STANDARD DIVISION

The standard division is a technique based program designed to give dancers a comprehensive understanding of what it means to dance. The standard division provides the highest quality training without requiring further commitment beyond their weekly class (or classes). It encourages the promotion of one’s dynamics, strength, flexibility, articulation, special awareness and clarity.

The program is based in both classical and contemporary techniques, giving the dancer a clear sense of how dance has evolved over time and an indication of where dance will be in the future. The standard division is divided into levels, each level implying a higher level of maturity rather than age. In the progression from standard 1 and onwards, the classes increase in length as the dancers develop more stamina and the motivation to consistently push themselves.

Modern. During these classes we focus on Martha Graham’s fundamental techniques of modern dance which include exercises in breathing, contraction/release and spirals. This dramatic technique requires the dancer to take risks and to use volume and energy to fill the space in which they are dancing. We also provide training in the Horton technique to help flatter and improve strength and flexibility. Lester Horton was one of the first choreographers to have a racially integrated company and developed exercises that enable dancers to overcome physical limitations and use energy that is in constant motion, creating clear shapes such as the lateral T, flat backs and lunges.

Improvisation Dancers receive the tools they need to express themselves through movement and experiment with their own instincts and impulses, take risks and discover new ways to move, all the while being in an atmosphere free of judgement. In addition to studying their own bodies and how they move, dancers learn how to link dance phrases and connect and fuse with those dancing alongside them.

Ballet This style is a very traditional and technical form of dance which dates back to the Italian Renaissance. This expressive discipline incorporates precise lines and positions with graceful, flowing movements. In these classes dancers will build strength and posture while learning to position and align their bodies.

Jazz A fun and engaging style of dance that explodes with energy. Classes are taught to strong, up-beat music and include jumps, quick turns, stretching and strengthening.

For dancers who wish to push themselves and rapidly expand their intellectual and physical dance vocabularies, taking multiple standard division classes will assist them in reaching their goals.