CHARACTER DANCE

What is Character Dance?

A style of ballet deriving inspiration from national or folk dances, or interpreting and representing a particular profession, mode of living, or personality. The movements used tend to be less stylized than in classical ballet, allowing greater individual expression and diversity.

 

Character Dance class.

Character Dance class curriculum at Premier Dance offers a wide variety of dances from all over the world. During the classes we push dancer’s limits and build their dance vocabulary by taking them from Russian, Flamenco and Latin to Swing and African.

Character class is a “Happy Hour” that is stimulating to students and teachers as well, it is infectious in its feeling for the joy of dance.

 

Uniform for Character Dance.

Girls: Leotards and tights of any color, character skirt, character shoes of any brand.

Boys: White T-shirt, black comfortable pants and black dance shoes with white socks.

 

Why do we need to study character dance?

Character dance is an integral part of the well-rounded dancer’s training. Character Dance training is complimenting and enhancing classical ballet training by improving student’s strength, flexibility, coordination etc. But there is even a more important aspect of the Character Dance training. Many dancers lack the artistry necessary for projecting and displaying emotion. In character class students can cut loose and open up inner emotions. It will help them in projection, in developing their personal style, and in stimulating more enthusiasm for their other dance studies. Character Dance can easy the slow transition from technique to style, from shyness to outward projections.

Some of the greatest dancers of all time were well trained/versed in Character Dance. This experience only enhanced and enriched their careers. Many had their performance debuts in character dances or in character roles. Mikhail Baryshnikov – Tarantella, Georg Balanchine – Czardas from Raymonda etc.

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

If you have any questions about our dance classes, levels and placement please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always available via email at contact@premierdance.org, and we can be reached by phone at 860.232.2990. If you are interested in reading a bit more about how your dancer can get involved with our program, please explore the following pages: