Early Childhood Development classes follow the guidelines established by the National Standards in Arts Education for appropriate activities for children in each age group.
Children of this age are not yet developmentally ready for formal ballet training, yet need quality courses designed to stimulate imagination and foster coordination.
Grouping by age levels is very important during this phase of development regardless of the intellectual level of each child. During the first phase a child is introduced to the arts, therefore this phase is the most important.
Training should be extremely nurturing, full of imagination and creativity and provide a gentle structure for development. The next phase is a continuation of the first but begins to structure exercises differently.
More emphasis is placed on differentiating gross motor skill activities while still allowing a creative aspect. Coordination activities are used to link the mind, listening skills, and gross motor skills.
Partnering w/Parents….3 ½ - 4 (no charge for parents to participate) Based on a “Mommy and Me” concept, this class is designed to allow children to feel comfortable with their environment by including a parent (mom, dad or both) while introducing concepts used in dance. EVSPA provides a safe environment with well developed curriculum that was formulated on the principles of Early Childhood Development and what is appropriate for young children between 3 and 4. The direction is to allow expressive behavior but with gentle and nurturing guidance and creative exercises. This class preludes the next levels of dance/ballet.
Pre Ballet (4 ½ and 5 ½) Promoting imagination, while building physical ability; the concepts of warming up and stretching are introduced, while the use of movement to communicate both concrete storyline ballets are emphasized with interactive group exercises. Age appropriate ballet vocabulary is included along with strengthening exercises as preparation for more formal training.
Primary Ballet (ages 6-7)
This class continues to emphasize the relationship of music and dance and appreciation for music. The basic ballet vocabulary is expanded along with exercises that support balance, posture and spatial awareness as preparation for barre work in the primary level. The importance of musicality continues to be stressed for this age group. Group movement patterns are explored.
Pre Tap/Jazz (ages 4 ½-5 ½ ) and Primary Tap/Jazz (ages 6-7) Combo Classes
These classes offer training in technique and terminology.
The third level is preparatory for the first level of classical ballet development and/or prelude to future studies in voice/acting and movement. During this level young children are gently introduced to a more structured class, pattern and formation, spatial awareness but never engaging in the discipline of classical ballet studies until the bones and muscles are developed in the young child.
Classical Ballet Program Click here for full descriptions of classes
Under the directorship of Sandra Balestracci, students enrolled in EVSPA’s Classical Ballet Program follow a progressive curriculum. Pre-Ballet is a prelude to formal classical ballet instruction and introduces children to music and basic ballet skills through a structured program that stresses creativity and group interaction.
Classical Ballet (ages 7 and up) students are then introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique as they are promoted according to individual progress in acquiring technique and strength.
Classes consist of a Russian syllabus (based on Vaganova method) in ballet technique, vocabulary, pointe, history, and variations from the classical repertoire. Classical Ballet classes are organized into levels ensuring each student’s maximum mastery of skills.
Musical Theater
EVSPA’s Musical Theatre Program offers training in voice, acting and dance. When taking the prescribed program courses in recommended order, students gain an essential foundation for performance in musical theater.
The program dance courses concentrate on the styles of dance most commonly associated with Broadway.
Voice (ages 7 and up) EVSPA offers many levels of voice training. Children should not strain undeveloped vocal chords. EVSPA provides its younger singers with choral classes focusing more on rudiments of musicality, harmony, pitch and style.
Our classes are designed to train the young singer without hurting the student in the process. Voice training for post-pubescent teens consists of instruction in proper breathing, tongue placement for articulation, vibrato, projection, and range extension.
Private sessions provide maturing singers with the proper technique for becoming professionals. Classical repertoire is offered to students if appropriate for their voice.
Jazz classes offer training in basic jazz techniques, terminology, placement and styles. Dynamic weekly combinations present each level’s steps, culminating in a challenging repertoire for Jazz students of all ages.
Higher-level classes train the advanced student in a wider variety of styles and offer challenging combinations focusing on clean technique and accuracy.
The advanced level Broadway Jazz explores the styles of the famous choreographers of popular Broadway musicals.
Tap (ages 8 and up) classes offer training in basic tap technique, terminology, placement, stretching, and rhythm.
Dynamic weekly combinations build each student’s repertoire. Higher level classes expose students to a variety of styles and complex combinations.
Jazz and Tap Combo Classes ages 4 ½ -7 classes are designed for the young dancer interested in Tap and Jazz. Students will explore basic techniques, stretching, terminology and progression of age appropriate skill acquisition.
Acting EVSPA's acting classes are designed to develop the skilled and disciplined theater student that possess a high standard of excellence and an appreciation of artistic integrity. The program strives to challenge students both artistically and intellectually, so that they may become critical and creative thinkers, while developing professional skills and attitudes.
The program includes Acting with an emphasis on Musical Theater, combining rigorous training of the mind, body and voice forming a solid technique and approach to the craft. In addition to actor training, students also develop an understanding and appreciation of design and productions facilitating their growth as complete theater artists.
Also included in the Musical Theater program is Voice/Choreography.
Enrichment Programs
The Enrichment Classes are designed to offer students varied disciplines in a more relaxed class environment. Classes focus on enrichment and recreation and will permit a student more flexibility in developing their own dance experience. We offer the following classes for teens and adults:
Open/Ballet
If you have danced for many years or wish to indulge yourself in a lifelong dream, this is your opportunity. Beginner and intermediate levels provide the same information received in the career track program but without the intensity. Many of adults perform in the American Youth Ballet Company productions as they develop their dance training.
Open/Jazz
The EVSPA jazz classes offer training in basic jazz techniques, terminology, placement, and styles. Dynamic weekly combinations encouraging quick reflexes, memory and coordination present a challenging yet fun environment for all ages.
Open/Tap
Classes offer training in basic tap technique, terminology, placement, stretching, rhythm and good posture. Routines are developed throughout the year.
Adult Voice
Ron Boucher opens his studio to a limited number of adults 18 years and over. No experience necessary. This is perfect for adults looking to discover vocal abilities and develop technique. For professional singers, it is a way of keeping skills sharp and work on audition material or coaching material for performance. Mr. Boucher approach to singing is based on Seth Riggs Speech Level Singing using vocal exercises to develop technique with musical theater songs to reinforce
technique and your ability to communicate through song. Interview is required.
Hip Hop classes offer funky dance moves and a looser street dance technique designed to round out the dancer’s repertoire. Popular with dancers and non-dancer alike, hip hop is an excellent addition to your enhance your skill set.
Body Conditioning Improve strength, flexibility, balance, and posture by incorporating floor based Pilates movements that stimulate the deep “ core” muscles of your hips, abdomen, low back and spine. Focuses on breath and improves mental clarity.
Early Childhood Development classes follow the guidelines established by the National Standards in Arts Education for appropriate activities for children in each age group. 
Classical Ballet (ages 7 and up) students are then introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique as they are promoted according to individual progress in acquiring technique and strength. 
Jazz classes offer training in basic jazz techniques, terminology, placement and styles. Dynamic weekly combinations present each level’s steps, culminating in a challenging repertoire for Jazz students of all ages. 
Tap (ages 8 and up) classes offer training in basic tap technique, terminology, placement, stretching, and rhythm. 
Open/Jazz
