DD Tier III

In Tier III, selected students will begin developing movement skills that will prepare them for more tradi-tional ballet training.  All classes in this tier are taught at CPYB’s studios in Carlisle and last for 15 weeks.  Each workshop begins with an orientation session for students and parents when the instructor talks about the DiscoverDance program, the history and reputation of CPYB, and program specifics such as attendance policy, schedules etc.  This workshop culminates with the demonstration of class work followed by an original piece of choreography performed in front of a group of parents, community members and school officials.

These classes, taught primarily by CPYB Faculty Member Re Rabassi-Davis, focus on building muscle strength, enhancing locomotor skills and musicality, and encouraging discipline and creativity through dance.  These classes address National Dance Standards, specifically those in Standard 1 (achievement of dance movement elements and skills in performing dance) and Standard 2 (demonstration of musical, kinesthetic and observational awareness, and understanding choreographic principles, processes and structures). Elements of commitment are also taught through a 75% attendance requirement.

The 15-Week Workshop curriculum is augmented by encouraging DiscoverDance students to attend CPYB performances with three free tickets. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of classical ballet, including:

●  demonstration of the five basic positions

● identification of basic ballet vocabulary in French such as plié, tendu and jeté

●  music theory, specifically related to rhythm

●  introductory dance history and style variants