Dance Course Descriptions
Placement auditions determine the student's class level for technique classes. Intermediate, Intermediate Advanced, and Advanced levels are offered to provide for each student's technical needs.
BALLET TECHNIQUE
Technique classes are provided daily with training in the classical idiom drawing from the traditions of Vaganova (Russian), RAD (English), Cechetti (Italian), Bournonville (Danish), and Balanchine techniques in order to best prepare the dancers for the eclectic repertoire of today's dance world. These classes emphasize proper physical placement, alignment, strength, precision, musicality, and artistry. Dancers are placed into levels determined by each dancer's technical needs.
POINTE TECHNIQUE AND VARIATIONS
This class develops a more complex vocabulary "sur la pointe" with an emphasis on strength, alignment, and the special skills required of the female dancer. Classical repertoire is taught in the variations classes.
MEN'S CLASS
This class addresses the technical needs of the male dancer including turns, grand allegro, batterie, strength, and stamina.
PAS DE DEUX
This class provides training in the art of partnering and introduces techniques required for lifts, promenades, and supported pirouettes.
CONTEMPORARY SERIES
This class is comprised of workshops taught by guest instructors. Modern, jazz, ethnic, and other dance styles as well as improvisation and composition are taught to provide the dancers with the skills and versatility needed to compete in today's dance world. Guest artists have included Ruth Andrien (modern), Michael Uthoff (ballet), Stephen Pier (ballet), Laura Glenn (modern), Early Mosley (modern), Janet Gray (jazz), Sandra Kaufmann (modern) and Mary Jo Irbe (jazz).
SEMINAR SERIES
Seminars may include:
Anatomy
Core Strength, Gyrotonics, Pilates
Injury Care and Prevention
Eating Disorders and Nutrition
ENSEMBLE
The Dance Ensemble is the performing company of the division. Dancers develop a professional approach to rehearsals and performance. Whether working in the corps de ballet or as a soloist, they are exposed to a variety of styles, choreographers, and repertoire. Repertoire has included works by George Balanchine, David Parsons, Adam Hougland among other classical and contemporary choreographers.
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Composition Showing and Senior Recital.
These student choreographed concerts, supervised by guest and resident faculty, provide dancers with the opportunity to develop their choreographic skills and gain experience in other areas of dance production.
GENERAL DANCE
Grades 9-12
This course may be taken for Physical Education Credit
First and Second semester
.50 credit each semester, class meets daily
This class is designed for students with other arts emphasis who have had little or no exposure to dance. The students become acquainted with basic dance technique in ballet, modern, and jazz.
CREDITS
Dance majors may earn a maximum of 2.5 fine arts credits per semester.
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