the academy dancers

The Academy Dancers are comprised of dancers (ages 13+) who perform throughout the dance year in both regional and community venues. The class time is devoted to rehearsing dances for scheduled performances. Prior experience in classical jazz as well as modern or lyric jazz is mandatory. Ballet is strongly recommended. (Prior tap experience is helpful.)

The Academy Dancers will focus on performances in "Broadway," "Kick-Line," and stage choreography. The Academy Dancers are required to participate in class rehearsals, technique class (Thursday), and two more classes of their choice. These requirements are necessary for building strength and refining technique at this level.

Through the process, the Academy Dancers will become more proficient and accomplished performers overall.

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ballet

The Brookline Academy of Dance Ballet program works with young dancers to develop a strong classical technique, adaptable to any style - a foundation for artistic growth allowing each dancer have the greatest possible freedom to pursue their own expression through the art of dance. All classes consist of appropriate barre work, followed by stretching, "adagio," traveling steps, and small and large jumps in the center floor – in a safe, healthy, accepting, nurturing, and always inspiring environment!
Pre-Ballet (ages 4 to 6)
This class introduces the younger student to the basic elements of dance in a fun and a nurturing environment. Class begins with a brief introduction to the ballet barre, followed by simple stretches and isolation exercises. Basic dance positions and movements and the French words for them are introduced, and coordination and musicality is explored with traveling steps across the floor such as gallops, skips, and waltz steps. Pre-Ballet dancers also learn about listening skills and class etiquette while fostering creative expression.
Ballet I (ages 7 to 10)
At the barre, students are taught the fundamental aspects of ballet technique and develop proper/appropriate alignment in the elementary positions, promoting safety and strength. In center floor, students practice full movements and positions of the arms and head, learn various traveling steps, and explore rhythms.
Ballet II (ages 8 to 12)
Focus is on further developing a strong basic technique, using more difficult positions, leading to the ability to perform a wider range of movement vocabulary in the center floor.
Ballet III (ages 12+)
Dancers fine-tune the basic positions and movements at the barre, complete with full coordinated use of the arms and head. Skills are applied to further develop center work, where greater strength leads to a larger vocabulary of traveling steps, turns, and jumps.
Ballet IV (ages 13+)
Students practice more advanced barre work, focusing on accents and speed with accurate placement. Many steps are practiced on "releve/demi-pointe" and with high leg extensions. Center work becomes more precise, allowing increased balances, extensions, and speed, and more complicated steps.
Adult Ballet
Whether a first time enthusiast or a returning dancer wishing to re-tune skills, participants in this class will focus on the enjoyment of learning classical ballet technique as an art form and wonderful mind-body exercise.
Pre-pointe/Pointe (For dancers anticipating or beginning pointe work)
Dancers practice basic steps and movements used in pointe class, focusing on strength in the feet, ankles in legs, to prepare for pointe-work. Those who are beginning pointe will take the same class in their pointe shoes. Focus is on developing strength in the fundamentals of pointework so that students can work correctly and safely.
Pointe (Ballet III & IV at instructor's discretion)
Dancers build on a strong foundation, practicing more difficult movements with one hand on the barre, and away from the barre in the center.

Dress Code for Girls: Leotard, tights (pink is recommended), and ballet slippers (pink split-sole is recommended). Students are allowed the option of a ballet skirt/shorts for optional comfort and modesty. Hair should be worn in a bun.

Dress Code for Boys: Black leggings, fitted T-shirt (white), white socks, and black ballet slippers.

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breakdancing (BBoys & BGirls)

Breakdancing is an exhilarating form of movement. The combination of athleticism and artistic expression makes it a great workout. All are encouraged to come and start off his/her career as a BBoy or BGirl. No experience or knowledge is necessary. Anyone with the itch to move can participate!

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hip-hop

This popular class features a fun, high-energy warm-up and onto a "center floor" routine using contemporary moves with the latest music to create pure energy. A work out for your heart in more ways than one. Get ready to sweat! The music is mostly mid-tempo and is more deliberate than pop making it instrumental in the overall effect. But, do not let the tempo fool you. It takes strength and stamina to keep this up. With the music kicking, and the moves delivering, this class is the perfect way to start your weekend off right!

Dress Code: Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing of your choice and street sneakers (clean, non-marking out sole only). Knee pads are recommended.

Unyted Stylz: the class

This class is all about getting your groove on. It blends the different styles of hip-hop, jazz, modern, african, tap, and more with a hint of a cardio workout. Hence the name Unyted Stylz. Also it adds a carefree party like atmosphere so that all newcomers and veterans to the class can feel comfortable with themselves, each other, and the movement. With this formula the class hopes to hit and acknowledge all the different dancers styles, personalities, and strengths. And also to help everyone let go of their worries for the moment and just have some fun.

Dress Code: Same as Breakdancing

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jazz

A fundamental dance form with a warm-up and "across the floor" exercises to enhance flexibility and extension. This is followed by a "center floor" sequence for the development of technique, line, strength, and balance.

Dress Code for Girls: Same as ballet. Options include jazz pants or leggings and a camisole/sport top. Soft leather jazz shoes (black oxford).

Dress Code for Boys: Jazz pants or leggings fitted T-shirt or tank top (any color/style), boys' leather jazz shoes (black oxford).

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jazz & modern

Not offered in current session

This class combines the fundamentals of jazz with the lyricism of modern. An amazing blend of physical and mental aspects allowing the young dancer to experience beyond the choreography and toward the meaning.

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modern / lyric jazz

A wonderful fusion of the lines of jazz with the fluidity of ballet. The movement is lyric-expressive of the music. Breathing techniques are added while freedom of self-expression is fostered. This class is the next level for the dancer who is ready for the challenge and reward.

Dress Code: Same as ballet and jazz with footwear being half-sole sandals with the option of bare feet during warm-up.

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mosaic motion: the class

Designed for dancers of all levels, this class is all about experiencing as many styles as you can. Every two weeks the class focuses on something different, from hip hop to jazz, to ballet to partnering. Here you will not only learn amazing choreography, but also the history and technique behind so many styles of dance.

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new york city ballet workout

The New York City Ballet Workout is a ballet-based workout class that develops the strength and grace of a ballet dancer as it improves posture, flexibility, balance, and lean muscle tone by combining basic ballet exercises with Pilates-type matwork and gentle stretching. Both dancers and non-dancers benefit from the focus on strengthening specific areas without forcing unnatural positions or aggravating injuries, and still get a truly thorough workout!
More information available at http://www.nycballet.com/teachers/workout.html
Taught by (To Be Announced), NYCB Certified Instructor

Dress Code: Comfortable workout clothing. Dance sneakers, ballet slippers, or gym shoes are fine, but street shoes are not allowed in the studio.
Yoga Mats: If you have one, please bring it. B.A.D. has a limited number of them.

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performance companies

The groups are comprised of young dancers who are ready for a challenge and would like to perform throughout the dance year in both regional and community opportunities. The class time is devoted to rehearsing dances for scheduled performances. Prior experience in jazz is mandatory and ballet is strongly recommended. Company members are required to participate in class rehearsals, a technique class, and one more class of their choice. these requirements are necessary for building strength and refining technique at this level. Young dancers will improve their dance skills and build self-confidence while reaching out to their own community through dance.

Dress Code: Same as street jazz, including leotard, tights, and slippers for technique. A Company Jacket will be ordered and personalized for each dancer.

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tribe: the class

Take one part technique, one part high-energy, shake vigorously and add "flava" to taste!

Join The Rainbow Tribe's Caroline Patterson for The Rainbow Tribe: The Class. Other guest teachers from the Tribe will also offer sessions in various styles including hip-hop, house, Poppin' & Lockin', Swing, Salsa, and more!

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repertoire

An intense one hour class providing the intermediate to advanced student with more complex choreography while offering opportunities for performing in the Boston area. Dancers should have three or more years experience prior to joining. It is recommended that Rep. dancers take class two days per week, and studying with a variety of teachers is encouraged.

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street jazz

Based on classical jazz with an added contemporary feel to the choreographic style and music selection. Elements of hip-hop, funk, and African are blended throughout in this fast-paced and edgy dance form.

Dress Code: Same as jazz with footwear being dance sneakers (black leather), and knee pads are a must!

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street dance

Learning Hip-Hop and Popping Foundation (basics) from an authentic source, with gradual, effective, and practical teaching methods.

Hip-Hop Class Description:

Hip-Hop Dance is an authentic cultural street dance and art form derived and inspired from African soul, and was originally forged from the South Bronx in the early 70s (perhaps even before). Hip-Hop is comprised through a contrast of precise smooth loose movement, rigid precise motion and poses (great for stage performance), both high and low impact footwork or dance steps which are very practical for any social dance gatherings (parties, night clubs, weddings), free range of motion that improves flexibility, confidence on the dance floor, and improved overall general movement providing a great healthy and fun workout.

Popping Class Description:

Popping is a theatrical style of street dance and art form that was inspired by robotic movement, and developed in California in the early 70s. The focus of Popping is a balance of body and muscle control, dynamic and free rage of movement, and expressing both the rhythm and emotional contents of the music (the beat, melodies, vocals, musical instruments, ect). Popping is fun, artistic, and practical due to the gradual and effective learning process involved, and can also be combined with elements of Hip-Hop party dancing. All are welcome regardless of dance experience.

Dress Code: TBA

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tap

"Bring in da' noise" with a dance style that emphasizes quality of sound while moving through a gradual building of rhythms and tap phrases. May be danced with music or a cappella. The Academy offers both "Broadway" and "Jazz Tap" styles.

Dress Code: Same as jazz with footwear being black leather (patent or soft) "student" taps (ribbon tie or lace-up style).

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tap & jazz

A combination class beginning with a jazz warm-up, "across the floor" and "center floor" work leading toward a routine. The tap portion begins with the fundamental sounds of tap moving to a gradual building of rhythms and tap phrases. An ideal class for the young dancer wishing to experience both disciplines at a comfortable and enjoyable rate.

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technique / barre

— Required for Company dancers —
— All Dancers Welcome —

This class provides all of the benefits of ballet without the choreography segment. Every dancer who has the desire to refine their knowledge and execution of classical technique will be at one in this challenging one hour class. Following the barre and warm-up, the dancer takes "center floor" for an advanced segment of turns, strengthening and balancing with emphasis on "the box" or dancer's "center" place of balance and energy. A weekly dose of this class will enable any dancer to greatly improve.

Dress Code: Same as ballet.

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tot classes

A perfect choice for the little dancer eager to begin. These classes will provide the basic ballet and jazz positions to build upon. The emphasis is on body alignment/placement, large and small range of motion movement, rhythm skills, spatial awareness and fun, easy choreography. The little dancer is encouraged to be creative while moving safely throughout the dance space. These classes are a delight to see!

Dress Code: See under ballet, jazz, and tap.

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