Youth Division |
 |
|---|---|
|
Classes for the school year begins the first Tuesday after Labor Day and ends the firsts Saturday in June. The Dancing Arts Center is a caring school that nurtures each student's desires and enhances each student's love of dance through creative expression, exploration, and discovery. Our hallmark is teaching the individual, not the class. Addressing the learning style of each young artist with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic approaches establishes easy success and builds confidence. A variety of hands-on materials is key to rounding out each student's learning experience. Props may include: scarves streamers, balls, bean bags, magic wands, percussion instruments, stretchy bands, puppets and so much more! a lesson may draw upon age-appropriate nutrition and dance history. Why? to compliment awareness of movement while engaging the body, mind, spirit of each emerging dancer! The four levels guide the preschooler toward refinement, not through mimicry, but through thoughtful caring discernment. The Youth Division Faculty specialize in the gentle development of the young child's mind, body and spirit. These master teachers carefully guide each student's artistic growth to build a firm foundation on which children can successfully transition to our upper school. Our teachers' love of their work is seen in the faces of our students. While DAC provides appropriate performing opportunities for youth division students, a single annual production is not our year-long goal. 'Peek Weeks' are intimate studio presentation for parents and guests that are scheduled at regular intervals throughout the year. These observation days allow parents to witness their child's growth while providing opportunities for discussion with the instructor. While the Youth Division is uniquely designed to promote self- confidence and creativity in our young dancers, it also serves as the foundation for DAC's upper school.The Youth Division and the Upper School work together, under one director, to insure each artist a smooth confident transition onward. As students move through the four formative levels of the Youth Division, they develop cumulative skills for classical ballet, modern, character, jazz, pointe, and pas de deux. As students then progress through the Upper School toward graduation, they are given both world class opportunities and the help they need to succeed in those artistic endeavors. Dress Code • Girls: pale pink leotard (no skirts or ruffles attached), pink non-seamed tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair in pony tail or pig tails. |
Movement Experiences (Ages: 3 Years)
Class Schedule
Movement Experiencesis a joyful introductory class for 3-year olds only.
This class develops natural movement instincts through activities appropriate to the students' innate creativity and physical skills. Children express themselves primarily through movement, but also through music and dramatic activities. A variety of hands-on materials in related arts and sciences are incorporated to enhance each child's learning experience. They may include: scarves, streamers, balls, bean bags, magic wands, percussion instruments, stretchy bands, skeletons and so much more! This gentle class begins to develop awareness of musicality, body parts, space and pathways, weight, flow, and class etiquette with other dancers.
This class meets once a week for 30 minutes. Additional classes will be added when these are filled. If you like this program, but don't see a fitting time and day, please ask about the potential of additional classes.
Dress Code
• Girls: pale pink leotard (no skirts or ruffles attached), pink non-seamed tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair
in pony tail or pig tails.
• Boys: white T-shirt or short-sleeved, scoop-neck leotard, black stretch pants or tights, and black
ballet slippers.
Creative Movement I (Ages: 4-5 Years)Class Schedule
Creative Movement I is for boys and girls 4-5 years of age.
This fun class further develops natural movement instincts through activities that combine innate creativity and physical skills (ie: floppy movements that bounce in a curvy path). This gentle class continues to widen awareness of musicality, body parts, space and pathways, weight, flow, and class etiquette with other dancers. Children express themselves primarily through movement, but also through music and dramatic activities. A variety of hands-on materials in related arts and sciences are incorporated to enhance each child's imagination and learning experience. They may include: scarves, streamers, balls, bean bags, magic wands, percussion instruments, stretchy bands, skeletons, story books and so much more!
This class meets once a week for 45 minutes. Additional classes will be added when these are filled. If you like this program but don't see a fitting time and day, please ask about the potential of additional classes.
Dress Code
• Girls: pale pink leotard (no skirts or ruffles attached), pink non-seamed tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair in pony tail or pig tails.
• Boys: white T-shirt or short-sleeved, scoop-neck leotard, black stretch pants or tights, and black ballet slippers.
Creative Movement II (Ages: 5-7 Years)Creative Movement II is for boys and girls, 5-7 years of age.
This class extends the range of understanding and ability that a student acquires in Creative Movement I. Concepts continue to be combined in greater complexity with the challenge to clarify of movement and expression. A continuation of basic anatomy, physiology, and nutrition supports the blossoming dancer's knowledge. A variety of hands-on materials in related arts and sciences inspire and enhance each child's learning experience. They may include: scarves, streamers, balls, bean bags, magic wands, percussion instruments, stretchy bands, skeletons and so much more! PreModern and PreBallet lessons are introduced in the latter part of the program to ease the transition to the next level.
This class meets once a week for one hour on Monday at 4:30 PM, Tuesdays at 10:30, Thursdays at 2:30 or Saturday at 10:15. Additional classes will be added when these are filled. If you like this program but don't see a fitting time and day, please ask about the potential of additional classes.
Dress Code
• Girls: pale pink leotard (no skirts or ruffles attached), pink non-seamed tights, pink ballet slippers, and hair in pony tail or pig tails.
• Boys: white T-shirt or short-sleeved, scoop-neck leotard, black stretch pants or tights, and black ballet slippers.
Pre-beginner Program (Ages: 6-9 Years)The Pre-beginner program is for boys and girls, 6-9 years of age.
This 2-tiered program extends the range of understanding and ability that a student acquires in Creative Movement II to refine skills and begin developing proper alignment. Concepts continue to be combined in greater complexity with the challenge of clarifying movement and expression. A continuation of anatomy, physiology, and nutrition supports the blossoming dancer's knowledge. The PreBallet class includes introductory barre work the exploration of four ballets (Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Coppelia or Firebird) and beginning character dances. PreModern class includes simple falls and recoveries, creative improvisation, center progressions, simple locomotors and combinations. Students develop independent, cooperative skills, the beginnings of performance skills using fundamental concentration and discipline. The opportunity to participate in The Nutcracker and other concerts is by invitation.
Students in this level meet at least twice a week (once for PreBallet and once for PreModern). Each class is one hour. You may choose from the following sets of classes:
Additional ballet and/or modern classes may be added at no additional cost to your child's schedule with the director's recommendation. In addition, your child may include the following optional classes if they do not conflict with the core program:
- Choreography Workshop
- Improvisation class
Dress Code
• Girls PreBallet: pale pink leotard (no skirts or ruffles attached), pink non-seamed tights, pink Capezio, Bloch, or Freed ballet
slippers, and hair in a bun.
• Girls PreModern: pale pink leotard (no skirt or ruffles attached), pink convertible tights, bare feet, hair in pony
tail.
• Boys PreBallet: white T-shirt or short-sleeved, scoop-neck leotard, black stretch pants or tights, and black Capezio, Bloch, or Freed
ballet slippers.
• Boys PreModern: white T-shirt or short-sleeved, scoop-neck leotard, black stretch pants or convertible tights, bare feet.
Main Division |
 |
|---|---|
|
Classes for the school year begin the first Tuesday after Labor Day and end the first Saturday in June. A tasteful education, steeped in technique and artistry is the hallmark of all Dancing Arts Center's programs. Students are immersed in the art of dance manners and culture, history and future directions in the field of dance with emphasis on viable avenues for students' skills and interests. The technical and artistic aspects of dance are further supported with related arts and sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, journaling, and critique, costume and lighting design, pedagogy, and production management. The professional atmosphere at DAC keeps the focus on the students' development not on ribbons, trophies, recitals or razzle dazzle. Students' self esteem increases because of emerging inner awareness and growth, not superficial awards and glitz. A professional atmosphere is non commercial, providing a steady and inspiring course of lessons and a full calendar of meaningful performances through out the year for students to keep elevating their dance experience with commitment, consistency, and desire. The Upper School offers three levels of commitment:The Enrichment Division, the Pre-Professional Division, and the Academy. The Enrichment Division provides artistic development, technical awareness along with physical exercise for adults and children. The Pre-Professional Division offers serious training for the dedicated student. Students in the Pre-Professional Division pay one price and can take as many classes in their level as they want. Eligible students can be invited to join the Academy. The Dancing Arts Academy is a private day school that provides a unique combination of academics and dance for fourth through twelfth graders.
Students in the Pre-Professional Division pay one price and
can take as many classes in their level as they want. Eligible
students are often invited to join the |
Beginner Program (Ages: 8-12 Years)The Beginner program is for students 8-12 years of age.
This program includes two classical ballet classes and one modern dance or more if you desire. Choreography Workshop, Improvisation, and Character class are optional, extra-fee classes. The opportunity to participate in The Nutcracker and other concerts is by invitation.
Students in this program meet at least three times a week (twice for ballet class and once for modern class). Each class is one hour.
Additional ballet and/or modern classes may be added at no additional cost to the schedule with the director's recommendation. In addition, the schedule may include the following optional classes if they do not conflict with the core program:
- Choreography Workshop
- Improvisation class
- Character class
Dress Code
• Girls ballet: Freda Coral leotard (and matching 12" skirt for peek week and performances), 3"-wide elastic waistband, pink non-seamed tights, thin white ankle socks, pink Capezio, Bloch, or Freed ballet slippers, and hair in a bun.
• Girls modern: Freda Coral unitard, bare feet, hair secured out of face and off of neck.
• Boys ballet: white T-shirt or short-sleeved, scoop-neck leotard, black tights, dance belt, thin white ankle socks, and black Capezio, Bloch, or Freed ballet slippers.
• Boys modern: black unitard, dance belt, bare feet.
Advanced Beginner (Ages: 10-14 Years)The Advanced Beginner program is for students 10-14 years of age.
This program expands on the classical ballet and modern dance introduced in the beginner program. Improvisation, Character and Choreography Workshop are optional, extra-fee classes. The opportunity to participate in The Nutcracker and other concerts is by audition.
Students in the program meet three or more times a week (twice for ballet class and once for modern class- choosing from the list below). Each class is 1½ hours.
Additional ballet and/or modern classes may be added to the schedule at no additional cost with the director's recommendation. In addition, the schedule may include the following optional classes if they do not conflict with the core program:
- Choreography Workshop
- Improvisation class
- Character class
Dress Code
• Ladies ballet: Freda Royal Blue leotard (and matching 12" skirt for observation days and performances), 3"-wide elastic waistband, pink seamed tights, pink Capezio, Bloch, or Freed ballet slippers with pink satin ribbons (no elastics), and hair in a bun.
• Ladies modern: Freda Royal Blue unitard, bare feet, hair secured out of face and off of neck.
• Ladies character: Ballet leotard attire with a knee-length black character skirt, black 1 ½ " heel character shoes, hair in a bun.
• Gentlemen ballet: white T-shirt or short-sleeved, scoop-neck leotard, black tights, dance belt, and black Capezio, Bloch, or Freed ballet slippers.
• Gentlemen modern: black unitard, dance belt, bare feet.
• Gentlemen character: white T-shirt, black stretch pants, dance belt and black character shoes.
Elementary program (Ages: 11-16 Years)The Elementary program is for students approximately 11-16 years of age.
This program continues the progression of classical ballet and modern dance, with the option to begin the study of jazz. Improvisation, Character, Modern Repertoire, Classical Variation, and Choreography Workshop are optional, extra-fee classes. The opportunity to participate in The Nutcracker and other concerts is by audition.
Students in this program meet at least five times a week (three for ballet and two for modern). Each class is 1½ hours.
The following classes make up the core curriculum:
- Choreography Workshop
- Improvisation class
- Character class
- Variations
- Modern Repertoire
Additional ballet and/or modern classes may be added at no additional cost to the schedule with the director's recommendation.
In addition, the schedule may include the following optional classes if they do not conflict with the core program:
Dress Code
• Ladies ballet: Freda Lilac leotard (and matching 12" skirt for performances, style MS12), 3"-wide elastic waistband, pink seamed tights, pink Capezio, Bloch, or Freed ballet slippers with pink satin ribbons (no elastics), and hair in a bun.
• Ladies modern: Freda Lilac unitard, bare feet, hair secured out of face and off of neck.
• Ladies jazz: black tights over your ballet leotard, black jazz oxfords, and hair pulled back.
• Ladies character: ballet attire with knee-length character skirt, pink tights, black 1 1/2 " heel character shoes, hair in a bun.
• Gentlemen ballet: white T-shirt or short-sleeved, scoop-neck leotard, black tights, dance belt, and black Capezio, Bloch, or Freed ballet slippers.
• Gentlemen modern: black unitard, dance belt, bare feet.
• Gentlemen jazz: jazz pants, black dance belt, white T-shirt, and black jazz oxfords.
• Gentlemen character: white T-shirt, black stretch pants, dance belt, and black character shoes.
Intermediate Program (Ages: 14-18 Years)The Intermediate program is for students 14-18 years of age.
This program includes classical ballet, modern dance, and jazz. Improvisation, Character, Modern Repertoire, Classical Variation, and Choreography Workshops are optional, extra-fee classes. The opportunity to participate in The Nutcracker and other concerts is by audition.
Students in this program meet at least eight times a week (five for ballet, two for modern, and one for jazz). Each class is at least 1½ hours.
The following classes make up the core curriculum:
Additional ballet and/or modern classes may be added at no additional cost to your child's schedule with the director's recommendation. In addition, your child may include the following optional classes if they do not conflict with the core program:
- Choreography Workshop
- Improvisation class
- Character class
- Variations
- Modern Repertoire
Dress Code
• Ladies ballet: Freda Copen leotard (and matching
12" skirt for observation days and performances), 3"-wide elastic
waistband, pink seamed tights, pink Capezio, Bloch, or Freed ballet slippers
with pink satin ribbons (no elastics), and hair in a bun.
• Ladies
modern: Freda Copen unitard, bare feet, hair secured out of face and off of neck.
• Ladies jazz: jazz pants, your ballet leotard, black jazz oxfords,
black character shoes, jazz sneakers for Pointe work, and hair pulled back.
• Ladies
character: ballet attire with knee-length character skirt, pink
tights, black 2" heel character shoes, hair in a bun.
• Gentlemen ballet: white T-shirt
or short-sleeved, scoop-neck leotard, black tights, dance belt,
and black Capezio, Bloch, or Freed ballet slippers.
• Gentlemen modern: black unitard,
dance belt, bare feet.
• Gentlemen jazz: white T-shirt, jazz pants,
dance belt, and black jazz oxfords.
• Gentlemen character: white T-shirt, black dance
belt, black stretch pants, and black character shoes.
Teen/Adult Division |
 |
|---|---|
|
Teen / Adult Program Enrollment Form The Teen/Adult program is for students 13 years of age or older. This program includes classical ballet, modern dance, and/or jazz. Character or Choreography Workshops are optional, extra-fee classes. The opportunity to participate in The Nutcracker and other concerts is by audition. Students in this division create their own program of study with the director and instructor's approval. Additional classes may be added to the DAC schedule for you as the year unfolds with a slight tuition adjustment . Also consider the following classes:
Dress code: |
Summer School |
 |
|---|---|
|
Summer Application (printable application) Summer Application (online application) Summer Program Schedule At DAC, you can enjoy up to eight weeks of instruction in a range of dance styles from a consistent, dedicated staff of master teachers throughout the program. They will look at you with fresh eyes and give you the instruction and advice you need to make big improvements, even if you are struggling with limitations or rehabilitating from an injury. Consistency and frequency are the hallmark of DAC’s summer intensive where the emphasis is on solid technique and tasteful artistry. DAC’s small class sizes ensure that you receive the individual, personalized attention you need to make safe and steady progress. DAC’s summer intensive is firmly grounded in classical ballet and modern dance with complementary training in jazz, character and classical Spanish or Indian. All disciplines are supported by related arts and sciences such as music, mime, dance history, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, pedagogy and stagecraft. While each class is a complete lesson, it is also part of a continuous plan to develop your whole mind, body, and spirit through the collaborative effort of the entire staff. And days of dance at DAC are just that – full days! You have the time to immerse yourself in your art form, achieve a deeper level of understanding, and then apply it to your previous experiences. DAC’s goal is to broaden your opportunities without diminishing your existing expertise. While the daily program is full, there are still ample opportunities to socialize with others that share a love for dance. As an added bonus, our location in suburban Boston provides a scenic backdrop for a wealth of cultural events and historical sites The atmosphere at DAC is supportive and caring from the director, to the instructors, to the students. DAC’s summer intensive attracts a mix of students: some study at DAC year round, some come from other local dance schools, some from out of state, and some from outside the United Sates. Placement is based on skill level, not age or number of years in training. If you are looking for a summer program that goes beyond the typical three classes a day in an overcrowded studio with a guest instructor who is ‘here today, gone next week,’ then the Dancing Arts Center (DAC) may be the right place or you. |
Ensemble |
 |
|---|---|
|
The Dancing Arts Ensemble, established in 1982, is an unincorporated not-for-profit association. Members are chosen by audition and are required to sustain a high level of technique and artistry, as well as a professional schedule of training. From September to December, the Ensemble is selected by audition and provides the main roles for The Nutcracker cast and other holiday pieces. In January, the studio and touring companies of the Ensemble are selected through an audition process. Both Ensembles perform in the upcoming Concert. In addition, the touring company performs at area nursing homes, community events, and festivals during the spring. This two-tiered system is created to ensure a manageable and safe touring program, yet allow for greater numbers of younger dancers to gain essential performance experience. Until rehearsals get underway and choreography is developed, participants of Ensemble the studio or touring company cannot be defined. If chosen, please be prepared to fulfill all opportunities that the touring company will provide. The Ensemble consists of 30+ dancers and four resident choreographers striving to further the exploration and appreciation of worldly issues through the presentation of dance as a disciplined art form and means of personal expression in concert, workshop, and lecture-demonstration formats. The ensemble is dedicated to strengthening and expanding the eastern Massachusetts arts community. To date, the Ensemble tour has reached over 7,000 people of all ages throughout eastern Massachusetts. The Dancing Arts Ensemble, directed by Karyn Edison, maintains its uniqueness as a professional youth company. Members are chosen by audition and required to sustain a high level of technique and artistry, as well as a professional schedule of training. The members have much formal performance experience and work well with seasoned dance professionals. |
Member InformationAuditions
Auditions for the principle, corps, and contemporary ensemble roles for the Holiday Dance Concert are held the first Saturday after Labor Day. The Autumn Dancing Arts Ensemble members provide the main roles for the Holiday Tour and Concert. Similarly, auditions for the Spring Dancing Arts Ensemble are held on the second Saturday after New Years Day. The Dancing Arts Ensemble will provide the main roles for the upcoming Spring Tour and Concert. These audition are open to all Advanced Beginner to Advanced dancers, age 10 years and older. All those auditioning should be prepared to perform combinations in ballet, modern, and jazz given by the choreographers on the day of the audition.
Dancers should arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the audition to warm up, as no formal class will be provided. Parents of minors must attend a special meeting one hour before the audition itself to discuss commitment and a possible absence from school. This signed consent form must be returned on or before the audition date. No one will be allowed to audition without a signed consent form.
Casting
Decisions Casting decisions are the sole discretion of the choreographer. They are made with the production quality in mind first, then the students abilities second.
Absences
No absences for Ensemble rehearsals or any performances are permitted, except for short-term illness or injury if the choreographer is notified.
If an extraordinary situation arises, such as Natures Classroom or a childs own bar or bat mitzvah, the student should bring the anticipated conflict to the choreographers attention well before the event.
No absences will be excused unless the student takes responsibility for the conflict and shows respect to the choreographer by addressing him or her directly. Once the choreographer is addressed, he or she will discuss it with the whole staff before an absence can be excused. Excused absences will be granted very rarely.
Inability to meet rehearsal or performance schedules is basis for dismissal from a performing group.
Costumes
Most costumes are owned and maintained by DAC. Costumes are not used in the demonstration portion of the Spring Concert. There is no costume fee.
Make Up
The following make up supplies are generally required for performances (other specific requests may be made by individual choreographers):
-
make up kit / box
-
mirror
-
make-up remover
-
facial wipes
-
spot treatment for when make up gets on costume
-
band aids
-
facial tissues
-
scotch tape for removing lint
-
grease foundation
-
sponge wedges
-
translucent powder
-
grease blush
-
grease eye shadow (from DAC for $6 if available)
-
mascara (brown / black)
-
eye brow pencil (brown / black)
-
liquid eye liner (brown / black)
-
hair brush
-
a comb
-
hairnets
-
hair pins
-
bobby pins
-
hair elastics
-
hair gel
-
safety pins
-
deodorant (10 years and up)
-
smock
-
false eyelashes (as noted)
-
chapstick
-
lip liner (girls: pink, boys: red & brown)
-
lipstick
-
needle and thread
-
lotion
-
Q-tips
-
anti-bacterial hand gel.
