Courses

DANCE DEPARTMENT COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Classical Ballet I

Level I Ballet is designed for students entering with little or limited previous study of ballet. Barre-work teaches the basics of working in a turned out position, stretching and pointing the feet, proper alignment of the body, and strengthening the muscles of the legs and torso. Ballet I students are expected to achieve an extraordinary level of self-discipline and physical control with correct body placement and alignment.

Classical Ballet II

The study of level II is for the student with previous study and experience. Ballet II students are expected to work with emphasis on their coordination with the torso, arms and head. In addition, proper distribution of body weight, mastery of the positions of the feet and arms, turnout, correct placement, and moving across the floor with jumps and turns are developed.

Classical Ballet III

Students selected for this course will be expected to demonstrate techniques in Level I and II. Exercises done at the barre develop greater speed, strength, flexibility and coordination of the legs, torso, arms and head. More of the barre-work is done on demi-pointe for increased strength and balance. Stretches are given to develop increased flexibility in the hips and legs for higher extensions and better turn out. The basic ballet directions are taught in the center. Simple jump combinations are taught and reversed. Pirouettes in the basic positions are mastered. Big jumps traveling across the floor focus on covering space.

Classical Ballet IV

Students selected for this course must be able to demonstrate satisfactory Pointe work and be knowledgeable in all the ballet techniques covered in Ballet levels I, II, and III. This level develops strength and flexibility with the execution of more complicated combinations at the barre and in the center. Students must be able to change and use different dynamics of movements. Sequences become more complex, and efficient alignment while moving is expected.

Classical Ballet V

This level is a continuation of level IV with an increased emphasis on developing larger, more expansive movements that test the dancer’s strength and stability. Higher extensions, multiple pirouettes, petit allegro, grand allegro and quick transfer of weight and the power of the legs and body are emphasized. Students are expected to know more complex classical ballet terminology with an emphasis on performance quality.

Classical Ballet VI

This advanced level is for students who are ready to experience technique classes which offer studies in Classical Ballet Variations. Students will be expected to demonstrate ballet combinations on Pointe and an expressive technically advanced vocabulary. At this level, artistry and musicality are emphasized.

Pointe Technique Level I, II, III

The study of Pointe technique is for the intermediate and advanced level ballet dancer. This class is designed to build strength, articulation and flexibility of the feet, legs and torso while developing the ability to control the balance on pointe. The class focuses on building greater technical skills.

Men's Class

This class enables our male dancers to concentrate on strength, flexibility, stamina, and technical skills needed by male dancers. The emphasis of this course is to develop specific techniques for the male dancer by focusing on multiple pirouettes, increased elevation and jumps, grand allegro and traveling through space.

Partnerning Class

This class is based on the communication between two or more moving bodies that are in physical contact and combined support. Dancers’ perception of gravity, momentum, and weight distribution will be challenged. Students selected for this course must have completed Ballet level I – V.

Contemporary Modern I – Horton-Based

The Horton technique was designed with studies to stretch and strengthen different areas of the body. The basic warm up is taught using linear lines: flat backs, lateral stretches, release swings, leg swings and deep lunges. Many of the beginning level studies focuses on the Achilles tendon, the abdominal muscles, and movements that lengthen the spine and the hamstring muscles. Simple combinations of movements are taught to introduce musicality and dynamics.

Contemporary Modern I – Graham-Based

This introductory class in Graham-based Modern technique teaches the basic vocabulary rooted in the contraction and release. This technique divides the class into 3 equal segments: floor-work, standing work in the center and combinations that travel across the floor. The floor-work develops a strong expressive torso as the source of movement. Standing exercises in the center emphasize the use of the leg and the coordination of the legs, arms and torso and oppositional spiral of the torso in relation to the legs. Short combinations in the center and across the floor focus on covering space and shifting weight.

Contemporary Modern II – Horton-Based

This level uses the basic Horton warm-up with more variations. Many of the positions and shapes developed earlier are used in turns, jumps and in combinations of movement. More demanding studies are added which require more stretch. The movements across the floor are longer and require more concentration and focus from the dancers.

Contemporary Modern II – Graham-Based

This level of Graham technique continues to build strength with an awareness of the torso as the center and originator of all movement. Opposition and weight shifts are emphasized, building a stronger movement vocabulary, increased dynamic range and more control. Standing work in the center develops more stamina, balance, control, flexibility and expanded sense of movement through extended combinations.

Contemporary Modern III – Horton-Based

The Horton warm-up now incorporates many complicated and demanding dance phrases. Students selected for this course are expected to demonstrate technical proficiency in modern dance technique. Style, performance, quality, and dynamics are emphasized. Execution of complex rhythmical combinations is required. Correct placement as well as performance style and skill will be emphasized.

Contemporary Modern III – Graham-Based

This level of graham technique will focus on building a stronger movement vocabulary, increased dynamic range and more control. The weight of the body is further explored in combinations from sitting positions and standing work in the center. Longer traveling combinations use difficult rhythms along with more complicated movement phrases that call for dramatic expressiveness, use of weight and musicality.

Contemporary Modern IV – Horton-Based

The combinations of movements across the floor are more complicated musically and technically and challenge the dancers to learn movement quickly. The combinations include material just introduced as well as vocabulary learned in the other levels. The performance aspects of dance are emphasized. The combinations of movements are long, sophisticated movement phrases that require strength, speed and flexibility

Contemporary Modern IV – Graham-Based

Technical skills are honed at this advanced level of Graham technique. Breathing, gathering and releasing of tension is heightened, increasing versatility in the work. Phrases of movement are emphasized throughout the floor—work. More complicated, longer combinations in the center build control and balance while working on and off center. The body now moves as a whole, combined in lengthy combinations as an expressive, dramatic, and technically advanced vocabulary.

Jazz I, II, III

This class combines the excitement of moving in several styles with developing basic technical skills. Warm-up exercises stretch and tone the body while developing proper alignment and body awareness. Short combinations in diverse styles (lyric, blues, hip hop, and Broadway) focus on musicality and the ability to move through space.

World Dance

Students will be educated and exposed to the exchange of ideas and the awareness of dance in all its many forms, such as Hip Hop, West African, Latin Dance, Classical Indian Dance. The class will collaborate with renowned dance artists from various professions to share their areas of expertise with our dancers. In the conclusion of these workshops our students will be able to perform these various dance forms.

Dance History

Students will explore the concepts and historical events that have shaped the development of dance. The research of Western and Non-Western forms will be studied. This course will include lectures, reading, videos, research and term papers.

Dance Composition

This course enables students to explore their individual creativity as well as transition between classroom dancing and pre-professional dance performances. Students will acquire the ability to create short movement phrases, develop improvisational skills and premiere an original piece at the Student Choreographed Concert. Students will serve as dancers, choreographers, stage managers, technicians, and costume designers.

Professional Development

This class will focus on the development of a dancer’s professional career including auditions, resumes, headshots, performing and attending performances. Dancers will research various professional dance companies, both nationally and internationally. Students will be exposed to alternative careers in the field of dance.

Yoga

Our students will gain an understanding of basic breathing exercises and synchronized breath with movement. Yoga class will increase the body’s overall flexibility and strength through a series of exercises that relate the Yoga basics with fundamentals of dance. The students will be able to unlock spinal energy blocks and open the central nervous system through movements of the spine.

Pilates

This course focuses on the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and which are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aim to strengthen the deep torso muscles.