BALLET

What is ballet? - Ballet is an academic dance form and technique that is taught in ballet schools according to specific methods. There are many ballet schools around the world that specialize in various styles of ballet and offer different techniques. Works of dance choreographed using this technique are called ballets, and usually include dance, mime, acting, and music (usually orchestral but occasionally vocal). Ballet is best known for its unique features and techniques, such as pointe work, turn-out of the legs; its graceful, flowing, precise movements; and its ethereal qualities. {Wikipedia. Ballet. [Online] Available http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballet December 23, 2007.}

Ballet 1 – The purpose of this class is to familiarize the students with basic Ballet techniques.  Flexibility and strength will be developed in order to prepare the student with demands of the Ballet 1 class. No experience is necessary to take this class.

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BELLY DANCE

What is belly dance? - Belly dance is a Western name for an Arabic style of dance developed in the Middle East. Some American devotees refer to it simply as "Middle Eastern Dance". {Wikipedia. Belly Dance [Online] Available http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belly_dance December 23, 2007}  Belly dance is an exciting art that when done correctly, makes the student feel very secure physically, mentally and spiritually. Belly dance helps to tone muscle, increase flexibility, resistance and molds abdomen, hips and waist. This is all achieved in an elegant and relaxed way.

Belly Dance 1 – This class is for beginner students that are sure that belly dance is an art that they would like to pursue. The student will learn general isolations, basic arms work and exercises.  This progressive class, will work on perfecting the basic techniques of belly dancing and prepare the students to complete a simple dance routine. No experience is necessary to take this class.

FLAMENCO

What is Flamenco? Originally from Andalucía, the southern region of Spain, flamenco is a highly-expressive art that consists of three major parts; Cante (singing), Baile (dance), Guitarra (guitar).  Modernly, other instruments are also used.  Flamenco dance is typically a solo dance, known for its, polka dots, passionate faces, fluid hand movements, and foot stomping.  Castanets, fans, shawls, and dresses with long trains can also be used while dancing flamenco. While flamenco dancers invest a considerable amount of study and practice into their art form, the ultimate goal is to be able to improvise dancing multiple flamenco rhythms with various levels of difficulty.

Flamenco 1 & 1B - This class is for beginner students that are sure that flamenco is an art that they would like to pursue. The student will learn, practice and refine braceo (arm work), floreo (hand movements), zapateado (footwork), compas(rhythm knowledge), palmas (rhythmic clapping), and more.  This is a progressive class and will consist of comprehension and level advancement testing upon completion of the Spring semester. Those attending this class during the Fall semester will be learning a Level 1 dance routine to perform at the Student Showcase. Most classes have live guitar and/or percussion accompaniment. No experience is necessary to take Flamenco 1.  Completion of Flamenco 1 for at least 3 months is required to move into Flamenco 1B

Flamenco 2­­ - This class for students who have completed Flamenco 1 & 1B and have passed the Level 1 advancement test.  Students in this level will have mastered the tasks listed in the Alegria Flamenco Syllabus. Mastering various intermediate techniques such as vueltas (turns), a repertoire of various marcajes (marking combinations), and much more is the goal in this class. A copy of the syllabus is available upon request. Students will be preparing for the Level 2 Advancement test. 

Flamenco Communication & Cuadro – Bulerias & Tangos are the most common form of flamenco rhythm (palo) that is/should be improvised and danced at flamenco parties (juergas/penas).  Bulerias  & Tangos are very animated, festive and fast! This palo can be considered as an obscurity for most students as they just “don’t know what to do!” This class is meant to create a basis of understanding of the language of improvisation.  Students will learn a repertoire of salidas, marcajes, respiros, llamadas, remates, estribillos and more – all necessary for completing an improvised dance.  Students will also begin to learn how to create their own elements. Understanding the letra, practicing jaleo, incorporating attitude and playing palmas will also be a vital part of this class.  This class is open to any level.  Only those with positive, supportive attitudes will be permitted to attend this class.  Most classes will have live guitar, singing and/or percussion accompaniment.

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MODERN

• What is Modern Dance? At the turn of the 20th century, many dance artists, such as Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham, were beginning to rebel against the constraints of classical ballet. They wished for a dance form where emotions, feelings and ideas could be readily expressed, and were more important than tricks and technical virtuosity. Modern dance is a concert dance form that was born out of a rebellion against classical ballet and emphasizes the creative process in both choreography and performance. Despite this statement, there are rules in modern dance; there is technique and craft, however, most modern dancers don't usually have any qualms about breaking them when necessary. {Indiana University. What is Modern Dance? [Online] Available http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/3287.html?emailID=0 December 25, 2007}

  Modern – In this class, students will learn and explore modern dance techniques.  Many of these techniques are ballet techniques, but will be taught in a more contemporary manner.  Students will learn muscle control, body contractions, and how to properly curve of the spine.  Some partnering may be incorporated to encourage contact improvisation. Flexibility and muscle control will also be emphasized, which is helpful in all forms of dance.  This class is extremely helpful if students are interested in cross training in other genres of dance. No experience is necessary to take this class.  On occasion, this class may have live percussion accompaniment.

  
  

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• YOGA - Not currently in session

  What is Yoga? While Yoga evolved as a spiritual practice, in the West it has grown popular as a form of purely physical exercise. Some Western practice has little or nothing to do with Hinduism or spirituality, but is simply a way of keeping fit and healthy. This differs from the traditional Eastern view of yoga. Yoga was first introduced to American society in the late nineteenth century by Swami Vivekananda, the founder of the Vedanta Society.[citation needed] He believed that India has an abundance of spiritual wealth and that yoga is a method that could help those who were bound by the materialism of capitalist societies to achieve spiritual well-being. {Wikipedia. Yoga as Exercise. [Online] Available http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga_as_exercise December 31, 2007}

  Yoga – This class will consist of learning various yoga postures, deep relaxation, breathing techniques and meditation. Though this is an open and ongoing beginner’s class, students of all levels are welcome. Each student is encouraged to practice at their own level of comfort. Students will work on flexibility, strength, endurance and balance. Licensed yoga instructor.

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