Elective Classes
Elective classes at Boston Ballet School are designed to enrich ballet training and help create a well-rounded and versatile student. Electives are considered to be any class that falls outside of a student’s required core curriculum. Students “elect” to take extra classes - All classes require an additional cost. Some of the following classes are integrated into the mandatory core requirements for certain levels, as recommended by Artistic Staff.
1. BOSTON BALLET SCHOOL ENSEMBLE
Boston Ballet School's Ensemble is an opportunity for advanced students to explore both classical and contemporary choreography. As part of our student's education, and as a pre-curser to being a professional dancer, the Ensemble teaches the process of learning how to rehearse and prepare repertoire. Students will have the unique opportunity to experience working in a corps de ballet, the importance of being a good understudy, and learning to develop a strong and productive work ethic. Various end of year performance options will be provided. For the 2008-2009 school year, Advanced students will be recommended for the Ensemble by Artistic staff; no audition will take place. The Ensemble is mandatory for Trainees.
2. CHARACTER
Character Dance is a specific subdivision of Classical Dance based on national and folkloric traditions that have been stylized and included in classical ballet. Several classical ballets, including Swan Lake and Don Quixote, feature Character variations, and as such, formal Character training is integral for ballet students, ideally being introduced by the Intermediate level of ballet training. Alla Nikitina brings a wealth of knowledge to Boston Ballet School for the 08-09 school year, having staged and choreographed Character variations for professional companies worldwide, including Boston Ballet. Character Ballet classes are 1½ hours and include a ballet technique warm-up. All other Character classes are one hour.
3. JAZZ
Students will explore many different styles of Jazz that will enhance their versatility and expose them to more contemporary dance forms.
4. MEN’S UPPER BODY STRENGTH TRAINING
Men’s Upper Body focuses on exercises to condition the musculature of the upper body for male dancers, strengthening arms, torso, and back for ballet technique and pas de deux.
5. MODERN
Modern Dance explores movement, space, rhythm and the dancer’s own creativity. Students will study the endless possibilities of movement and dance as an outlet for expression. Students will learn technique influenced by the methods of Graham, Cunningham, Limon, and Horton.
6. MORNING CLASSES
Additional open ballet classes for advanced students, offered weekdays 10-11:30am at the Boston studio.
7. NEW YORK CITY BALLET WORKOUT
NYCB Workout exercises combine stretching with strengthening and aim to improve body tone giving participants greater flexibility, cardiovascular stamina and better posture. Strength and flexibility is gained through the use of natural resistance with specific gains in the muscle tone of legs, hips and abdominals. No previous background in dance required.
8. PERFORMING GROUPS
The Performing Group provides students an opportunity to explore the rehearsal and performance process, teaching students how to approach rehearsals and learn choreography in more depth while developing their artistry. Class time will be solely dedicated to learning choreography and rehearsing; consequently students will need to attend either a core or elective ballet class on Saturdays in order to be appropriately prepared for rehearsals.
9. PILATES
With an emphasis on breath, core conditioning and body awareness, Pilates exercise is a safe and highly effective way to stretch, strengthen and streamline your body. Pilates also helps to increase mobilization and prevent injuries.
10. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional development is a monthly lecture series offered in our Boston studio. Speakers will address topics such as resume writing, injury treatment & prevention, dance history, nutrition and sports psychology. Various guest lectures and experts in these fields will speak about these subjects.