 4 (All Ages)

Love gymnastics but not ready for a competitive team? Our 1.5 hour Level 4 class offers skill-building on all four events - floor, bars, beam, & vault - in a fun, low-pressure setting. It's perfect for athletes who want to grow, stay active, & enjoy the sport without the stress of competition.

Tumbling & Tramp 3 (All Ages)

Ready to take your skills to the next level? Our Level 3 Tumbling, Trampoline, & Double Mini class focuses on advanced tumbling, flips, twists, & combos - plus strength, control, & technique across all three events. Athletes build confidence while having fun in a supportive environment.

Tumbling & Tramp 4 (All Ages)

Love flipping & bouncing but want to skip the competition? Our 1.5 hour class focuses on skill-building across tumbling, trampoline, & double mini in a fun, low-pressure environment. Athletes develop strength, coordination, & confidence. No competitions, just growth & fun!

Back Handspring Class

This class focuses entirely on back handsprings & the skills that support them. Students will develop strength, flexibility, & technique through drills & progressions centered around the back handspring, helping them perform this key skill safely & confidently.

Cheer Tumble

Perfect for kids with basics like cartwheels & round-offs, this class builds cheer-ready tumbling skills. Students start with back handsprings, then progress to tucks and more - gaining strength, control, & confidence along the way