CONSERVATORY CLASSES

The Conservatory Program at MMAC offers dedicated students committed to achieving technical and artistic prowess the unique opportunity to train under professional instruction in a skill-based progressional program. Students 8- adult benefit from a thorough exposure to the art of ballet through their study of technique, pointe work, history, conditioning, and performance.

How is a "conservatory" different than an "academy"? Conservatory training consists of more technically focused classes than recreational classes found at a dance academy. Traditional academy dance classes are excellent for the student interested in learning basics while conservatory dance classes are more attuned to the student interested in going deeper in understanding the methodology in preparation for the safe and rapid acceleration of dancer progress. Conservatory dance training ensures a comprehensive healthy practice including proper understanding and deployment of technique, terminology, safety in conditioning, community building, student-centered classrooms, and above all--supporting and nurturing the artist in each individual dancer. To learn more about the value of a conservatory training model, please see Benefits of a Ballet Conservatory.

BALLET TECH 1

In Ballet Tech 1, dancers are typically between the ages of 10-12 years, and have some ballet experience. Dancers in this group are eager to learn more about the basics of ballet and focus on solidifying the foundational concepts and movements of the art form. In this level dancers are introduced to formal ballet exercises with an emphasis on a functional anatomical understanding of turn-out, positions of the arms, and increased proprioception.

Students at this level benefit from the student of classical technique paired with conditioning of Progressing Ballet Technique to improve functional body knowledge and support safe and healthy development in ballet practice.

BALLET TECH 2

Ballet Tech 2 is comprised of dedicated dancers committed to enhancing their knowledge of intermediate ballet technique as they grow their personal artistry and expression. Experienced dancers have the opportunity to build upon their foundational knowledge of the basics and advance their skills in complexity and speed. Dancers enjoy a more intensive training regime which includes ballet technique, pre-pointe/pointe, PBT and Contemporary.

Ballet Tech 2 students attend:

* 2 Ballet Technique classes per week

* 1 Progressing Ballet Technique class per week

* 1 pre-pointe class per week

(or, upon approval)

* 2 pointe classes per week

POINTE STRENGTH

As a dancer demonstrates physical and mental maturity, select dancers may earn their first pair of pointe shoes at this level. An evaluation consisting of both static and dynamic exercises which illuminate a dancer's functional knowledge and abilities in strength, alignment, range of motion, etc. will precede approval for pointe work. Other factors of consideration include the regularity of class attendance which is critical to injury prevention, as well as an evaluation/monitoring of bone growth.

Resources for Pointe Parents and Dancers:

What are Demi Pointe Shoes?

The Importance of a Pre Pointe Assessment

En Pointe? The Importance of a BioMechanical Assessment for Every Ballet Dancer

What makes MMAC special?
* Progressing Ballet Technique classes are offered only at MMAC

* Skill-based evaluations ensure your dancer is placed appropriately to support healthy development

* Our Director holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dance and somatic movement The Alexander Technique, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography, and has worked in the field for over 30 years

* We are members of the National Dance Education Organization, the Idaho Dance Education Organization, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, and are PBT certified annually to ensure you receive the most up-to-date and well-informed care in our classroom

Frequently Asked Questions

I am only interested in some of the Conservatory classes--can I do the part of the program?

MMAC's curriculum is designed to be taken as a whole, with each level supplying unique and vital information to the corresponding level of development. Each level functions as cohort and therefore ensures the safety of our students while also stabilizing the quality of the program and student experience.

What level should I enroll my student in?

MMAC utilizes a combination of evaluative measures to support student placement including age, physical/emotional/mental maturity, and skill-based assessment. If you are interested in joining MMAC, please be in touch to schedule your placement class.

I have an older student who has never danced before but is interested in beginning. Is it too late?

Absolutely not! There is a place in the dance world for any student of any age and we are here to help you create a plan of study that will support you/your student's progress. If you feel this applies to you or your budding dancer, please be in touch and we will personalize a plan that meets your needs.

Tuition is a bit pricey, why is that and is there any financial assistance?

Quality, consistency, commitment to the safety, and community-building are at the heart of our practice. Our instructors pour countless hours and attention into their students and classrooms, exhibiting a well above average devotion to their dancers, lesson planning, the cleaning and maintaining of our equipment, and the purchasing class props and equipment to ease financial burden on families. We are the only local, female-led organization with a professional teaching staff holding terminal degrees in the fields of dance and theatre and a combined average of over 40 years professional experience. MMAC is a rare and unique opportunity for students of all ages to have direct contact with Master Teachers and working professionals in the performing arts. Financial assistance is available through application process ,as we want any dancer wishing to pursue their dance dreams to be able to take steps in that direction and will do what we can to make that possible.

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