Dance Theatre

The U of L Dance Theatre is by invitation only. Those students invited to participate are required to make a minimum of five weekly classes and to attend rehearsals.

The Apprentices are the aspirant group to the Dance Theatre. Those students invited to participate are required to take a minimum of four classes per week.

These groups have opportunity to perform in the annual Children's Demonstration, Clara's Dream, and The Spring Gala. The Dance Theatre dancers have opportunity to perform at the annual S.E.R.B.A. Festivals.

Children's Demonstration

The Children's Demonstration allows all students from Beginning through Dance Theatre the opportunity for an educational, onstage, performance if they wish. Rehearsals will be held separately from classes and attendance at all rehearsals is required. Sign-up sheets are posted on early January.

Clara's Dream

The U of L Dance Theatre's Nutcracker is presented in December with three public performances and two school performances. Dance Academy students from levels I to V are invited to participate. Mandatory rehearsals are held outside of class times. (A rehearsal schedule is provided before they begin in October.) We understand that this can be a big commitment at holiday time but the children who choose to participate are rewarded with a very positive performing experience.

Curricula

The University of Louisville Dance Academy seeks to provide to Louisville and the surrounding region the finest classical dance training available in an academic setting and to make available to students seeking this training a nurturing, safe environment open to all and conductive to learning and to the exploration of all student potentials. All dance instruction is given in group classes. Classes must have at least 10 students and no more than 24. All classes are grouped according to age and dance level. Classes are offered in Ballet Technique and Pointe.

The required number of classes per week for each level are the minimal number necessary for satisfactory progress and improvement. If exceptional circumstances make it impossible for an student to take the required quota of classes, we will consider exceptions but strongly advise against it.

Please understand that different students progress at different rates and we always assign students to the class level where they will benefit the most. This means that so-called "promotions" to higher level are not automatic, and not necessarily related to age or years of study, and changes into a lower level should not necessarily be regarded in a negative light. Our first concern is always where the student will be best placed.


Ballet Technique

(A) MINUMUM AGE: 6 IN AUGUST

Includes instruction of classical ballet technique. Classes are discipline oriented.

Three basic levels:

• Lower Division: 1 to 2 classes per week (Beginners, I, II, III)
• 
  Middle Division: 3 to 4 classes per week (IV, V)
• 
  Upper Division: 4 to 7 classes per week (Apprentice, Dance Theatre)

(B) ADULT CLASSES

Same basic styles and techniques as taught in the children's classes, adapted to the adult's maturity, concentration and body development. Adult over age 21 are restricted to the adult classes.

Pointe
Prerequisite: Ballet Technique for six semesters - minimum age: 11

Special study for girls in the technique of pointe.

Must be taken in conjunction with ballet technique.

Enrollment by audition only.

(Due to the stress pointe places on foot cartilage, children must be at a certain level of physical development before they begin pointe)

Boy's Technique

Classical ballet classes aimed at the specific requirements for male technique are offered in conjunction with ballet technique. Scholarships available.

Early Childhood Development

Where exploring play is dance education.
Preschool programs in dance open to 3 years - kindergarten.
Age and developmentally appropriate dance training for the young child moves through 3 distinctive levels: Hop. Skip & Dance; Creative Movement; Pre-Ballet.

Hop, Skip and Dance
Children 3 years old (by Aug. 1)
This 45-minute class is designed to allow the children the opportunity to explore their imagination through movement.

We will integrate - stories (drama)
- music
- rhythm
- basic movement concepts through a developmentally appropriate play curriculum.


Use the registration form in the main brochure.

Call (502) 852-6878 for more information

Community Outreach Programs
Information available upon request.

Summer

Summer Semester (June to July)
Classes are offered for Level I through Adults. This is an excellent opportunity to keep in training during the summer and to improve your technique. Intensive training, including specialty classes, is recommended for older students.

Registration forms will be sent to you through the mail at the end of the Spring Semester.

Tuition

The fees quoted bellow are for one semester. There are two semesters in the school year. Tuition for one semester is payable in full at registration. There will be no refunds or adjustments.

To register by mail, please call the Dance Office to obtain your schedules and class assignments, then mail the registration form with a check covering your full semester's tuition. Only early registration can assure your schedule choices and prevent a late registration penalty fee.Visa & M/C accepted.

The Dance Office is located in the School of Music Building, Belknap Campus, Room LL01.Dance Academy hours during registration are 9:00 - 1:00, 2:00 - 5:00, Monday through Friday. Phone (502) 852-6878

E-mail: jghake01@gwise.louisville.edu Web site: http://www.uofldanceacademy.com/

No one will be admitted into class unless registration is complete. Registration is considered complete upon receipt of form and tuition. You will receive no confirmation if your registration is complete. Just attend your first scheduled class.

Auditions
Placement interviews are required at the music school, Belknap Campus, for students new to U of L who have had previous training. Call for an appointment. (502) 852-6878.

Scholarships
Limited funds are available for financial aid to students in need who possess outstanding talent. The criteria of selection are:

(A) Financial Need. The single most important consideration is the financial need. Please obtain a financial report from the Dance Office and mail it with a copy of the parent's income tax return to the Dance Office no later than May 1 for financial consideration.
(B) Talent. All students applying for scholarships must audition. There are only a limited number of scholarships available and there are NO scholarships available for summer programs.