Berkshire Pulse youth performance

Performing Arts Program - Fall 2010 (calendar for print)

Bettina Montano: Artistic Director
Ruby Aver: Performing Arts Program Associate Director

New for Fall 2010

Starting this semester, we have reorganized our beginning-level class structure and developed Foundational classes that more accurately reflect our interdisciplinary approach.

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 standards are met using current techniques in our professional level training. Ballet, Modern and Jazz dance class levels are progressive. Meeting each level's goals is a requirement for advancement. Our holistic, child-friendly approach facilitates both the enjoyment and the beauty of these performing arts. Level appropriate classroom etiquette is expected.

NEW! UPPER LEVEL PARENT MEETING
Saturday, September 25, 2010. 2:00 PM, at Berkshire Pulse

This year we will offer a brief informational meeting to discuss upper level requirements and expectations. This meeting is for parents of Intermediate and Advanced level dance students. Please mark your calendars and make every effort to attend!

Beginning August 31st, and in preparation for Fall classes, Performance and Audition Preparation, Ruby Aver and Bettina Montano will be available for private classes and coaching. Please contact D. Curto at Berkshire Pulse to make arrangements for an instructor consultation.

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.

Important Information documents

Registration Information • NEW Dress Code Guidlines • NEW Policies & Information 2010-11

Ballet

Ballet Program Director, Ruby Aver

CREATIVE DANCE - $144

Saturday 9:30-10:15 AM
September 25-December 18 (No class November 27)
Open classes for parents and friends: December 18
Ages 4-6 w/Kristine Waterman

Students explore musical rhythms and creative movement through the practice of dance games, improvisational exercises and introductory dance technique.

INTRO TO DANCE - $144

Saturday 10:30-11:30 AM
September 25-December 18 (No class November 27)
Open classes for parents and friends: December 18
Ages 6-8 w/Kristine Waterman

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.

MODERN/BALLET Foundations - $144

Wednesday 3:30-4:30 PM
September 15-December 8
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.

BALLET Advanced Beginners I- $204

Tuesday 3:45-5:15 PM
September 14-January 25
Ages 9+ w/ Ruby Aver

Students lay a firm classical foundation and 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 - $204

Friday 3:40-5:10 PM
September 17-January 28
Ages 10+ : w/ Ruby Aver

Students 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 I.

Additional enrollment in Advanced Beginner I is recommended for more consistent progress at this level.

BALLET Intermediate - $204

Thursday 3:45-5:15 PM
September 16-January 27
Ages 12+ w/ Ruby Aver

With the addition of artistry, students build upon foundational skills, preparing them for advanced level material. Requirements: Good work ethics and classroom etiquette, ability to apply corrections, ability to execute and retain ballet combinations, employment of conscious use of breath and awareness of alignment. A concurrent Modern or Jazz class with Berkshire Pulse is required at this level. Intermediate level Ballet students may be placed in the Friday Advanced Beginner II, Monday Adult/Teen Advanced beginner, or Wednesday Open Ballet class, as three ballet classes per week are strongly recommended to maintain this level of dancing.

BALLET Advanced - $204

Monday 3:45-5:15 PM
September 13-January 24
Ages 12+ 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. Monday and Wednesday Advanced Ballet, as well as a concurrent Modern or Jazz class with Berkshire Pulse are required at this level. Four ballet classes per week are strongly recommended to progress at this level, therefore Advanced level Ballet students are also encouraged to enroll in the Intermediate level class for additional weekly practice. Friday Pointe is optional; Pointe work is a natural extension of technique, but not a requirement of the Advanced level Ballet student. Saturday Pointe work builds technique and is applied to classical variations. Friday Pointe class is required for Saturday Pointe class participation.

BALLET Advanced-Open - $204 - full session

Wednesday 4:30-6:00 PM
September 15-January 26
Ages 14+ w/ Ruby Aver

Please see above for description. Adult dancers are welcome to join this Performing Arts Program class for a full semester or on a drop-in basis with a Community Membership Pass (refer to Teen /Adult program info).

POINTE Intermediate and Advanced - See Package Pricing Below

Ages 12+ w/ Ballet Program Director Ruby Aver
Friday, 5:20-6:20 PM
September 17-January 28

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:

Intermediate Pointe students are required to take Intermediate Ballet, Advanced Beginner II Ballet, plus Pointe class. Advanced Pointe students are required to take Monday and Wednesday Advanced Ballet classes plus Pointe class. Saturday Pointe /Variations is available in addition to this Pointe class if all Advanced Ballet requirements are fulfilled. Advanced Pointe students are required to arrive at 4:50PM and warm up prior to Pointe class (barre and space will be provided). 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.

POINTE/VARIATIONS Intermediate and Advanced - See Package Pricing Below

Saturday 9:15-10:45 AM
September 18-January 29
Ages 13+ w/ Christianna Kavalowski

Further developing Pointe technique and its application to classical variations. Barre exercises will develop the specific coordination and strength for material from the classics. Center work will include artistically adapted Variations. Participation in Friday's Pointe class is a requirement for this class.

Pointe Package I - $510
Includes 2 Ballet classes plus 1 Pointe class
Pointe Package II - $714
Includes 2 Ballet classes plus 2 Pointe classes

ADULT/TEEN BALLET - $204

Monday 6:30 -8 PM with Christianna Kavalowski
Saturday 11:15AM-12:45 PM with Christianna Kavalowski

Beginner and Advanced Beginner level classes.
Performing Arts Program students enrolling in this class are required to make a full tuition commitment.
See Berkshire Pulse Community Class listings for details

Modern & Jazz

Modern Dance Program Director, Bettina Montano

CREATIVE DANCE

Saturday 9:30-10:15 AM
Ages 4-6 Dates/Instructor: TBA

Students explore musical rhythms and creative movement through the practice of dance games, improvisational exercises and introductory dance technique.

INTRO TO DANCE

Saturday 10:30-11:30 AM
Ages 6-8 Dates/Instructor: TBA

A playful approach to the fundamentals of traditional technique, improvisation, shape and rhythm, music and story, balance and flow, this class is an ideal introduction to ballet and modern dance. The pleasure of movement is inspired while preparing students for continuation in the dance form of their choice.

MODERN/BALLET Foundations - $144

Wednesday 3:30-4:30 PM
September 15-December 8
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. Requirements: Appropriate classroom etiquette, and lots of enthusiasm!

MODERN/JAZZ Foundations (Dances of Africa) - $132

Friday 3:30- 4:30 PM
September 17-December 10 (No class October 8)
Ages 8-11 w/ Kim Waterman

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 - $204

Thursday 3:45-5:00 PM
September 16-January 27
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/JAZZ Advanced Beginner II - $204

Wednesday 4:45-6:10 PM September 15-January 26 Ages 11+ w/ Kat Gurley

This class will primarily continue the exploration of modern dance technique, including alignment and somatic strengthening and awareness. We will also fuse and find parallels between the dance styles of jazz, modern and improvisation in order to strengthen the body and create a well-versed dancer. This class is meant to inspire and draw connections within young dancers between the various styles they are learning and the freedom within personal expression. This class will challenge, inspire and hopefully foster the love for dance and all its forms. Requirement: Two years of recent dance training in either Ballet, Modern or Jazz. Concurrent enrollment in a Ballet or Modern class is strongly recommended for more consistent progress at this level for advancement into Intermediate level training.

ADULT/TEEN JAZZ - $204

Monday 5:30 -6:45 PM with Kat Gurley

Advanced Beginner/Intermediate level Classes.
Performing Arts Program students enrolling in this class are required to make a full tuition commitment.
Performing Arts Program students enrolling in this class are required to make a full tuition commitment.
See Berkshire Pulse Community Class listings for details.

MODERN Intermediate - $204

Monday 3:40-5:10 PM
September 13-January 24
Ages 13+ w/ Bettina Montano

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. Guest teachers will offer blocks for expanded technical experience. Requirements: Exemplary work ethics and classroom etiquette, ability to welcome ongoing challenges and retain corrections. Concurrent Ballet training with Berkshire Pulse is required for students participating in this class. Ballet is required at this point because it prepares a student physically and artistically for the increase in technical difficulty, enabling the instructor to confidently present new material requiring greater strength, flexibility, alignment and concentration. Students who are newly transitioning into this level may be asked to enroll in an additional Advanced Beginner Ballet or Jazz class temporarily for supplementary support.

MODERN Advanced - $204

Thursday 5:15-6:45
September 16-January 27
Ages 14+ w/ Bettina Montano

A continuation of Modern dance training, this class encourages students to challenge themselves as artists as well as technicians. Requirements: Exemplary work ethics and classroom etiquette, ability to welcome ongoing challenges and retain corrections, patience to go deeper into developing quality of movement and artistry. Concurrent Ballet training with BP's intermediate or advanced level is required for students participating in this class. Advanced level Modern students are welcome to enroll in the Intermediate level Open Modern classes for additional weekly practice. Adult dancers are welcome to enroll in this Performing Arts Program class with a full semester committment.

AFRO-CARIBBEAN Dance - $204

Tuesday 6:15-7:30 PM
Ages 14+ 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! This class is strongly recommended for all Pulse Intermediate and Advanced level Performing Arts Program students. Full-semester enrollment required for PAP students.

Performing Arts Program students enrolling in this class are required to make a full tuition commitment.
This is also a Berkshire Pulse community class at $13 per Community Class - NO Community Pass.
See Berkshire Pulse Community Class listings for details.

Choreography

DANCEMAKING Beginner/Advanced Beginner - $204

Wednesday 3:40-4:40
September 15-January 26
Ages 10-13 w/Kristine Waterman

Students will begin to explore the art of making dances/creating choreography. Through experimentation and improvisation, as well as guided exercises and choreographic techniques, students will create movement phrases for themselves and others. This class offers the opportunity to explore self-expression and inspiration to create solo and group dances.

DANCEMAKING Intermediate and Advanced Levels - $150

Saturdays 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Sept 25, Oct 9 & 23, Nov 6 & 20, Dec 4 & 18, Jan 8, 22 & 29
Ages 14+ w/ Kat Gurley

This bi-monthly workshop will offer the more advanced dancer the fundamentals of choreography as well as the development of artistic voice. We will begin with in depth studies of the elements of space, time and energy. The workshop will involve out of class work as well as the viewing of dance videos. Throughout the year we will delve more deeply into self-expression and the development of the individual voice as well as choreographing group dances. Adult dancers are welcome to enroll in this Performing Arts Program class for a full semester.

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. Dancemaking for Advanced and Intermediate levels ( see details above) 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 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

World Music Program Director: Aimee Gelinas

WORLD MUSIC Intro - $132

Friday 4:40-5:20 PM
September 17-December 10 (No class October 8)
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 Beginners/Advanced Beginners - $144

Tuesday 3:30-4:15 PM
September 14-December 14
Ages 8+ w/ Aimee Gelinas

In this class students explore the history and styles of rhythms, songs and dances that originated on the continent of Africa and traveled, maintained and evolved throughout parts of the Caribbean. Instruments will be provided. For students with previous experience.

WORLD MUSIC Intermediate/Advanced - $144

Tuesday 4:15-5:00 PM
September 14-December 14
Ages 9+ w/ Aimee Gelinas

This class is for the more experienced percussionist. In addition to studying traditional rhythms, students arrange music together with Aimee, and all take part in drumming and singing multi-part rhythms. Placement in this class is at the sole discretion of the instructor. A trial class may be required.

Hip Hop & Tap- Intergenerational

Hip Hop Intergenerational Workshop Series - $80

Saturdays 4:00-5:15 PM Beginner (ages 9+)
Saturdays 5:15-7:00 PM Intermediate ( ages 11+)
Oct 2 & 23, Nov 6 & 20, Dec 11
w/ Lisa Kapchinske (a.k.a. "Ivory") & Jonathan Pinero (aka "St. Ise")

A unique opportunity for students to step into the world of Hip Hop! This program will offer beginners and students with prior experience an in depth study of the diverse styles and rhythms of Hip Hop, and its history and evolution. Participants will study the basics of old school hip hop dance, new wave hip hop choreography, experience the art of a dance battle and throughout, explore their individual expression of these dance forms. Emphases will be placed on developing individual ability while forming a strong and supportive group experience.

TAP Intergenerational - $144

Monday 5:15-6:15 PM
September 13 - December 13
Ages 10+ w/ Kristine Waterman

This class is an introduction to the basic tap fundamentals and terminology. Students will learn coordination, rhythmic patterns, basic tap footwork and combinations both at the barre and across the floor.