Classes Offered At Northwest Ballet Academy In Schaumburg, IL
“People come to see beauty, and I dance to give it to them” –
Judith Jamison
Ballet: The Foundation From Which We Explore Other Techniques
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT (CHILDREN, 3-4 YEARS OLD)
This class focuses on preparing the child for formal ballet training. We work on rhythms, counting music, learning how our bodies move to music and an introduction to ballet.
In Music and Movement we also work on developing coordination and strength, along with teaching the child how to participate appropriately in a classroom setting (working with others, taking turns, and following direction).
PRE-BALLET (CHILDREN, 5-7 YEARS OLD)
Pre-Ballet is a wonderful series of classes that exposes the young dancer to the basics of ballet. In addition to the ballet basics, the curriculum includes exploratory movement exercises which allow the student to discover how their body moves in various rhythms, levels, and movement qualities. There is time in each class for the student to participate in creative dance. One of the main goals of pre-ballet is to instill a love of dance.
We offer three levels of pre-ballet. Students are placed into the appropriate levels based on age and previous experience.
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We offer three levels of pre-ballet. Students are placed into the appropriate levels based on age and previous experience.
CHILDREN'S BALLET (CHILDREN, 8-13 YEARS OLD)
Children's Ballet is offered in a variety of skill levels. Each class completes a ballet barre and center. Students are placed into the appropriate levels based on age and previous experience. In addition to learning ballet technique, the children learn the french ballet terminology and study historical ballets, dancers, and choreographers.
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TEEN AND ADULT BALLET
These classes are built so that both adults and students can either begin ballet or refresh their skills. Students are placed into the appropriate levels based on previous experience and skills.
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INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED BALLET
At these levels, students are expected to be studying ballet multiple times per week. In addition, intermediate and advanced students have the opportunity to perform with our performing company, Northwest Ballet Ensemble.
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Graded Cecchetti Courses
For the serious ballet student, Northwest Ballet Academy offers additional study of the Cecchetti method of ballet.
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The Cecchetti Method of Ballet is named for Enrico Cecchetti (1850-1928), a world renowned teacher who developed a method of teaching in which each exercise played a part in the student's technical development. He created a definite plan to daily classes, preparing the student for the next level of work. To learn more about the Cecchetti Method visit
Cecchetti Midwest Council of America.
NORTHWEST BALLET'S CECCHETTI METHOD INSTRUCTION
- The Cecchetti method begins with Grade 1 and continues through Grade 8. Students study one class of work, perfect that class, and take yearly exams at each Grade level.
- The small coaching groups allow the student to experience a deeper dive into ballet technique than time allows in a regular ballet technique class.
- Twice yearly workshops are held in the Chicago area where students can study with guest teachers and audition for scholarships to the International Cecchetti Summer School at Hope College in Holland, Michigan.
Karla Harris started our Cecchetti program at Northwest Ballet Academy. She is a National examiner for the Cecchetti method, traveled around the country judging student and teacher exams at all levels, as well as educated teachers in other communities. We are fortunate to have on staff, Jacqueline Farina, Shelby Amarantos and Lori Baduria who are also certified teachers of the Cecchetti method.
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Jazz Dance
Jazz dance originated as a response to jazz music. Although based on ballet, jazz uses isolations of the body and stylized movement that is more modern and not found in classical ballet. Instructors at Northwest Ballet will focus on different styles of jazz during the course of the year. Jazz teaches dancers to move in different ways than ballet. This class gives students a freedom in the upper body that a ballet-only student often has difficulty achieving.
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Character Dance
Character dance could be described as ballet based folk dance. Every full length classical ballet has significant sections which are completely character dance. Character dance is a very important piece in the process of building a strong classical dancer. In character class, the teacher focuses on upper body use and expression to improve the student's performance skills. Instruction includes Slavic, Irish, Scandinavian, and Spanish styles. The class is also supplemented with acting and musical theater units during the course of the year.
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Modern Dance
Compared to ballet, modern dance makes students use the weight and momentum of their bodies differently. It also emphasizes the use of “the center” to improve the dancer's balance and control.
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Adult Tap
Adult Tap focuses on establishing fundamental tap movements, vocabulary, basic rhythms, and progress into more complex rhythmic combinations.
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Yoga for Dancers
Yoga for Dancers is designed to increase body awareness, strength, flexibility, and peace of mind. Dancers will enjoy flowing from one pose to another, by linking breath to movement. This class is for all types of dancers who are ultimately on the same quest…to become a better dancer.
Pilates
Expand your body awareness, spinal mobility, and strengthen your muscles while learning both classical and contemporary flows. Great for all ages and body types- will absolutely help your dance technique but dance experience is not required!
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Summer Session
Jumps and Turns
Work on strengthening the muscles that help you succeed in larger movements. This class will combine strengthening exercises and classical ballet technique to help you become and more dynamic and stronger mover.
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History and Variations
This class alternates between dancing classical variations and learning the history behind them.
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