101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #26 Perform

Reason #26 - Perform

Ballet is a performing art. Whether you want to perform or go to see a ballet performance taking ballet classes will help. There is nothing like stepping on stage to perform for an audience. The thrill and magic of performing is something special. Ballet requirers strength, resilience, elegance and grace all at once. It takes lots of patience and practice to learn but you will feel fulfilled when you step on stage. Ballet is a challange of yourself to be the best you can be. If ballet is your passion and you are prepared to put in the hours of  ballet classes and rehearsal, then it may be that you are prepared to aim high for a career in ballet. Ballet can be studied at any age. Not everyone who studies ballet will become a professional dancer.There are many ballet companies that need extra dancers for large productions like - The Nutcracker, Cinderella  or The Sleeping Beauty. Often students can audition for these parts.
                People who study ballet develop strong bodies, spatial and temporal awareness, flexibility and improve their coordination. A proved scientific, long-term bonus is that, it has been shown that people who study ballet retain the flexibility brought about by ballet classes throughout their adult lives. Join a ballet class today.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet #24 You Get to Wear a Tutu

Reason # 24 - You Get to Wear a Tutu

Ballet is a performing art and sometimes ballet dancers wear tutus on stage. Tutus are beautiful and there is no other art form that uses this unique costume. It is a goal of many students to get a part in a recital or performance that requires the dancer to wear a tutu. There are differant types of tutus. The Romantic Tutu is a three-quarter length, soft skirt, with a hemline that falls between the knee and the ankle. The Classical Tutu is a very short, stiff skirt made with layers of tulle that extends straight outwards from the hips in a flat shape, and has a fitted bodice. There are also hoop tutus, pancake tutus, powder puff tutus,platter tutus and many more. There are many types of ballet costumes - sleek unitards, floating chiffon skirts, beautiful ballgowns, there are as many different costumes as there are creative costume designers. Start a ballet class today and it may lead to a performance in a tutu.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

Broadway Camp

Broadway Camp

The Ballet Center is offering a Broadway Tap & Jazz Camp. This is a great way to have fun and learn. A unque dance and theater experience for children and teens, ages 6 - 19 years. Daily classes in Jazz, Tap, hip-Hop, Lyrical, Ballet, Broadway Style Musical Theater, choreography and more. A performance is scheduled for the students. Broadway Camp is designed to develop all facets of a students's orientation to dance. This is a camp for students who love dance, acting, and performing. Students will be placed in classes according to age and technical ability. 

Students will be required to bring lunch and a drink from home.

Female students must wear a leotard, tights, jazz shoes and tap shoes.

Male students must wear a T-shirt, shorts, socks, jazz shoes and tap shoes

Held At:

The Ballet center

1863 Pond Rd

Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Session - Mon July 16 - 20, 2012

Time - Mon - Fri 9:00am - 3:00pm

Tuition - $300.

Performances

Thurs July 19 - 2:00pm - Choreography Workshop (Free) 

Fri July 20 - 2:00pm - Broadway Revue

Tickets - $16 adults, $6 child, $6 senior citizen

www.theballetcenter.org

Register today call - 631-737-1964

Summer 2012 Dance Classes

Summer Class Schedule 2012
Little Princess Ballet

(2 – 3 year olds)

A special class for the very young child. Basic dance technique, songs, and dances stressing locomotor movements, dress up and make believe. . This is a fun class students learn dance and separation skills. 50 minutes once a week.

Monday 9:30am

Preschool Ballet

(3- 5 years old)

This is a fun preparation for the study of classical ballet. Exercises, basic ballet            technique, movement, choreographed dance routines set to music, and the make believe storybook land of ballet. All are offered in a nurturing atmosphere. 50 minutes once a week.

Monday 10:30am          Thurs. 9:30am          

Preschool Combination Class – Ballet / Tap

(3 – 5 year olds)

Introduce your child to dance in this unique class. One half of the class is ballet the other half of the class is tap. Students will learn choreographed songs and dances. Your preschooler will love this class.

50 minutes once a week
          Mon 11:30am

Preschool Hip-Hop

(3 – 5 year olds)

A fun way to introduce dance class for the young child. Warm up exercises, dance steps, songs and dances stressing motor skills set to children’s Hip-Hop music. Children learn to dance and have fun.

50 minute class once a week.

Thursday 10:30am      

Preschool Exercise & Tumbling

(3 - 5 years old)

  This fun class for the preschooler includes  - warm up exercises, basic tumbling, songs, and dances in a nurturing atmosphere. 50 minute class once a week.

Monday 12:30pm           

Preschool Acting / Musical Theater

(3 – 5 year olds)

Theater is a fun way for young children to express themselves. Basic exercises to warm up, theater games, dance, singing and acting. 55 minute class. Class size limited to 8 students with one teacher and assistant teacher.

Wednesday 4:30pm

Ballet I (5 – 7 years old)

This class is a basic introduction to classical ballet for children. It includes preparatory exercises to develop coordination, while kindling the imagination of the child, ballet barre and basic ballet steps. It opens the wonderful world of classical ballet and classical music to your child. 55 minute class once a week.

Thursday 11:30am

Ballet II

(6 – 9 year olds)

This class is a complete classical ballet class, including barre, center technique, adagio and turns. Classical musical music is used throughout the class so students can develop a love of classical ballet and music that will last a lifetime. 55 minute class once a week.
Thursday 12:30pm

Ballet III

Hip Hop Held at:

Hip Hop is the latest new dance form. It combines club dancing, street dancing, with jazz dance technique. Students will learn the latest steps to the newest music.
Thurs 10:30am - 3 - 5 year olds
Thurs 2:30pm - 6 - 9 year olds
Thurs 3:30pm - 10 - 12 years old
Thurs 4:30pm - 13 years old & up
Acting Musical TheaterLearn to act, sing, and dance in this unique class.
Wed 4:30pm
Wed 5:30pm
Tap Dance Classes
Child beginner class - Mon 1:30pmAdult beginner class - Thursday 7:30pm

The Ballet Center , 1863 Pond Rd, Ronkonkoma, Ny 11779

Call 631-737-1964

(7 – 11 year olds)

This is a complete classical ballet class, presenting more controlled techniques related to turns, adagio, body directions, and allegro movements.  55 minute class.

Thursday 1:30pmAdvanced Ballet  (12 years old – Adult)

This complete professional level classical ballet class is for professional dancers, dance teachers and serious ballet students.  Permission from Artistic Director, Debra Punzi, is required to attend this class. BALLET LONG ISLAND company members attend this class. 1 hour 25 minute class.
Wed 7:30pm
 

Adult Classes

Adult Classical Ballet

This class is for students with little or no dance training or for those students who are returning to ballet after any number of years. It is a complete introduction to ballet technique. It is also good for body toning and getting in shape. Level II and Level II are for students with ballet experience. 55 minute class

Level I – Wednesday 7:30pm

Level II  - Thursday 7:30pm     

Level III – Wednesday 7:30pm

Advanced Classical ballet

This complete professional level classical ballet class is for professional dancers, dance teachers and serious ballet students.  Permission from Artistic Director, Debra Punzi, is required to attend this class. BALLET LONG ISLAND company members attend this class. 1 hour 25 minute class.
Wednesday 7:30pm
Pointe (dancing on the toes)

This class is offered only to students who are technically and physically capable of dancing on pointe. Permission is required from Artistic Director, Debra Punzi, to attend this class. Pointe must be taken in addition to regular ballet class. This is a 30 minute class.

This class is offered only to students who are technically and physically capable of dancing on pointe. 

Wed 9:00pm   Thurs 8:30pm

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #23 Port de Bras

Reason #23 - Port de Bras

Port de bras is the French term used for the graceful arm movements of a dancer.  It is also a designated set of exercises designed to improve the quality of the arm movements. A complete ballet class will include a port de bras section.  The port de bras of classical ballet is meant to be a graceful and harmonious accent to the movements of the legs and the rest of the body. The correct execution of port de bras the arms should move from the shoulder or some teachers say the middle of the back and not from the elbow. The movement should be smooth and flowing supported from the tricept muscles. The arms should be softly rounded so that the points of the elbows are imperceptible and the hands must be simple, graceful and never flowery. Ballet dancers have beautiful arm muscles from working on port de bras. Join a ballet class today and develop great arms. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #22 Learn to Work as a Group

Reason # 22 - Learn to Work as a Group

   Ballet is a performing art.  Dance classes often involves preparing for recitals, class demonstrations or performances.  Learning and working in groups involves shared values. The class and the teacher wants the choreography to look good.  The class and each individual within it, will only be as effective as they are willing to respect differences within the group and work together. The teacher must help students with leadership skills, self-esteem gains for the students, conflict resolution skills, and role-taking abilities which become part of the leaning process, and betterment of the student. There are many skills that can be learned in ballet class. Start your ballet training today.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 21 Leotard Shopping

Reason #21 Leotard Shopping

Leotards come in a rainbow of colors and styles. A leotard is a unisex garment that is one piece that covers the body but leaves the legs free. It was made famous by the French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard (1842–1870). Traditionally in ballet class female students wear a black leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slippers and males wear a white leotard, black tights and black ballet slippers.
The fabric of the leotard can be made of  cotton, nylon, lycra, wool, silk, spandex or a blend fibers. you can really have fun looking at all the styles available online or in your local dancewar store. Some dancing schools have a dress code where you are only permitted to wear the select style and color for your level class so check with your school as to dress code. then have fun going shopping for your new leotard.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #20 Explore Choreography

Reason # 20 Explore Choreography

Choreography is the art of creating dances. When you study ballet you will learn the steps that choreographer have to chose from to create a ballet. You will be able to see how the steps are blended  and used by the choreographer to distinguish a unique stlye.

When watching a dance piece give special consideration to floor patterns. See the line of direction in both the bodies of the dancers and the patterns they make on the stage. Look at the use of the entire stage space. See how the choreographer designs visual patterns formed by dancers. Look at the contrast in arranging different patterns. There are many styles of ballet choreography some are: classical, romantic, neoclassical, contemporary, modern ballet. The ballet world is vast there have been ballets created on many topics some examples are: baseball, war, death, the beach, tennis, love, the circus, cowboys, fairytales, magic, saints, seasons, greek myths, sailors, soldiers, puppets, bugs and birds.  Ballets can also be abstract or have no story or idea just dance pure dance.  Start to study ballet it will help you enjoy watching ballet performances.

http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #19 Go to the Barre

Reason #19 Go to the Barre

We don't drink at the ballet barre. We do a series of exercises designed to prepare the body for classical ballet. The barre is a stationary wooden or metal pole that is a used as a handrail. We use the barre during ballet warm up exercises. We also refer to the exercises that are performed at the barre, as "barre". Why use a barre? The barre helps dancers by providing stability and balance, while learning correct placement and building strength for dancing in the center. The exercises at the barre include: plie, battement tendu, battement degage, fondu, rond de jambe a tere, develope, battement frappe, rond de jambe a l'air, and grand battement. We also use the barre to stretch legs, back and other parts of the body.Join your friends at the barre, join a ballet class today.

http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #18 Learn 5 New Positions

Reason # 18 - Learn 5 New Positions

There are five positions of the feet and arms in classical ballet. All basic moves start from and end in one of these five positions. The basic ballet positions for arm and feet do not have French terms like most ballet steps they are simply known as First, Second, Third, Forth and Fifth position. All ballet steps and positions are done with the legs turned outward.

First Position - Your heels are together  your feet should be turned out only as far as is comfortable. It is important that you feel completely balanced in this position remember the goal is to move and keep the position. make sure your feet aren’t rolling forwards or turned out so far that you feel you are going to fall over. Arms are rounded in front of the body.

Second Position  -  Legs are turned out feet are apart.  The space in between your feet should be about one and a half lengths of your foot. Arms are out to the side but a little rounded.

Third Position  - Legs are turned out. The heel of one foot is placed next to the middle of the other foot. The heel of your front foot should be touching the arch of your back foot. One arm is rouneded up over head the other arm is rouned to the side.

Forth Position - one foot is directly in front of the other, turned out, with a space of about the distance equal to one foot’s length. One arm is rouned above the head the other is rounded in front.
Fifth Position - Your front toe should be in front of your back heel. This is the most difficult of the five positions. The goal of this position is to get your front foot so far across your back foot, so the back foot is almost hidden. You are in your best turn out so that you are standing front toe to back heel, and back toe to front heel. But to execute this position takes years of training unless you were born with perfect turn out. Some professional dancers never master this position perfectly. Arms are held over head rounded.

Learning ballet is a challenge. It is a contest of skill, strength, special effort and control. Join the challenge start a ballet class today. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #17 Bunhead

Reason # 17 You Can be a Bunhead

What is a bunhead? It is a term used as a playfull name for a ballet dancer or ballet student. Female ballet dancers wear their hair in a bun for class and for most performances. You can't just wear a bun hair style to be a bunhead you must take ballet class, read ballet books, watch ballet videos and go to ballet performances. Basically in the most essential respects; fundamentally you must walk, talk, eat, sleep and dream ballet. There is always something new in the ballet world to see and discuss. Ballet is a living breathing art form and you can be part of it. Go to see a ballet or take a ballet class. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 16 Just For Kicks

Reason # 16  Just For Kicks

There are two meanings here - one ballet is fun and you will have a great time studying ballet, two - you do kicks in ballet class. A kick in ballet class in called a grand battement it is a powerful movement where the dancer takes the leg as high as possible, while the supporting leg remains straight. Do not try to push your kicks high the first time. You will injure yourself to the extent that you may never be able to kick high again. Ballet is a process that take time and effort. You will be rewarded with a beautiful body and a fun activity. try a ballet class today - just for kicks.http://www.theballetcenter.org/

Scholarship Audition

Dance Scholarships 2012-2013
The Ballet Center offers a broad scholarship program for its students.  To encourage and support our serious dance students, The Ballet Center offers significant reductions in tuition for those who qualify.  The broad scope of this scholarship program is exclusive to The Ballet Center.  During the semester 2012 – 13, Artistic Director, Debra Punzi, will offer fifty (150) scholarships to deserving students.Scholarships are full and partial depending on skill or financial need. The Ballet Center is the only school on Long Island that offers this great scholarship program. Our mission is to make dance available and affordable to everyone. Many of our students have gone on to professional careers in dance – teachers, professional dancers and choreographers. Ms. Punzi believes serious and talented dancers should be rewarded and encouraged.Serious about dance? Apply for a TBC Scholarship.

Scholarship is awarded through the audition process. Students wishing to apply for a scholarship must file an application and audition at The Ballet Center, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Audition Dates:
Sat June 23 - 11:00am
Wed July 18 - 7:00pm
There is a $10. Application fee.
For more information Call 631-737-1964 www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #15 Draw Circles on the Floor

Reason # 15 Draw Circles on the Floor

There is a step in ballet where you draw circles on the floor - rond de jambe a tere. Alright you don't draw with pen, ink, chalk or paint.  Rond de jambe translates from French literally "circle of the leg". Really it is  half-circles made by the pointed foot, one leg is the standing leg or supporting leg the other is the working leg returning through first position to repeat; creating the letter 'D' on the floor. Why would we do a step like that? Ballet is performed in "turn out" - A rotation of the leg from the hips - duck like. The rond de jambe a tere trains muscles to move in any direction while maintaining turn out. This is good for keeping your legs in good shape. What some nice looking ballet legs try a ballet class today.http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 14 Nice Booty

Reason # 14 - Nice Booty

Now you too can have a Movie Star backside that turns heads. No expensive surgery or overpriced trainer needed just attend ballet class. Ever notice how ballerinas and male dancers have perfect, firm buns.  Doing a few exercises in ballet class will help you attain the butt of your dreams. There are so many exercises in ballet class that tone and define your rear. At the start of ballet class we plie - this movement strengthens and tones the butt, legs, arms and back. Later we grand battement -  kick this uses all the muscles of the leg and rear.  Releves are easy toe rises when done correctly you squeeze your butt together, stomach in and perfect posture. Toward the end of class you jump it will burn calories and tone your butt. You will do all this exercising with grace and listen to wonderful classical music. Start your ballet class today. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #13 Ballet Slippers

Reason # 13 Ballet Slippers

Ballet slippers are the soft shoes both men and women wear to ballet class or on stage They are made from soft leather, canvas, or satin, and have flexible, full soles or split soles. The idea is to have shoes that show off the arch of the foot and create a smooth long line of the leg from hip to toe. Traditionally in classical ballet, women wear pink shoes and men wear white or black shoes. Your shoes should match your tights -  again to create a long line. Many fashion designers have copied the look of ballet slippers - ballet flats. They are a great alternative to high heels. Ballet flats are popular with girls and women of all ages.  They are seen  at Weddings, Proms and other formal events instead of heels. Do not wear your ballet flats to ballet class they are great for social dancing but not good for classical ballet. Well fitted ballet footwear can mean the difference between comfort on the stage and potential injury. Ballet shoes should fit snugly fit like a glove. If there's any room at the front of the foot, the dancer will not be able to fully point the shoe. The dancer should try ballet slippers on both feet. Sometimes, dancers need different sized shoes for their feet, as again, the right fit is absolutely critical to both performance and safety.  Ballet slippers don't have typical laces; they have what are known as drawstrings. You need to crisscross these drawstrings and then pull them taut. Ballet shoes should fit snugly, but they shouldn't 'suffocate' the feet. During fittings, the ballet dancer should point their feet. If the heels of the slippers start to slip off, you needs to move to the next size down. Some modern ballet shoes are made with specialty materials which conform to unique foot sizes-- however, these specialty shoes cost a lot of money. Finally, check with your ballet teacher to correct any problems with your ballet slippers. Have fun picking out the perfect ballet slippers - just for you. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Take Ballet Class - #12 Helps You Enjoy Ballet Performances

Reason #12 - Helps You Enjoy Ballet Performances

Studying ballet will help you enjoy ballet performances. You will feel part of this international art form. With your knowelge of French ballet terms you will be discussing a performance like a newspaper critic in no time. You will have information on correct technique. You will be able to identify steps and understand all the hard work that goes into making it look easy. Often the music from great ballets are used in class - Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Coppelia, and more, so you will be familiar with the music.  Attending a performance is a magical event you will enjoy.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #11 It's Easier Then You Think

Reason # 11 It's Easier Then You Think

Ballet it is easier then you think. Ballet classes are taught in levels. Take the first step - sigh up for ballet class. Look for a beginner level class. Ballet classes are often ongoing so some of the students in the class will be new but some may be taking this class for years. How can this be? Well some students find the beginner level class challenging and do not want a move to a higher level class. All ballet steps start from basic human movement, walking, running, leaping, jumping, hopping, and bending. In beginner level class teachers will break down the movements so students can understand and perform the steps. You will have fun, learn new steps and French terms for the names of the steps. I am not saying being a professional ballet dancer is easy. Professional dancers train daily and must be artists and athletes. Becoming a professional dancer in a ballet company is a highly competitive process.  Many people have the goal but only a handful are able to enjoy successful careers in this physically demanding job. With that said you can have fun learing ballet. You will enjoy taking ballet class.http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 10 Good Health

Reason # 10 Good Health

Classical ballet is good for your health - regular exercise is good for your body and your mind. The World Health Organization defines health as "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than the exercise of  ballet. The health benefits of regular exercise are hard to ignore. Ballet can give you more strenght, burn calories, flexibility of muscles, better posture and good muscle tone. And the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, male or female or physical ability. Ballet is for everyone, not everyone can be a professional dancer but everyone can benefit from attending ballet classes. Start your ballet class today.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

If you love the Tony Awards and are watching with your kids tonight, take a minute to check out our Groupon for Broadway Dance Camp. It's a great value on our program of dance and theater classes for one week in July...5 days from 9am-3pm, with 2 performances to showcase the students. The program is for students ages 5-18. Check out the deal here: https://merchants.groupon.com/ballet-long-island#/featuredDeals/ballet-long-island-1 and remember that Ballet Long Island always has great values on superb classes for ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, Irish Step and Acting Musical Theater!

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #8 Fun

101 Reasons to Study Ballet -Reason  #8 Fun

Ballet is Fun. Moving your body to music is fun. Turn on some exciting classical music and move. We all need to exercise. Ballet is fun exercise. Exercise in general improves mental health, helps prevent depression. Ballet helps to promote or maintain positive self esteem. When you learn a new step it is fun , it can be a bit of a challenge but when you get the step right - you feel good.The exercise part of ballet can improve an individual's sex appeal or body image, and you will higher levels of self esteem. The term "endorphin rush" refers to feelings of exhilaration and happiness that exercise can give you. ballet will give you - endorphin rush.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 8 Impress Your Friends with Ballet Terms

Reason #8 Impress Your Friends with Ballet Terms

Studying ballet will add to your vocabulary. Acquiring an extensive vocabulary is one of the largest challenges in learning. Ballet introduces a new set of words and terminology. Words like pas de deux, choreography, Prima ballerina, cabriole, arabesque and fondu can be used in every day conversations with family, friends and coworkers. Ballet is not only good for your body it is also good for your mind.  You can say things like " Did you see the Knicks last night? That jump shot was pure chorography" or " James and Amy are involved in a little pas de deux". You can impress your friends with your new vocabulary. Start your ballet class today.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #7 Fly Through the Air

Reason # 7 Fly Through the Air

When I was a small child I loved the feeling of flying through the air. I would jump off the front stoop

of my Grandparents Queens Village home and I still have the scars to prove it. I would swing on a swing set and at the height of the swing I would jump off - I could fly. My parents where horrified. They thought I would get seriously hurt. Then I starting taking ballet class. I fell in love with ballet. I could grand jete, tour jete, and do all sorts of steps that fly through the air. Ballet was heaven to me I fould a place in the world where people applaud my love of flying.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 6 Meet Friends

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - Reason # 6 Meet Friends

Many of my students make friends for life in their ballet classes. Attending ballet class is a shared experience. You can discuss ballet technique, dance TV shows, performances, goals and share triumphs and disasters in your dance experience.  A friend whose understanding and support, whose opinion you value at once for its justness and its sincerity can help you dance better. When you find people who like what you like and have a common goal - to dance the best you can  - you will find good friends. As a teacher - please don't talk during class!!! But meet that friend before and after class and have a great time with your ballet friends.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #5 Great Legs

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - Reason # 5 Great Legs

Study ballet and you will get wonderful toned legs.  Ballet students and professional dancers require a high level of muscle endurance, coordination and flexibility. Each ballet class has barre exercises that work your legs. At the barre you bend, stretch and kick all good for sculpting your legs. Dancers must launch off the ground into spins, hold leg splits in the air and maintain correct posture and balance throughout the dances. Each student will do these steps to their own level of ballet with the great benefit of getting great looking legs. Start your ballet class today.http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #4 Grace

Reason # 4 - Grace

Ballet is all about grace. Fluid movement and control of the body in motion are the goals of ballet. Each person studing ballet will develop at their own pace but elegance or beauty of form, line of body,  will all come with the study of ballet. Step by step you will develop grace. Grace is a  flow of movement that suggests a sense of energy, freedom, and joy. You will hold your head a little higher, move stronger and feel powerful. We all need some grace in our lives - ballet can give grace to you.

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #3 Classical Music

Reason # 3 - Classical Music

Classical music is inspiring. Some people think that it will make you smarter. Classical music has been loved and appreciated throughout time by all sorts of people. Ballet classes are taught with classical music. Some teachers use CD players and some have an accompanist that plays a piano in class.  When you are in ballet class listening to classical music, most of us feel a sense of calm, and well being. Classical music helps us to concentrate, and think more clearly. When listening to classical music you can forget all your problems and frustrations and give yourself a break from your normal day to day events.Try a ballet class and listen to music that will inspire and energize you. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - Reason #2 Wear Leg Warmers

Reason # 2 - You Can Wear Leg Warmers
You can wear leg warmers to ballet class. Remember wearing leg warmers with dresses, leggings, jeans, and tights or as part of aerobic work out clothes. In the early 1980s leg warmers became popular and wearing them was fashionable among teenage girls and young adults. Their popularity was partly due to the influence of the films and videos of the time including "Fame" " Staying Alive" and "Flashdance" and the Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons work out craze.  Ballet dancers wear leg warmers to keep warm during starts and stops in the ballet classroom and rehearsals. If the teachers stops the movement in class to explain the step you need to keep your muscles warm. Join a ballet class today and wear your leg warmers. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet

101 Reasons to Study Ballet
Reason # 1
Ballet is for everyone. People think ballet is for little girls - this is not true. Ballet started out as an art form for men. When ballet first started only men performed in ballets and it helped with fencing technique. Professional Ballet dancers are as strong as any athletes. Many colleges require their football players to take ballet classes. I have had former students call me crying that they are dance majors in college and got closed out of a class because all the football players sign up first. People of all sizes, shapes, colors, genders and ages enjoy ballet class.If you play a sport ballet will help you with balance, strength, coordination and prevent injury. Try a ballet class today.

http://www.theballetcenter.org/

Pointe Classes

Pointe ClassesDancing on pointe is a major goal in a dancer life. Dancing on pointe, or your toes, requires tremendous strength of the legs and feet plus good posture of the spine. The Ballet Center has strict requirements for children and teens starting pointe work. Adults should be at an intermediate level of ballet. How do you know when you're ready for pointe shoes? Following are 6 requirements that must be met before considering starting pointe ballet classes - age, posture, level of training, frequency of ballet classes, proper ballet body placement and emotional maturity.  Age for Pointe

The proper age to start pointe work is controversial. Many experts believe that a ballet dancer can begin dancing on pointe if she is at least 10 or 11 years old. Some teachers don't attach a number at all, they simply rely on ability. However, because growth of the foot is about complete at age 11 or 12, many agree that pointe work could be introduced at this time. Never try dancing on pointe shoes if an instructor tells you to wait, as it's easy to become injured.

http://www.theballetcenter.org/
Pointe (dancing on the toes)

This class is offered only to students who are technically and physically capable of dancing on pointe. Permission is required from Artistic Director, Debra Punzi, to attend this class. Pointe must be taken in addition to regular ballet class. This is a 30 minute class.

Beginner level    Tuesday 8:30pm    Tuesday 9:00pm

Experienced level   Tuesday 6:30pm Thursday 7:00pm  Saturday 10:00am  

Call 631-737-1964