Tisch Summer High School Dance Program

Dance Studio Practice is designed to develop a rigorous, creative physical practice in preparation for college-level, pre-professional dance training. This four-week course consists of Technique, Yoga, Repertory and various guest workshops. Course work focuses on learning to dance healthfully, emphasizing placement and alignment principles that lead to the most efficient use of the body. Our comprehensive, organic approach to dance encourages students to develop versatility of style and an expressive individual voice. Students will explore tools for movement invention and exploration. Our technical training is contemporary-focused and modeled after the BFA dance curriculum. Throughout the Repertory component students will learn and refine professional-level dance and engage in artistic process through repertory from established New York City-based dance artists. Repertory works are shared in the Final Showing. Please note: This is not a ballet-centered program and therefore we do not offer training in Pointe work.

Objectives

• Strengthen concepts of efficient alignment while supporting a healthy dancing body

• Clarify concepts of classical ballet technique as underlying foundations for technical expertise

• Explore a variety of contemporary technical styles which include floor work

• Develop a unique voice for physical expression

Creative Research in Dance is designed to introduce students to college-level, pre-professional practice in dance theory and choreography. This four-week course focuses on the development of new choreography through creative generation of movement phrases and an exploration of spatial and temporal aspects of dance composition. In-class explorations will range in collaborative nature. Students will be encouraged to expand awareness and connection to others through energetic and physical exchanges. This course meets twice per week with the instructor on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays are reserved for student-led research time to develop projects in collaboration with each other and with the faculty mentor. Students will also attend performances and events in New York City to complement their Creative Research and Studio Practices.

 Objectives

• Introduce tools for generating novel movement compositions

• Develop aspects of personal style in composition and performance

• Explore the interpretation and performance of dance repertory

• Investigate newer fields of dance research and integrate concepts from improvisation, kinesiology, and new media into dance practice

Sample Schedule for Summer High School Dance Program

Classes take place Monday to Friday, from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with attendance at dance performances in the evenings. Weekends include special workshops, rehearsals, and guest dance company lectures and demonstrations.

This sample schedule is based on previous summers to give prospective students an understanding of the highly structured and rigorous training offered in the Tisch Summer High School Dance Program. This sample schedule is an overview of one of the four weeks in the program. Students accepted and confirmed for the program will be given their actual schedule on orientation day.

Monday

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ballet technique

11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Contemporary technique

1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m. Lunch

2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Creative Research (composition & solo/group rehearsal)

Free night

11 p.m. Curfew

Tuesday

9 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. Pilates or Yoga

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ballet technique

11:45 a.m.- 1:15 p.m. Contemporary technique

1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m. Lunch

2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Repertory (guest choreographer rehearsal)

5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Dinner

7:30 p.m. Performance in NYC

11 p.m. Curfew

Wednesday

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ballet technique

11:45 a.m.- 1:15 p.m. Contemporary technique

1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m. Lunch

2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Creative Research (composition & solo/group rehearsal)

Free night

11 p.m. Curfew

Thursday

9 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. Pilates or Yoga

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Ballet technique

11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Contemporary technique

1:15 p.m. - 2 p.m. Lunch

2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Repertory (guest choreographer rehearsal)

5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Dinner

7:30 p.m. Performance in NYC

11 p.m. Curfew

Friday

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Contemporary technique

11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Improvisation or Partnering

1:15 p.m - 2 p.m. Lunch

2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Special Workshops (Dance and Technology, Physical Therapy, Movement Science)

Free night

11 p.m. Curfew