The ballet curriculum is designed to develop strength and flexibility through a pure classical technique. This technique ultimately gives a dancer the greatest freedom and facility to pursue his or her own personal expression, and to adapt to the eclectic repertoires found in dance companies today. At each level, a schedule of classes has been created to develop the physical and technical strength that propel a student toward artistic growth. Appropriate performance opportunities further provide the challenge necessary for a young dancer to develop confidence and stage presence.
All students wishing to concentrate in ballet will be auditioned by the professional faculty and placed in the appropriate program of classes according to their level of strength and technical ability.
All ballet students receive two to three daily ballet classes, which include a ballet technique class of up to two hours’ duration. Depending on level, dancers are required to take appropriate classes in pointe, varia–tions, men’s virtuosity, modern dance, jazz, choreography, Spanish dance, pedagogy, yoga, and Pilates therapeutic exercise.
Special Topics is a lecture-and-discussion course that allows exploration of important areas of concern and interest to dancers, such as dance history, health and nutrition, résumés and auditioning, etc. Students have input as to the topics discussed each year, and some outside reading and research are required.
Special projects in areas such as choreography and dance pedagogy may be undertaken by seniors on an independent study basis for additional credit. Seniors electing to do an independent study project for extra credit must have a supervising faculty member and permission of the Director.
At the advanced levels, performing is considered an intrinsic part of the training and is therefore required of students. Rehearsals and performance preparation are in addition to all regularly scheduled ballet classes.
The Ballet Department offers instruction in a variety of styles, including ballet, modern dance, and jazz, to bal–let students and other arts students alike. Classes for non-ballet students are offered as electives and are not for credit.
Classes
Advanced I Ballet Technique Advanced II Ballet Technique Advanced III Ballet Technique Advanced I Pointe and Variations Advanced II Pointe and Variations Men’s Virtuosity Technique Intermediate Modern Advanced I Modern Advanced II Modern Choreography Special Topics Jazz Pedagogy Pilates Therapeutic Exercise
Open Division Dance
Ballet and modern dance courses are offered in the Open Division to anyone who is not a ballet student. These courses are intended for any student who wishes dance instruction but is not ready for, or prepared to make the commitment to, the full ballet concentration. Classes are held in the late afternoon and early evening hours. This class is a full-year commitment. No credit is earned.
