The Spring 2012 Performing Arts SCHEDULE is HERE!!
Spring 2012 Registration is closed. We are still accepting registrations
on a first come first served basis, until classes are at capacity.
A $20 late registration fee will apply. Berkshire Pulse is closed on Sundays.
Spring 2012 will take place from January 23 – June 2 unless otherwise noted
with rehearsals, technical rehearsals and/or dress rehearsals happening any day/time between June 3rd and June 10th, at the Daniel Arts Center and/or at Berkshire Pulse
No Performing Arts Classes Classes February 20 – 25 and April 16 – 21
PLEASE NOTE: Many Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, and/or Advanced classes
WILL NOT HAVE April break, due to June performance deadlines, and/or necessary rehearsals for June and/or other possible performance needs.
Ballet • Modern/Jazz • World Music • Hip-Hop • Tap
Bettina Montano: Artistic Director
Ruby Aver: Performing Arts Program Associate Director
Berkshire Pulse Performing Arts Program offers young people an opportunity to explore their own creative language while challenging their intellectual, technical and artistic abilities. Traditional values are met using current techniques which reflect our interdisciplinary approach.
Primary discipline class levels are progressive, and fulfilling the goals of each level is a requirement for advancement. Our holistic, child-friendly approach and professional standards facilitate the experience of enjoyment and success, in the beauty of these performing arts.
Class and Level Placement
Placing students correctly is a foundational part of our mission. We deeply consider a wide variety of factors ~ physical skill, peer group, emotional maturity, years of previous study,
and age. Be assured that we always give careful consideration to placing each student where we believe he or she will have the greatest potential for growth.
New dance students age 10+ who would like to participate in ballet, modern and jazz classes are required to participate in placement classes which are held during our registration period (see registration information). Students under 10 are placed according to age and interest. For these students, adjustments in class placement occasionally may be necessary after initial attendance.
Private classes
Private lessons are tailor made for the seriously committed dance student. This supplement to weekly group classes facilitates accelerated progress. Please contact us to schedule an instructor consultation.
Important Information documents
Spring 2012 Registrations Forms (please use only Form B and waiver page for returning students)
Updated Dress Code Guidelines for 2012
Updated Policies & Information for 2011-12
Tuition Assistance Application for 2012
Ballet
Ballet Program Director, Ruby Aver
CREATIVE DANCE – $182
Saturday 10:30-11:15 AM
January 28-May 12, 2012 (No class February 25 & April 21)
Ages 4-6 w/Tom Masters
Students explore musical rhythms and creative movement through the practice of dance games, improvisational exercises and introductory dance technique.
INTRO TO DANCE – $221
Saturday 9:30-10:25 AM
January 28-June 2 (No class February 25 & April 21)
Ages 6-8 w/Ilana Siegal
A playful approach to traditional technique, improvisation, shape and rhythm, music and story, balance and flow, this class is an ideal introduction to dance. The pleasure of movement is inspired while preparing students for continuation in the dance form of their choice. Students must be at the first grade level, to participate in this class.
BALLET FOUNDATIONS – $221
Tuesday, 5:30-6:45 PM
January 24- May 29 (No Class for PAP Students February 21 & April 17)
Ages 12+ w/Ilana Siegal
Enjoy this great opportunity to stretch and strengthen the body!
This Foundations level class will offer beginners and students with prior experience the opportunity to learn and deepen their knowledge of classical Ballet. Class will include barre and centre floor exercises, with combinations moving across the floor. Emphasis is placed on correct body alignment, and development of whole body movement and musicality.
MODERN/BALLET Foundations – $221
Wednesday 3:45-4:45 PM
January 25 – June 6 (No Class February 22 & April 18)
Ages 8-10 w/ Bettina Montano
Students build a basic understanding of traditional dance technique while learning to loosen, strengthen and explore their body’s movement vocabulary. Basic principles of rhythm, movement quality, musicality, and healthy alignment are acquired laying a clear foundation for further interdisciplinary dance studies. This is the equivalent of Beginning Ballet and Beginning Modern. For level progression this class leads to Modern and/or Ballet Advanced Beginner I.
DANCE for BOYS – $221
Wednesday 3:45-4:45 PM
January 25 – June 6 (No class February 22 & April 18)
Ages 8-12 w/Tom Masters
Here’s a chance to jump, turn and soar! In this athletic and artistic class students will focus on how the body moves and how to tap into the inherent grace and power inside. The class will be infused with modern dance technique while also offering boys the opportunity to explore their own strengths and abilities through improvisation, creative movement and dynamic folk dance. An excellent foundation for further study in all dance forms, sports and life!
BALLET – Advanced Beginners I- $221
Thursday 3:45-5:15 PM
January 25 –June 7 (No class February 23)
Ages 9+ w/ Ilana Siegal
Students lay a firm classical foundation and basic vocabulary. Ballet fundamentals are introduced and skills developed into short phrases of movement inspired by character (theatrical folk) dance and classical ballet technique Requirements: Appropriate classroom etiquette, good sense of space, lots of enthusiasm and ability to accept corrections.
BALLET – Advanced Beginners II – $221
Saturday 9:30-11:00AM
January 28-June 2 (No class February 25 & April 21)
Ages 10+ : w/ Ruby Aver
This class is for students with previous ballet training including an understanding of basic ballet vocabulary. We will build on that vocabulary and refine alignment through dynamic barre work that directly relates through to traveling center work. Emphasis is placed on whole body movement, breathing and musicality.
Requirements PAP Advanced Beg. II students : A good sense of space, ability to accept corrections, appropriate classroom etiquette and have completed at least one year of Adv. Beg.l Ballet. Enrollment at this level requires participation in at least two classes per week which must include a Ballet class PLUS either Modern or African class within the Berkshire Pulse curriculum according to our individual placement recommendations. Additional enrollment in Advanced Beginner I or Foundation Ballet may be recommended for more consistent progress at this level.
BALLET – Intermediate – $221
Friday 3:45-5:15 PM
January 27- June 8 (No class February 24)
Ages 12+ w/ Ruby Aver
Students continue to lay a strong foundation for further development of technical skills including more challenging rhythmic variations and longer phrases and additional classical ballet vocabulary. Requirements: Appropriate classroom etiquette, good sense of space, ability to accept corrections, general sense of musicality, knowledge of basic ballet barre and center work vocabulary. These students have completed at least one year of Advanced Beginner II Ballet. Enrollment at this level requires participation in at least three classes per week which must include a Ballet class, a Modern class, PLUS either another Ballet, Modern or African class within the Berkshire Pulse curriculum according to our individual placement recommendations.
BALLET – Advanced Intermediate – $221
Thursday 3:45-5:15 PM
January 25 –June 7 (No class February 23)
Ages 13+ w/ Ruby Aver
With the addition of artistry, students build on Intermediate skills and vocabulary preparing them for more advanced level material. Requirements: Rigorous work ethics, exemplary classroom etiquette, ability to apply corrections , conscious awareness of alignment, ability to execute and retain ballet combinations, employment of conscious use of breath and musicality . Advanced Intermediate Ballet students are required to participate in at least four classes per week which must include two Ballet classes, a Modern class, and an African class.
BALLET – Advanced – $442 (Includes Monday and Wednesday class)
Monday 3:45-5:15 PM (No class February 20)
Wednesday 4:45-6:15 PM (No class February 22)
January 23- June 6
Ages 14+ w/ Ruby Aver
A student’s individual capacity is solidified and refined. Artistry and technical stamina are challenged. Requirements: Exemplary work ethics and classroom etiquette, ability to welcome ongoing challenges and retain corrections, ability to retain complicated ballet combinations and lengthy variations, patience to go deeper into developing the quality of movement and musical artistry as technique progresses. Advanced level students are required to participate in at least five technique classes per week which include three Ballet classes, and two Modern classes, PLUS one or more of any supplementary class listed in our individual placement recommendations. Pointe work is a natural extension of technique, but not a requirement of the Advanced level Ballet student.
POINTE
Beginners – Package $586.50 (Includes 2 Ballet classes plus 1 Pointe class)
Saturday 11:15 AM-12:00 PM
January 28-June 2 (No Class February 25 & April 21)
Ages 12+ w/ Ruby Aver
Students beginning pointe will discover the critical sense of balance and alignment that it takes to stabilize themselves over the platform of pointe shoes. They will further energize their ballet training , engaging more strength while employing a new coordination. This slow process builds the pointe foundation for graduating from two hands on the ballet barre to one hand, to the freedom of centerwork. Beginning Pointe students are required to participate in two ballet classes per week PLUS pointe class.
Intermediate Pointe – Package $586.50 (Includes 2 Ballet classes plus 1 Pointe class)
Friday, 5:20-6:20 PM
January 27-June 8 (No class February 24)
Ages 13+ w/Ruby Aver
Pointe foundation is further challenged with increased repetitions, speed and sustained movement. Additional pointe vocabulary is acquired. Two ballet classes per week are necessary for students participating at this level. Intermediate Pointe students are required to take Advanced Intermediate Ballet, and Intermediate Ballet as preparation for Friday Pointe class.
Advanced Pointe – Package $782 (Includes 3 Ballet classes plus 1 Pointe class)
Friday, 5:20-6:20 PM
January 27-June 8 (No class February 24)
Ages 13+ w/Ruby Aver
Complex pointework combinations will challenge the advanced pointe student . These students will work towards the goal of translating their ballet technique in full capacity to pointe. Variations from classical ballets will be taught which demands stretching beyond technical execution. Artistry and musicality develop the subtle art of pointework. Advanced Pointe students are required to participate in Monday and Wednesday Advanced ballet classes as well as Thursday Advanced Intermediate Ballet. They are welcome to enroll additionally in Friday Intermediate Ballet. If not participating in this class they must do a 20 minute barre before the Intermediate/Advanced Pointe class. Space and barre will be provided.
GENERAL POINTE REQUIREMENTS:
Pointe work is extremely challenging and demands a high level of commitment to fine tune alignment, build strength, coordination, and flow. Appropriate physical and emotional maturity are required in order to begin Ballet Pointe work, which generally does not occur before the age of 12. At least 2 years of prior Ballet training are necessary preparation. Pointe work is available to Intermediate and Advanced level Ballet students when invited by the instructor. Students must exhibit the following:
- Consistently correct alignment
- The ability to maintain turnout on demi pointe
- Strong lower back
- No sickling
- Good use of plié
- Stretches feet in movement
- Easy balance in piqué passé
- Ability to execute 16-relevé passé (without stopping) on demi pointe
- Ability to hold passé balance on demi pointe
PLEASE NOTE: In order to go on Pointe each week, students must consistently attend their other ballet classes. If the required amount of ballet classes have not been taken in a given week, the student will be asked to take Pointe class in slippers.
Modern
Modern Dance Program Director, Bettina Montano
CREATIVE DANCE – $182
Saturday 10:30-11:15 AM
January 28-May 12, 2012 (No class February 25 & April 21)
Ages 4-6 w/Tom Masters
Students explore musical rhythms and creative movement through the practice of dance games, improvisational exercises and introductory dance technique.
INTRO TO DANCE – $221
Saturday 9:30-10:25 AM
January 28-June 2 (No class February 25 & April 21)
Ages 6-8 w/Ilana Siegal
A playful approach to traditional technique, improvisation, shape and rhythm, music and story, balance and flow, this class is an ideal introduction to dance. The pleasure of movement is inspired while preparing students for continuation in the dance form of their choice. Students must be at the first grade level, to participate in this class.
MODERN/BALLET Foundations – $221
Wednesday 3:45-4:45 PM
January 25 – June 6 (No class February 22 & April 18)
Ages 8-10 w/ Bettina Montano
Students build a basic understanding of traditional dance technique while learning to loosen, strengthen and explore their body’s movement vocabulary. Basic principles of rhythm, movement quality, musicality, and healthy alignment are acquired laying a clear foundation for further interdisciplinary dance studies. This is the equivalent of Beginning Ballet and Beginning Modern. For level progression this class leads to Modern and/or Ballet Advanced Beginner I.
DANCE for BOYS – $221
Wednesday 3:45-4:45 PM
January 25 – June 6 (No class February 22 & April 18)
Ages 8-12 w/Tom Masters
Here’s a chance to jump, turn and soar! In this athletic and artistic class students will focus on how the body moves and how to tap into the inherent grace and power inside. The class will be infused with modern dance technique while also offering boys the opportunity to explore their own strengths and abilities through improvisation, creative movement and dynamic folk dance. An excellent foundation for further study in all dance forms, sports and life!
MODERN/JAZZ Foundations (Dances of Africa) – $221
Friday 3:50- 5:00 PM
January 27- June 8 (No class February 24 & April 20)
Ages 9-11 w/ Kim Waterman and Joanne DelCarpine
This high-energy class introduces students to foundation Modern/Jazz technique through the study of African rooted rhythms and dances and elementary Modern/Jazz forms. Students will study rhythmic movement, and learn to identify beat and pulse in music and in their own bodies. Traditional dances provide a rich forum for both technical and creative expression. With live percussion! For level progression this class leads to Modern and/or Ballet Advanced Beginner I.
Requirements: Appropriate classroom etiquette, and lots of enthusiasm!
MODERN Advanced Beginner I – $221
Tuesday 3:45-5:15 PM
January 24-June 5 (No class February 21 & April 17)
Ages 10+ w/ Bettina Montano
Students focus on the fundamentals of modern dance on a more advanced level. Class will include center practice, exercises across the floor, improvisation and the study of movement phrases. Pre-requisit: Modern/Ballet Foundations, Modern/ Jazz Foundations, or by permission of the instructor.
Requirements: Lots of enthusiasm, appropriate classroom etiquette, good sense of space, basic knowledge of center work and across-the-floor vocabulary, ability to welcome challenges.
MODERN Advanced Beginner II – $221
Monday 3:45-5:15
January 23-June 4 (No class February 20 & April 16)
Ages 11+ w/ Bettina Montano
This class will continue the development of modern dance technique, including alignment, strengthening, release, clarity of movement, fall and recovery and awareness of individual expression. Emphasis will be placed on moving with clarity and musicality while building an understanding of the body as a tool for versatility of expression and strength. A conscientious group experience is emphasized. The fusion of jazz, modern
and African dance styles will be explored in the process of expanding movement vocabulary and improvisational methods applied in order to enhance freedom within personal expression. As a preparation for intermediate level work, this class will
challenge, inspire and foster the love for dance as an art form and a tool for developing the dedication necessary in fulfilling personal goals. Requirement: A good sense of space, ability to accept corrections, appropriate classroom etiquette and have completed at least one year of Advanced Beginner I Modern or Ballet. Advanced Beginner level II students are required to participate in at least two classes per week which must include a Ballet class PLUS either one Modern or African class within the Berkshire Pulse curriculum according to our individual placement recommendations. Additional enrollment in Advanced Beginner I Modern or Explorations in Modern Dance may be recommended for more consistent progress at this level.
MODERN Intermediate – $221
Wednesday 5:00-6:30 PM
January 25- June 5 (No class February 22)
Ages 13+ w/ Bettina Montano
Technical and artistic ability is further challenged and developed at this level. Emphasis will be placed on clarity, musicality and versatility in quality of movement, expression and strength. A conscientious group experience is an essential component to the individual and group goals of this class. Requirements: Exemplary work ethics and classroom etiquette, ability to welcome ongoing challenges and retain corrections. Enrollment at this level requires participation in at least three classes per week which must include a Ballet class, a Modern class, PLUS either another Ballet, Modern or African class within the Berkshire Pulse curriculum according to our individual placement recommendations. In addition, students who are newly transitioning into this level may be asked to enroll in an Advanced Beginner II Ballet or Modern class temporarily for supplementary support.
MODERN Advanced Intermediate – $221
Monday 5:30-7:00
January 23- June 4 (No class February 20)
Ages 13+, w/ Andrea Blacklow
In this class students will broaden their dance vocabulary with new and increasingly difficult technique work. This work will continue their development of strength, flexibility, alignment and musicality. In addition, students will be challenged to push the limits of their stamina, strength and focus, and inspired to deepen their understanding of the art of performance and demands of physical practice at this level. In this, they will work toward the versatility and integration necessary to move into advanced modern work. Topics frequently emphasized will be breath, presence and creative expression. Requirements: Rigorous work ethics, exemplary classroom etiquette, ability to apply corrections, conscious awareness of alignment, ability to execute and retain combinations, employment of conscious use of breath and musicality. Advanced Intermediate level Modern students are required to participate in at least four classes per week which must include a Ballet class, a Modern class, an African class PLUS either another Ballet or Modern class within the Berkshire Pulse curriculum according to our individual placement recommendations.
MODERN Advanced – $221
Thursday 5:45-7:30
January 26-June 7
Ages 14+ w/ Bettina Montano
Adult dancers are welcome to enroll in this Performing Arts Program class with a full semester commitment. Class will include preparation and rehearsal of work to be presented in June 2012 annual performance.
Modern dance training at this level emphasizes technical and artistic work which encourages students to challenge themselves as emerging artists, self-assured athletes and responsible individuals fully committed to the process associated with creative and technical growth. Group awareness and a conscientious mind-set are expected at all times. Requirements: Advanced level students are required to participate in at least five technique classes per week which include three Ballet classes, and two Modern classes, PLUS one or more of any supplementary class listed in our individual placement recommendations.
REPERTORY Advanced Levels – $221
Saturdays 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
January 28-June 2 (No class February 25)
Ages 14+ w/ Tom Masters
A continuation of the Fall Humphrey –Weidman Workshop*, this class will focus entirely on learning and rehearsing repertory from the Humphrey-Weidman Company in preparation for the 2012 spring performances. Students enrolled in this class are required to perform and will be accepted by invitation only.
*2011 Fall Advanced Modern Workshop w/ Tom Masters:
Humphrey-Weidman is a classical modern dance technique based on the theory and action of fall and recovery. In this workshop, through movement phrases and repertory from the Humphrey-Weidman Company, students will explore the principles of how the body responds to gravity, as well as the moments before and after the fall (suspension and rebound). We will also explore artistic expression in dance through various repertory pieces, and discover what personal elements dancers bring to a piece of movement. This is a performance class and students will be accepted by invitation or open audition.
MODERN DANCE EXPLORATIONS – $182
A Class for All Levels!
Thursday 5:30-6:45 PM
January 26-May 10 (No class February 23 & April 19)
Ages 13-17 w/ Annabelle Coote
This class provides an opportunity to explore various aspects of modern dance with an emphasis on improvisation and dance making. Students will be encouraged to discover and expand movement qualities and vocabulary, while developing both skills and creativity that will support growth as a dancer. Technical skills in dance will be nurtured as building blocks for dance expression. Less experienced dancers will be have the opportunity to experiment with the creative process while dancers with more preparation can delve deeper into creative expression and the craft of dance-making. Above all, the class aims to foster connection to and passion for dance.
SENIOR CHOREOGRAPHIC PROJECT (A full-year commitment)
Advanced level dancers who are in their final year at Berkshire Pulse will explore the process of creating original dance and will ultimately choreograph a solo, duet or small group piece to be performed in the end-of-year Celebration Performance. Repertory and Dancemaking is required for this senior student, and will serve as a workshop environment for developing skills and material. To be eligible for the project, the student must be enrolled in three additional classes per week throughout the year. In the Spring session, this student will be required to work independently of class time, plus additional rehearsals arranged with a faculty mentor.
World Music and Dance
World Music Program Directors: Aimee Gelinas and Kim Waterman
WORLD MUSIC Beginners – $208
Tuesday 4:15-4:45
January 24-May 29 (No class February 21 & April 17)
Ages 7+ w/ Joanne DelCarpine
This rhythm and world music introductory class will help children feel and play with the rhythms of their own lives and of the world. Using instruments and their bodies students will begin to understand rhythm through sound and movement. We will listen to different types of music and pick out the pulse and patterns to repeat and master. We will learn “call and response” songs. We will learn to hear and respond to “the break” to be able to start, change, and stop movement and playing. As the class progresses we will learn to play different parts against one another. Some instruments will be provided, but students should bring whatever percussion instruments they own.
WORLD MUSIC Drum and Song -Advanced Beginners / Intermediate– $221
Tuesday 5:00-5:30 PM
January 24-June 5 (No class February 21 & April 17)
Ages 8+ w/ Aimee Gelinas
In this class students explore West African, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian drum/ percussion rhythms and songs while developing their articulation on hand drums/ percussion instruments and songs in many languages. Instruments will be provided, for students with previous rhythmic/instrumental experience.
WORLD MUSIC Drum and Song – Intermediate/Advanced – $221
Tuesday 5:30-6:15 PM
January 24-June 5 (No class February 21 & April 17)
Inter-generational Ages 9+ w/ Aimee Gelinas
Placement in this class is at the sole discretion of the instructor. A trial class may be required.
This class is for the more experienced hand-drummer and percussionist, and requires articulation of tone/slap/bass and sound stick technique. Students will have the opportunity to arrange music and take part in drumming and singing multi-part rhythms. Students will learn advanced breaks, solo phrasing, intricate percussion parts, advanced compositions, and singing while playing. Progression at this level will include joining Aimee to drum for the Berkshire Pulse Afro-Caribbean community dance class once per month. Students who are asked to play for the community Afro-Caribbean dance class will:
-Play advanced parts by themselves on Djembe, Djun Djun, Bell, and other percussion instruments and have a strong capacity on each type of instrumentation
-Drum for dancers for up to 1/2 hour at a time thus requiring stamina
-Be confident in calling breaks for dancers (if on djembe)
-Have an ability to act maturely in an adult setting and be flexible with the needs of the instructor guiding them
-Be invited to take part as drummers in the finale Afro-Caribbean drum and dance class presentation at the annual recital
AFRO-CARIBBEAN Dance – $221
Tuesday 6:30-7:45 PM
January 24-June 4 (No class February 21 & No class for PAP Students April 17)
Performing Arts Program students Ages 12+
An intergenerational class w/ Kim Waterman and Joanne DelCarpine
Explore traditional African dance in the many African-rooted dances of Haiti, Cuba and Brazil in this high-energy class. Students move through a warm up filled with yoga, isolations and rhythmic movement into a dance combination that travels across the floor. No prior experience is required for participation in this class. WITH LIVE DRUMMING AND SONG!
Hip Hop & Tap & Flamenco
Hip Hop Workshop Series – $180
Saturday March 3 and 17, April 28, May 5 and 19, June 2
1:00-2:30 – Age 12+
2:45-4:00 – Age 10+
W/ Decadance Theatre Members Lu Graciano and Jen Weber
Journey through time and experience the evolution of hip-hop from its old school social dance roots, to the contemporary phenomenon of commercial choreography that hip-hop has become. These workshops will challenge and inspire the dancers to both learn proper hip-hop technique while developing their own personal style and unique dance vocabulary.
Beginner TAP Inter-generational
Monday 5:15-6:15 PM (No Class February 20 & April 16)
January 23-June 4
Ages 5+ w/ Tom Masters
Full Session commitment required – $221
Tap dance is a timeless dance style that inspires us to combine music and percussion. This class will focus on building a strong foundation of fundamental tap steps, including shuffles, flaps and time steps. Various tap styles will be introduced such as rhythm tap and Broadway tap. This class is for all levels of tap dancers, so shuffle on in. The second half hour of class will be combined with the advanced beginner/intermediate class to practice and reinforce steps taught.
TAP Inter-generational – Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Monday 5:45-6:45 PM (No Class February 20 & April 16)
January 23-June 4
Ages 10+ w/ Tom Masters
Full Session commitment required
Tap is all about rhythm, footwork, and taking dance beyond the visual to the auditory, using your feet as a percussive “instrument” to create sounds as you dance. Key elements in tap class are timing, rhythm, and musicality. A variety of tap styles including Broadway tap and Rhythm tap will be taught. This class is for Advanced Beginner/Intermediate tap students with some experience.
FLAMENCO Dance Workshop
Saturdays February 4, 11, March 10, 24, April 7, 14, May 12, 26 & June 2
1:30-3:00 Beginners/Advanced Beginners
Inter-generational Age 18+ and PAP Students 13+ w/Kati Garcia-Renart
$162 with Full Session Commitment
$25 per class
This hour and a half class will introduce students to the main elements of flamenco dance: vocabulary, footwork, upper body coordination, compás, palmas (hand clapping) and the proper postural attitude uniquely associated with this dance form. Students with previous flamenco dance experience will dive deeper into all elements of flamenco working on their basic skills and coordinating footwork, upper body, compas and marcajes.
What to Wear:
Flamenco shoes, or any comfortable shoes with sturdy, wide heels and comfortable clothing.
