The Academy at Andalusia Ballet

	The Academy at Andalusia Ballet, under the direction of Meryane Murphy, focuses on quality technical training in classical ballet and other forms of dance. Students are exposed at an early age to a disciplined, professional attitude, developing through the years the strength, line and flexibility of classical technique. Self-discipline and dedication to work, along with a love and appreciation of dance as an art form, are nurtured in each child.		08-09 Class Schedules Ballet Jazz Modern Tap Other Dance Forms Pilates Summer Intensive Dance With Us! '08

Ballet Divisions

Children's Division

Our Children’s Division is made up of our youngest dance students: Creative Movement 3 and 4 and Pre- Ballet. The curriculum is designed to introduce the younger dancer to music and dance forms and prepare them for further training in the Elementary Division; this is accomplished by fostering and stimulating the young dancers natural desire to "move". Classes are structured so children have a fun enjoyable experience while moving through a curriculum that improves physical coordination and musicality. Children ages 3 - 7 will enjoy their fun- filled classes while learning the physical basics, discipline and etiquette needed for the next levels of dance, as they continue to learn about and love dance.

Elementary Division

Students enrolled in the Elementary Division are placed in levels 1- 4. Placement is dependent on several factors such as age and ability. These levels are the building blocks of classical ballet technique. The curriculum is structured so a child learns the correct placement and alignment of their body, and progresses through the vocabulary of classical ballet. During their years in the Elementary Division, children will advance from one technique class a week to 2 or possibly 3. This progression is structured so the child receives the maximum benefit from the training.

Whether the child looks at dance as a fulfilling extra curricular activity or dreams of a career on stage, the child’s needs are addressed and each child receives the personal attention young dancers need to learn and appreciate classical ballet.

Upper Division

The Upper Division dancers at Andalusia Ballet are those dancers who have been accepted to, and have made the commitment of dancing in the ABA's Jr. and Sr. Companies. Students selected for the Company take 3- 5 technique classes per week, with additional classes in pointe, variations, modern, jazz, yoga and pilates.

Company members have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year in both classical and contemporary ballets. They are invited to attend master classes and workshops to further their training and exposure to the dance world. Guidance is given to Upper Division students in areas of career development, college programs, auditions, competitions and summer intensive training.

Modern Classes

Modern classes are taught barefoot, with an emphasis on freedom of movement and expression, suspend and release technique, and improvisation. Although modern dance movements are less structured than classical ballet, great control is required to maintain off center positions and seemingly unbalanced turns, jumps, and extensions. Students are placed according to age, ability, and previous training.

Jazz Classes

The Academy at Andalusia Ballet offers an exciting Jazz program for student who want to further and deepen their studies in dance. Jazz classes utilize movements from Broadway styled Jazz, to contemporary, and hip-hop. Ballet students will find that taking Jazz classes helps to develop not only a strong technical base in other forms of dance, but enhances their dance training through experiencing a broad range of choreographic styles.

Jazz classes are fun and exciting and students enjoy the upbeat energy filled movement that is involved.

Tap Classes

Tap dancing is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats. Tap focuses on musical phrasing and the complexity of rhythms with less emphasis on the visual part and more on the challenge of "making melodies" with the feet. The class begins with a bar warm-up to stretch the muscles of the legs and feet. Dancers practice a series of basic steps, adding more difficult combinations as they become more advanced.

Hip-Hop Classes

Hip-Hop is based on street dance and video/commercial dance. Hot moves to cool music. It's rhythmic, high-energy and groovalicious. A very cool and social class for the dancer with attitude! Class include stretches, across the floors and choreography

eNeRGy Pilates

Pilates, a series of exercises, developed by athlete and performer, Joseph Pilates, in the early 1900’s, is a great way to tone and strengthen the body. Pilates has an emphasis on breath and core development (abdominal and lower back muscles), combined with leg exercises to lengthen muscles, upper body and arm strengthening movements, and stretching to increase flexibility. Because Pilates is predominately non-weight bearing it is often an acceptable and safe way for those with injuries to stay fit. All Pilates exercises can be modified to be more or less challenging, so it is appropriate for beginners as well as experts.

Adult classes are taught on Monday and Wednesday morning at 8:00 am, and Thursday nights at 7:00pm.

*Pilates is also an excellent additional training tool for dancers!

Class Schedule

Monday

Studio A Studio B

Tuesday

Studio A StudioB

Wednesday

Studio A StudioB

Thursday

Studio A Studio B

Friday

Studio A Studio B

Saturday

Studio A Studio B

Sunday

8:00-9:00

Pilates

8:00-9:00

Pilates

9:00-9:45

Creative Movement

9:00-10:00

HipHop

9:45-10:30

Creative Movement

9:00- 10:00

HipHop

11:00 - 1:00

Outreach

January 24 - March 28

Rehearsals*

2:15-3:00

Creative Movement

2:15-3:00

Creative Movement

3:15-4:15

Ballet

3:15-4:15

Ballet

3:30-4:45

Ballet

5/6

3:00-3:45

Jazz 1

3:15-4:15

Ballet

3/4

3:15-4:15

Boys

3:30-4:45

Ballet

5/6

3:00- 3:45

Pre-Ballet

3:15-4:15

Jazz

3/4

3:30 - 4:15

Tap 5/6

3:45-4:30

Tap 1

3:45- 4:45

Ballet 1

4:15-5:45

Junior Company

4:15-5:15

Modern 3/4

4:45-5:45

Modern

4:30-5:15

Jazz 2

4:15- 5:45

Ballet

6/7

4:15-5:15

Ballet 2

4:45- 5:45

Modern

4:45 - 5:45

Pointe

4:15 - 5:45

Jazz

5/6

4:15 - 5:15

Tap 3/4

5:15-5:45

Senior

Company

Conditioning

5:15-6:00

Tap2

5:45-7:30

Senior

Company

5:45-6:45

Pointe 6

5:45-7:15

Ballet

6:00-7:00

Tap

5:45-7:15

Jazz

5:45-6:45

Pointe

6/7

5:45 - 7:15

Ballet

6:00-7:00

Pilates

7:30- 8:30

Sr. Co.

Rehearsals

7:15-8:15

Modern

7:00-8:00

Adult Tap

7:15- 8:15

Pointe

* Rehearsal schedule posted on white board in lobby

Class schedule is subject to change. Additional classes may be scheduled and others cancelled as student interest and availability of instructors allows. Private classes and use of the studio may be scheduled on request.