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Programs :: Main Street Schedule :: Studio B Schedule :: Playhouse Studio Schedule

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Programs

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Young Children's Program

The Young Children’s Program at the Conservatory includes Dance for 3’s (for 3 year old students) and three progressive levels of Pre-ballet (for 4 to 7 year olds). These classes expose students to the joy of dance through movement games, creative exercises, exploration of dance styles and an introduction to movement vocabulary. They flourish in a positive atmosphere of self-discovery while learning a curriculum that introduces the basic concepts of ballet, promotes musicality and rhythm, and instructs foundational and fundamental dance techniques.

Ballet Program

Ballet Technique classes (for students age 8 to adult) are the foundation for training at the Conservatory and focus on developing a solid ballet technique with emphasis on understanding correct body placement, proper use of turn out, coordination of the upper body (epaulement), and use of arms (port de bras). The Conservatory's unique syllabus exposes students to aspects of traditional Vaganova (Russian), Cecchetti (Italian), and American techniques. Class begins with work at the barre to build strength and coordination, followed by center exercises, culminating in a grand allegro combination or variation. Clear explanations of exercises and theory help students use the ballet vocabulary in a simple, practical way that leads to increased technical understanding, healthy physical development, and lifelong enjoyment.

Students 11 and older with strong ballet technique, sufficient core and ankle strength, and a teacher's recommendation go on to study 'en pointe'. Students with strong pointe technique may study Pas de Deux, where they learn the fundamentals of Classical Ballet partnering.

Advanced students of the Ballet Program (age 12 and up) may audition for the Conservatory’s pre-professional ballet company: Ridgefield Civic Ballet.

Modern Dance Program

Modern Dance (or Contemporary Dance) appeals to the creative, artistic soul in everyone because of its expressiveness and freedom of individuality. The Conservatory’s Modern Dance classes (for students 8 and up) introduce students to elements of Horton, Graham, & Limon techniques and focus on movement from the inside out, encouraging use of breath, energy, and connection. A warm up of breath and energy work, followed by exercises that emphasize extension, release, weight, momentum, and force, culminate in long movement phrases and improvisation exercises that playfully explore movement possibilities. The goal is to develop strong, versatile dancers that can intelligently handle any dance style.

Advanced students of the Modern Dance Program (age 12 and up) may audition for the Conservatory’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble.

Jazz Dance Program

Jazz is a dance form that appeals to everyone because of its energy, variety, and vitality. Jazz Dance classes (which students can begin at age 8) explore contemporary and classic jazz dance, rooted in the vernacular (social dance) forms, that draws inspiration from a wide range of music including jazz, swing, blues, pop, soul and funk. The class begins with a warm-up to develop strength, flexibility, correct alignment and coordination, followed by progressions across the floor, and culminates in extended dance combinations. The movement explores a range of styles in both lyrical and percussive disciplines with a focus on jazz elements such as isolations, swing, and rhythm. The goal is to develop dancers who are expressive, dynamic, musical and passionate.

Advanced students of the Jazz Dance Program (age 12 and up) may audition for the Conservatory’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble.

Tap Dance Program

Tap Dance is a timeless art that combines dance and percussion. Tap dancers in musicals, movies, television, commercials, and concerts inspire us with their infectious rhythms. Tap Dance classes (for students 8 and up) explore the two traditions of rhythm tap (hoofing) and Broadway tap. Class begins with warm up exercises in the center that increase control, coordination, and rhythm, followed by across the floor exercises that teach dynamics, shading, phrasing, and musicality, concluding with extended rhythmic phrases and improvisation exercises. The goal is to develop tap dancers that are equally strong musicians, dancers, and performers.

Contemporary Dance Ensemble

The Contemporary Dance Ensemble is a pre-professional company, founded in 2001, made up of advanced modern and jazz students at the Conservatory. Admission into the company is by audition only. Past performances include the Jazz Dance World Congress in Chicago, opening for the Parsons Dance Company, DanceFest 2005, 2006, & 2007 at the Rich Forum in Stamford, Dance Invitational 2006 with Battleworks Dance Company at Purchase College, Dance Invitational 2007 with Buglisi Dance Theatre, Not Another Nutcracker at the Ridgefield Playhouse, Connecticut Dance Alliance State Festival at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, at the Arts Hall in New Haven, and various outreach performances.

Ridgefield Civic Ballet

Ridgefield Civic Ballet is a pre-professional company in residence at the Conservatory. Acceptance is by audition only and open to all dancers, regardless of whether they are Conservatory students. The Ridgefield Civic Ballet performs annually in the Nutcracker at the Ridgefield Playhouse and several outreach performances. Past performances include for the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company in New York City, at DanceSpace in New York City, and at area hospitals and community centers.

Summer Programs

The Conservatory offers an excellent line up of summer dance classes, workshops and intensives. For information on our Summer Programs for 2008 click here: Summer Programs.

Kripalu Yoga

Kripalu Yoga classes begin with warm-up movements and breath awareness to prepare you for yoga postures. The heart of each class is a sequence of postures that stretch, strengthen, and balance your body. Each class ends with deep relaxation and meditation. Class levels range from gentle to vigorous. Why practice kripalu yoga? For your body . . .stretch and tone muscles, release chronic tension, de-stress & refresh. For your mind . . .calm restless thoughts, cultivate concentration, support mental clarity & confidence. For your spirit . . .encourage self-acceptance, honor inner wisdom, invite deep peace.

Hip Hop Program

In addition to being a lot of fun, Hip Hop (for students 10 years old and adult) helps dancers develop body coordination, self expression, and cardiovascular health. Drawing from popular urban culture and music, Hip Hop is a great class for both beginner and experienced dancers.

Photo courtesy of Gene Schiavone.