Program for the Year 2008
Three new programs were shown to teachers at the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Teachers Intensive. The response was so enthusiastic that I have decided to repeat them this year. Teachers felt that the programs filled a gap in their curriculum, and many were the phone calls and letters of praise when these programs were taught in studios for the first time.
Enchanted Doorway
This program is for the teaching of 4 to 6 year olds. The first in the series was called “The Magic Carpet” and the second was called “Jungle Adventure.” The third sequel is “Fantasy Sea Adventure” from which the content can be imagined.
The newest program, “The Fun Faire Adventure,” is for children of 3 to 4 years of age. This program stimulates their imagination and develops their sense of confidence. The storyline, exercises and activities are innovated and focussed to the abilities and attention span of this age group, which has become increasingly important in many schools.
The originator, Merle Sepel, has once again worked with her brother, Brian, who composed the music and sound effects for these novel and innovative adventures in fun and dance.
The material of these classes vary between 30 and 45 minutes and can be incorporated in classes of 30 minutes to one hour. They can be presented at an informal gathering of parents and friends, adding the excitement of performance to class-work, and providing a stimulus for enhanced achievement.
The CD for each program consists of three sections. A voice-over narrates the story line, leading the class through imaginative dance adventures. Following this is a section of music for the steps to be taught. The last section of each program varies, allowing teachers to substitute their own creativity.
Included in the package are several props that are an integral part of the program. These, in combination with the music, sound effects, and the storyline are an invaluable aid in the teaching of plie, tendu, skips, runs, walks, port de bras, etc., and transform the repetitive routine of ballet exercises into an exciting adventure in movement.
Teachers will find these programs of immeasurable value in giving young children a positive desire to learn the fundamentals of ballet technique, developing at the same time their imaginative talents.
“I have incorporated these programs into my studio and I am so impressed with the response. The children keep asking, ‘Can we do it again?’”—Colleen Rogers & Bernadette Campbell of Buford, GA
First Steps
From my many years of experience in the teaching of ballet to children as well as to students and trainee teachers at university graduate level, I have devised a program of teaching that simplifies movements into a progression. The performance of steps is made easier and stress-free, developing at the same time the technique that should be acquired at each age. Teachers will be able to relate the program to the teaching of ballet technique appropriate to the age level 5 to 8.
Second Steps
This is a development from First Steps and is focussed on the child aged 6 to 9 years. At these ages, I expect a greater degree of technical accomplishments, musicality and personal expression. The program illustrates the progression of steps in the repertoire of this age group. It will give teachers an understanding of what results to expect from their students and how to achieve them.
Third Steps
This program is a further development from 1st & 2nd Steps. It is a sound basis for ballet training for students aged 7 years and older. Included are barre work, more formal port de bras, and the imaginative presentation of the beginnings of basic ballet steps. Overall, the focus is on the teaching of the discipline of ballet in an enjoyable and fun way.
Junior Steps
This is a program for 8 to 12 year olds. It is a development from Third Steps and involves the teaching of further basic ballet steps appropriate to this age group. It is also an excellent program for the preparation of the Performance Awards.
Between Tot & Teen
Shown for the first time at the 2005 Teachers Intensive, this new program is for the training of children between the ages of 8 and 10. It is designed to be taught in a semester, but could be used for a full year. It is a more serious approach than 3rd Steps and shows the relationship between the barre and the basic vocabulary of ballet. It includes the teaching of demi-pointe, pirouettes and moving steps.
I’m Almost a Teen
This program is in the form of a class that can be taught in a complete semester. The ages to which this class is focussed is 11 to 12 years.
New! Beginning Pointe Work
A shared teaching experience with Mignon Furman, therapist Megan Richardson, and a pointe shoe fitter.
Performance Awards
This program, backed by videos, DVDs, teachers’ notes, cassettes and CDs, is now being taught across America, and in nine overseas countries. Teachers who have included the program in their teaching schedules are amazed at the results: technique and performance have improved immensely, students are more enthusiastic, and parents are delighted.
The basic concept is that all students – not only the “stars” – need acknowledgement for their endeavors, an opportunity to perform a solo dance, and a stimulus to progress.
Starting at age 5-6, the program develops over 12 levels of short choreographed compositions that will challenge and encourage the students up to pre-professional level by the achieving of goals that are attainable.
Each level consists of port de bras, adage, allegro and a solo dance increasing in complexity to include pirouettes and batterie. A choice of two of each, results in a total of 103 choreographic compositions.
Every student has the opportunity to dance in pairs and in a solo before an audience. The awarding of medals and certificates to each student does wonders for their self-esteem and determination to achieve personal best.
At the Teachers Intensive:
You will have special instruction in the program.
Observe the coaching classes for the students at Summer School.
Attend a Performance Awards session where the students dance the program before an audience.
For further information about this unique program, please call, write, or fax the office. (See contact information on the back page of this brochure).