Course Descriptions

‘DANCE EXPERIENCE ITALIA’ (DEI) and ‘DANCE EXPERIENCE ESPAÑA’(DEE) are courses that have been structured for dancers of intermediate, advanced and pre-professional levels. The programs have been designed for dancers who are in current dance training with enough knowledge of dance curriculum to complete faster moving classes and handle full days of lessons with rehearsals.

The program encompasses ballet, contemporary, jazz, choreographic workshops and movement classes, with some informal informational seminars on topics important to dancers.  Spanish Dance classes will only be incorporated into the Dance Experience ESPAÑA program.

Candidates are accepted from the age of 14 through to adult.

We are happy to accept slightly younger candidates (under 14) provided they have reached the minimum required level and are accompanied by a responsible adult. All we ask is that students be mature enough to cope with full days of classes, rehearsals and language lessons.

Older dancers who are better suited to the Dance Experience programs rather than the Adult Course are also accepted.

Taking all disciplines offers the most benefit, increases performance opportunities and gives a dancer some of the varied disciplines required by twenty-first century dance.

Dancers in past years not so familiar with contemporary and/jazz have taken this opportunity to try a discipline not previously attempted and very often have found great pleasure in doing so! Our instructors hail from classical backgrounds and use this base so the jazz and contemporary classes compliment well, rather than contradict the ballet as one may sometimes find.

A ballet class at a slower pace is provided when candidates who wish to include this discipline, but whom although are of the required levels in contemporary and/or jazz may not feel comfortable in the more advanced ballet classes.

Our teachers always assess and make appropriate level recommendations to all candidates on arrival.

Students may choose to attend the complete course or parts thereof: one and/or two weeks.

Though not compulsory, we like to recommend that each student attend at least a week of language classes. Our students in past years have found this fun and very helpful, especially with being able to learn a few phrases to exchange with fellow students. Please note that language classes will not be given for dancers in the last days leading up to the end of course performance.

A working timetable can only be posted up at induction or on the first day of your course.

Below is an example of a typical day, which gives some idea of how you may spend your time with us.

08:30-09:45: classical dance class

09:45-10:45: virtuosity /Pointe/variations/ repertoire

11:00-12:15: contemporary /jazz

12:30-13:30: jazz/contemporary

Lunch

15:00-17:00: language classes

18:00-20:30: we work on choreography, repertoire, Pointe, variations and pieces which may be included in recitals and the end of course performance. This intensifies in the week leading up to the final performance.

Language classes are not given as we re-schedule for more rehearsals and work on stage in the theatre.

Please note that all hours are an indication only. A working timetable will be available on the first day of the course.

THE PERFORMANCE COURSE is dedicated to giving dancers a taste of working life in a professional atmosphere as if perhaps in a small company on tour. Dancers participate in choreographic workshops that provide a valuable insight into the challenges of the choreographic process and call upon each dancer’s unique input. Direct involvement in the creative process and personal interaction with our dedicated staff we believe encourages personal growth in both technical and artistic areas.

Taking more disciplines offers a dancer some of the varied disciplines required by twenty-first century dance and the most benefit from this course.  Choreographers in modern times are crossing boundaries that were once unimaginable and a successful performer we believe must be equipped to cross these boundaries, too.

For the performance and showcase finally we encompass works in the three main disciplines which build up to a full length and exciting showcase.

CREATE YOUR OWN DANCES

Following the successful launch in 2011, an opening is again offered to selected students wishing to create their own dances!

For one or two participants who are interested in choreography, we are proposing to offer an opportunity to create a short work. You will be given the opportunity to work with a few of your fellow dancers on the course and then have them perform your piece within the performance.

Students who are interested must attend a complete course thus giving time for discussion and preparation.

Choreographers must have several sketch plans, selecting the style/genre of dance with pieces of music that inspire them. Please be careful when choosing music and beware of copyright. We recommend that these be submitted prior to arrival. Faculty will be on hand to offer guidance and assist during the entire process. At the outset we will talk through your ideas and explore what is possible within the limitations. Time will be a major determining factor.
Choreographers will have to demonstrate and adopt a businesslike approach to the task. If within the first stages of rehearsal it is thought that the piece will not flourish we do reserve the right to discontinue all work towards it.

Have you any designs that it may be possible to begin to bring to reality?

Have you any experience of staging and/or doing choreography in the past?
You may have a piece you have already created or started and would like to explore further?
Let us know and we can look into the possibilities.

A completed work of up to 3/4 minutes to perform would be the ideal and a tall order!  but “work in progress” will also be considered.

All is credited to you and great for the CV!

ADULT COURSE is the perfect program for late beginners as well as the more experienced adult dancer.

Classes provide a fun and satisfying way to improve muscle tone, flexibility and co-ordination as well as improving dance technique.

The program includes ballet, contemporary, jazz and movement classes with 2 hours of language tuition per day should this option be selected.

Adult dance programs are open level with no audition. Some dance experience is an advantage.

With fewer dance classes per day the adult course is organized so that lessons from our three disciplines, the movement class plus 2 hours of language, makes for a well rounded course.

A working timetable will be posted up at induction or on the first day of your course.

Participation in the choreographic workshops and performance has not been included in this program.

Involvement may be arranged and requires that you also attend the necessary weeks prior to the performance date. While we welcome those enrolled for the Adult Course to take part in the performance course we require an additional fee to cover performance rehearsals, classes and the choreographic workshops that are all extra to the adult program.

Our adult program is a fabulous opportunity to experience a taste of summer dance intensives or to continue to take classes while enjoying a study holiday and offers a kick start to those thinking of taking up the dancing habit.

Take this opportunity to try something new, pick up on the past or keep fit as well as learn some essential language skills

A typical day

8.30 -12:30: Dance and movement classes

Lunch

15:00-17:00: language classes

In addition:

18:00-20:30: Salsa, Pilates® Zumba® when scheduled are open to all.

Classes may be taken per lesson and added to the adult dance program when in Italy.

JAZZ and/or CONTEMPORARY SPECIALS

Programs for adult dancers not wishing to attend classical ballet classes

10:30-13:30: Daily Technique Dance Classes. 15:00- 17:00 Italian/English Language Classes.

Please note that all hours are an indication only. A working timetable will be available on the first day of the course.

PILATES® is a gentle, non-aerobic exercise method, which lengthens and strengthens the muscles, and improves posture, without stressing the joints or the heart. Long popular among dancers, gymnasts and others who knew of it, Pilates has now been discovered by a wider public – from those who simply want to get fit or de-stress and wish a stronger back or flatter stomach to those with specific injuries or medical problems that Pilates can help.

Group sessions as mat Pilates® is offered and may often be combined with Gyrokinesis®, a uniquely precise and intelligent approach to exercise and body-conditioning, which promises a leaner, suppler, more toned body and a calmer, more relaxed mind.

ZUMBA® is a dance exercise routine that involves dancing to fabulous Latin American music that people of all ages simply love!

The Zumba® workout is the brainchild of celebrity fitness trainer, Colombian native Alberto “Beto” Perez. Inspired by the traditional cumbia, salsa, samba and merengue music he grew up, it combines the strong, distinctive rhythms of Latin music with easy-to-do international dance moves.

Some dances such as the samba and rumba date back to the 16th century, but all Latin dances incorporate some highly varied techniques, rhythms and tempos. Spins and turns are very common, as is fast footwork.

This is why Zumba® dance is so energetic, highly charged and emotive. It will get your heart pumping and feet moving. It’s fun, it’s funky and people of all ages are falling in love with its infectious music, easy-to-follow dance moves, and body-beautifying benefits.

And now you can enjoy Zumba® at Dance Master Class. What are you waiting for?

SPANISH DANCE
Classical Spanish Dance encompasses sophisticated choreography  performed to music by Spanish composers such as Manuel de Falla, Albéniz, Granados, and Turina. Also known as Estilización it can also be performed while playing the castanets. Dancers wear either Spanish dance shoes or Ballet shoes. The dance blends Flamenco, Folklore, and Classical Ballet.

SALSA dance movements originate from the Cuban Son dancing of the 1930s more specifically through the beat of Son Montuno with strong influences from the dance of Danzon, Mambo, Guaguanco and other Afro-Cuban folkloric dancing.

JUNIOR / GIOVANE DANZA

We invite younger dancers who are accompanied by supervisory accompanying adult(s)

Classes are structured for students 6 – 13 years of age who currently attend dance classes and have some knowledge of dance curriculum but who have not as yet reached the levels required for our Dance Experience courses.

Lessons include ballet and/or jazz, plus the option of studying a language if desired.

A demonstration performance-class for the parents will held in the studio.

Supervisory accompanying adults

Single and shared room self catering apartment accommodation is available.

Discounted accommodation for an adult who accompanies 2+ students; please request details.

For registration:

A completed application form on line for each candidate together with full-length photograph in neat dance practice attire showing Tendu in second position with arms raised to second position.

FOR COMPANIONS and those NOT WISHING TO JOIN THE FULL DANCE PROGRAM

Evening classes in Salsa, Pilates® and Zumba® when scheduled are available, per class or as a package and are open to all.

FOR THOSE NOT WISHING TO DANCE:

There are languages classes and in Urbania there are also various other courses available in culture, gastronomy, painting and ceramics.

Details of alternative activities and courses in Spain will be available in due course.