Pas De Deux (Partnering)
The Pas De Deux class better known as “Partnering” class is an essential part of any dancers training. Director Bray believes the pas de deux is one of the highest most challenging and most beautiful aspects of dance. Students will learn the basic principals of physics as it relates to movement including, axis, support, balance and lift. A partner can provide a source of force other than the floor and gravity allowing the ballerina to achieve positions not possible when dancing alone.
Classical Variations
Students learn variations from well-known ballets such as Le Corsaire, Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle. The class builds on articulation, strength, and awareness while developing the artistic elements of performance.
Repertoire Classes
This class offers high-level students the opportunity to learn Director Bray’s Original repertoire choreography alongside our traditional repertoire such as the Nutcracker Ballet. Additionally this trains students in the art of learning, processing and retaining choreography.
Body Pathways
Body Pathways helps dancers gain a well-rounded knowledge of how a body’s structure facilitates movement. We are all born with different body types that comes with gifts (things that come naturally) and obstacles (things that do not come naturally) or what I like to call “struggles against Mother Nature”. And while technique and training can help mold, shape and develop the body, it can only go as far as the body’s natural and physical capabilities.
By gaining a deeper understanding of the functions and locations of muscles, dancers can improve turn-out, strength and flexibility. This knowledge helps dancers better understand class corrections and can also help prevent common injuries. The balance between exercise and repertoire is critical to a dancer’s success. This class will emphasize to dancers how they can use their muscles and body structure to keep them doing what they love – DANCING!!
Lyrical
At MainStage our Lyrical and Modern classes utilizes techniques from Vaganova Ballet, Martha Graham, Lester Horton Modern and classic Jose Limon Jazz. We use motion to interpret music and express emotion. Choreography is set to the lyrics in music and typically uses soft, expansive movement that is fluid and graceful to convey a story. A solid, ballet-based technique is an essential component of this advanced style of dance. We encourage our dancers to feel music and to become very expressive through their movement. This class is offered to Intermediate level 3 and above.
Boys & Men
Our Boys Ballet program is designed specifically to develop the attributes necessary to be a successful male dancer. It is Director Bray’s priority to establish a sense of comfort and support in the classroom for male dancers. Among the important aspects of this program are the enhancement of athletic skills, flexibility, strength and balance. The program provides weekly classes in Vaganova Ballet, Rommett Floor Barre and Partnering. Participants in the program also enjoy performance opportunities with an invitation to audition for MainStage’s production of the Nutcracker Ballet. Students are accepted by audition. No prior dance experience is required.Roller
Flex & Stretch
In our Flex & Stretch class we scrap static stretching and use the foam roller. Think of foam rolling as a way to ‘smooth’ or iron out’ the connective tissue and muscle. Foam rolling actually increases circulation so the connective tissue and muscle are getting more oxygen and water than if you simply stretched. We use the roller to apply longer more sweeping strokes to the long muscle groups like the calves, adductors, and quadriceps, and small directed force to areas like the TFL bands and hip flexors. Foam rolling with an emphasis on deep stretch flexibility prior to a class can help not only improve overall flexibility but, decrease muscle density and promote a better warm-up for our dancers. We also encourage our dancers to rollout after a class as it may help muscles recover from strenuous exercise.
Aerial Flexibility
This class is based on a holistic aerial fitness system that combines the science of physical conditioning with the philosophy of movement therapy. Our Aerial Flexibility class is designed for all Academy students levels two and higher. Dancers can achieve optimal fitness and flexibility in a fun & safe suspended environment. The aerial system incorporates suspended athletic conditioning, aerial Pilates style exercises, and aerial arts inspired movements. The Aerial Flexibility system exercises are progressive, adaptable, and creative.
The equipment for Aerial Flexibility uses a set of supportive fabric slings that are hung from the ceiling, wall or other foundational apparatus. The fabric slings are made of a stretchy cotton blend fabric, incredibly strong and very comfortable!
Participants can suspend their body (or parts of their body) so they can enjoy motion in 360 degrees while sculpting and stretching in the air. This helps improve strength & body awareness, increase joint mobility and overall flexibility while decompressing the spine, and gives the opportunity to find creativity and joy in physical activity.
Adult Dance & Fitness
At MAINSTAGE ACADEMY OF DANCE, we believe that anyone can dance including the young-at-heart. As such, we offer ZUMBA, CARDIO BARRE, HIP-HOP and daytime BALLET for working and retired adults. Come on, haven’t you ever wanted to dance? Don’t you want to move your body freely without worrying about how you look or who might be watching you? Have you dreamt of being a prima ballerina, or just wanted to get your body back into that 20 something shape?
