Curriculum

  • This class is structured like a traditional ballet technique class, but the combinations and instruction will be designed to highlight qualities and approaches that help students progress from an academic mindset towards a more professional approach.

  • Building from ballet technique and incorporating methodologies of contemporary dance, choreography classes will challenge young artists with new movement aesthetics and skills of repertoire retention and progression.

  • The practice of yoga encourages greater bodily awareness and can be an incredible tool for injury prevention and career longevity. This class is included as a primary offering in order to amplify the importance of mindset and personal care.

  • Disciplines like ballet often target specific muscle groups leaving others underdeveloped. Conditioning classes will help young dancers build a more balanced physicality supporting long-term physical health.

  • The flagship course of the Immersive Summer Intensive Curriculum. A guided session where aspiring young dancers observe professional rehearsals and analyze the different tools and practices that contribute to their success.

Specialty Lectures & Discussions:

  • Research is unlocking fascinating discoveries about the connection between physical and mental well-being. In Mind/Body Movements we will discuss the unique mental vulnerabilities of balletic training, the challenges of pursuing a dance career, and we will identify several tools that can help aspiring dancers overcome those challenges to realize their greatest potential.

  • This conversation will address the question: How do you achieve elite athleticism with inspiring artistry? We will outline strategies for success at different stages of professional development, and how to determine the best personal approach amongst a multitude of perspectives.

  • What is the real difference between a pre-professional dancer and a professional dance artist? From Pre- to Pro- breaks down the distinguishing characteristics that can help young dancers make the leap to the professional realm.

  • Get to know the resident artists of the Marin Choreographic Residency in a series of deep-dive question and answer sessions.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

*Photo by Chris Hardy

SAMPLE SCHEDULES FROM OUR 2024 PROGRAM

DAY 2…
9:30a-11:00a Ballet Technique Class with Ben Needham-Wood
11:15a-12:15a Repertoire with Katie Currier
12:15a-1:15p Repertoire continued with Alex Brown
1:15p-2:00p Lunch
2:00-3:00p Choreography with Ben Needham-Wood
3:00p-3:30p Observation with Ben Needham-Wood
3:30p-4:00p Discussion: From Pre- to Pro with Ben Needham-Wood
4:00p-4:30p Conditioning with Sadie Brown

DAY 3…
9:30a-11:00a Ballet Technique Class with Brandon Ragland
11:15a-1:15p Repertoire with Ben Needham-Wood
1:15p-2:00p Lunch
2:00-2:30p Observation with Ben Needham-Wood
2:30p-3:30p Repertoire with Brandon Ragland
4:00p-4:30p Discussion: Mind-Body Movements with Ben Needham-Wood

DAY 4…
9:30a-11:00a Ballet Technique Class with Lauren Jonas
11:00a-11:30a Q&A with Lauren Jonas
11:45a-12:30p Repertoire with Kevyn Butler & Lauren Jonas
12:30-1:15 Repertoire continued with Alex Brown
1:15p-2:00p Lunch
2:00-3:00p Choreography with Ben Needham-Wood
3:00p-3:30p Observation with Ben Needham-Wood
3:30p-3:45p Discussion: Athletic Artistry with Ben Needham-Wood
3:45p-4:30p Yoga with Leigh-Anne Albrechta