OPEN CLASSES
No registration is necessary for open classes.
THE AILEY EXTENSION
The Joan Weill Center for Dance
405 West 55th Street (at 9th Avenue)
New York, New York 10019
http://bit.ly/dK2LZW
NEW SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 3, 2011
Beginner Ballet Level 1: Sunday, 2:15 to 3:45pm and Monday & Friday, 7:30 to 9:00pm
Beginner Ballet Level 2: Sunday, 12:30 to 2pm and Tuesday & Thursday, 6:30 to 8pm
Finis Jhung will not teach April 9-17. Bette Prinsen will teach all classes.
If you are from out-of-town and planning a visit, please confirm that Finis will teach via e-mail: finis@finisjhung.com
Student Comments: "I truly enjoy taking your classes. I was, over 15 years ago a professional B’way jazz dancer but never had any proper ballet training and was intimidated by many of the classes back then (although I did take your beginner ballet bar, on occasion). It is exciting to not only be using my body once again but to finally have the opportunity to understand the style, conventions and movements that make a ballet dancer at a level my body and mind can comprehend and develop. Thank you." — Nancy Melius, NYC, NY
"I feel fortunate to have encountered you at this point in time, as you continue your 'backwards journey to the fundamentals of movement'. Your Ailey students are aware that you could limit your teaching to professionals if you wished, and yet you choose to share your knowledge with adult beginners who will never be dancers. Your beginning classes bring happiness to a lot of people.
I appreciate the zen-like quality of the barre exercises in class. While I don't possess an aptitude for dance, I enjoy grappling with something that is beautiful and so different from other aspects of my life, and I'm glad to have the opportunity to take your classes. Thanks."— L. Lin, Woodside, NY
"I'm just writing to express my deep gratitude for your ballet class. I've tried to take a beginning class here and there as an adult, but never found one that was basic enough for someone who studied a bit as a very young child but remembers very little as an adult. I've now had about 6 classes of Level 1 with you, and I already sense subtle improvements in my balance and strength. I'm 41-years-old and it is such a privilege to be returning to the study of this extraordinary art after so many years, without any of the pressures that real dancers face, but just for the sheer joy of it. Thank you so much for your unique and amazingly generous approach to teaching, making ballet truly accessible to ordinary people. "—Jennifer.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
Beginner Ballet Level 1: This class is guaranteed not to intimidate non-dancers. You will begin standing at a portable barre placed in front of the mirror. Most of the exercises are done with both hands on the barre and proceed slowly and methodically. You will develop correct posture, positioning, and learn to balance on one leg. You will learn to use your muscles so you gain strength and control of your movements. The centerwork includes stretching out on the floor as well as basic dance movements which travel across the floor.
Beginner Ballet Level 2: After you have learned the fundamentals taught in Level 1, you will be ready to take Level 2. The class proceeds at a faster pace and assumes you know how to balance and go down and up on one leg. You will work at a portable barre placed in front of the mirror and learn to work on the diagonal with only one hand on the barre. Great emphasis is placed on strengthening the supporting side of your body and your standing leg. The centerwork includes pirouettes, chaînés turns, piqué turns, linking steps, large poses, and simple jumps.
PRIVATE COACHING FOR THE SERIOUS STUDENT/PROFESSIONAL:
PRIVATE COACHING FOR PRE-PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS & PROFESSIONALS ONLY.
Sorry, we do not work privately with young children or adult beginners.
The fee is $200 per hour plus the studio rental which ranges from
$35 - $64 per hour.
Student Comments: "Sarah and I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful lessons she had with you! She loved the way you worked with her and explained everything. You are such an amazing wealth of knowledge and you have a very special way of conveying this knowledge to the student. Thanks again for your expert guidance and we look forward to seeing you in the future!" - Mona and Sarah Hicks
"You are an amazing teacher and wonderful diagnostician! My daughter Zoe always feels as if she learns so much from you." - Vicki LePage, Scarsdale, NY
