Refinement & Artistry
Refinement & Artistry (ages 10-18) exposes students to variety of classes for well rounded training that will advance them to our highest levels.
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Students are placed according to their skill level and knowledge of dance. At this level of training, BalletCNJ encourages their students to keep a strong focus on developing ballet technique and further their artistry by exploring other styles of dance of their choosing. These students take advantage of a more extensive class schedule to further their knowledge of body mechanics, detailed musicality, and performance.
Classes Offered
Ballet II
Classes teach the beginner / intermediate level of classical ballet. Teachers refine a student’s technique and alignment while further developing their skill base, terminology, and musicality. Classes move at a higher pace and dancers are introduced to steps of a higher caliber. Dancers will continue to develop their strength and stability, and begin to develop their artistry. This level will prepare students for pointe work and men's class.
Ballet III-IV
These classes are for our intermediate students. Dancers have a daily schedule of classes that are designed to bring them to their highest technical potential. Students will work their way up to taking the entire class en pointe to ensure proper development and progression of their skills. With a strong focus on proper body movement coordination, students develop their attention to details and knowledge of body mechanics. In these years, dancers are guided towards developing their artistry as they continue to build strong work ethics, standout abilities, and confident execution of classical ballet steps.
Ballet V-VI
These classes are geared towards our most advanced and mature students. Classes begin to be en pointe and the ability to execute classical ballet variations and pas de deux work will accumulate at these levels. Students will rely on their strong technical foundation built over the years to explore, decipher, and execute intricate musicality and advanced combinations of steps, while building a professional level of artistry. As well, these students are supported and mentored through their preparations for job auditions, performance opportunities, and needed dance materials for their college/university applications.
Pointe II
Classes teach an introductory level for Pointe. It is at the teacher's discretion when each student is ready to dance en pointe. Ballet II and conditioning work on preparation for this transition. Pointe II students learn how to choose pointe shoes, sew them, and wear them correctly. Classes consist of routine foot strengthening at the barre and simple exercises in the center. This class will teach students how to utilize and maintain their technique while adding the element of being en pointe.
Pointe III-IV
Pointe classes at these levels build on the experience and work from previous years. Students are guided towards building strength and endurance, working their way to being able to take a full class en pointe. Special attention is given to foot and ankle articulation, as well as proper rotation from the hips to support stronger pointe technique. In conjunction with coordination exercises, students start to experience full body movement while en pointe.
Pointe V-VI
Pointe work at these levels are conducted during the class at barre and center. Students will focus on achieving clean, but quick, foot work. Dancers will continue to work on their foot and ankle strength to support proper articulation of their feet and achieve the most aesthetically pleasing results. At these levels, students have become knowledgeable with a deep understanding of their pointe technique and artistry, and are able to showcase their skills with maturity and confidence.
Men's Class
While women dance en pointe, men begin to work on qualities that will help them become a strong, leading male dancer. Exercises will focus on upper body strength for pas de deux work, elevated petite and grand allegro, multiple pirouettes, and a strong but fluent masculine port de bras.
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We are very excited to offer boys and young men (ages 7-19) scholarships for year round training classes and programs.
Pas de Deux
Pas de deux "step of two" is a class offered to our advanced students. Pas de Deux is when two dancers, typically a male and a female, perform ballet steps together. The pas de deux is a characteristic of classical ballet and can be found in many well-known ballets. A Pas de deux is usually the climax of a classical ballet performance and is performed by Principal dancers in a company. This class is necessary for any student wishing to move onto a career in professional ballet.
Conditioning II,III-IV, V-VI
Conditioning is helpful for dancers to understand their own body, proper body alignment, how it functions, and body awareness, which is needed for each level of training. BalletCNJ's philosophy is to introduce physicality at this age, in order to overcome any future limitations. Classes focus on strengthening, stretching, and injury prevention. BalletCNJ recommends these classes for the strong development of a classical ballet dancer and the valuable means to injury prevention.
Modern II
Classes teach a variety of proper Modern dance techniques which are all derived from classical ballet. This style expands a dancer's knowledge on all possible body movements while increasing a dancer's strength. They introduce exercises that move freely allowing students to utilize turned in positions, contractions, and releases. Our classes offer an introduction to Graham, Limon, and Horton techniques, and contemporary choreography. Training in both ballet and modern, encourages dancers to work at a higher level and perform neo-classical ballet, contemporary, and staple modern works which circulate in the repertoire of the professional dance world. Classes are yet another opportunity to develop our students’ movement vocabulary and confidence.
Jazz II, III-VI
Classes work on teaching proper jazz technique in a non-competition setting. This class is taught by a teacher who has knowledge of professional jazz and Broadway styles. Dancers will learn advanced jazz warm-up, strengthening, stretching, and combination exercises both in center and traveling. High energy choreography and phrases will be put to various rhythms and increase a dancer's strength, coordination, and stamina. Teachers will create a fun, stress relieving environment that will further develop and foster each child’s confidence. Jazz is a beneficial way to expose dancers to other styles and expressions of movement. Ballet, Tap, and Jazz work hand in hand to develop a dancer's confidence and performance quality.
Contemporary III-IV, V-VI
Classes work on introducing the contemporary dance technique to a predominantly ballet curriculum. Students will experience different textures and modalities to redefine their movement qualities. Students will learn an advanced contemporary warm up, across the floor, and center exercises that focus heavily on body weight shifts as well as strength training. Students will also be introduced to the concept of floor work where different surfaces of the body will be used to pivot and balance on. Then, students will learn techniques on how to seamlessly transition moving in and out of the floor. Students are taught how to move outside of their kinesphere in class, which allows their movement to appear larger. This movement vocabulary pushes dancers to find new pathways to achieve already known positions deriving from their ballet technique.
Conservatory Programs:
Pre-Professional & Advanced Professional Division
Is your student interested in training at a level for a future career as a professional dancer? Our Refinement & Artistry students at the ages of 10+ are eligible to audition for our Conservatory Programs.
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Acceptance into this program is by invitation or audition only. In order to be accepted into this program, students must show maturity and great aptitude for ballet. Spots are limited and classes are kept small to allow for individualized attention.
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For more info click below:
Performances
BalletCNJ offers two annual performances for students to participate in, a winter and spring performance. Refinement & Artistry students must audition in order to be considered for casting and participate in the performance.
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BalletCNJ performances are part of the training curriculum. Students who participate build confidence, artistry, and a vast knowledge of classical ballet and neo-classical repertoire.
