The goal of the Colburn Dance Institute is to create a dance renaissance in downtown Los Angeles by fusing the essentials of imagery and artistry with the energy of dynamic movement to inspire our students and enthrall our community. Our emphasis for all levels and all disciplines of dance is a solid grasp of the fundamentals, strong technical, creative, and performance skills, as well as pure enjoyment of the art of dance.

Students in the Dance Institute perform choreographed dances and demonstrate their technical skills in a dance recital at the end of each year. During each term, windows onto the School’s dance studios allow parents to observe the instruction and progress of their children.

Proper class placement is important for student success. After reviewing the information below, parents and students should choose a class in the student’s area of interest (ballet, tap, etc.) and at the student’s level (beginning, intermediate, advanced). The student then attends the first class prior to formally registering. The teacher of the class observes the student, and can either confirm enrollment in that class or recommend a more appropriate class/level for the student. Following this confirmation from the teacher, the student must then register for the class in order to continue instruction.

Questions regarding enrollment in the Colburn Dance Institute should be directed to Anna Lux, dance administrator, 213-621-2200, or dance@colburnschool.edu.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FALL 2007!

• Edgerton, Glenn (Director, Dance Institute)
• Carothers-Aromaa, Leslie (Co-Director, Dance Institute)
• Roberts, Michael (Music Coordinator, Staff Accompanist, Colburn Dance Institute)
• Aromaa, Jukka (PTP Repertoire)
• Bustillo de Quattro, Gilma (Ballet)
• Beardsley, Diana (Anusara-Style Yoga)
• Chavelas, Brenda (Mexican Folkloric Dance)
• Curry, Myshell (Tap)
• Foaad, Leigh “Breeze-Lee” (Hip-Hop)
• Galindo, Octavio (Boys Movin’, Beginning Boys’ Ballet)
• Hamanishi, Hiroshi (Tap)
• Hurwitz Pullman, Tamara (Modern)
• Iguchi, Beth (Jazz Dance)
• Record, Lucy (Ballet)
• Ross, Shary (Ballet, Jazz Dance)
• Scheerer, Denise (Tap)
• Serobian, Arsen (Ballet, Boys' Technique, Pas de Deux)
• Vanderbur, Mary (Creative Dance)
• Weiren, Hesen (Ballet)

Students must make every effort to be on time for all classes and lessons. All classes/lessons will end at the scheduled time so that subsequent classes and lessons remain on time. Note that students who arrive more than 10 minutes late to dance classes may not participate, but are encouraged to stay and observe the class. Students arriving later than 10 minutes miss the essential warm-up time, and thus risk physical injury. This rule helps to prevent injuries from occurring.

Proper dance attire is required for all dance classes. For the Spring Dance Recital, a small costume fee will be charged.

  Boys Movin’:
   Comfortable clothing, socks or ballet shoes
  Children’s Ballet:
    Girls: pink leotard, pink tights with feet, pink ballet slippers
    Boys: white T-shirt, black tights, black ballet slippers
  Children’s Modern:
    Girls: Pastel leotard, tights without feet
    Boys: T-shirt, sweatpants or shorts, bare feet
  Creative Dance:
    Girls: solid color leotard, footless tights
    Boys: white T-shirt, black tights, bare feet
  Mexican Folkloric:
    Girls: full ankle-length skirts, shoes with nails in the heels
    Boys: loose-fitting pants, shoes with hard heels
  Tap:
    Girls and Boys: low heel tap shoes, comfortable clothing
  Teen to Adult Students:
    Comfortable clothing, appropriate foot wear

Teachers constantly evaluate the progress of their students while using teaching opportunities within the class to promote progress. The immediacy of their feedback encourages student development and growth. Students or parents who wish to have a conference to discuss progress may contact the teacher or Director.

Classes within the Dance Institute are organized by level: each type of dance instruction is offered on the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Classes are given in Ballet, Contemporary Jazz, Modern, Tap, Hip-hop, Mexican Folkloric Dance, Yoga, Pilates and special technique classes for boys.

Beginning Level: In these classes the foundation is laid for all future levels of study. Students are introduced to dance terminology and the fundamental principles of body alignment, musicality, co-ordination, use of space, and presentation of the body.

Intermediate Level: In this level, students continue to build on earlier foundation work, with the introduction of more complex movements and rhythms. Emphasis is placed on building strength, dynamics and quality of movement, and refinement of technique, while deepening the student's understanding and appreciation of the art of dance.

Advanced Level: In the advanced level, students continue to refine the technical components they have learned, and work to translate them into performance skills. Elements of imagery, artistry, expression through movement, and ranges of styles and approaches are brought to the class work, and a high level of discipline and focus is developed.

Mixed Level: At times the School offers a mixed-level class that serves as a bridge between two of the levels described above.

In addition to ballet, jazz, modern and tap classes, the following classes also are offered:

Ballet builds the foundations of technique, control, flexibility and strength needed in any and all dance disciplines. Each ballet class, regardless of level, is formulated to carefully build these qualities through a series of exercises at the barre, followed by more complex movement in the center floor. Knowledge and use of the proper French terminology for each step will be stressed, as well as proper placement and alignment of the body, musicality, and attention to the dynamics of each movement.

DIBB F101 – Beginning Ballet
Semester enrollment only; not available for dance card

DIIB F201 – Intermediate Ballet
Semester enrollment only; not available for dance card

DIIA F301 – Intermediate Ballet-Adult
Dance card enrollment only

DIPB F401 – Advanced Professional Ballet
Dance card enrollment only

DIBO F101 – Beginning Boys’ Ballet
Age: 7-11 years
Semester enrollment only; not available for dance card

This class is formulated as an introduction to ballet technique for boys. Exercises at the barre and in the center build on the fundamentals of flexibility, coordination, body alignment, musicality, and movement dynamics while acquainting the student with basic ballet terminology and steps. T-shirts, tights or shorts, and ballet shoes are required.

DIBT F201 – Boys Technique Class
Age: 11-14 years
Semester enrollment only; not available for dance card

This class is suitable for beginner to intermediate level boys who are interested in developing their ballet technique. While building on the fundamentals described in Beginning Boys’ Ballet, practice in jumping, balancing, traveling, and turning exercises increase skill level and prepare the student for future study in a wide range of dance styles. T-shirts, sweatpants or tights, and ballet shoes or socks are required.

Creative Dance provides a bridge from Early Childhood movement classes to more formal dance training. Classes include an introduction to basic dance skills, dance vocabulary, and structured improvisation. Creative Dance can lead to beginning classical training (often started around age 7), can serve as an excellent grounding for the study of modern dance, or offers a class for dance students who desire a less formal approach to their studies.

DICD F101 – Creative Dance I
Age: 5-6 years
Semester enrollment only

DICD F201 – Creative Dance II
Age: 7-8 years
Semester enrollment only

DICD F301 – Creative Dance III
Age: 9-12 years
Semester enrollment only

This class will be taught using elements of the Limon Tradition, which embraces both power and lyricism. The use of breath, momentum, healthy alignment and celebrating the dancer as an expressive human being will be key aspects of the class. Students will use natural movements such as walking, running, falling and jumping while developing their technique: i.e., strength, coordination, balance and musicality. The class will incorporate an inventive aspect so that students will become comfortable expressing some of their own movement ideas. The Limon style is wonderful for both boys and girls. Students should wear either footless tights or dance pants, a leotard or close fitting top, and bare feet.

DIMD F101 – Beginning Modern Dance I
Age: 7-9 years

DIMD F201 – Beginning Modern Dance II
Age: 10-12 years

DIBM F101 – Boys Movin’
Age: 7-11 years
Semester enrollment only

Boys Movin’ is a fun and fast-paced adventure in movement for boys. This sportive class presents imaginative exercises to music in order to improve balance, strength, coordination, flexibility, and agility, as well as concentration and creativity. These skills can help a child succeed in all aspects of life. Comfortable, loose clothing and sneakers are recommended.

Tap is a combination of simple and complex rhythms and movements, emphasized by the sounds of the dancer’s shoes. This connection to percussion in music makes for a deeply musical as well as physical experience. Correct technique is emphasized at each level, allowing for more advanced work to progress.

DIET F101 – Early Tap
Semester enrollment only

DIBT F201 – Beginning Tap
Semester enrollment only

DIIT F301 – Intermediate Tap
Semester enrollment only

DIAT F401 – Advanced Tap
Semester enrollment only

Contemporary jazz dance is a high-energy, dynamic experience in movement, reflecting its historical roots in Modern Dance, Tap and Ethnic Dance. Live percussion accompaniment will be incorporated into the classes.

DIHH F101 – Hip-hop
Dance card enrollment only

Students will learn various styles of dances within Hip-hop culture such as introduction to Campbell Locking, Popping, House, and Hip-hop Social dance. Instruction focuses on Hip-hop dance technique, vocabulary, rhythm, movement principles, movement precision, muscle control, and body alignment. Students will gain knowledge of Hip-hop’s innovators and pioneers, as well as in the history of Hip-hop dance. Class also will include an appreciation for soul, funk, house, and Hip-hop music within historical and cultural contexts.

DIMF F101 – Mexican Folkloric Dance
Dance card enrollment only

This class focuses on learning the various regional folk dances of Mexico in a friendly, family environment. Classes begin with warm up and stretches, followed by lessons in vocabulary, footwork technique, and various stylizations according to region, leading to the study and performance of repertoire. In addition to technique, emphasis is placed on providing historical and geographical information in accordance with each state’s individual style.

DIPL F101 – Pilates Mat Class
Dance card enrollment only

The Pilates method of body conditioning builds efficient and toned muscles, increases flexibility, and teaches greater body awareness. Special emphasis is placed on strengthening the deepest postural muscles known as the body’s “core,” breathing techniques, and proper alignment of the spine. Classes include exercises executed while standing, sitting, and lying on a mat, and may incorporate balls, elastic bands, or other props. Mats and equipment are provided. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.

DIYO F101 – Anusara-Style Yoga
Dance card enrollment only

Anusara Yoga, a yoga style originated by John Friend, uses universal principals of alignment to bring the body into a harmonious and balanced state for maximum stability and maximum freedom. Anusara classes are energetic and mindful. Becoming aware of the pulsation of energy as it is expressed through the body as breath, movement, sensation and thought is emphasized. Time is taken after a series of poses to reflect upon, absorb and enjoy the benefits of the practice. These classes will be for all levels; variations will be suggested that can make for a more challenging experience. Though blankets, blocks and straps are provided, students are asked to bring their own mats.

Private (one-on-one) instruction is available in every dance discipline. Such instruction provides more individualized teaching, and results in more confidence when the student joins a group class. Students interested in private instruction should first check with the teacher to determine his/her availability.

BAPI F101 – Private instruction in ballet
MOPI F101 – Private instruction in modern
TAPI F101 – Private instruction in tap

The goal of the Professional Training Program (PTP) is to inspire young dancers with exposure to quality choreography while pushing the boundaries of their technique and artistry. The PTP is for serious pre-professional dance students who are prepared to work hard in a rigorous dance training program. Enrolled students are high school students at an intermediate or advanced level of training who are truly dedicated and disciplined. These students study intensively under the guidance of renowned faculty from major dance companies and educational institutions. The Professional Training Program is designed to give young dance students a broader understanding of various dance styles, with a major focus on ballet and modern dance. Performances during the year give students the opportunity to refine their technique and grow their understanding of the performance experience. Students selected for the 32-week program are expected to take a minimum of twelve classes per week; classes are 90 minutes in length. These classes include ballet, pointe and variation (girls), pas de deux, repertory, modern dance, contemporary jazz, basic music theory, and body conditioning.

Students interested in auditioning for the Professional Training Program must complete a brief application form, which may be obtained by contacting the School’s CSPA Office or by clicking here. To schedule an audition, return this completed form to the CSPA Office by mail or fax (213-621-2110), or drop it off in the CSPA Office. Audition appointments will be scheduled upon receipt of the application form.

Audition format: Applicants will participate in a ballet technique class, with an added pointe class for the girls. Audition dress for girls: pink tights and a leotard, ballet and pointe shoes. Audition dress for boys: black tights, a white shirt, and ballet shoes.

Questions regarding the Professional Training Program should be directed to Glenn Edgerton at 213-621-2200 x202 or Leslie Carothers-Aromaa at 213-621-2200 x203, or by e-mailing dance@colburnschool.edu.

Financial Assistance
A limited amount of financial aid is available for outstanding students who demonstrate financial need. More information is available under Scholarship Support.

DIPT F101 – PTP Ballet
Professional Training Program; semester enrollment only
Some non-PTP students may be approved for enrollment in individual classes, rather than the entire PTP program.

DIPT F201 – PTP Pas de Deux
Professional Training Program; semester enrollment only
Some non-PTP students may be approved for enrollment in individual classes, rather than the entire PTP program.

DIPT F301 – PTP Pointe/Variations
Professional Training Program; semester enrollment only
Some non-PTP students may be approved for enrollment in individual classes, rather than the entire PTP program.

DIPT F401 – PTP Repertory
Professional Training Program; semester enrollment only Some non-PTP students may be approved for enrollment in individual classes, rather than the entire PTP program.

There are three pricing structures for Colburn Dance Institute fees, as follows:

Semester Enrollment – The majority of classes offered require registration and enrollment for the complete term (16 weeks in Fall and Spring, 8 weeks in Summer). This kind of enrollment enables the student to make the steady progress that comes from regular attendance and cumulative learning.

per semester, 55-minute classes:
   1 class per week - $210
   2 classes per week - $370
   3 classes per week - $505
For each class over 3 per week, add $135 to the cost for the semester.

per semester, 85-minute classes:   
   1 class per week - $250
   2 classes per week - $470
   3 classes per week - $655
For each class over 3 per week, add $185 to the cost for the semester.

Dance Card Enrollment – Advanced, professional and adult dancers benefit from a more flexible attendance policy. Classes such as advanced/professional ballet, adult ballet, contemporary jazz, pas de deux, Hip-hop, yoga, and Pilates mat are paid for using a dance card system. Cards are purchased from the CSPA Office or at the JACCC for a specific number of classes (5, 10, etc.); classes also may be purchased individually.
           
            Class card fees:
                        Single class $14
                        5-class card $65
                        10-class card $110
                        20-class card $200