EARLY CHILDHOOD DIVISION

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.

Ask about our pre-school (ages 3 & 4) discount! If five or more students coming from the same pre-school register for the same class, they all receive a 5% discount. We will also come to your daycare or pre-school and teach a free trial class.

Call  757 229-8535  for more information

Classes                        Age         Day(s)    Time

Creative Adventures   4              Thurs   2:00-2:45

Creative Dance I         3               Mon    2:00-2:45

Creative Dance II        4               Mon    3:45-4:30

Foundation I               5 - 6          Mon    4:30-5:30

Foundation II              6 - 8          Mon    5:30-6:30

Under the directorship of Sandra Balestracci, students enrolled in EVSPA’s Classical Ballet Program follow a progressive curriculum. Foundation 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.

Classes follow a pre-professional syllabus (based on the Vaganova method) in ballet technique, vocabulary, pointe, history and variations from the classical Ballet repetoire. Classical Ballet Classes are organized into levels ensuring each student's maximum mastery of skills.

Youth American Grand Prix International Ballet Competition

Modern Dance

EVSPA’s Modern Dance classes uses technique from Horton and Limon that compliments classical ballet training keeping the alignment of the body and slender physique of the dancer. Class concentrates on use of breath, quality of structural form, oppositional energy, moving through space, directional changes, fall and recovery, speed and performance quality. Working with developing phrases over several weeks.

Contemporary/Lyrical Dance

This is a fusion of ballet with jazz and contemporary dance techniques. Lyrical dance style has its primary basis in ballet, combining the many technical elements of classical ballet with the freedom and airier aspects of jazz, contemporary and modern dance. Lyrical dance is expressive, simultaneously subtle and dynamic, focused on conveying musicality and emotion through movement.

MUSICAL THEATER DIVISION

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's musical theater.

Acting (ages 7 and up)
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 choreography.

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 ensemble 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 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 Dance

EVSPA Jazz instruction focuses on tradition/modern Jazz dance technique that is conducive to musical theater choreography. The technique may be influenced by other dance styles such as acro, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, and hip-hop.

The performance style of jazz dance was popularized to a large extent by Bob Fosse's work, which is exemplified by Broadway shows such as Chicago, Cabaret, Damn Yankees, and The Pajama Game. Modern jazz dance continues to be an essential element of musical theatre.

As in most forms of dance, technique is the foundation for all modern jazz dance movement. In particular, jazz dancers benefit from a sound working knowledge of ballet technique.

Tap Dance

Our classes offer training in basic tap technique terminology, placement, stretching and rhythm.

Dynamic weekly combinations build each student's repetoire. Higher levels classes expose students to a variety of styles and complex combinations.

ENRICHMENT DIVISION

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 experience. We offer the following classes for teens and adults.

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.

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.

Tap
Classes offer training in basic tap technique, terminology, placement, stretching, rhythm and good posture. Routines are developed throughout the year.

Modern

Class concentrates on use of breath, quality of structural form, oppositional energy, moving through space, directional changes, fall and recovery, speed and performance quality. Working with developing phrases over several weeks.

Strength 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.

   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's 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.

Enrichment  Divison Class Schedule