 | ||||
| ||||
The Basic Philosophy - Our goal is to offer a comprehensive education in the performing arts. By giving students a taste of the three areas of Music, Theatre and Dance, and by including Art history that they can relate to their academic history studies, they receive the benefit of an education that is both enjoyable, and useful for their futures. Two major ideas are at the core of this curriculum: First, that arts education must include a balance of classical instruction and creative exploration. We are committed to offering correct and thorough training, and we also believe that the performing arts are a valuable outlet for developing and disciplining creativity. Second, students learn from teachers, from themselves, and from other students. Lesson plans and class schedules encourage students to continue with individual study and also foster mentoring relationships between students and between classes. Students take an active role in their own education, and are given many opportunities to direct their own study according to their interests.Ballet – Our Ballet program offers students an intensive study of Classical Ballet, using the Vaganova Technique. Students are taught the correct way to use their bodies to avoid injury. Students are evaluated individually on their physical skill and learning level for class placement. Spring sessions combine levels, so that students are challenged alternately by (a) being exposed to combinations and teaching speed that is one level higher than their present level, and by (b) being at the “top” of the class, where they are challenged to improve grace, style and execution, rather than just working on “getting the combination”. Boys Ballet, girls Pointe training, and private study are also available to supplement the ballet program.ModernDance – Students begin their dance studies with Modern Dance. A classical art form of the 20th century, modern dance offers a physically challenging technique study and also utilizes the student’s innate creativity, as it offers an unparalleled outlet for creative expression. Modern dance captures the creative child in each of us, and develops it into an artist and an athlete. Material includes works and exercises from the techniques of Martha Graham, Isadora Duncan, Garth Fagan, Alvin Ailey, as well as my own choreography.Music – the music program is designed as a comprehensive survey of music, and an introductory music literacy program. This gives dancers and actors the ability to read and work competently with music in the theatre. It also gives all students a general understanding of music and rhythm, enabling them to read a hymnal or libretto. This music program gives students an introduction to styles, genres and instruments, which may inspire them to learn to play an instrument. Introductory violin classes are also available for students who wish to try out an instrument in a small group setting.Acting – the acting program is designed to teach students to observe others and explore within themselves to create and portray characters effectively and believably. They are taught not only how to act, but how to improvise, to audition, and to be comfortable onstage. Technical Theatre – Through classroom teaching and hands-on projects, students learn how the theatre works from “behind the scenes”. Each performance offers a different learning experience and students are welcome to take Production classes as many times as they like.Recital - We have no "revue". All class time is spent on learning and improving technique. Students who wish to perform are encouraged to participate in our Charity Productions. These offer a more professional experience of rehearsal and performance and do not take away from class time. Audition announcements are also posted regularly for other performance opportunities including University productions, community theatre and the like.Complete class descriptions and schedules are available by request.
