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DANCE CENTER OF NEW JERSEY 88 Claremont Road Bernardsville, NJ 07924 908-229-4204 By: Karen Verso Owner/Executive Director Summer is the time many students increase their commitment to their cho- sen activity. Frequently, dance students attend summer dance intensives at their dance school or one of the intensives offered throughout the country. And why not? We know children benefit from the opportunity for independence during the teen years. There is no doubt that dancers benefit from learning from a variety of teachers. And every student who has attended one of these programs will echo words of praise for their experi- ence. Summer intensives may be pricey, but they are worth it. Right? These well-designed programs, taught by an impressive faculty, are long enough to see good results. Yet, students return looking much the same as when they left. Having encouraged our dancers to attend these well-respected programs, we, too, have had to question their value. Since summer intensive class sizes are large, 25-30 students or more, individual correction is limited. Even proficient teachers will not identify all students’ pri- mary needs until the program is nearly complete. Consequently, corrections tend to be general, and rarely directed at a specific dancer. In this environment, classes seldom focus on the specific issues that are personal stumbling blocks for individual dancers. All parents enjoy seeing their child perform; many see this as a way of evaluating the time spent at camp. Dancers may be polished, however, time spent in rehearsal is time not spent on a second technique class – an area that is more likely to promote progress. So how can you ensure your dancer’s continued progress? You could assemble your own summer intensive. Speak to your teacher to determine what you should be working on. Find a private teacher who excels in technique and alignment. Try a class to determine if they are a good fitting coach for you, then set up a series of private lessons. Take supplemental classes that you never have time for during the school year – Pilates, yoga, etc. and open dance class- es in New York. Go to the ballet and any educational events scheduled by touring dance companies – master classes, lec- tures etc. Go to the gym or PT to strengthen muscle groups that are weak. If you find this task too daunting, no worries. Dance Center of NJ is intro- ducing the One-on-One Summer Study Program. Beginning with an initial assessment of your dancer, you will be provided with a report of your dancer’s strengths, deficiencies and a plan to assist them to overcome some of these obstacles and capitalize on their strengths (and an opportunity to deter- mine if the instructor is suited to be the personal coach). The program relies heavily on private lessons from a quali- fied technique and alignment specialist to ensure progress. Small group lessons allow students to practice new skills and solidify the new alignment. Semiprivate lessons provide an opportunity to expand applications to a higher technical level and complexity. Other supporting tech- niques, Pilates, yoga, and such, help stretch, strengthen and round out your dancer’s abilities. Education continues through class with our contacts in NY as well as per- formance and events to expand under- standing, exposure, and inspiration to continue their journey of hard work. A pilot program for the One-on-One Sum- mer Study Program was implemented last summer to great success. Private lessons are expensive, but gen- erally produce better results with less expense than summer intensives do. In short, they are worth the investment if they help your dancer make significant progress in a few short weeks. Consider the investment you have made on many summer intensives. Have these pro- grams garnered the results you expect- ed? If not, perhaps it is time to rethink your idea of a summer study? Edward and Karen Verso are former principal dancers with American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey, Twyla Tharp, New Jersey Ballet, BalletMet, Dayton Ballet, among others and have toured extensively throughout the US, Europe, South Amer- ica and Asia. They own and operate the Dance Center of NJ in Bernardsville. SUMMER INTENSIVES VERSUS PRIVATE STUDYKid’z
CONNECT
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www.theconnectionsnj.com