Curriculum

Class Descriptions

TECHNIQUE

A cornerstone of our approach is strong technical training. Our highly regarded faculty brings a rich overview of perspectives to their teaching, and gifted musicians accompany each class.

CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUE

Classes in contemporary technique are physically demanding and artistically stimulating. Teachers use sound anatomical practices to encourage strength, stamina, flexibility, versatility, musicality, dynamics, and phrasing. The class begins with work at the barre or centre work, followed by movement across the floor, including a variety of jumps, and finishes with a vigorous high energy dance phrase.

Emphasis is on strong technique as a base from which to build expansive movement qualities and confident performance. In this exciting and inspiring atmosphere dancers will improve technically and grow artistically.

CARDIO/CONDITIONING

As an adjunct to their Contemporary technique class, students participate in Cardio/Conditioning sessions which emphasize the development of strength, power, flexibility, endurance, and coordination.

GRAHAM TECHNIQUE

Graham Technique is derived from the work of American modern dance pioneer, Martha Graham. These classes provide dancers with an understanding and an experience of the use of the basic movement principles of contraction/release and spiral, beginning in the body's centre and radiating into its extremities. One of the most dramatic of modern dance techniques, the Graham movement vocabulary has tremendous power and expressive potential. Each class begins with breath-related exercises seated on the floor, and it progresses through codified floorwork to standing work, complex movement phrases travelling through space, and jumping.

COACHING

A hands-on experience for the dancer, this class clarifies principles and exercises that have been introduced in the Graham technique classes.

REPERTORY/NEW CREATION

Dancers work with gifted choreographers learning set repertory or participating in a new creation.  Working towards performances is one of the most challenging and fulfilling experiences of a dancer’s training.  In this highly dynamic, athletic, and physical class, dancers will expand their performance potential, their interpretive skills, and their power of expression.