DANCE
Lower School – Ballet Technique and Traditions (Sections A and B)
Upper School – Ballet Technique and History (Sections A and B)
The study of Classical Ballet has long been considered intrinsic to the foundation of quality dance training and education. Ballet’s beauty and grace alone provide an inspiration for study; however, the structural support provided by ballet for all forms of dance make it a vital component to any program. Ballet at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts largely follows the terminology and structure of the Russian Vaganova Syllabus, although similarities and differences to French and Italian schools are presented.
Ballet courses include an evaluation of the natural body alignment of each student compared to proper placement for dance training. A conditioning plan is developed for each student based on this evaluation. An emphasis on correct dance and anatomical terminology, as well as principles of kinesiology specific to dance, body, foot, and arm positions is integral to successful Ballet training. Historical perspectives are explored through teacher and student created lessons.
Lower School – Tap, Rhythm and Structures (Sections A and B)
Upper School – Rhythm Tap (Sections A and B)
Tap in the Lower School introduces and emphasizes the eight basic movements from which all tap steps are derived. Through teacher prepared combinations and student creation of their own movement patterns, students learn about rhythm, proper use of the foot, weight change, and posture. Tap also promotes great physical conditioning and development of fine motor skills. Tap’s place in dance history and society is explored in all tap courses.
Rhythm Tap, originally just called, “Tap” is at the very root of American Tap dance and is offered in the Upper School. Influenced by African-American, Irish Step, and Spanish Flamenco dancers of the early twentieth century, Rhythm Tap is a product of these dancers moving to urban areas and responding to the noise and pace of the city, particularly New York. As a predecessor to Broadway or Show Tap and Flash Tap, it has re-emerged in popularity thanks to artists such as Savion Glover and shows such as Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk. The emphasis is on the sounds that dancers are making or, what each dancer is saying with his or her feet. Improvisation is integral and an understanding of rhythmic structures develops as a part of studying tap.
(Note: Tap is an excellent elective for percussion students.)
Lower School – Dance Technique and Artistry (Sections A and B)
Dance Technique and Artistry explores two of the main components of dancing; it is the “how” and “why” of what we do when we are dancing. Dancing requires physical skills that are both similar and different from other physical activities. The technical part of class prepares young bodies for safe dance practices in any dance form. However, there is a certain “something” extra when we dance, a sort of magical component that also needs to be practiced and honed -- artistry. The “why” and “what” we do while dancing. The artistry part of class provides students with opportunities to explore their own artistry as well as artistic study using traditional methods.
Studies about space, time, energy, and creative movement prepare the students for a technical unit in Modern dance. Following the Modern dance unit will be a unit of Ballet including storytelling through dance. A small section of jazz dancing in the spring will combine many of the concepts touched upon earlier in the year.
Upper School – Technique and Jazz
Technique and Jazz is a unique course that provides students with an opportunity to develop and strengthen dance technique outside of a classical ballet class. Group and individual instruction is designed based on the students’ specific areas of need. Combined with a jazz class that explores many styles of jazz dancing, novice and experienced dancers enjoy the excitement of jazz dancing while developing their dance technique. Connections are made between the improvisational aspect of jazz music and jazz dancing.
Upper School – Broadway and Stage Dance
Musical theatre training is offered in the Upper School in a course called Broadway and Stage Dance. Broadway and Stage Dance meets the needs of the dance/music/theatre student with a strong interest in dance. Preparing a “triple threat” as musical theatre artist have been called, requires training in all three areas. Students explore theatre dance training in a variety of styles, time periods, and genres, with an emphasis on singing and acting while dancing.
Upper School – Modern Dance
The foundation of modern dance lies within the inspiration and the theory supporting the movement. Movement theories such as, “fall and recovery”, “contract and release”, “folding and unfolding”, as developed by modern dance pioneers such as Doris Humphrey, Martha Graham, and Jose Limon are explored through a modern dance technique class. Specific style or technique of modern may vary each year depending on instructor.
Dance Program Notes:
Students participate in a placement exam at the onset of the school year. Placement in courses with more than one section is determined by experience and ability and is at the sole discretion of the Dance Department Chair. Consistent and sequential training appropriate for each student’s age and ability are of primary concern. It is not unusual for a student to remain in the same section for more than one year; repetition is an important and necessary component of dance training. Elements of improvisation, composition, choreography, and individual expression will be explored in each course.
E-Mail: dance@palcs.org |
