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Curriculum
Pointe work is the part of classical ballet technique in which a dancer supports all body weight on the tips of fully extended feet within pointe shoes. Students are introduced to pointe work after the legs and feet are strengthened by barre and center exercises. Demi pointe is strong with relevés in first, second, fourth and fifth position. During a turned out relevé, there should be proper weight distribution with all five toes flat on the floor. The big toe and second toe must take on weight distribution while on pointe. TheraBand exercises are incorporated to prepare and stabilize the ankle.
Contemporary is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several genres, including modern, jazz, and classical ballet. It tends to combine strong but controlled legwork of ballet with modern dance, which stresses on the torso. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid movement.
The uniquely American form of dance that is an excellent introduction for a child into the world of dance. Tap develops posture, rhythm, and coordination. As students learn to put dance steps together in a variety of ways, they improve cognitive thinking skills, precise musicality, classroom etiquette and discipline are emphasized.
Our ballet conditioning and stretching class focuses on strengthening, toning and stretching different parts of the body. The purpose of dance conditioning is to provide a training regimen to help dancers develop physical endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination. Our program comes in the form of floor barre, physical therapy, exercises and additional forms of exercise such as yoga, Pilates or Gyrotonic.
Our men's program consists of classes/variations that focus on technique, turns, and jumps specifically for men. The repertoire also emphasizes attention on alignment, coordination, technique, artistry, and musicality tailored to men's variations.
Partnering class focuses on understanding how young women and young men dance together. Our curriculum focuses on technique, support, balance, coordination, and lifting while incorporating Pas de Deux into instruction.
Character is a style of dance representing traditional folk or national dances, using movements and music adapted for the theatre. Character dance is an integral part of much of the classical ballet repertoire. The movements used in this style of dance tend to be less stylized than classical ballet, allowing for greater individual expression and diversity.
Private Lessons may be offered after additional information is provided. Please fill out the form on our Contact Us! page and select "Private Lessons" in the 'I am requesting information for' dropdown menu.
Vanessa Zahorian, Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Ballet Academy and former Principal Prima Ballerina with the San Francisco Ballet, offers the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® method. Vanessa is a certified teacher in the GYROTONIC® method. This exercise method seeks to restore vitality and rejuvenate the body through the articulation of the spine using three dimensional movements. These movements, along with corresponding breathing patterns, help to promote suppleness as well as strength within the body. The method is built for people of all ages and abilities with the goal of keeping active and moving joins in an organic way, with proper alignment and awareness.
GYROTONIC® exercises also help create a powerful physique that will resist the process of aging. The method can be taught to anyone, from those with healing needs to skilled movers and athletes. This method utilizes specialized equipment, such as the pulley tower, which permits one to move with support and resistance. Vanessa also offers group classes that involve yoga mats and stools. This method also helps to prevent injury, increases one’s range of motion, and helps improve imbalance with the use of circular movements. GYROTONIC® exercises also help with the decompression of the lumbar spine. This can be especially helpful in certain athletes, such as golfers. It helps the body to create more twist and flexibility; building a stronger game, aiding in the prevention of injury, and improving proper daily functions and posture. After trying GYROTONIC® exercises, users become more aware of their body.
Please call now to schedule your private appointment with Vanessa Zahorian at 717-774-7474. Vanessa will be offering individual or small group sessions.
GYROTONIC® and GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.
Adult Ballet is designed for adult students of any background or level. Students are taken seriously while enjoying a fun environment where they can focus on proper technique and work to reach their goals. Combinations of varying difficulty are given to suit the experience levels of students in any given class. Adult students focus on gaining strength in their ankles and feet, legs, core, and back, while learning to engage the proper muscles. There is a concentration on the coordination of arms and upper body with the legs. Because each adult student may be at a different place in their ballet journey, the instructor works closely with them to ensure they're receiving the level of attention and training they need.
Classical Ballet is a system of dance based on formalized movements and positions of the arms, feet, and body designed to enable the dancer to move with the greatest possible agility, control, speed, lightness, and grace. Classical Ballet Technique is based on the turned out position of the legs, which increases the range of movement through added mobility in the hip joint and also shows a more pleasing line to the extended leg. Classical ballet can be a romantic style, and has a variety of dramatic and emotional representations as well. A classical production is divided into three section: the opening pas de deux (dance for two) or adagio; variations or individual performances by the partners, first by the male and then by the female; and the final pas de deux, or coda.
Our Purpose
Pennsylvania Ballet Academy of Camp Hill offers bALLet, an ALL-inclusive ballet education program. PBA believes that inclusive dance education can help children with special needs enjoy a fuller, richer life. The goal of our inclusive Ballet Education Program is to nurture a love of dance and creative expression in children with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges.
Please call 717-774-7474 for more information on bALLet classes, pricing and registration.
PBA is looking for volunteers to work with our bALLet students! Sign up below to join us for classes.