Winter/Spring 2010 Schedule

Winter/Spring 2010 Schedule
Come join us for our spring production of "Cinderella!"

Want to join Ballet Conservatory or Company teams? Come to class any Thursday night in January from 5:15-6:15!

Mondays:
4:00-5:00: 8+ Beg/Int Hip Hop
5:00-6:00: 5-7 Beg Jazz

Tuesdays:
11:45-12:30: 3-4 Creative
4:00-5:00: 7-11 Tumbling
4:00-5:00: 5-7 Creative
4:00-5:00: Level 1 Ballet
5:00-6:00: 7-11 and Excel Intro to Modern
5:00-6:00: Beg Ballet
6:00-7:00: Level 2 Ballet
6:00-7:30: Elite Company Modern
7:30-8:45: Levels 3 and 4 Ballet
8:30-9:30: Yoga

Wednesdays:
11:45-12:30: 4-5 Combo (Ballet/Tumb/Jazz)
3:00-3:45: 4-5 Combo (Ballet/Tumb/Jazz)
4:00-5:15: Elite Company Jazz
5:15-6:30: Elite Company Leaps and Turns
6:30-7:30: 8+ Excel Company Jazz

Thursdays:
11:45-12:30: Advanced Creative by Invitation
4:00-5:15: Level 3 Ballet
5:15-6:15: Pointe
6:15-7:30: Levels 3 and 4 Ballet

The Little Match Girl--Winter Production!

The Little Match Girl 2009

We are so excited to announce our Winter Production of "The Little Match Girl!" The dancers, choreographers and office staff have been putting their hearts and souls into this show, and it promises to be our BEST yet!! Here is some important info:

Dress Rehearsal: 6:00pm on Friday, December 11th @ Lehi High School.

"The Little Match Girl" Production: 5:30pm on Saturday, December 12th @ Lehi High School.

Please invite all your family and friends, and kick-off the Christmas season with a wonderful evening of dance!

October Dancers of the Month

Congratulations to our October Dancers of the Month!

5-7 Jazz: McKenzie Christison
Lyrical: Neesha Nordstrom
Hip Hop: Jon Knittel
Tuesday 3-4 Creative: Elle Scott
Tuesday 5-7 Creative: Ivy Greenwell
Intro to Modern: Emma Chidester
Company Modern: Kim Pirente
Wednesday Combo: Audrey Bates
Wednesday Combo: Mekenzie Olsen
Beginning Ballet: Grace Shepard
Level 1 Ballet: Leah Allen
Level 2 Ballet: Katarina Knittel
Level 3/4 Ballet: Taylor Haynie
Leaps and Turns: Bethany Foster

Congratulations Soloists!

We'd like to congratulate our 2009 Soloists for The Little Match Girl!

Little Match Girl: Danielle
Mother: Nala
Angel: Taylor
Angel: Bethany

Peppermint Princess: Neesha
Princess of Sweets: Becca
Candy Duchesses: Halle, Jill, Katarina, Savannah, Chloe, Emma

We can't wait to see your WONDERFUL performances!

Kristine Ward Master Class

Attention Dance Students & Parents!! Register NOW for September’s Master Technique Class!

Guest Instructor: Kristine Butler Ward
Kristine Ward, originally from the San Diego area, earned her MFA and BFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah. While in school she was a member of Performing Dance Company where highlights included taking a solo and duet to New York City, being a guest performer with Repertory Dance Theatre, and performing a solo in 75 gallons of water. Kristine has also performed in the Canary Islands, Belarus, Ukraine, Austria, New Zealand, and Fiji. She has been a dance specialist for Art Works for Kids, Children’s Dance Theatre, and Global Artways, and is currently an adjunct faculty member at Weber State University.

Date:
Saturday, September 26th

Time:
Intermediate Level (approximate ages 8-12): 10:00-11:00am
Advanced Level: 11:15-12:45pm

Place:
RIGHT HERE! Saratoga Springs Location

Cost:
$10 for 1st student/child
$7 for each additional sibling

**Pay with CASH or CHECK at the front desk (801)766-4584 to reserve your spot!
**Classes will be maxed out at 20 students per class

Randi Evans Master Class

Our Elite Company girls had the opportunity to attend a master technique class with Randi Evans from Season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance! We all carpooled down to Roy together (a 75-minute commute), but it was a fun time with lots of laughter, sweat, and bonding. The girls were sore for a week! :) What an awesome opportunity!

Evans began dancing at an early age and performed in the closing ceremonies at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. She currently attends Utah Valley University where she is majoring in elementary education.

Fall Schedule 2009

Come Join us for Fall!

Monday
11:45-12:30: 3-4 Creative
3:00-4:00: 5-7 Jazz
4:00-5:00: 8+ Int/Adv Lyrical
5:00-6:00: 8+ Beg/Int Hip-Hop

Tuesday
11:45-12:30: 3-4 Creative
3:00-4:00: 3-6 Tumbling
4:00-5:00: 7-11 Tumbling
4:00-5:00: 5-7 Advanced Creative
4:00-5:00: Level 1 Ballet
5:00-6:00: 7-11 & Excel Introduction to Modern Technique
5:00-6:00: Beginning Ballet
6:00-7:00: Level 2 Ballet
6:00-7:30: Elite Company Modern Technique
7:30-8:45: Level 3 & 4 Ballet
8:00-9:00: Yoga

Wednesday
11:45-12:30: 4-5 Combo (Ballet/Tumb/Jazz)
3:00-3:45: 4-5 Combo (Ballet/Tumb/Jazz)
4:00-5:15: Elite Company Jazz
5:15-6:30: Elite Company Leaps and Turns
6:30-7:30: 10+ Excel Company Jazz

Thursday
11:45-12:30: Advanced Creative by Invitation
4:00-5:15: Level 3 Ballet
5:15-6:15: Level 3 & 4 Pointe
5:30-6:30: 5-7 Jazz (NEW)!
6:15-7:30: Level 4 Ballet
6:30-7:30: 8+ Jazz (NEW)!


Saturday
8:00-10:00: Production Soloists

Fall 2009!

Come join our classes, company teams and ballet conservatory for what promises to be our BEST year yet! As a company member, take advantage of performing in multiple shows, as well as our Christmas production: The Little Match Girl. Have fun and make new friends while attending professional dance concerts, rehearsing group pieces, taking master classes, and performing at locations such as The Festival of Trees, Scarecrow Festival, and Breakfast with Santa at Thanksgiving Point. Utilize your fall dance training in lyrical, hip-hop, modern, jazz, and ballet to better prepare you for Spring's opportunities which include a Utah Jazz game performance, competition, convention, and much more!

*Try-It Week: August 17-21. Come try any class at any time to find the teachers, genres, and class times that best suit YOUR needs!

*Come Audition for Ballet placement and Company teams on Thursday, August 27th @ 6pm!

Dress Code

Dress Requirements

General Dress Code Guidelines:

We strive to have a clean, uniformed look for our students in all of our dance classes. Please help us achieve this goal by purchasing leotards, tights and ballet shoes that match our dress code requirements, and by fixing your child’s hair for class in the appropriate manner as listed.

As a matter of etiquette and to demonstrate respect for the art of dance, we ask students to PLEASE wear pants or a skirt over their leotard and tights when arriving and departing the studio. Dance shoes are not allowed to be worn outside. Doing so tracks in dirt and damages the dance floor. All street clothing and shoes should be placed in the student's dance bag or cubby. All warm-up attire is to be removed after barre exercises or at the request of the instructor. Absolutely no street clothes are to be worn during class. This includes loose fitting t-shirts, shorts, etc. The teacher has the right to dismiss any student from class who does not adhere to the dress code.

Students are required to have appropriate attire by the second week of class. No dangling earrings, watches, necklaces, or bracelets are to be worn in class.

• Arrive ready for class.

• Wear the proper attire for each class, as listed below.

• Hair – Hanging or loose hair interferes with dancer’s ability to hold her head properly during specific exercises. All students’ hair must be pulled back and secured away from their face and neck. For ballet class a bun is required. A bun is required during performances, so you’ll be glad for the extra practice of making a bun!

Ballet Conservatory

Level One: Pink leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes (leather or canvas--NO silk).
Level Two: Light blue leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes (leather or canvas—No silk).
Level Three: Burgundy leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, pink pointe shoes (leather or canvas—No silk).
Level Four: Navy blue leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet shoes, pointe shoes (leather or canvas—No silk).

Dance Classes

Creative/Combo (ages 3-7): Black leotard, pink footless tights, ballet skirt optional. Bare feet. Note: Students may choose their attire on the last class of each month!

Tap/Jazz Combo (ages 5-7): Black leotard, pink footless tights, ballet skirt optional. Black tap shoes.

Tumbling (all ages): Students may wear leotards, tights, t-shirts, and cotton shorts or pants. Bare feet.

Lyrical: Leotard, footless tights, jazz pants/dance shorts. Bare feet, foot Undeez, foot thongs, or pedinis.

Hip Hop: Tank or t-shirt, dance pants or sweats. Sneakers. Note: Please wear sports bar under all shirts/tops.

Modern: Leotard, camisole, footless tights, fitted capris, dance shorts. Bare feet.

Jazz: Leotard, camisole, footless tights, jazz pants, fitted capris, dance shorts. Bare feet or black jazz shoes.

*Items can be purchased @ The Glass Slipper: 121 W Main Street. American Fork, UT

.

Come join our classes, company teams and ballet conservatory for what promises to be our BEST year yet! As a company member, take advantage of performing in multiple shows, as well as our Christmas production: The Little Match Girl. Have fun and make new friends while attending professional dance concerts, rehearsing group pieces, taking master classes, and performing at locations such as The Festival of Trees, Scarecrow Festival, and Breakfast with Santa at Thanksgiving Point. Utilize your fall dance training in lyrical, hip-hop, modern, jazz, and ballet to better prepare you for Spring's opportunities which include a Utah Jazz game performance, competition, convention, and much more!

*Try-It Week: August 17-21. Come try any class at any time to find the teachers, genres, and class times that best suit YOUR needs!

*Come Audition for Ballet placement and Company teams on Thursday, August 27th @ 6pm!

Faculty Bios

Robyn Elyse Bos: Company Director and Company Modern Instructor

Robyn graduated with a BA from Brigham Young University in 2005. She began dancing at age 3 with Virginia Tanner's Creative Dance Program at the University of Utah. For the next 12 years she would go on to win many individual and team national grand championships in both clogging and jazz, including Western National Junior Grand Champion in freestyle, a 4th place finish at the National Championships in Nashville, TN, and multiple years on the All American Team. Robyn attended Bingham High School, where she was both an officer and member of Minerettes and Dance Company; during her Jr. and Sr. years she was also a Varsity Cheerleader and competed nationally in Anaheim, CA. Robyn attended BYU ID on both modern dance and leadership scholarships, and performed and taught throughout the Eastern US, New Zealand and Fiji with Contemporary Dance Theatre (CDT). She then transferred to BYU, where she spent two years performing with BYU's modern dance performing company, Dancensemble. In addition, Robyn had the opportunity to teach creative dance with the BYU Children's Dance Program. She currently lives in Eagle Mountain, UT with her daughter and husband.

Amanda Sargent: Ballet Director and Company Ballet Instructor

Amanda began her dance training at Alabama Dance Academy inBirmingham, AL in 1993. She continued studying ballet, jazz,lyrical and Pointe for the next 12 years. She danced in conjunction with 1995 Miss America Heather Whitestone and the Alabama Ballet. In addition to local performances, she has performed in the Bahamas, Disneyland Paris, Munich, Germany, Atlanta, Georgia, in the Nutcracker on Broadway, the Hollywood Parade, and was invited to dance as a featured performer at the2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. She has performed in many productions including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Les Sylphides, The Sleeping Beauty, Les Patineurs and more. She currently resides in Orem with her husband and son. She loves teaching dance and is anxious to share this art with the community.

Wendy Francis (No Picture Available): Creative Director

Wendy has participated in numerous stage productions including, "You Can't Take It with You," "Cinderella," "Carousel," "TheTwelve Dancing Princesses," "Working," "Guys and Dolls," "A Murder is Announced," and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat." She also has extensive experience in theatrical lighting, sound, and stage direction. Wendy received formal ballet training from Cache Civic Ballet and the Cache Ballet Company. She has performed in several ballets including "The Nutcracker," "The Little Match Girl," "A Night with Gershwin," and "Paquita." She currently lives in Eagle Mountain with her husband, Russ, and their 4 children: Christian, Joseph, Anna, and Kate.

Naomi Handly Martineau: Company Jazz Instructor

Naomi began dancing at the age of 6 doing ballet at the Ballet Centre of Marilyn Bostic in Arizona. She then went to Wagner Dance Arts where she competed in many statewide competitions, and won top awards in jazz. From there, she moved to DancEnergy Performing Arts Studio where she joined the highest company, winning top awards at state and nationwide competitions in character, hip-hop, tap, jazz, and lyrical. During this time, Naomi also attended many dance conventions throughout Arizona, Nevada, and the EDGE dance studio in Hollywood to take classes from professional choreographers such as Mandy Moore, Tabitha & Napoleon, Eddie Garcia, Sonya Tayeh, and many more. Naomi attended Mesquite High where she was on the Beyond Motion Dance Company. She served as a dancer, officer, and choreographer. They attended competitions where Naomi's choreography took top first in character and jazz. Naomi spent her last two years of high school being independent of any one studio; she attended classes at DancEnergy, Turning Pointe Dance Academy, and South Valley Ballet Institue. Naomi choreographed dances for herself and a small group of friends that they took to several statewide competitions, and won many platinum and top first awards. Her teaching and choreographing experience includes pointe, technique, stretching, jazz, and lyrical. Currently she attends Brigham Young University on full academic scholarship as a Biochemistry major

Martha Baldwin: Ballet Instructor

Martha is currently a student at Brigham Young University where she is double majoring in Dance and Spanish. In high school, she spent summers training with the Louisville Ballet, the Rock School, and the Kirov Academy of Ballet. She has performed roles in many ballets including the Nutcracker, Giselle, Swan Lake, Paquita, the Sleeping Beauty, and Romeo and Juliet. She has spent the past two years performing with Ballet Showcase Company, a performing company at BYU. Martha appreciates and enjoys all genres of dance, including modern, hip hop, jazz, and folk. She believes that through practicing many different types of dance, you gain greater versatility and artistry in your technique.

Brianna Jones: Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Combo Instructor

Brianna began her dance training in lyrical, jazz and hip hop at the age of 13 in Columbia, South Carolina . She started her high school career as a Varsity cheerleader and after two years, she co-founded the Dreher High School Dance Team. They worked with various teachers such as award-winning choreographer Terrance Henderson and Kesha Nichols of the New Jersey Net dancers. The dance team performed in local shows and events such as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade at Five Points and the Palmetto Magicians Association Concert. She graduated as Captain and traveled to New York with her fellow dancers. Brianna then moved to Rexburg , Idaho where she danced on the Brigham Young University of Idaho Spirit Dance Team. She performed in shows such as I-Superstar and Slamdunk. She co-captained and choreographed for the dance team while teaching a jazz and a hip hop class on campus. In 2003, she moved to Provo where she now resides with her husband, Kory, and is pursuing a degree in Marriage, Home and Family Studies.

Haylee Deardeuff: Tumbling, Creative, and Combo Instructor

Haylee has loved dance and gymnastics since she was a little girl, and has enjoyed doing them for 13 years. She grew up in Woodland Hills, Utah, and was a competing gymnast at Nebo Gymnastics until she began dancing when she got older. She was a part of the Heart-n-Soul Senior Company and also danced with her High School Dance Company and Drill Team. During High School she coached gymnastics at Nebo Gymnastics for 2 ½ years. She loves little kids, and has worked with all ages at her Coaching job, and at Utah Valley Pediatrics. She now lives in Alpine with her husband, Jon, whom she married in June of 2007. Besides dance and gymnastics, she likes to do yoga, bike, go camping, be outside, and spend time with her husband and her family.

Clorissa Bascom: Combo Instructor

Clorissa graduated from Utah Valley University in Early Childhood Education and has spent several years working with children as a preschool, music, and dance teacher. She loves to dance and has recieved dance instruction in the following styles: ballroom, ballet, modern, belly dancing and hip hop. Clorissa believes that movement is a great way to express individuality, maintain health, and have fun

Join us for Fall!

Come join our classes, company teams and ballet conservatory for what promises to be our BEST year yet! As a company member, take advantage of performing in multiple shows, as well as our Christmas production: The Little Match Girl. Have fun and make new friends while attending professional dance concerts, rehearsing group pieces, taking master classes, and performing at locations such as The Festival of Trees, Scarecrow Festival, and Breakfast with Santa at Thanksgiving Point. Utilize your fall dance training in lyrical, hip-hop, modern, jazz, and ballet to better prepare you for Spring's opportunities which include a Utah Jazz game performance, competition, convention, and much more! Fall classes begin August 17th!

Practice Makes Perfect

I like dance because the teachers aren't hard on you, and they're very patient. They correct you when you need to be corrected and they tell you if you've done something well. I also like the music they play as we practice!

Bethany

Pulling Together

I love all of our company photos--they're amazing! My favorite is the one where we're all pulling each other. It made me think we all pull together and stick together, no matter what happens!

Arica Linn

Summer MVP Program

The Dancer with the most points at the end of the summer will be awarded our

"Summer MVP"

MVP Points
· Appropriate attire in class: 1
· Arriving for class on time: 1
· Hand towel and water bottle: 2
· Sit-ups (100) and push-ups (25) five days per week: 5 (1 pt. per day up to 5).
· Positive attitude and dancing full-out in class: 1


Bonus Points
· Watch BOTH weekly episodes of SYTYCD: 1
· Participating in the group discussion of SYTYCD on Facebook: 1
· Attend dance performances: Studio recital (1) University-level concert (2) Professional level (3)
· Attend dance workshops and/or master classes: University and/or professional level (3)
· Perfect attendance and punctuality for 4 consecutive weeks: 1
· Exercise 3 days per week for at least 30 min each session: 1
· Writing a dance journal entry for the blog: 2
· Choreographing or participating in student-choreography for “The Little Match Girl:” 2 pts. Per piece

Elite Company Individual Photos

Robyn: Company Director

Danielle: Company President



Cailey: Company Vice President


Nala

Kim

MaKenzie

Arica

Sharon

Taylor

Bethany

Natalie

Innovations Elite Company

Cailey: Breakthrough Artist

Cailey was selected as Breakthrough Artist of the night! She has been working tirelessly throughout the entire semester, and truly deserved this recognition of her efforts. At just 11 years old, and one of our youngest dancers on Elite Company, Cailey can keep up with the best of them, and do it with a smile on her face! She walks into each and every rehearsal with a positive attitude and the will to conquer all things given to her. She is an inspiring example to her peers, a friend to everyone, and a loving addition to our company. Congratulations Cailey--you had an amazing night! :)

Class Descriptions for Ballet Conservatory

In Fall 2009 we are adding a separate division of our dance studio dedicated to ballet: The Innovations Dance Academy's Ballet Conservatory. Dancers will require a placement audition for all ballet classes to determine their level. The Ballet Conservatory strives to enable each dancer with a love of ballet and all forms of dance, artistry, and technical proficiency. Our goal is to provide each dancer with an appreciation for the art of classical ballet, as well as the proper strength and technique to continue their formal ballet training for the years to come.

Level I: 1 hour per week
Pink leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes (leather or canvas--NO silk)

Dancers in Level I focus on the basics of ballet. They learn the basic arm and feet positions, along with correct posturing. They also focus on building proper ankle strength and core strength. The barre is used to assist dancers in learning coordination and correct alignment. Dancers will begin to recognize the discipline it takes to become a serious ballerina. Correct attire is to be worn at all times. Technique taught in Level I: basic positions of the arms and feet (first through sixth positions), first port de bras, plies (including demi and grand plies), tendus, movements en crois, ballet walks, passé, degage, floor stretch, releve, attitude, arabesque.

Level II: 2 1/2 hours per week (includes pre-pointe).
Light blue leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes--(leather or canvas).

Level II dancers will continue improving upon the focus that they learned in Level I. Barre and floor exercises become slightly more complex. Dancers will be encouraged to consistently place their arms in correct positions; additional focus will be on leg and feet turn-out. Teachers will continue to demonstrate proper ballet technique. In Level II, the dancers will learn more about grace and poise. They will also begin to incorporate upper body movements to add uniqueness and character to their dancing. Before graduating from Level II, each dancer must be able to demonstrate a strong knowledge of the terminology learned in Level I and II. Technique introduced in Level II: pas balance, intro to the waltz step, correct plies with one hand on the barre, barre stretch, grand battement, second por de bras, tendu combinations, chasse, pique turns, turn spotting, pas de chat, sautés in arabesque, sautés from fifth.

Level III: 3 hours per week (includes pre-pointe and pointe).
Burgundy leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes.

Level III dancers will have already learned basic ballet technique. The dancer’s goal in Level III is to master this technique and make it his own/her own. Level III dancers will also learn how to self-correct their own technique before the teacher corrects them. The dancer is encouraged, at this point in his/her training, to begin incorporating graceful movements into his/her technique. They are encouraged to begin independent improvisation as well. Level III dancers learn complex combinations and are encouraged to perform them independently and with grace and ease. Level III dancers intensely focus on turns and jumps. Pre-pointe exercises are also introduced, as well as proper stage presence. Technique introduced in Level III: ronde de jambe en dehors, ronde de jambe en dedans, ronde de jambe en l’air, 1st arabesque, 2nd arabesque, 3rd arabesque, preparation of petite battement, soutenou (at the barre and in the center), changement, sous-sous, glissade, assemble, grand jete, waltz step, preparation for pirouette, frappe en croix (without sur le cu de pied), pas de bouree, echappes (jumping and on releve), assemble with glissade, grand allegro, half turn on one foot at the barre, single pirouette from fifth position en de hors and en dedans, single pirouette from second position en de hors and en dedans, single pirouette from fourth position en de hors and en dedans, pas de bouree couru.

Level IV: 3 hours per week (includes pointe).
Navy blue leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet shoes, pointe shoes.

Level IV dancers learn the proper methods of caring for their feet and pointe shoes. These methods will ensure that each dancer has a positive and enhancing experience en pointe. Dancers begin to learn the proper technique associated with pointe work. This technique includes proper stance, alignment, elevation, etc. Dancers continue their pre-pointe work to increase ankle and foot strength. Along with learning the basics of pointe work, the dancer will be encouraged to bridge the gap between technique and artistry, thus creating a harmony between the two. Each dancer will begin to master classical ballet technique as well as continue working on stage presence. Technique introduced in Level IV: sissone, frappe with sur le cu de pied, petite battement with sur le cu de pied, pas de basque, cambers, turning waltz step, traveling jete, releve en pointe, echappe en pointepas de bourree en pointe, sau de chat, double pirouette from fifth position en de hors and en dedansdouble pirouette from second position en de hors and en dedans, double pirouette from fourth position en de hors and en dedans, pas de bouree couru en pointe.

Level V: 5 hours per week
Black leotard, pink tights, canvas ballet shoes, pointe shoes.

Level V dancers know and understand proper classical ballet technique. They continue to master their own personal technique and enrich the quality of their artistry. Optimal stage presence is achieved at this level of dancing. Level V dancers continue to build their confidence and technique in dancing en pointe.

Pointe
Pointe work is an exciting part of a ballet student's training. During pre-pointe class they will work in flat shoes to learn pointe technique and combinations, and to develop the strength they will need to dance en pointe.Each student responds to the demands of pointe preparation differently, and some will need longer than others to be ready for pointe work. I strongly recommend that all students preparing to go en pointe consult with their family doctor to ensure that there are no medical reasons to keep them from dancing on pointe. In addition, no dancers will be allowed to go on pointe without recommendation from their current ballet teacher as well as their pre-pointe teacher. Please do not buy pointe shoes until you receive instruction from us. We will provide information about fitting pointe shoes, so that students can be introduced to pointe technique and learn the proper care of their feet and pointe shoes. Beginners on toe will spend approximately ten minutes per class en pointe at the barre, and will gradually build up their time as their strength develops. Please feel free to speak with your instructor about any concerns you may have about pointe work.

Criteria for Pointe work:
*Student must be 10 1/2 or older.
*Must have at least 2 years training.
*Must be taking a minimum of 4.5 hours weekly.
*Must have sufficient strength to do the following:
*Hold turnout while dancing, have a strong straight back while dancing, especially the lower back.
*Keep the heels forward toward the big toe (no sickling).
*Pique passe with a straight leg, and correctly be able to use their plie and pointed feet.
*Be able to do 16 releves in the center without stopping, hold passe on half-pointe.
*Students must be well-groomed--hair in a bun is required for ballet classes.
*Student must be in good health, pay attention and work well in class, be of normal weight, and have enough of an arched instep to stand on pointe.

Class Descriptions

Creative
Creative Dance combines the mastery of movement with the artistry of expression. Having fun, exploring movement concepts, developing dance skills, strengthening the body and brain, interacting with others - it all happens in creative dance class. Skills become more challenging and progress with age level.

Tap
Beginning Tap introduces basic Tap technique. Focus on gaining control of the feet and isolating sounds of the heel and toe.

Elementary Hip-Hop
Elementary Hip-Hop uses high energy and clean, family-friendly music. Hip-Hop dancing is known for its vigorous athletics and bouncy style.

Teen Hip-Hop
Teen Hip-Hop utilizes high energy and clean, family-friendly music. This is a highly athletic class which enables each dancer to learn to isolate different muscles, and familiarize herself/himself with their own body to achieve the "Hip-Hop" look.

Introduction to Modern Technique
Introduction to Modern Technique introduces the fundamental principles of Modern dance, and will build week to week. Basic movement concepts such as over curve/under curve and contraction/release of the torso, articulation of the spine, and modern dance vocabulary will be taught and reviewed in depth. Class will also focus on proper alignment, musicality, and center work. This class will break down the movement and provide students with exercises that build strength, increase flexibility and provide a foundation that can be applied to all dance styles.

Elite Company Modern Technique
Elite Company Modern Technique emphasizes the use of the floor for centering and grounding oneself in movement. This class focuses on the breath (inhale/exhale), which brings quality to one’s movement. Concepts of overcurve/undercurve, contraction/release, musicality and rhythm are explored. The instructor incorporates an eclectic blend of contemporary and post-modern movement into the class. Placement by audition.

Combo (Ballet/Tumbling/Jazz)
Combo Classes are for 4 to 5 year olds and usually consists of 25 minutes of Creative Jazz, 25 minutes of ballet and 10 minutes of tumbling.

Intermediate/Excel Jazz
Intermediate Jazz introduces various Jazz performance styles with standard Jazz techniques. It will focus on gaining muscle strength and stamina, and will teach high energy jazz turns, jumps and progressions.

Elite Company Jazz
Elite Company jazz requires that a solid foundation of all jazz dance aspects is clear and well displayed. Skill advancement, strength of moves, variety of styles and steps will be taught. Placement by audition.

Elite/Excel Leaps and Turns
Leaps and Turns focuses only on jump and turn technique. The goal of the class is to work on height and extension in jumps and balance in turns. Jumps include: grande jete, switch leaps, scissor leaps, second position jumps, c-jumps, and stag leaps. Turns include: inside and outside pirouettes, fouettes, pique turns, and chaines. Students also bring to class jumps they are working on for other class choreography. Students will also learn choreography which will be used at competition.

Soloists
Placement by audition. Auditions for soloists parts will be held in Fall, 2009.

Summer Schedule 2009

Elite Company Summer Schedule 2009!

Tuesdays
6:30-8:00: Intensive Modern Technique and Conditioning

Thursdays
6:30-8:00: Intensive Ballet Technique

*Both classes are required for all Elite Company members!

Winter/Spring 2010 Schedule

Come join us for our spring production of "Cinderella!"

Want to join Ballet Conservatory or Company teams? Come to class any Thursday night in January from 5:15-6:15!

Mondays:
4:00-5:00: 8+ Beg/Int Hip Hop
5:00-6:00: 5-7 Beg Jazz

Tuesdays:
11:45-12:30: 3-4 Creative
4:00-5:00: 7-11 Tumbling
4:00-5:00: 5-7 Creative
4:00-5:00: Level 1 Ballet
5:00-6:00: 7-11 and Excel Intro to Modern
5:00-6:00: Beg Ballet
6:00-7:00: Level 2 Ballet
6:00-7:30: Elite Company Modern
7:30-8:45: Levels 3 and 4 Ballet
8:30-9:30: Yoga

Wednesdays:
11:45-12:30: 4-5 Combo (Ballet/Tumb/Jazz)
3:00-3:45: 4-5 Combo (Ballet/Tumb/Jazz)
4:00-5:15: Elite Company Jazz
5:15-6:30: Elite Company Leaps and Turns
6:30-7:30: 8+ Excel Company Jazz

Thursdays:
11:45-12:30: Advanced Creative by Invitation
4:00-5:15: Level 3 Ballet
5:15-6:15: Pointe
6:15-7:30: Levels 3 and 4 Ballet

Natalie and Arica: "Breakthrough Dancers of the Night"

Congratulations Natalie and Arica! On May 23rd Natalie Pirente was awarded "Breakthrough Dancer of the Night." She is our youngest member, and is definitely holding her own with the older girls. She has grown so much this semester, and is learning how to utilize different movement dynamics in her dancing. I am so proud of her, and the awesome example she has been to her peers, not only in company, but in her other classes as well. On Saturday, Natalie quickly implemented every critique the class was given, and as a result proved to be a standout! Go Natalie!

Arica Balter was awarded "Breakthrough Dance of the Night" on May 26th. During the last 20 minutes of class, she demonstrated excitement and eagerness to run all soloist pieces, and that excitement translated into a Breakthrough in her dancing! It is AMAZING how attitude can make all the difference in the world, inside and out! She had been struggling with some movement, but with determination and energy, she nailed the choreography for the 1st time, and looked beautiful. I often tell the dancers to "feed off each other's energy," and I am happy Arica provided some much-needed "attack" and drive to get the group through those tough final minutes of rehearsal. Congratulations Arica!

"Breakthrough Dancers of the Night"

Congratulations Girls! Because of how hard everyone worked on Tuesday night, I couldn't possibly single out one dancer as "Breakthrough Artist of the Night!" Everyone danced full-out the entire rehearsal, and worked their hardest to get better each and every time they ran a piece. What more can a teacher ask for?! Thank you all for being committed to this production, and for growing so much as performing artists!

"I will make an average man into an average dancer, provided he be passably well-made. I will teach him how to move his arms and legs, to turn his head. I will give him steadiness, brilliancy and speed; but I cannot endow him with that fire and intelligence, those graces and that expression of feeling which is the soul of a true dancer." Jean Georges Noverre

Danielle Pirente: Breakthrough Artist of the Night

Congratulations Danielle Pirente! On May 12, Danielle was her company's Breakthrough Artist of the Night! She was chosen for her "Breakthrough" in performance. Not only was she dancing full out each time she was asked to run a piece, but she also took on the character of those pieces, and conveyed the emotion perfectly! This emotional breakthrough caused her to be a standout, and took her dancing to the next level. I'm proud of her and her hard work; her peers love to watch her "in character," and it gives us all chills :) Good work Danielle! You are a great example to the other dancers, and are giving them a glimpse into the artistry of dance.

Kimberly Pirente: Breakthrough Artist of the Night

Congratulations Kimberly Pirente! On May 9th Kim was selected as Breakthrough Artist of the Night. Kim has improved leaps and bounds since last semester, and I am constantly amazed by her ability, as well as by how quickly she implements constructive criticism. There is NO limit on how far this girl can go in her dance career! She has everything it takes, and she proved it again this night by walking out of rehearsal a better dancer than when she walked in. That's all I ask for...a Breakthrough! Congratulations Kim and thank you for being such a great example to your company!

Welcome!

Welcome to Innovations Dance Academy! We're having a GREAT Spring semester, and are greatly anticipating our Lion King production in June! Please check this site often to find class descriptions, performance updates, faculty bios, Dancers of the Month, Breakthrough Dancers of the Night, class schedules, professional and college-level dance performance schedules, scholarship audition schedules, local middle and high school audition schedules, as well as inspiring dance quotes!

Come audition for our new Ballet Conservatory and Company teams at Avondale Academy on 15 May 2009 at 4pm! Don't miss out on amazing opportunities such as performing in bi-annual productions, at Disneyland, Stadium of Fire, and the Festival of Trees! Come be a part of our amazing dance community!