This Week's Cool You Tube Ballet Video

Congratulations to Carlie Coates!

Congratulations to Carlie Coates who has been admitted to the summer ballet program at NCSA. Carlie studies with me at Angie's Dance Academy and Dimensions Dance. She is a lovely dancer with outstanding potential. Go Carlie!

Pre-Professional Ballet Program Begins September 2008!

Download the Pre-Professional Ballet Program Info Pack.

This is truly a remarkable time.

For the first time in Western North Carolina, ADA will offer serious ballet students pre-professional training beginning 2008-2009. There will be three divisions, ages 8-9 (“Promising Young Dancers”), ages 10-12 (“Apprentice”) and 13+ (“Pre-Pro”.) The program is for dancers who want to take their dance to the next level, enjoy the rich experience of exquisite ballet training, and have loads of fun in the process!

WHY PRE-PROFESSIONAL BALLET TRAINING?

The fact is a good Pre-Professional ballet program and a good ballet teacher -- supported by a top-notch dance school like ADA -- can make a world of difference when it comes to getting into a professional summer training program, winning a dance scholarship to college, or getting ready to take your shot at the dance profession.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ballet training requires a commitment, no doubt about it. But with that commitment comes some of richest artistic experiences around. As a Pre-Professional at ADA you’ll be required to:

==> Attend class regularly. For dancers in the Apprentice Program (ages 10-12) that means you are required to take 3 ballet classes (1.5 hr ea), 2 pointe classes (1 and .5 hrs), and 1 elective (jazz, hip-hop, modern, etc.) For dancers in the Pre-Pro Program (ages 13+) that means you are required to take 4 ballet classes (1.5 hr ea), 3 pointe classes (1 hr ea), and 1 elective (jazz, hip-hop, modern, etc.)

==> Dancers in the Apprentice Program should be able to get all their requirements out of the way in just 3 days at ADA. Dancers in the Pre-Pro program will get their requirements out of the way in 4 days.

==> Dancers in both divisions are required to attend a Saturday rehearsal (2 hr).

PROMISING YOUNG DANCER PROGRAM

Dancers ages 8 to 9 are too young for serious pre-professional training. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t interested in them. That’s why we’ve come up with the “Promising Young Dancer Program.” It’s geared toward dancers with a keen interest in ballet. Admission to the program is by invitation and dancers are required to take 2 ballet classes (1.5 hr) per week and attend occasional rehearsals.

EXTENSIVE PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES

Ballet is a living, performing art. That's why as a dancer in the Pre-Professional program you'll get loads of opportunities to dance. Included will be the annual Nutcracker in December plus two other “in-house” shows during the year. We'll also seek out other appropriate performing opportunities that we can fit into the schedule!

FAQ

Do I have to have an iron-clad dream of becoming a professional dancer to fit with the Pre-Professional Program?

No! Just a more-than-recreational interest in dance and the willingness to see where this journey can take you!

As a parent, the Pre-Professional program sounds like a big time commitment. Is that true?

All serious dance training -- like serious athletic training -- requires time and commitment. The body simply can’t be shaped and trained without it. But we’ve designed the Pre-Professional Program at ADA to get the most out of your time. That’s why dancers in the Apprentice Program should be able to get all their requirements out of the way in just 3 days. Dancers in the Pre-Pro program will get their requirements out of the way in just 4 days. And that includes rehearsals!

As a dancer in the Pre-Professional Program, will I perform a lot?

Absolutely! From the Nutcracker in December to additional in-house shows, competitions, and other opportunities, you’ll be performing like never before!

Will I be required to take pointe?

Pointe training is an advanced form of ballet training targeting serious girls that really want to do more with their dancing. As such, most dancers in the Pre-Professional Program will want to take pointe once ADA’s standard pointe requirements are met.

Do I have to be in the Pre-Professional Program to attend the Summer Ballet Intensive?

No. Anyone with proper experience can attend the Summer Ballet Intensive.

If I’m accepted into the Pre-Professional Program do I have to attend the Summer Ballet Intensive?

Yes. All Pre-Professional Program dancers are required to attend the Summer Ballet Intensive.

Will I still be able to perform at competitions?

Yes. Dancers in the any division of the Pre-Professional program will have the opportunity to perform ballet works at select competitions.

Let Me Help Your Succeed

There's no doubt about it: A good ballet teacher can make a world of difference when it comes to getting into a professional summer training program, winning a dance scholarship to college, or getting ready to take your shot at the dance profession.

That's why I urge you to contact me today about your training. My students have been placed in some of most prestigious schools and academies in the U.S., including...

Academy of Ballet Florida
Ailey School
American Ballet Theatre School
Boston Ballet School
Houston Ballet Academy
Miami City Ballet School
North Carolina School of the Arts
Paul Taylor School
Saratoga Summer Dance Intensive
South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts
Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts
The Rock School
Virginia School of the Arts

In addition, many students have earned admission to professional-caliber dance programs at some of the countries finest universities...

Adelphi University Dance
Florida State University Dance
Harvard University Dance
Indiana University Ballet Program
New York University/Tisch School of the Arts
University of Florida Dance
University of North Carolina Greensboro
University of the Arts Philadelphia

Plus, my students have danced professionally in the numerous companies, including ...

Alabama Ballet
Broadway: Fosse
Broadway: Wicked
Dre Dance Company
Miami City Ballet

So, if you're serious about your dance, contact me today.

Wayne Burritt, Ballet Teacher

In addition to running Wayne Burritt Dance, I am also a certified ballet teacher. I teach all levels of ballet, from beginners to professionals, ages 8 to adult. Plus, I can create dances for your company or school and provide a host of dance-related services like consulting. more

I teach ballet based on the American School -- the heritage started at Harkness House and eventually passed on to David Howard and my teacher, Ruth Petrinovic. I focus on the highest standards of classical ballet standards -- including the best parts of the Russian, French, and Italian schools -- blended with modern concepts of body structure and movement. My classes are intense, lively, supportive ... and fun! more

My Background

I danced professionally in classical and modern works for Southern Ballet Theatre, Naples Ballet Theatre, and the Demetrius Klein Dance Company. After retiring from the stage, I founded a host of schools and companies including Florida Dance Conservatory, Millennium Dance Syndicate, and my newest venture, Wayne Burritt Dance. I have also held posts as Ballet Department Chair, Ballet Master, and Company Manager. To date, I have choreographed over 23 ballets, ranging from Coppelia, Giselle, and The Nutcracker to multimedia contemporary works. more

I completed Professional Ballet Teacher Training with nationally acclaimed pedagogue Ruth C. Petrinovic -- “the ballet teacher’s teacher.” I'm a certified ballet teacher and hold an MBA in Arts Management from Golden Gate University and a BA from Indiana University. more

Wayne Burritt Dance

I'm Wayne Burritt and I head up Wayne Burritt Dance, a brand new modern dance and contemporary ballet company working out of Asheville, North Carolina. I've done this dance-making thing for a long time and I know opportunity when I see it. Opportunity to bring a whole new vision of modern dance and contemporary ballet to Asheville. Opportunity to work with a group of dance artists that are, simply put, downright mind-boggling.

These dancers are downright stunning to work with and watch dance. They're all classically trained, which gives me loads of movement opportunities. Plus, they're naturally grounded, which helps make them believable and authentic. To top it off, their complex and vital personalities are itching to get on stage and let the audience in. All told, that gives me loads of creative alternatives and practically unlimited possibilities. You simply have to see them to believe them.

Plus, they're backed by a lighting and production team that's second-to-none.

A New Beginning: 2007-2008 at ADA

I'm teaching ballet at Angie's Dance Academy (ADA) in Clyde, North Carolina during the 2007 - 2008 season. This is a huge opportunity for me and for ballet students looking for serious training in Western North Carolina. ADA is a fine school, packed with talented students, loads of positive energy, and a staff -- headed by Angie Henley --- that's professional, courteous and eager to support the ballet program. more

The fact is ADA is already known as one of the best competition dance schools in the region. My and Angie's goal is to apply that same standard of excellence to ADA's ballet program, no holds barred.

And when it comes to world-class, professional dance studios and facilities ADA stands out big-time. With a whopping 15,000 square feet of space, the school boasts one of the largest dance facilities in the southeast U.S. It includes five state-of-the-art dance studios with professional flooring, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, three huge dressing rooms, two large waiting areas, dance bag storage, picnic area, loads of parking ... plus a dance store on site. Not only are ADA's facilities great for dancers, they also make the trip to Clyde comfortable for mom and dad. more

The simple truth is you have to see ADA -- along with its facilities and staff -- to believe it. And I promise you, it's well worth the drive, no matter where you're coming from. More about directions.

And if you're worried about how you'll fit in at ADA, don't give it a second thought. Angie has assured me that she and her staff are going to great lengths to make sure that any new ADA students feel welcome, wanted, and ready for success.

The bottom-line is ADA is embarking on a new chapter in its dance training history and I'm delighted to be part of it.

Call ADA at 828-627-3267 for more info or visit their website.

Mountain Ballet Intensive June 16 - 21!

It's that time of year again! Summer is just around the corner and loads of classes and intensives are yours for the taking.

First off, to kick-off the new Pre-Professional Program at Angie's Dance Academy (ADA), we’re offering the first Mountain Ballet Intensive, a week-long summer ballet intensive, June 16 to 21. Classes run from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. The cost is $300.00, a real bargain if you shop around. You'll get:

• Daily classes in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Modern, and Conditioning
• Two Levels: Intermediate/Advanced (13+) and Intermediate (10-12)
• Individualized attention and coaching
• State-of-the-art 15,000 square foot dance facility
• Outstanding guest and resident faculty
• End of session performance
• Consideration for the Full Year 08-09 Pre-Professional program

Don't forget to bring a healthy bag lunch!

Download the Mountain Ballet Intensive flyer!

Download the Mountain Ballet Press Release!

Call 828-627-3267 or visit www.AngiesDanceAcademy.com for registration and placement info!

Open Ballet Classes This Summer June 16 to August 26!

Like last summer, we'll offer ballet classes this summer -- but this time we've amped up the number of classes and added pointe as well.

In fact, right after the Mountain Ballet Intensive concludes, we'll begin a series of open ballet and pointe classes you won't find anywhere else in Western North Carolina!

This is the summer to take your dancing to the next level and really make stunning progress without the normal distractions we all have during the regular season. That opportunity to make huge progress during the summer was one of the big reasons I liked them so much when I was dancing.

Mondays and Wednesdays
Ballet (Int/Adv) 5:30 to 7:00
Pointe (Int/Adv) 7:00 to 7:30

Tuesdays and Thursdays
Ballet (Int) 5:30 to 7:00
Pointe (Int) 7:00 to 7:30

Saturdays
Ballet (Int) 5:30 to 7:00
Pointe (Int) 7:00 to 7:30

Ballet $10
Ballet and Pointe $15

Plus, you can buy a class card:

10 Ballet Classes $90
10 Ballet and Pointe Classes $135

Due to conflicts and other scheduling matters, classes won't be held on certain dates. That's why I've put the entire schedule together below. Please make sure to check back often as things can change!

2007-2008 Class Schedule

During 2007-2008, I'm teaching at Angie's Dance Academy (ADA) , Asheville Dance Theatre (ADT) and Dimensions Dance Studio (DD). For more info ...

Angie's Dance Academy
115 Glance Street, Clyde, NC 28721
828-627-3267

Asheville Dance Theatre
802 E. Fairview Road, Suite 181, Asheville, NC 28803
828-298-0258

Dimensions Dance
7401 Highway 213, Mars Hill, NC 28754
828-689-5267

Remember, a good rule of thumb is if you are in middle school, you should take three ballet technique classes and one pointe class every week. And if you're in high school, your load happily increases to four ballet classes and two pointe classes every week. Of course, don't forget to add on your other classes like jazz, tap, and hip-hop.

Keep up that kind of work -- and throw in a summer dance program or two -- and you could be looking at a professional dance career or a solid shot at a dance scholarship to college.

Sound interesting? Well, don't delay. Register for ballet class now.

Mondays
4:30 to 5:30	Ballet II	ADA
6:30 to 8:00	Int./Adv. Ballet	ADT
Tuesdays
4:00 to 4:30	Pointe	ADT
4:30 to 5:45	Int./Adv. Ballet	ADT
Wednesdays
4:00 to 5:30	Int. Ballet	ADA
5:30 to 7:00	Int./Adv. Ballet	ADA
7:00 to 8:30	Int. Ballet	ADA
Thursdays
4:30 to 6:00	Int./Adv. Ballet	ADA
6:00 to 7:00	Int. Ballet	ADA
7:00 to 8:00	Int. Ballet	ADA
8:00-8:30	Beg. Pointe	ADA
Fridays
6:00 to 7:30	Int./Adv. Ballet	DD
Saturdays
10:00 to 11:30	Int. Ballet	ADA

In the mood for a road trip?

During the first Tuesday of each month, I teach at Dance Theatre on Main (DTM) in Fountain Inn, SC. So, if you're in the mood for a ballet road trip, check out these classes ...

Dance Theatre on Main
213 S Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644
864-862-0490

Tuesdays
5:00 to 6:30	Int./Adv. Ballet	DTM
6:30 to 8:00	Ballet II	DTM