CLASS DESCRIPTIONS |
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The Ballet Program
Pre-Ballet Nothing is more natural for a young child than to dance! Pre-Ballet is for young dancers ages 5 - 7 who wish to study ballet. This first year of ballet is what you may think of as a traditional ballet class and the first year of a ballet syllabus. This class is an hour long, set to classical music. Dancers learn the 5 positions of the feet, basic barre exercises of plie', battement tendu, rond de jamb, and discipline and control of the body. Students study for 1/2 hour at the barre and 1/2 hour in the center and traveling across the floor.
Ballet 1 Students in Ballet 1 are on their way to becoming ballerinas. This class is for beginning students ages 7 and up or younger dancers promoted from Pre-Ballet. Students learn barre exercises, center adagio and allegro work, as well as traveling steps. They also learn corresponding vocabulary for each exercise, studio etiquette, and each exercise in its simplest form with emphasis on correct alignment, posture, and correct turning out of the legs.
Beginning Repertory Beginning Repertory allows students to explore and study classical ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, and The Nutcracker Suite by learning age and level-appropriate children’s parts from these ballets. They also learn and study original choreography set by Michele Major. Students in Beginning Repertory also study and present BNWA’s educational programs in the public schools. These programs are designed to educate school children in classical ballet. Beginning Repertory students also have the opportunity to perform in senior centers, at community events, and in special pieces in the all-school performance in June.
Ballet 1b Ballet
1B is the second half of Ballet 1. Basic skills are solidified
and the students begin learning more advanced forms of the simple
exercises learned in Ballet 1.
Ballet 2 This class is for students promoted from Ballet 1B. Dancers are expected to maintain correct posture and alignment while executing a complete barre. Center exercises include more complex adagio exercises, a variety of jumps, and more advanced traveling steps.
Intermediate Repertory Intermediate Repertory allows students to continue their study of classical ballet by learning level-appropriate children’s parts from classical ballets. Students may study parts from Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, or The Nutcracker Suite, plus original choreography set by Michele Major. Intermediate Repertory students also have the opportunity to study and perform BNWA’s educational programs in the public schools. These programs feature young dancers and are designed to educate school children in classical ballet. Intermediate Repertory students also have the opportunity to perform at community events and senior centers, as well as in special pieces in the all-school performance in June.
Ballet 2b Ballet 2B is the second half of Ballet 2. More emphasis is placed on balance and students begin the study of elementary turns. Dancers begin studying pre-pointe exercises in preparation for going on pointe in Ballet 3.
Pre-Pointe Pre-Pointe is designed to prepare dancers in Ballet 2B and 3 for the study of pointe work. This class emphasizes strengthening exercises for the legs and feet. Dancers learn about pointe shoes, how to properly affix and tie pointe shoe ribbons, and proper foot care.
Pilates Developed in the 1920s by Joseph H. Pilates, the Pilates Method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. Not surprisingly, some of the first people to use the Pilates Method were dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine.
Ballet 3 Ballet 3 is the first intermediate year and is full of new challenges. Dancers study many kinds of turns, complex allegro including beginning batterie, adagio exercises requiring a great amount of strength and balance on one leg, and many traveling steps.
Pointe 1 In this class, dancers begin the study of pointe work. This is typically a very exciting milestone in a young dancer's training but done improperly can result in life long-injuries. When done properly, however, the dancer achieves the heights of technical mastery.
Advanced Repertory Advanced Repertory dancers learn variations and corps work from classical ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Gisele, Swan Lake, Coppelia, Don Quixote and The Nutcracker Suite, plus, original choreography set by Michele Major. This kind of study helps dancers to better understand what they must accomplish in technique classes by challenging them to use their technique in complex repertory. Advanced Repertory is essential for the career-minded dancer, as it prepares dancers for some of the demands that will be placed on them should they perform professionally. Advanced Repertory students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of community venues, including community events, school shows, and special BNWA events. In addition, Advanced Repertory students are eligible for special parts in the all-school performance in June.
Character Character dance introduces students to another aspect of classical ballet – the folk-inspired dances from many nations that are often incorporated into classical repertory. Dancers study polonaise, mazurka, tarantella, and other historical and ethnic dances. Studying character is not only a lot of fun, but it prepares career minded dancers for some of the dance forms they will encounter as members of a corps de ballet.
Ballet 4 Dancers study grand pirouettes and continue to refine other types of turns. Ballet 4 allegro work includes batterie, grand sissone, grand jete, and entrelace. Pointe work becomes more advanced and includes elementary turns. One or two simple pointe variations may be studied when the students have reached the level of technique which is required by the variation.
Pointe 2 Girls continue their study of pointe work, including releve, pas de bourree, and echappe as well as assemble, glissade, jete (pique) and sissone to the pointe. Dancers study pirouettes from 5th, 2nd, and 4th positions. One or two classical variations may be incorporated into the class work as the dancers master the skills necessary to execute simple variations.
Ballet 5 Dancers are expected to perform all turns and jumps with ease and aplomb. Students apply their technique to more advanced combinations, refine transitions, and begin to become versatile performers. Pointe work includes turns and classical variations.
Pointe 3 Girls continue their study of pointe work, with emphasis on advanced technique. Classical variations may be incorporated into the class work as the dancers master the skills necessary to execute simple variations.
Ballet 6-8 Dancers in these levels refine their technique and begin mastering performing skills required for professional companies. Classical variations are studied extensively, and dancers begin the study of partnering. The Adult Program
Teen/Adult Ballet The Adult Ballet program is a complete program with classes from beginning through advanced. The Adult Program is for both teens and adults who have minimal to no background in ballet and for students with a ballet background who would like to continue their training and maintain strength and flexibility. Each student will be challenged at their individual technique level. These classes use the Vaganova syllabus to create and build a foundation in ballet enabling students to continue to advance. Ballet is a great way to improve posture, flexibility, muscle tone, and coordination.
Teen/Adult Hip Hop is a high-energy and exciting class that uses the latest sounds in rap, R&B and pop music, together with movements influenced by some of today’s hottest video choreographers. You will learn fundamental moves and various routines of hip hop dance while grooving to the latest music and beats. This class provides a fun and challenging workout for all adults.
Teen/Adult Jazz The Adult classes are for adults who are looking to add some fun and physical exercise to their life. We have back-to-back 7 - 8 week sessions in Ballet, Jazz and Tap. We also have Teen/Adult Ballet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each adult will be challenged at their individual technique level. This class uses contemporary dance styles to create and build a foundation in contemporary dance technique. This class is a great way to improve posture, flexibility, muscle tone, and coordination.
Teen/Adult Tap The Adult classes are for adults who are looking to add some fun and physical exercise to their life. We have back-to-back 7 - 8 week sessions in Ballet, Jazz and Tap. We also have Teen/Adult Ballet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each adult will be challenged at their individual technique level. This class uses contemporary dance styles to create and build a foundation in contemporary dance technique. This class is a great way to improve posture, flexibility, muscle tone, and coordination. |
The Beginning Years
Creative Dance
Music and Dance
Intro Tap/Jazz Intro Tap/Jazz is the combination of two heart-pumping, energetic and upbeat styles of dance. This class gives students ages 5 - 7 the foundation they need in both Tap dance and Jazz dance. In the tap portion of class, dancers explore rhythm and coordinated movement through basic tap exercises and combinations. The jazz portion of class gives the students an energetic warm-up and stretching session, followed by jazz steps including combinations across the floor. Intro Tap/Jazz Intro offers students a great workout as they explore these complimentary dance techniques.
Intro Jazz / Hip Hop is a high-energy and exciting class that uses the latest sounds in rap, R&B and pop music, together with movements influenced by some of today’s hottest video choreographers. Intro Jazz /Hip Hop is for new students ages 5 -7. Students 7-9 would begin in either Jazz 1 or Hip Hop 1. Students learn fundamental moves and various routines of hip hop dance while grooving to the latest music and beats. This class provides a fun and challenging workout for all beginning students. While no previous training is required, classes will use basic body isolations found in other technique classes. The Contemporary Dance Program
Contemporary Choreography 1 Students study and learn the latest dance choreography. Both original and existing choreography from the latest styles of dance will be taught to the students. Students will then have the opportunity to perform in the community at festivals, fairs, public schools, and special events.
Jazz 1 Jazz dance is fun and upbeat style of American theatrical dance. Jazz 1 is for new students ages 7 - 9, students promoted from Intro Tap/Jazz or that have one year experience in Jazz. Jazz is a style of dance that is set to contemporary music and has a strong ballet technique foundation. Each class offers a thorough warm-up including technique exercises, isolations, and stretching. Dancers learn kicks, turns and leaps across the floor, as well as combinations.
Musical Theatre 1 Dancing and Singing! Musical Theatre combines the elements of tap, jazz, ballet and folk dance to form a character-based dance that is full of smiles and fun. Dancers will enjoy learning choreography inspired by great musicals such as Annie or Suessical, MUCH MORE! Your level of Musical Theatre corresponds to your highest level of Tap, Jazz or Hip Hop in which you are currently enrolled. The performing class for this class is Contemporary Chorepgraphy 1/2.
Tap 1 Tap dance is also a fun and exciting style of American theatrical dance. Tap 1 is for new students ages 7 - 9 or students promoted from Intro Tap/Jazz. Students will gain knowledge of basic tap vocabulary and steps. Shuffles, flaps, flap heel, scuffles, running flaps, and riffs will be refreshed for the student who participated in the Introduction to tap and jazz. Maxi-fords, Irish, buffalos and beginning time steps will be taught. Across the floor combinations and preparation for pullbacks and wings will be introduced as well.
Hip Hop 1 Get Pump'd up in Hip Hop 1 learning the hottest new dance moves from your favorite hip hop/R&B/pop music film clips and original choreography.
Contemporary Choreography 2 Students study and learn the latest dance choreography. Both original and existing choreography from the latest styles of dance will be taught to the students. Students will then have the opportunity to perform in the community at festivals, fairs, public schools, and special events.
Jazz 2 Jazz 2 is for new students ages 9 or older, students promoted from Jazz I or that have 2 year experience in Jazz. Students will be introduced to basic/intermediate turns and leaps, as well as continuous across the floor and center combinations to expand dance vocabulary and ability. Beginning turns include Chaines, Pique preparations, Pirouette preparations and turns, and pencil turns. Leaps include grand jete, a la seconde, and stag. There will be a strong emphasis on working in a parallel position, rather than a turned out position, so that dancers become diverse in their training and aware of their body alignment.
Musical Theatre 2 Elements of tap, jazz, ballet and folk dance combine to form a character-based dance. Dancers will be exposed to the music and dance stylings of great Broadway musicals like Cats, Annie, Chicago and much, MUCH MORE! Your level of Musical Theatre corresponds to your highest level of Tap, Jazz or Hip Hop in which you are currently enrolled. The performing class for this class is Contemporary Chorepgraphy 1/2.
Tap 2 Tap 2 is for new students ages 9 or older, students promoted from Tap 1 or that have 2 year experience in Tap. Students in this level should be confident in their knowledge of basic steps and comfortable travailing across the floor in various combinations of basic steps. New steps covered will be double and triple time steps both buck and with a shuffle. Pullbacks will be done traveling across the floor and off-set pullbacks will be taught. Wings and toe stands will be taught as well as various turning combinations.
Hip Hop 2 This is an intermediate hip hop dance class for new students ages 10 and older or students promoted from Hip Hop 1 who understand basic musicality, body isolations, and choreography . Students in Hip Hop 2 begin to explore more complicated rhythms and combinations as well as sophisticated body isolations, floor work, and elements of break dancing to expand their dance vocabulary and ability. While no previous training is required, classes will use basic body isolations found in other technique classes.
Jazz 3 Intermediate/ advanced turns will be introduced, as well as complex rhythmic variations and advanced flexibility. Students will be expected to have a firm grasp on being able to work both parallel and turned out, and should be able to demonstrate each. Turns include double pirouettes and pique turns, soutenu, axel and attitude turns as well as fouettes. Leaps include switch leaps, grand jete, a la seconde, turning leaps, and multiple leap combinations.
Musical Theatre 3 Elements of tap, jazz, ballet and folk dance combine to form a character-based dance. Dancers will be exposed to the music and dance stylings of great Broadway musicals like Cats, Annie, Chicago and much, MUCH MORE! Your level of Musical Theatre corresponds to your highest level of Tap, Jazz or Hip Hop in which you are currently enrolled. The performing class for this class is Contemporary Chorepgraphy 1/2.
Tap 3 Tap 3 is for students promoted from Tap 2 or that have 3 years experience in Tap. Students in this level should be very comfortable with all time steps done in secession. Wings and pullbacks should be mastered. Students should be confident in their abilities as a tap dancer and comfortable performing. Steps covered will be turning combinations across the floor, one foot wings, changing pullbacks, and various tap combinations to develop muscle memory, speed and clarity in sounds. All level 3 dancers in this class need to have teacher approval to enroll in this level.
Hip Hop 3 This is an advanced Hip Hop class for students who have taken the prior classes in the Hip Hop program, and have been promoted by their teacher. This class uses complex rhythms in connection with advanced body alignment to explore popping, locking, and tricks involved in basic break dancing. Students will be able to perform a variety of hip hop styles from flow to pop. Choreography lessons vary each class to prepare the student for the fast paced world of Hip Hop Dance.
Contemporary Choreography 4 Students study and learn the latest dance choreography. Both original and existing choreography from the latest styles of dance will be taught to the students. Students will then have the opportunity to perform in the community at festivals, fairs, public schools, and special events.
Jazz 4
Musical Theatre 4 Elements of tap, jazz, ballet and folk dance combine to form a character-based dance. Dancers will be exposed to the music and dance stylings of great Broadway musicals like Cats, Annie, Chicago and much, MUCH MORE! Your level of Musical Theatre corresponds to your highest level of Tap, Jazz or Hip Hop in which you are currently enrolled. The performing class for this class is Contemporary Chorepgraphy 3/4.
Tap 4/5 Tap Dance is a style of American theatrical dance which is distinguished by percussive footwork that marks out precise rhythmic patterns on the floor. Tap dance is an exciting way to explore rhythm while improving coordination and fitness. Tap class includes warm-up exercises, tap technique, and combinations to challenge the dancers. Tap is a nice compliment to jazz dance and a great enrichment for ballet dancers.
Advanced Hip Hop This is an advanced Hip Hop class for students who have taken the prior classes in the Hip Hop program, and have been promoted by their teacher. This class uses complex rhythms in connection with advanced body alignment to explore popping, locking, and tricks involved in basic break dancing. Students will be able to perform a variety of hip hop styles from flow to pop. Choreography lessons vary each class to prepare the student for the fast paced world of Hip Hop Dance. The performing class for this class is Contemporary Chorepgraphy 5.
Modern Modern Dance allows dancers to explore movement concepts such as contract and release, spiral, and fall and recover. There are many modern techniques, and at BNWA, we start dancers out with a Graham-based class based on the teachings of modern dance pioneer, Martha Graham. Once students have a foundation in basic modern movement, they explore different styles, including the most current styles. |
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