Director's Message
I believe that teaching is a practical art that needs a practical approach whether to a new class of five year olds or to teenagers with stars in their eyes who have other options for their energy. Theorizing about the teaching of ballet does not pay the rent.
Very often, teachers need to be inspired. Ask yourself:
- Is my teaching methodology still valid?
- What new ideas can I incorporate in my teaching?
- Do my classes have enthusiasm and energy?
- Are my students up to standard?
- Are their parents satisfied with their progress?
The Teachers Intensive will provide answers, both practical and positive. Included is the Performance Awards program which has been proved to be of great value to teachers. See inside for details.
This note cannot describe the feeling of “being there,” the self-confidence that knowledge brings; and the inspiration that the Teachers Intensive infuses into all those who attend.
I have made attendance easy - choose the days you want to attend.
If five or more students from your school attend our Summer School, you pay only half of the Teachers Intensive fee.
It is my sincere belief that the Teachers Intensive of the American Academy of Ballet is an important feature that is of immeasurable value to teachers. I look forward to welcoming you at our Teachers Intensive.
-Mignon Furman, Director
Why You Should Attend the Teachers Intensive
The Teaching of Young Children: We now offer twelve programs that focus on young children, the most important people in many of your studios.
Observe the Best: Master teachers teach the students. Note the exercises, combinations, the structure of the class, images and methods that inspire the dancers to dance their personal best in each class.
Performance Awards Program: I initiated this program twelve years ago. It is now part of the curriculum of about 100 teachers across the United States, in England, Japan, Spain, Ireland, South Africa, the Bahamas, Holland, Mexico and Israel..
Special Faculty: I have invited a Faculty which has an enormous amount of expertise in teaching methodology and will share their knowledge generously.
Make Contact: Do not teach in isolation, unaware of the ballet developments going on around you. Teachers need other teachers for the sharing of knowledge. Every profession is updated from time to time. Update your teaching!
Summer Break: Give yourself a break! You deserve to get away from your daily routine. Apart from the continuing education aspects, Teachers Intensive is a very enjoyable experience. I have arranged a special low rate at an up-market Hilton Hotel. See back page of this brochure for details.
About Mignon Furman
Mignon Furman has organized no less than 30 Summer Schools. She was the Director of the University of Cape Town Ballet School with special responsibility for teachers' training. She formulated the programs to be used by 80 trainee teachers and 400 students. She was nominated for the Distinguished Teacher Award from amongst the entire University faculty of 1,500. She is a choreographer and educator, and has studied or been guest teacher in New York, London, Tel Aviv, Paris, and Cannes.
