Himel Dance Conservatory 5200 Lapalco Blvd. Suite

MISSION STATEMENT:

Himel Dance Conservatory is the ONLY pre-professional Russian Vaganova-based ballet program on the Westbank of New Orleans. We offer the finest in ballet and musical theatre choreography instruction in the area. Himel Dance Conservatory will instruct the “whole dancer” utilizing the world-renowned Russian Vaganova method. Students who finish the Himel Dance program will have the opportunity to have careers in dance or dance education if they choose to do so.

THE VAGANOVA METHOD:

The Vaganova method is a ballet technique and training system devised by the Russian dancer and pedagogue Agrippina Vaganova (1879– 1951). It fuses elements of traditional French style from the romantic era with the athleticism and virtuosity of Italian technique. The training system is designed to involve the whole body in every movement, with equal attention paid to the upper body, legs and feet. The Vaganova method of classical ballet encourages dancing with the entire body. Dancers trained by the Vaganova method will likely have high jumps and powerful turns, aided by the use of the arms. Many movements of the Vaganova technique require dancers to remain in the air for as long as possible to give them an illusion of floating through the air, which requires great flexibility and extension. The Vaganova technique encourages dancers to move their arms, legs and torso together in perfect harmony. A strong torso is a necessity for the Vaganova method, as the torso forms the foundation of all movements. The Vaganova method has long been considered to produce the best dancers worldwide.

CLASS OFFERINGS:

o Pre Ballet: This class is for students aged three and up. (Children who are motivated and potty-trained can be accepted into this level after faculty assessment.) Pre ballet introduces the student to basic ballet positions, terminology, and movements. Students learn how their bodies can move as a unit and how they can move different parts of their bodies separately yet in unison. Ballet movements are learned through a structured play environment with musical accompaniment. o Ballet 1A: This class is for students who are at least 5 or have had a one year minimum of pre ballet if under five. Ballet IA expands on the movements and terminology of pre ballet and adds the element of the “Barre” to the classes. At this level, students also learn that the exercises have a “left” and “right” side and start to incorporate the basic head movements associated with the Vaganova method. o Ballet IB: This class is open to students who have undertaken a faculty assessment to determine readiness. Ballet IB further expands the basics of the Vaganova method and adds exercises that will prepare the students for more difficult steps in the future such as turning and travelling. Please note: Children do not actually turn at this level-this level ensures that when the faculty has determined that the student is prepared to move up, that the student is adequately prepared to safely execute the exercises and steps presented in Ballet II. o Ballet II: This level typically consists of students who are at least 7 years old and have had a minimum of two years of ballet. Students at the Ballet II level are REQUIRED to attend twice a week. Students typically remain at this level for several years. At the Ballet II level, students are participating in a full barre exercise (usually 45 minutes), plus practicing floor exercises and traveling techniques that will prepare them for performances and more complex variations. Students begin to undertake basic turns at this level and should have a good grasp of proper technique. Entry into this level is determined by faculty and requires an assessment of the student. o Ballet III: Ballet three is for students who are 11 and older. This level is an intermediate level of dance and includes the preparatory exercises for pointe. Students at this level are required to take 2 ballet classes AND a beginner/preparatory pointe class. At this level, students should have a good working knowledge of the Vaganova method, terminology, and required technique. At this level technique is practiced and perfected. The students participate in more advanced exercises and body positioning and movement. The students will practice a basic variation once a week to prepare them for stage presentation. o Ballet IV and V: These levels are for the advanced, pre-professional student. Students are required to attend 2 one and a half hour ballet classes plus an advanced pointe class. Ballet V students are also required to attend an additional variation class. The variation class is open to ballet IV, but not a requirement. o Adult Ballet: This class teaches the Vaganova method in a judgment-free zone! Adults of all skill levels are welcomed to this fun yet challenging class that promises to offer the maximum in core strengthening, muscle development, and flexibility training.

Himel Dance Conservatory 5200 Lapalco Blvd. Suite 1 Marrero, LA 70072 Phone: 504-298-4743 Website: https://himeldanceconservatory.com Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HimelDance

CLASS SCHEDULE:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Pre Ballet 10:00-11:00 Ballet 1A 11:10-12:10 Ballet 1B 12:15-1:15 Ballet II 4:45-5:45 4:45-5:45 Ballet III 4:45-5:45 5:50-6:50 4:45-5:45 Ballet IV/V 6:00-7:30 4:45-6:15 6:00-7:00 2:00-3:30 (V only) Musical Theatre 4:00-4:45 4:00-4:45 4:00-4:45 4:00-4:45/5:45-6:30 Adult Ballet 7:30-8:30 6:30-7:30 10:30-11:30

 Musical Theatre choreography subject to change to coordinate with TADA’s class schedule.

FEE SCHEDULE:

 Pre Ballet: $55.00 per Month.  Ballet IA: $55.00 per Month.  Ballet IB: $55.00 per Month.  Ballet II: $100.00 per Month.  Ballet III: $135.00 per Month.  Ballet IV: $150.00 per Month.  Ballet V: $160.00 per Month.  Adult Ballet: $20 per drop in (first drop in class is always free), once a week-$60.00 per month, twice a week-$85.00 per month, unlimited-$110.00 per month.

 Registration fees are $75.00 per family not per student. Himel Ballet Conservatory also offers sibling discounts at Pre ballet, Ballet IA and Ballet IB levels.  Recital Fees will be assessed during the second half of the year.