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BCDR & Competition

The Ballet Conservatory of Dance Revelation and The Competition Team

BC Information

Mission Statement
Our mission is to maintain a dance school rooted in classical ballet, which provides young dancers, regardless of studio or school affiliation, with the opportunity to perform in authentically staged major company production variations; and to nurture in its regional school and public audiences, a broader and deeper appreciation of ballet, one of the most dynamic of the performing arts. The Ballet Conservatory of Dance Revelation strives for excellence in the artistry and technique of the students as well as outreach to young dancing artists to fulfill its vision for the cultural enrichment of the lives of area residents.

The Classroom
At The Ballet Conservatory of Dance Revelation Studio we value the opportunity to be a part of each of our students’ lives. Along with providing the best possible dance training for each student; we encourage positive traits such as high morale, high self-esteem, responsibility, self-discipline, teamwork, concentration, perseverance and most importantly the realization that if students work hard they can achieve their goals. Having an “I can do it” mentality takes our students to the next level in dance. Be ready to learn, grow, and receive constructive correction. Our teachers will be friendly but firm to help our students grow. Discipline and dance go hand in hand; students who understand discipline are the most successful dancers. Teachers prepare for classes by setting goals for what they wish to accomplish with each group of students, depending on skill level. We look forward to the opportunity to become acquainted with each student this coming year. We desire to create a positive atmosphere, which will encourage freedom for students to grow in their passion for the art of dance.

The teachers and staff will treat each student equally. Teachers will absolutely not encourage competitive attitudes as this can become destructive to the students and the school. We encourage our students to make every effort to be the best they can be.

Ballet Curriculum
The training of BCDR students is conducted from the classical tradition of Russia’s Kirov Ballet through the Vaganova Method of Ballet Pedagogy. This method of instruction nurtures the individually paced progress of students beginning with the Jazzette level (pre-ballet) and progressing through several levels of classical dance training from beginner through intermediate to advanced. This approach is designed to cultivate a healthy self-esteem, personal and artistic maturity, and develops sound technique in support of achieving an authentic aesthetic vision. The faculty of BCDR determines the appropriate curricular level for each dancer.

Jazz and Tap
All BCDR dancers level A and B must also take a Tap Class. Levels C-E must take a Jazz and Tap class. Levels usually correspond with the students’ ballet level. In some cases, teachers may see the need for the student to be placed in a more advanced or lower level for Jazz/Tap then their ballet level.

General Class Information

Curricular Levels
The faculty of BCDR evaluates the appropriate level for each dancer.
Ballet A, B, C, D, E
Pointe D, E

Tap A, B, C/D

Jazz C/D, D/E

Class Requirements
     Ballet A: Three Classes per week, two A classes and one A/B class
     Ballet B: Four Classes per week, two B classes, one A/B and one A class
     Ballet C: Four classes per week, two C’s, one C/D and one B
     Ballet D & E: Four Classes per week, two D, one C and one C/D OR another C class (you choose which class)

   Tap A is one hour and held once a week.
   Tap B is one hour and held once a week.
   Tap C/D is one hour and held once a week.
   Jazz C/D is one hour and held once a week.
   Jazz D/E is one hour and held once a week

Make-Up Class Requirements
     Ballet A: Take Ballet B
     Ballet B: Take Ballet A; Ballet C upon teacher’s permission
     Ballet C: Take Ballet B; Ballet D/E upon teacher’s permission
     Ballet D: Take Ballet C

Attendace
Students are expected to be prompt for class. Consistent attendance and fulfillment of the required number of classes per level is expected of students for each session of the academic year. The sessions have been divided into four-week segments to allow sufficient time for students to improve technique and develop artistically, and for the instructors to evaluate each student’s progress individually. Anticipated absences are to be reported ahead of time and those due to illness, etc. by email or telephone prior to the beginning of that day of classes. Whatever the reason, required arrangements should be made as soon as possible to make up every missed class within the same session. BCDR students may only miss 3 classes from September to December and then another 3 classes from January-June. Please contact the office to discuss any unusual situations, which may require special consideration. 717-796-6010

Dress
Class attire for ladies is pink tights and black leotard with pink ballet slippers. Legging’s/Warm-Up’s are permissible during barre work. Black Skirts are permissible during center work. Hair must be pulled back into a bun unless the hairstyle is very short. Gentlemen are to wear black tights, black shorts, a white T-shirt and black or white ballet slippers.

Supervision
Parents who bring children to the studio are asked to be on time both for class and pick up after class. It is expected that young students will be escorted to and from the studio by a parent, older sibling, or another person expressly designated by the parent, allowing instructors to concentrate on fulfilling their teaching obligations without traffic management concerns.

The Ballet Conservatory of Dance Revelation Relationship to DRS
The BCDR was created and established for the serious dance student of DRS. In order to provide the best results, consistent improvement, and a greater understanding of the expectations of the young dancer, BCDR was intended to prepare students for pre-professional career life in dance, in the university setting, musical theater, and the arts in general beyond middle and high school academic years. Through the ballet curriculum and intensive schedule we will achieve and instill the appropriate expectations of dance history, ballet training and a disciplined mind-set towards the arts.

Faculty
Leah Wallace, Dance Revelation Studio Ballet Instructor, will be the Head Instructor for BCDR. Leah is a graduate of Slippery Rock University, with her B.A. in Dance. With over 20 years of classical ballet and modern dance experience, along with teaching, choreographing and performing for Ballet Northeast, Slippery Rock University Dance Theater Company, and Dance Revelation Studio. Leah is excited and eager to become a larger part of the instruction and guidance to the students of the Ballet Conservatory of Dance Revelation.

Johannah Leach, Director of Dance Revelation Studio, will be the instructor of the BCDR Jazz and Tap classes. Johannah has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, pointe and competition. She began her dance education at the age of 9. Since then she has been dancing and has continued her education by studying in New York City at Broadway Dance Center and many dance conventions across the country. She opened Dance Revelation Studio November 12, 2007. Since 2007 the studio has grown to over 200 students! She is very excited to see the BCDR begin and to see the students grow immensely in their ballet, jazz and tap technique.

BC Class Descriptions

Ballet A (beginning at 6 years old)
Students begin learning elementary exercises at the barre, which will enable them to master the placement and coordination of the body including the use of the legs, arms, head, and torso. Students are given exercises mostly facing the barre until total stability and upper body strength/flow are understood and mastered. Then the students are instructed to place one hand on the barre while executing the basic exercises and then during center practice the students face the mirror. Students study basic port de bras with all the barre and centre exercises in order to develop coordination, artistry, musicality and strength. The study of adagio begins by introducing simple combinations that challenge the mind as well as the body. The technique of turns introduces half turns at the barre and later these turns are studied in the centre. The students begin the study of basic petit allegro and the students learn the technique of the utilization of plie a quart and demi plie and when to use which form and which depth of plie. The basics of grand allegro begins with special attention to musicality, phrasing and technical proficiency. In addition, all students learn the application of practical musical interpretation with all of the ballet exercises.

Ballet B (beginning at 9 years old)
During this period of study, students learn to repeat the Ballet A exercises which are increased in number, difficulty and speed which enhances coordination and fluidity between the movements. Students are introduced to exercises on demi pointe and further attention is given to the arms and the head in order to emphasize the importance of the development of epaulement. The study of demi pointe and basic turns begins in the center of the studio, as does the study of simple directional center exercises, which may include a variety of different jumps. The students continue to develop technical proficiency of the steps included at this level in the curriculum and they also develop a personal sense of artistry thereby preparing them for future performing opportunities.

Ballet C (beginning at 12 years old)
During this period of study, students learn to repeat the Ballet B exercises, which are increased in number, difficulty and speed, which enhances coordination and fluidity between the movements. Students continue to achieve exercises on demi pointe and further attention is given to the arms and the head in order to emphasize the importance of the development of epaulement. Students are further instructed on personal artistry. The study of demi pointe and basic turns begins in the center of the studio, as does the study of simple directional center exercises, which may include a variety of different jumps. The students continue to develop technical proficiency of the steps included at this level in the curriculum and they also develop a personal sense of artistry thereby preparing them for future performing opportunities.

Ballet D (beginning at 14 years old)
At this level a number of sequential training methods are taught including exercises to increase flexibility, upper body strength/flow and stability. Students at this level study all movements at the barre on flat and demi pointe after rond de jambe and in addition basic turns are introduced at the barre. The students study more complex forms of adagio in the centre mastering all the directions of the body and incorporating epaulement in all the enchainesments. The study of turns is intensified and all exercises are executed on demi pointe. The enchainesments for petit allegro and for grand allegro is more complex involving transference of weight at greater speeds.

Ballet E (beginning at 16 years old)
At this level a number of sequential training methods are taught including exercises to increase flexibility, upper body strength/flow and stability. Students at this level study all movements at the barre on flat and demi pointe after rond de jambe and in addition basic turns are introduced at the barre. The students study more complex forms of adagio in the centre mastering all the directions of the body and incorporating epaulement in all the enchainesments. The study of turns is intensified and all exercises are executed on demi pointe. The enchainesments for petit allegro and for grand allegro is more complex involving transference of weight at greater speeds.

Levels for Jazz and Tap:
Tap A is one hour and held once a week.
Tap B is one hour and held once a week.
Jazz C/D is one hour and held once a week.
Tap C/D is one hour and held once a week.
Jazz D/E is one hour and held once a week

Make-Up Class Requirements
Tap A: Take Tap B
Tap B: Take Tap A
Jazz and Tap C/D: Take Tap B
Jazz D/E: Take Jazz C

Jazz and Tap Level Descriptions

Tap A (beginning at 6 years old)
Students will learn the basic steps of tap and will be taught how to place these steps together in combinations. Rhythm and counting will be introduced. Students will learn placement of body, arms and legs for the basic steps in tap. Tap A is the introduction level for students who may only have one or two years experience in dance. This level will teach movement in the center. Movement across the floor is minimal. Students may be required to take this level twice in order to move on to Level B Tap.

Tap B (beginning at age 9 years old)
This level will expand upon Tap A. For Tap, students will learn beyond the basic steps of tap and the combinations will be faster and longer. Rhythm and counting should be well established. This level will incorporate steps both across the floor and in center.Jazz C (beginning at age 12 years old)Each student will learn progressions across the floor incorporating jumps and turns. Double pirouttes, splits, high releve, the capability to spot, turn quickly and grand jetes are required.

Tap C (beginning at age 12 years old)
Each student will formulate rhythms and patterns for tap and will be well aware of hearing the beat in the music. All steps will expand upon the previous level. All tap combinations must be clear and mastered. Movement across the floor will be much faster. Flap, shuffle, pullback, drawback, spank, riffle, and time steps are required to know.

Jazz C (beginning at age 12 years old)
Each student will learn progressions across the floor incorporating jumps and turns. Jazz Double pirouttes, splits, high releve, the capability to spot, turn quickly and grand jete are required.

Jazz D (beginning at age 14 years old)
This level is expanding upon level C. Technique is always improving and each step is becoming more clear and cleaner as it is executed. Long combinations incorporating all of these steps together will a usual in this class. Being able to pick up on choreography quickly is a requirement. This level is a high cardio and conditioning class.

Tap D (beginning at age 14 years old)
Students will be fine tuning their technique and improving their tap sounds. All tap steps have been taught and learned for this level. Most of this class is bettering their technique, improving their rhythm and speed in executing their steps. Each combination will be taught at a faster rate and will be expected to be able to be understood easily.

Jazz E (beginning at age 16 years old)
These students have 8-10 years of experience in Jazz, Tap and Ballet. The focus on this class is equipping students for the after high school years of dance. Students may want to major or minor in dance or start working in the dance world as soon as they graduate from high school. Regardless students will be taught extensive and advanced choreography. Conditioning and strengthening is incorporated in this class. Their technique will always be improving.

BC Tuition and Fees

Tuition per month (these prices include all Ballet, Jazz and Tap classes)
Pricing
Level A- $76.50
Level B- $81.70
Level C- $150
Level D&E-$150

Ballet Costume Costs
$100 Costume (Rental-return after performances)
$15 Tights (Yours to keep)
*Performance Opportunities for Ballet A-E will conceive of 2 major Ballet Productions in the Annual Performance: one with Ballet A & B combined, and one with Ballet C, D, & E combined.

Jazz/Tap Costume Costs
$85 Children (Yours to keep, this price includes tights)
$95 Adults (Yours to keep, this price includes tights)
*ALL BCDR dancers will be require one Ballet and one Jazz/Tap Costume for the Annual Performance.

Competition Information

The DRS Competition Team is for Dancers who want to attend dance classes more then twice a week. Competition Dancers 7 and up must be a part of the Ballet Conservatory, with the exception of 4-6 year olds who do not have to be a part of the Ballet Conservatory but do need to be a part of a Ballet/Tap class. Being part of the Competition Team will help perfect your technique, mold your delivery in performing, and will build a team atmosphere within your classmates. Staff encourages the students who are looking to make a career in dance, go to college to study dance or finally to simply study dance at a more intense level, to be involved in our intensive programs. The teachers know they are aiming to educate these dancers at a more intense level and strategically place them with other dancers that would work well together. These dancers can be placed in 1-6 different competition classes. The more dance classes a student takes the faster the student will excel and grow in dance. Competition students, who are already part of a group dance, may also perform in a solo, duet or trio. Being part of a solo, duet or trio gives more one on one time with their teacher/choreographer. This individual or small group attention helps advance the student to the next level quicker. It gives the opportunity to perform on stage alone or in a small group.

Being a part of the Competition Team will allow you to learn many different types of dances. Competition classes are tailored to the specific group of dancers that are grouped together We choose from various styles of dance for each class such as, tap, jazz, character jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, ballet or poms for each competition class. If a student is in more then one competition class then they would be able to learn different styles of dances! We perform our dances 3 times out of the year locally with some of the best Competition Companies. Students get to see what else is out there. They get to learn from other dance companies and see what students their age are capable of. At the same time they get to show case their hard work and get to share their joy for dance with all of the other dancers around them!

Testimonies:
"My child has gained so much experience performing and has improved her technique this year just by joining the competition team" -A Parent
"I do not know what I would do without my competition classes!! I cannot stop practicing my dances" -A Student
"I enjoy all of my competition friends!!" -A Student
"Saturday's I wake up so excited knowing I get to go to dance and practice all of my competition dances" -A Student
"I love being a part of the Competition team, as a parent I feel more connected with the studio. I understand more how hard a student has to work in order to achieve big goals" -A Parent
"The teachers set high standards, but the students always meet them!" -A Parent

Competition Prices: All must try out for our competition team.
1st Class $25
2nd Class $19.50
3rd Class $15.50
4th Class $12.50
5th Class $9.00
6th Class $FREE
Take two competition classes then take Hip-Hop for free!