Holiday Princess Tea Parties

   What could be better than an after-Christmas Princess Tea Party! Bring your little princess to one of three special shows on Wednesday, December 26, at Ballet Long Island in Ronkonkoma! It's the perfect treat for a dad to give the young ladies in his life..or for grandparents to enjoy with the grandchildren.
   Located in Ronkonkoma on Pond Road, these Princess Tea Parties feature a performance by our dancing Princesses, including Cinderella, Snow White, and The Little Mermaid, as well as time for pictures and a cupcake, cookies and lemonade or iced tea in our party room. Dress up like a princess, in your favorite party clothes, or just come comfortably! It's a great place to go for affordable family fun the day after Christmas. 1pm, 2pm and 3pm seatings. Buy your tickets HERE to make sure there is room for you!

Day After Christmas Princess Tea Party

Performing live on stage Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty,The Little Mermaid and more.Bring your camera to take your own photos with the characters. After the performance join the Princesses and their friends for a Tea Party.
 All Proceeds from theses performances support our Scholarship Fund and Master Teacher Fund

Wed  Dec 26 - 1pm, 2pm,3pm

Held at:
Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779


Fee $18 per guest/ $30 for 2 guests

              Includes: Performance,take your own photos with Princesses, cupcakes, cookies,iced tea, lemonade, water, coffee & tea

Order Tickets Today - 631-737-1964
www.theballetcenter.org

Fairytale Camp December 27, 2012

   The Holidays were perfect. Your little princess was an angel. You're happy. You're pleased with all the compliments. And you're completely exhausted!

   That's exactly the reason Ballet Long Island has a special session of Fairytale Camp on Thursday, December 27...just for children ages 3-6 years old.

   Have your child join some of her favorite Fairytale characters for fun and learning from 9:00 -11:45am for the morning session, or 12:30 -3:30pm for the afternoon session. 

   A healthy snack is provided during each session

   Each session offers warm up exercises, ballet class, story time, and

an arts and craft project that the children bring home. A healthy snack is provided as well. We put the emphasis on fun, but there is a structured environment and a basic introduction to dance skills. 

   Tuition is just $35 per session, but this program is priceless to busy parents looking for a little quiet time for themselves right after the holidays!

   Call 631-737-1864 to register while spaces are availble!

Each year since 1986, Ballet Long Island has performed "The Nutcracker" at Islip Town Hall West in Islip. Professional dancers from around the world are joined by Ballet Long Island's apprentice dancers as well as students for Long Island for a show that is filled with fantastic dance choreography and excitement.

Join us this year on December 8, for one of our 3 performances that day. It's a great way to support not only the arts, but the local community in Islip. There are lovely restaurants and shops starting right next door and across the street from the venue.

And, we have a wonderful special going on with Living Social right now for very affordable tickets. Check it out HERE.

50% Off Nutcracker Tickets

Family 4 Pack Nutcracker Tickets $50

Islip Town Hall West

401 Main St

Islip, Ny 117751

Sat Dec 8 - 1:00pm

Sat Dec 8 - 3:00pm

Sat Dec 8 - 7:00pm

order online - www.theballetcenter.org

Call 631-737-1964

 

advanced sale

Ballet Long Island

1863 Pond Rd

Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Call 631-737-1964

Attending a performance of "The Nutcracker" is a tradition Ballet Long Island hopes all Long Islanders can enjoy. Seeing professional dancers from around the world onstage in Islip an a Saturday afternoon or evening is a chance to experience magic up close. And, we have a great deal on tickets with AmazonLocal going on for another day or so. Check it out HERE.

Or, if you live in Islip and want to help support the amazing volunteers of Keep Islip Clean, half the proceeds from sales of all full price tickets will be donated to KIC...just put "Keep Islip Clean" in the comment box when you order your tickets online at BalletLongIsland.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #45 Self Improvement

Reason # 45 Self Improvement

  Self improvement is an import part of living. We need to try new things or dive deeper into the things we love. Life is for living and doing it on your own terms. The study of ballet helps improve your body and your mind. Ballet helps build coordination, flexibility, agility and builds strong muscles. We all deserve to be happy and happiness comes from being fulfilled and doing the things that have meaning to us. You will also find friends at ballet class.Self improvement is about fostering the good relationships in our lives and sharing our unique gifts with others.
www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - Reason # 44 - Intellectual Stimulation

Reason #44 Intellectual Stimulation

The study of ballet can help stimulate your mind. We use abstract thinking in ballet class.We think about the style of the step, the meaning of the step, what muscles do we use to perform the step, how many sets of the step and what direction do we move the step. Learning to use abstract thinking is useful for both children and adults, it help people learn to problem solve and think in creative ways.  People who don’t challenge their minds exhibit a greater degree of memory loss compared with people who remain mentally active. Most experts think it’s not the years of formal education or the type of occupation  that benefits memory. A lifelong habit of learning and engaging in mentally challenging activities — like the study of classical ballet, reading, playing chess, performing music, or acquiring new skills — is thought to help keep the brain in shape. start the study of classical ballet today.
www.theballetcenter.org

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker Sugar Plums are dancing and the mice are stirring... Come enjoy Ballet Long Island's annual holiday classic, The Nutcracker. This full-length ballet production, featuring professional dancers and local classical ballet talent of all ages, is a favorite for family holiday tradition.The best seats go quickly, so order your tickets today! Held at: Islip Town Hall West, 401 Main St, Islip, NY 11751
 Sat Dec 8 - 3:00pm
 Sat Dec 8 - 7:00pm
Tickets - $ 79, $ 39, $25 group rates
Special - Family 4 Pack Tickets - $50.
www.balletlongisland.com
Call 631-737-1964

The Nutcracker Act II

Ballet Long Island

The Nutcracker Act II

Nutcracker Act II With childlike innocence The Nutcracker Act II creates a candy kingdom introducing various characters based on Clara's gifts from the Sugar-Plum Fairy, whose dance features the Chinese dance -tea, the Arabian dance -coffee, the Spanish Dance - chocolate and glorious Waltz of the Flowers.The Land of Sweets danced with grace and style, beautiful costumes and scenery

Wed Dec 5 - 11:00am

Wed Dec 5 - 12:15pm

Wed Dec 12 - 11:00am

Wed Dec 12 - 12:15pm

 Tickets - $16adult, $6 child & senior citizen group rates available

www.balletlongisland.com

Call - 631-737-1964

 

The Nutcracker in a Nutshell

“Nutcracker in a Nutshell”, a shorter 55 minute version of Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday classic “The Nutcracker” with professional dancers as mice, soldiers, dolls, angels, snowflakes, and The Sugar Plum Fairy. Sat Dec 8 - 1:00pm Held at: Islip Town Hall West, 401 Main St, Islip, NY 11751 Tickets - $79, $39,$25 group rates are available Call 631-737-1964

www.balletlongisland.com

Holiday Princess Tea Party

 

Holiday Princess Tea Party

 This is an enchanting event for you and your family. Performing live on stage Cinderella,

 Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Santaand more. Bring your camera to take your own

 photos with our Princesses and Santa. After the performance join the Princesses and

 their friends for a Tea Party.Refreshments included. Join the fun. 

Fri Nov 23 - 1pm,2pm,3pm

Wed Dec 26 - 1pm,2pm,3pm

Fee - $18 or 2 for $30Call 631-737-1964

www.theballetcenter.org

Pocahontas Performance Next Week!

While many Long Islanders are dealing with damage from Hurricane Sandy, many of of us also have much to be thankful for.

Join us next Wednesday for a Ballet Long Island performance of "Pocahontas" and remember a time that was filled with hardship...and Thanksgiving. 

Limited tickets are available...so call soon: 631-737-1964 or
order tickets online at www.balletlongisland.com
Pocahontas: 

Wed. Novemeber 14, 11am, 12:15pm
Sat. November 17, 1pm
Adults: $16, Children/Senior Citizens $6

The Ballet Center
1863 Pond Road
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Meet Our Dancers - Tanya Trombly

Ballet Long Island - Meet Tanya Trombly

Tanya Trombly is an extraodinary dancer a true balleina. She performs with her heart and soul with beautiful technique.After earning a B.A. in dance and business from Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA, Tanya Trombly has performed and toured with several professional companies across the country, including Northern Plains Ballet in Bismarck, ND and Atlanta Festival Ballet in Atlanta, GA.  Tanya has lived in New York City for over three years now where she has been a principal with Ballet Long Island and has recently joined Neville Dance Theatre.  She has enjoyed performing lead roles in ballets such as A Mid Summer Night’s Dream, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Spartacus Pas de Duex, Firebird, Paquita, The Little Mermaid, and The Nutcracker.

Upcoming Ballet Long Island Performances:

Pocahontas - Wed Nov 14 - 11am & 12:15pm, Sat nov 17 - 1pm

The Nutcracker Act II -Wed Dec 5 - 11:00am & 12:15pm , Wed Dec 12 - 11:00am & 12:15pm

 

Performances Held At:
Ballet Long Island
1863 Pond Road
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
631-737-1964

***********************

The Nutcracker

Sat Dec 8 - 3:00pm
Sat Dec 8 - 7:00pm

Performances Held At:
Islip Town Hall West
401 Main Street
Islip, NY 11751
631-737-1964

 www.theballetcenter.org

Cinderella

Cinderella

Ballet Long Island presents Cinderella. The ballet begins with Cinderella on stage, holding a candle, dressed  in a worn  unbecoming brown dress. Her stepsisters are comical figures who enter to torment poor Cinderella. As the ballet continues, we are introduced to Cinderella's evil stepmother, a dance teacher, the Fairy Godmother and of course, the Prince. Cinderella is a delightful ballet for young and old. This is a timeless fairy tale for the entire family



Wed Oct 24 – 11:00am
Wed Oct 24   – 12:15pm
Sat Oct 27 – 1:00pm
Held at:
Ballet Long Island
1863 Pond Road
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Tickets $16 adult, $6 child, $6 senior citizen
call 631-737-1964
www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #43 Body Alignment

Reason # 43 - Body Alignment

      The study of ballet will help you attain proper body alignment.  Posture or keeping your sprine in line is important to classical ballet. Many types of exercise talk about "the center" in ballet "the center' is worked on in every class. Ballet will help you get a spine that is strong and stable giving you -  healthy posture. In everyday life you stoop or slouch, your muscles and ligaments struggle to keep you balanced. Bad posture can lead to fatigue, back pain, headaches and other problems. Having good posture can boost your self confidence. The first thing you learn to work on in ballet class is standing straight. Take a ballet class and it will hepl you get better posture. www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #42 Adagio

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - Reason #42 Adagio

Adagio is dance steps performed with the greatest amount of fluidity, control and grace as possible. "Adagio" is an Italian word used in music terms it means slowly. In French it is adage but both the word in Italian and French are used in ballet. Adagio combinations typically occur in the center part of a classical ballet lesson following exercises at the barre, and consist of many steps including: plie, developpe, attitude, passe, arabesque, grande rond de jambe, ballet walks, pirouette and many more. It is also used as a term for pas de deux - dance for two.  Adagio is beautiful and great exercise. It helps you gain control and grace. Join a ballet class today.
www.theballetcenter.org

Buy One Ticket Get One Ticket Free

Ballet Long Island and The Ballet Center

Tues Oct 16, 2012 - 9:00am - 8:00pm

One Day Only - Buy One Ticket Get One Ticket Free

Call - Come In - Order Online

Princess Tea Party       Goldilocks and the Three Bears    Cinderella

Pocahontas      The Nutcracker      Winter Arts Festival     Romeo & Juliet

Love Duets      Holiday Princess Tea Party

Performances Held at;

Ballet Long Island

1863 Pond Rd

Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Call 631-737-1964

About The Ballet Center

The Ballet Center and Artistic Director Debra Punzi has provided dance education on Long Island  for over 35 years . We have classes in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop , Musical Theater, Acting and Tap for all ages, young and adult alike. The Ballet Center is competition-free; that is not to say our students are not competitive, just that we do not promote sports-like competitions that are more lucrative than educational. Rather our dance education is centered around stage performance. Professional quality dance productions with Ballet Long Island provide students with theater experience and the opportunity to refine their dance technique. In the process they develop technical and social skills needed for collective participation towards a common goal. We feel these skills are more valuable to the community and to the individual. And besides, even though preparing for a major full-length ballet performance is hard work, our students find out that it is a lot of fun - fun that they share with other dancers. Many of our students have gone on to careers in ballet companies, modern companies, film, TV, broadway shows, dance teacher, directors and for other they develop a life long love of dance and theater. Register for classes today call 631-737-1964

Special Trial Offer $29 Hip Hop Pass

For al limited time, you can sign up for a one-month trial pass good for at least 8 hip hop classes. You will find just the right class for your child...for only $29! That's a savings of almost 80%. And, your one-month pass cost can be put towards any hip hop class you choose if you sign up for the full year.

Hip Hop classes are available at these times:

Preschool: 
   Thursday 10am
   Saturday 10am
Level I
   Thursday 4:30pm
   Saturday 10am
Level II
   Thursday 5:30pm
Level III 
   Monday 8:30pm
Boys Hip Hop
   Tuesday 4:30pm
   Tuesday 5:30pm
Hip Hop Step
   Friday 4:45pm (8-11 years)
   Friday 5:45pm (12&up)

 $144 - now just $29 click HERE to get yours now.

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #41 Become Part of an International Community

Reason #41 Become Part of an International Community

All over the world people study ballet - men, women, boys and girls.  Ballet is taught around the world -  each county adds to this art form. When you start a ballet class you join this international community. Ballet is non-verbal communication. When you study ballet you are connected by something that is bigger then yourself. As the Artistic Director of  Ballet Long Island I have worked with dancers from around the world - Russia, Japan, France, Brazil, Argentina, England, Canada, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Panama, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain,New Zealand, Sweden, Venezuela, Guam and Puerto Rico. We all spoke the language of ballet -  communication by a voice that is distinctively human.
www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #40 Manege

Reason # 40 - Manege

The word manege in ballet means roundabout or circular. A dancer travels around the stage or dance studio in a circle while performing a series of steps or turns. A manège of any kind can be intimidating and difficult to master. It appears in almost every classical and romantic period ballet. It is often the big finish to a classical ballet solo. How do ballet dancers do that circle of turn or leaps? Spotting!! Spotting is focusing on a "spot" in the dance studio or stage so you do not get dizzy.  You spot a manège in a square.  No matter how diffcult or what kind of turns or movements it is made of. To the the audience eyes  - they see a circle being made around the stage, your spotting should move in four sides according to where you’re going: first stage right, then upstage, stage left, and finally, downstage. Perform a manege with energy,grace, strength, and confidence. A manege is challenging and fun. Learn to dance a manege. Start taking a ballet class today.
www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 39 Discipline

Reason # 39 Discipline

Discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires. It is also a systematic instruction to train students in a craft or trade. Self discipline and motivation go hand in hand in the learning process. Ballet is the basis for most all other forms of dance. Ballet will help teach you self discipline. Most ballet studios are disciplined places. You won't find lots of running and yelling, but rather students who are going through a set of long-ago developed routines of steps and positions. The process of learning these routines and coordinating them with music,  develops a discipline in children  and adults that will serve them well in all areas of life. It has a set of rules and technique that must be learned to the best of your ability.  We learn as dancers to accept our limitations for what they are on any particular day, and to deal with and adjust to those minute by minute - this will carry over in to other parts of your life.
www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #38 Outlet For Pent Up Emotion

Reason # 38 - Outlet For Pent Up Emotion

Do you sometimes feel frustrated by events or circumstances beyond your control. Did you have a hard day at work, school or just feel frustrated cleaning that same kitchen counter for the 20th time today but don’t know how to blow off steam in a healthy and constructive manner?  You will be interested to know that taking a ballet class provides a positive outlet for all those pent-up emotions that are eating you up inside and making ready to explode. Learning to vent frustration in a positive, rather than a destructive way, is crucial to your mental health and your physical well being. Exercise produces endorphins and raises the body’s levels of dopamine, seratonin, and norepinephrine –all of which are proven stress-busters and mood lifters. Ballet is good exercise for your body and your mind. You also get to listen to beautiful classical music. Some people believe that just listening to classical music can boost your mood. Join a ballet class today. wwww.theballetcenter.org 

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #37 Form

Reason # 37 Form

Form is the visual appearance or shape of an object. It is also the proper way of performing an exercise or step.  In dance the visual appearance is all important. Ballet is a performing art presented to an audience. There is a standard by which all ballet dancer seek to achieve. Each step in ballet has "form". The first thing each ballet students learns is the five position of the feet and arms. It is the beginning of creating ballet form. First position  legs are rotated, from your hips to the tips of your toes, heels touching, to form an angle of 180 degrees. Every muscle, from the waist down, is contracted and held in place. Your buttocks are tight and held to create a straight posture. Your stomach is held tight - belly button press back to the spine. Learn more about ballet by attending a ballet class and improve your form.
www.theballetcenter.org

ACTING FOR TV COMMERCIALS

7 Week Program taught by Mary Ellen Ransom who has produced commercials for many types of media. This class is designed to give young actors the skills and insights into working in front of the camera. In the Acting for Television Commercials class, students learn commercial and TV / Film audition techniques in a one-on-one style where our professional and industry working instructors prepare the students for professional style auditions and work environments. Students get to act actual TV Commercials and TV scripts that have aired on TV and then watch their performance back. The teacher helps the students recognize what he/she is doing well and also helps the student reach the next level of performance, so quick progress is made. Class is 55 minutes in length.
Class meets Fri Oct 5,12,19,26 Nov 2,9,16,Fri 4:45pm - 7 - 10 year olds

Fri 5:45pm - 11 and up

Tuition $75 for 7 week course

Register Today Call 631-737-1964
www.theballetcenter.org

Meet Our Teachers - David Moreno

David Moreno         Mr Moreno began his early training The National Ballet of Panama. In New York he has trained at Broadway Dance Center, Joffery Ballet School and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. He has performed with Ballet Long Island,New Jersey Ballet, Nanette Bearden's Contemporary Dance Theater. He has performed at the world renowed "Andy Williams Show" at the sophisticated Moon River Theater.  David Moreno is one of the most knowledgeable, fun, artistic and serious minded teachers a student would want to know. If you want to learn to dance then Mr Moreno is your guide.
www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #36 Timing

Reason # 36 - Timing

Timing in ballet has a few meanings. First, dance and music are often intertwined. Learning to hear music is important to the study of ballet. Good timing is a essential skill that every musician and dancer has to have.They have to be able to come in and out at precisely the right time. If you have ever watched a performance, you may have been impressed by the cymbal player who comes in at just the right time or the dancer who leaps on stage at just the right time. Second is dancing in time or together with the other dancers. Watching and being aware of the movements of the other dancers will keep you in time. Third is the time signature. A time signature tells you how the music is to be counted. In dance we often think of this as a march, waltz, polka, tarantella or other type of movement.  Improve your timing take a ballet class. www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #35 Rhythm

Reason # 35 - Rhythm

Dance has long been linked to music. Teaching students to listen to the music and feel the music in your body is an important part of teaching dance. How to teach rhythm? First you need to give that student confidence. That doesn't mean to tell them that they're doing fine but to tell them that they are improving. Sometimes they don't realize that they're not moving well to the music. Some students are very self conscious about movement to music and might even feel embarrassed. Part of the job of the teacher is to pick music for the class that will help students understand how it all goes together. I often say the steps in the rhythm that they need to be performed - so the students start to get the rhythm in thier mind. Clapping the rhythm can also help. Repeat, repeat, repeat - in ballet it is important to do the steps over and over again, this will help students understand the steps and the rhythm. When it all come together - beauty. Join a ballet class today.  www.theballetcenter.org

Give an Adult Dance Class a Try!

    All of the classes at Ballet Long Island are very affordable. And for the next couple of days, we have a wonderful offer with Groupon to save 90% on unlimited adult dance classes for a month! You can try Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe or Praise Dance...or try them ALL for only $29.
   Our adult dance classes are serious dance...and serious fun. Some of our students are returning to dance, and some are brand new. All of them support each other for a class filled with technique, encouragement and exercise.
   Why not give it a try...especially if you have always dreamed of learning to dance!
Groupon for Ballet Long Island

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #34 Joy

Reason # 34  - Joy

We have all heard the expression "Jump for Joy" in ballet we get the opportunity to do it. Ballet can be a fulfilling form of exercise for everyone, regardless of their age or experience. Physical activity is known to exert a powerful "feel-good" effect. A feeling of joy. Ballet is a great form of exercise.  Brightening mood and enhancing mental health, in fact some people believe, regular exercise may be as effective as medication for some people with depression.The joy of movement will make you feel good. A growing body of evidence supports this boost to psychological well being. Endorphins are morphine-like brain chemicals that can trigger feelings of euphoria, relaxation and joy.  Add some joy to your life join a ballet class.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #33 Jump

Reason #33 - Jump

Once you are warmed up and have completed barre you get to jump in ballet class. Jumping is fun, it burns calories and helps give you strong legs. Ballet Jumps are an essential part of ballet class. There are small jumps and big jumps. You will see professional dancers leap across the stage looking light and effortless. Sometimes it looks like they float on air.
From small jumps to big jumps, there are many tips and techniques that you can learn to enhance your ability to jump. Your plie is important to your jump for both the landing and the take off. Without your plie you simply can not jump as high. Without the right use of the plie you can not give full value to each jump. Plie also works as a cushion to the landing of the jump. Some of the names of steps are jete, grand jete, assemble, sissone, tour jete, pas de chat , saute and there are many more.  No matter whether you have a natural jump or not, it can be improved with the help of a good ballet teacher. Join a ballet class today.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

Meet The Teachers - Natasa Trifan

Natasa Trifan is an international choreographer and teacher who was raised in Romania where she studied ballet for nine years at "Floria Capsali", the premier Romanian Ballet School. She graduated from the "Academy of Theater and Film" in Bucharest with a major in choreography and modern dance. During her major in dance she got involved in numerous student theater and film projects. "My absolute passion for image, any kind of image (cinematic, theatrical, photographic or emotional) came from these film and theater projects and from studying and seeing the same segments of film repeatedly. I have learned to compose from the outside, contrary to my usual dancer's approach of  building from inside-out... I think it's important to master both." 1999 she moved to United States of America and graduated from SUNY Brockport with an MA in Dance and Somatics. In 2001 she studied at the East -West Movement Therapy Program, the Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method, that later will be integrated in her movement and aesthetic approaches. In 2002 she studied intensely physical theater with the international director Rene Migliaccio. Natasa founded Natasa Trifan Performance Group in 1999.

Work Methods - Collaboration

Collaboration is the core of her creative process, Natasa has worked with composers: Lucian Ban, Sylvia Mincewicz, Petre Radu Scafaru, Erol Israfil; costume designer Oana Botez Ban; filmmakers/ video artists: Chiaki Watanabe , Giles Hendrix, Martin Burga; writers/director: Saviana Stanescu and Rene Migliaccio, sculptor Rina Peleg and set designer Catalin Nastasoiu. She has created original works on students from  SUNY Brockport, and for the Minus Company, the Black Moon company and the Sudden Enlightenment Theater. Natasa Trifan has taught dance and movement awareness  at SUNY Brockport for one year.

Performance History

Natasa's work has been seen in Romania, Germany, Portugal, Russia, Chile, England at Chipping Norton Theater and the Bath Theater and in New York City at the Citicorp Theater at Alvin Ailey Studios , the HERE Theater, The Harlem Stages, the Dance New Amsterdam, the Theater for The New City, the Merkin Hall at Kaufman Center, the Construction Company, the Dance Theater Workshop, the Joyce Soho theater,  the Merce Cunningham Studio and at many others venues in Brooklyn.

Awards

Natasa Trifan's performance group received federal grants from Queens Council for the Arts, and grants from the Trust for Mutual Understanding foundation,  92y and from the USAInternatinonal from Mid Atlantic Foundation. 

She has been honored with the best dance critic prize from the Romanian Union of Choreographers and Composers and received full scholarship from the Academy of Theater and Film Bucharest and from SUNY, Brockport. In 2007 she was honored by the Romanian National Journal with the award entitled "The person of the day".

Art Residencies

She had art residencies at the White Oak, Florida and at the Romanian National Dance Center, Bucharest.

Published

Natasa Trifan is a dance scholar and a co writer of the textbook named "The art of choreography for actors" (published in Romania.) She published dance reviews for "Cotidianul", "Romania Literara" and other dance magazines. 

Memberships  

She is a current member of the International Dance Council under the UNESCO, the Field, a non profit organization for artists in NYC and Dance Theater Workshop.

For more information visit -www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #32 Beats

Reason # 32 - Beats

I am not talking about those cool headphones or a DJ adding sounds to music - I am talking ballet.  Beats or batterie in ballet is a brilliant display of virtuosity in which the dancer's legs open and close rapidly while in the air added to petite or grand allegro. When beats are added to steps it gives the illusion of striking together and rebounding. Also known as battu. This is an advanced technique for students that have mastered steps and are now performing them at a higher level. Adding beats to steps is a goal to work towards. Have fun and learn ballet.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 reasons to Study Ballet - #31 Pirouette

Reason # 31 Pirouette

Turning on one leg is both fun and a challenge. A pirouette is a rapid whirling or turning on the toe or ball of one foot in ballet. Most children love that feeling of spinning. Many people go to amusement parks and go on rides that spin and spin. Ballet dancers experience the enjoyment of spinning by trying to perfect the pirouette. When it is performed correctly it is a thing of pure beauty. Correct body placement is essential in all kinds of pirouettes. While repeatedly practicing the turn may improve performance, strengthening the muscles involved in your pirouette is also important. Exercises that improve balance, strengthen ankles, calves and turn out muscles are all important to help learn pirouettes. There are many kinds of pirouettes to learn. Choreographers create wonderful combinations of pirouettes for dancers to perform. Learn to turn today -- take a ballet class.

http://www.theballetcenter.org/

Modern Dance Classes

                   Modern Dance is an evolution from Classical Ballet. It breaks the rules of Classical Ballet and creates new ones of its own. Modern dance was an early 20th century dance form that emerged as expression of rebellion against classical ballet. The dancers who developed modern dance of this period include Loie Fuller, Isadora Duncan and Ruth St Denis who thought ballet was ugly and meaningless gymnastics. Later on, Martha Graham saw it as European, Imperialistic, and un-American. It therefore has fewer restrictions, and can be seen as a fusion of many dances. So, in one single Modern Contemporary Dance class, you may get to try out lots of different dances. You could find yourself dancing a routine that has elements of African dance, Tango, Salsa, Jazz, Ballet and so on. You name it, you’ll probably find it in a Modern Dance class. In its sophistication it has developed many styles and techniques. The beauty of it is that it allows a freer dance, which can be initiated by music or by an internal theme or inspiration.

http://www.theballetcenter.org/

Preschool Dance Classes

Preschool Dance Classes
If your child is interested in taking dance lessons, spend some time searching for the perfect dance studio. Classes for child ages 2 - 5 are very different then classes for older children. What should you look for? The school should have classes that are designed for preschool age students. Look for small class size. Some sort of physical play helping children develop gross motor skills. Proper dance technique, proper names of steps all introduced to the young child. You want a balance between learning and creative movement. The music used in class should be age appropriate. Ask about annual dance recitals - are costumes age appropriate and it the theme of the recital age appropriate?  Note that very young children cannot follow the strict nature of Classical Ballet class, so often they are often enrolled in "Baby Ballet" classes. These are designed to introduce the child to learning to following instructions, sit and stand quietly, leaving other students alone, creative movement and listening to the music. Above all, introductory classes should be fun for the very young child.

http://www.theballetcenter.org/

About Ballet Long Island

About Ballet Long Island

Ballet Long Island is a professional ballet company established in 1985. Our services include performances, arts in education programs, apprentice program, trainee program, choreography, master classes and workshops. Our r epertoire includes – The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Snow White, The Sleeping Beauty, The Fantastic Toyshop, Beauty & the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Swan Lake Act II, Multicultural Celebration, Le Corsaire pas de deux, Don Quixote pas de deux and original ballets choreographed for our company.

Our mission is to make ballet available and affordable to everyone

http://www.theballetcenter.org/

About The Ballet Center

               The Ballet Center and Artistic Director Debra Punzi has provided dance education on Long Island  for over 35 years . We have classes in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop , Musical Theater, Acting and Tap for all ages, young and adult alike.
                 The Ballet Center is founded on the belief that the study of dance gives students the skills and creativity to develop their own personal expression. This will carry over into every aspect of their lives. Guidance, support and challenge in a positive learning environment offer opportunities for personal and artistic growth. Classes include ballet,pointe, tap, jazz/theater dance,modern, Irish Step, hip-hop offered for preschoolers – adults. For some, the program will inspire a commitment to a professional career in, and for others it will inspire a love of dance. We have trained more professional dancers, teachers, and choreographers than any other school on Long Island.
                 Nonprofit means all of our funds go back into the community with scholarships, low tuition fees and more.
We are one of the top rated schools in the country.
              The Ballet Center is competition-free; that is not to say our students are not competitive, just that we do not promote sports-like competitions that are more lucrative than educational. Rather our dance education is centered around stage performance.
              Professional quality dance productions with Ballet Long Island provide students with theater experience and the opportunity to refine their dance technique. In the process they develop technical and social skills needed for collective participation towards a common goal. We feel these skills are more valuable to the community and to the individual. And besides, even though preparing for a major full-length ballet performance is hard work, our students find out that it is a lot of fun - fun that they share with other dancers. Many of our students have gone on to careers in ballet companies, modern companies, film, TV, broadway shows, dance teacher, directors and for other they develop a life long love of dance and theater.

Register for classes today call 631-737-1964
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #30 Be on Pointe

Reason #30 Be on Pointe

Pointe with the "e" on the end means dancing on your toes. The technique developed from the desire for dancers on stage to appear weightless or other worldly. It has evolved as a part of ballet technique to enable dancers to dance on their toes. Special shoes have been designed to support the feet and help dancers stay up on their toes for long peroid of time. Dancing en pointe is part of studing ballet but not everyone who studies ballet needs to on their toes. Children should not start pointe classes until they are at least 11 or 12 years old and have good posture and good ballet technique. Never try dancing on pointe shoes if an instructor tells you to wait, as it's easy to become injured. Both men and women are capable of dancing en pointe, it is more commonly done by women but ballet is ever changing and there are companies - Men -on- Po!nte who are an all-male ballet company pioneering the development and promotion of male pointe technique . Remember it is not the shoes that dance -  it is the strong dancer it the shoes that holds the balance en pointe.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #29 Stretch

Reason # 29 Stretch
Ballet is all about increasing your range of movement. Stretching is a form of  exercise in which a specific muscle or group muscles is deliberately stretched  to improve the muscle's elasticity and increase range of movement. Stretching should be done gently and slowly. You need to be able to stretch correctly, so you do not injure yourself. Hold the stretches, do not bounce, feel the stretch but not pain, and maintain proper posture with your back straight. Stretch at least three to four times per week but daily is best to keep your muscles flexible.  Some ballet teachers include a stretch at the barre or on the floor. Students will find stretching is useful to do before and after class. Most people think of a dancer in a split as the idea of stretching but stretching is so much more. Dancer need to stretch many parts of the body including feet, arms, back, hamstrings, hip flexors and calf muscles. The thing to remember about stretching - SLOW and controlled. Join a ballet class today and stretch yourself.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #28 Learn a Little French

Reason # 28 Learn a Little French

French is the language of ballet. Most of the names of the steps in ballet come from the French language. King Louis XIV of France loved ballet. He performed in ballets along with members of his court. In 1662 he established the first official school of ballet, known today as the Paris Opera Ballet. The names of the steps created by King Louis are still used today. Ballet instructors pride themselves on teaching their students the French ballet vocabulary.
Many of the terms, when translated, give clues to their corresponding steps. There is an excellent book "Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet" written by Gail Grant published by Dover that gives you the French pronunciation and definition of each term.  Here are some French terms used in ballet and the meaning of the word:

• assemble - assembled or joined together
• avant - forward
• plie - bend
• changement - change
• battement - beat
• pas de chat - step of the cat
• ballonne - bounced, like a ball 
• ballotte - tossed
• chaines - chains, links

All right, taking a ballet class will not help you order in a French restaurant or help you on your vacation to Paris but it will keep your mind sharp learning new words and their meanings. Start attending a ballet class today.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet -#27 - Burn Calories

Reason # 27 - Burn Calories

You probably already know that in order to lose weight or maintain your current weight you need to burn calories. Ballet exercises will give you some easy ways to burn calories that you can incorporate into your daily life. Start your day with a ballet barre. You can learn some basic ballet barre exercises by attending a ballet class and then do these exercises each morning and burn calories. Put on some beautiful classical music and start your barre. You will be dancing and moving and burning calories. Start with plie - bend your knees , tendu - pointe your feet, rond de jambe a tere - circle of the leg, develope - lift leg slowly through passe and hold it out away from body, releve - rise up to the ball of the foot, grand battement - kick leg. Have fun and burn calories with ballet.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 25 Warm Your Body

Reason # 25 Warm Your Body

The ballet barre is a series of exercises that warm your body to perpare to dance. A good ballet teacher knows how to warm you up properly. Professional dancers are careful with their bodies and this warm up has developed over 300 years. Every barre workout alternates the big and small muscles groups accelerating the exertion needed in a gradual method. Most dancers like to develop a warm up routine that they do before class starts. These pre-class warm ups can be simple :
Examples
> Roll head to right slowly and then left
> Roll wrists slowly out and in
>lying down on their back the dancer assumes a low passe, legs parallel and then turned out
> Reach up slowly to releve then slowly roll down to touch the floor
There are many more warm up exercises that dancers add to their routine before class.
Ballet will warm your body and help you gain a healthy body.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/