Curriculum & Performance
Curriculum
Our creative movement program is designed to nurture young children from the ages of 4-6. Class work is designed to develop skills needed to work within a group dynamic, listen actively and follow directions. With the use of live accompaniment, imagery and imagination to explore movement and develop gross motor skills children enjoy the fulfillment of movement at an early age.
As children progress from Creative movement to Pre Primary and then to the Primary level more emphasis is placed on the development of group dynamic skills, coordination and rhythm. Students will continue to develop classroom etiquette and body and spatial awareness skills. Creative games and dances integrate the gross motor skills required for galloping, skipping and leaping. Class work is balanced with fun as rhythm studies and exercises for balance are added to the curriculum. Exercises that promote body alignment, posture and age appropriate stretches are introduced. Age appropriate pre-ballet exercises and positions are introduced and an increased focus is expected in preparation for Ballet I.
In Ballet I through Ballet IV the syllabus is progressive with emphasis placed on proper technique, body alignment, and classical line as well as developing the core strength needed for progression through the levels. Classes include barre, center floor, allegro and rhythm exercises. As students progress through these levels there is an increase in vocabulary as well as a greater emphasis on stretching and flexibility. In order to be successful at this level, students must be committed to attending the required amount of classes for their level. The syllabus encourages young people to achieve their personal best in the understanding, appreciation and performance in classical ballet.
The Intermediate/Advanced level of the program gives the serious dance student the tools to grow not only as an artist, but also as an individual. At this level the student has many opportunities to expand his/her interest in dance by investing in a multi-disciplined program. Classes offered include ballet, pointe, modern, special techniques and master classes with outside artists. There is an expanding vocabulary in all technique classes and an added emphasis on artistry. Additionally, the opportunity for dancers in these levels to perform allows them to become a more complete dancer. The company performs twice a year and dancers are required to commit to the rehearsal process and schedule.
Pointe work
Pointe work is the end result of slow and gradual training of the whole body and Pointe readiness is contingent upon many factors. Students entering Intermediate Ballet I may be considered candidates for Pointe work. The faculty assesses each student independently to determine the appropriate timing for the start of Pointe training. Physiologic development, anatomic facility, strength of technique, hyper mobility of the feet and ankles, length and frequency of study, attendance habits, maturity and past injury are all taken into consideration. Students often begin the study of Pointe work at around 12 years of age. The study of Pointe is not a requirement for advancement through the levels or participation in the performing company.
Performance
Class Demonstrations
All Prep Dance students participate in year-end class demonstrations presented in the PONCHO Concert Hall at Cornish. The demonstrations offer students the opportunity to present classroom achievements in a performance setting. Admission to the demonstrations is free of charge.
Cornish Junior Dance Company
The Cornish Junior Dance Company offers Intermediate and advanced ballet and modern students the opportunity to work with choreographers and perform a variety of dance styles. Students registered in Ballet (Intermediate II and Advanced) and modern are invited to audition. Students in Intermediate I and modern are invited to register for the Junior Company Apprentice class. In the fall semester students in the Primary thru Advanced levels have the opportunity to participate in The Nutcracker. Students who participate in all performing opportunities are required to commit to the rehearsal process and schedule. Parents are required to help in the performance preparation process by volunteering and supporting the rehearsal process and schedule.