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 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

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

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

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/

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 - #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/

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 - #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/

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 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/

Coppelia

Coppélia

Ballet Long Island will present classical ballet's greatest comedy, Coppélia. A story of mistaken identity and a beautiful mechanical doll, Coppélia leaves young and old alike bemused by the antics of our two confused lovers, Swanhilda and Franz.With a beautifully engaging score by Leo Delibes, you'll be whisked away to a doll maker's workshop for a fun ballet for the entire family.

Fri July 13 - 11:00am & 2:00pm

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

              Group Rates Available

Held at

Ballet Long Island

1863 Pond Rd

Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Call 631-737-1964

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

This Hans Christian Andersen Fairy tale tells a story filled with magic and love.

The Little mermaid saves the life of a young man and falls in love with him. With all

her heart, she wants him to fall in love with her too. But for this romance to have any chance at all, The Little Mermaid must give up the sea, leave her family and friends behind and become an earthly human. The Little Mermaid visits a Sea Witch ( a wicked Sea Witch ) for a special magic spell to fulfill her dream to be come human.

Her adventure on earth begins.

The Little Mermaid is a charming ballet for both young and old.

Wed May 16– 11:00am

Wed May16 -  12:15pm

Sat May 19 – 1:00pm

Held at;

Ballet Long Island

1863 Pond Road

Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Tickets: Adult - $16, Child - $6,Senior Citizen - $6  Group Rate available

For tickets and information  www.theballetcenter.org
Call 631-737- 1964