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

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 - #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/

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/

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 - #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/

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 - # 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/

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 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/