Ballet

Ballet is the foundation of all of Western theatrical dance. People aspiring to be professional dancers in any genre are advised to start with ballet before specializing in other forms. All other types of dance build on the foundation of ballet. 

An All Ballet Class is a carefully graded sequence of exercises lasting, typically, an hour and a half. The work falls into three parts. The first part consists of stretching and warming-up exercises done with the support of the barre. 

Dancers may spend anywhere from forty minutes to an hour at the barre. Then you move to the center of the studio to work without support. The second part of class, called adage, consists of slow work in which the emphasis is on sustaining positions. The final part of class, allegro, consists of fast work, mostly combinations (sequences of steps) with the big jumps and turns that make ballet such an impressive and dazzling sight.

Combination Classes (Ballet/Jazz or Ballet/Tap)  classes are introductory classes  that last One hour. Each style getting a half and hour. 

What will be taught?

Ballet terminology (intro to french words and meanings)

Ballet positions of the feet

Ballet positions of the arms

Introduction to Barre work

Adage (center floor work)

Centering (proper body alignment)

Class ettiquette

Across the floor combinations

Introduction to Theatre terminology (all courses at HKA will include theatre terminology)  

What is a barre?The barre is a handrail, approximately waist-high, that dancers use to steady themselves during the first part of a ballet class. The barre provides a reference point; it can be used to provide resistance, as when you press down on it to lengthen the spine; and it is your first partner. "Barre" is also a shorthand term for exercises done at the barre; dancers frequently refer to "doing a barre," for example to warm up just before performing.

Why do dancers take so many classes? Regardless of the skill level each dancer must practice under the supervision of a detailed eye. The body is our instrument and to maintain proper balance and stucture it must be tuned daily.

For the serious dancer, the first ten years are a time when intense class is vital. This is the time when repeated practice set the steps "into your muscles""--ingraining them into your subconscious, so you can do them without thinking and can link them into combinations at a moment's notice.

HOLLYWOOD KIDS ACADEMY DANCE

Please send students with the appropriate shoes the first day of class.
Dance shoes can be purchased at WalMart, KMart, or online at www.discountdance.com from Discount Dance Supply Company.  Second hand stores like Deseret Industries and Savers often have great dance shoes for very little money.

DANCEWEAR:

BALLET:      BLACK OR LIGHT PINK LEOTARD.  LIGHT PINK TIGHTS.  BLACK OR PINK BALLET SHOES.  LACES TUCKED IN PLEASE.
TAP:            SAME AS BALLET . BLACK TAP SHOES.  DOUBLE KNOT LACES PLEASE.
JAZZ:           SAME AS BALLET.  BLACK JAZZ SHOES. MAY ALSO ADD BLACK DANCE PANTS.
MODERN:    ANY LEOTARD UNDER SHORTS OR DANCE PANTS, BARE FEET/ BALLET/JAZZ SHOES.
HIP HOP:     ANY LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING OVER LEOTARD OF CHOICE.  DANCE SNEAKERS.

Hair: please have hair pulled back in a bun with no bangs below eyebrow level. If the style is too short for a bun it needs to be pulled back off the face with bobby pins or clips.

Please provide a dance bag (backpack, old purse, duffle bag) for your dancers shoes. Street shoes may not be worn on the dance floor and dance shoes should never be worn off the dance floor. Please send a bottle of clear water in a portable container for your dancer so they can remain in the dance area.
PLEASE MARK ALL DANCE ITEMS WITH YOUR DANCERS FULL NAME.