Upper Level Dance Program - Berest Dance Center in Port Washington, NY Dance classes, ballet classes, dance studio

Upper Level & Pre-Professional Dance Program

(ages teens - adult)

A True Story from the Berest Dance Center

A child watched through the door as a senior prepared her solo for the June Showcase. The little girl's eyes were wide with wonder as she slowly entered the studio and approached the dancer who stopped to greet her. “Hello”, the older one said. “I’m Natalie. What’s your name?” The little dancer answered, “that’s my name! Will I be able to dance like that too?” Fast forward 10 years, little Natalie performed her solo as a senior and told the story on our Berest Dance Centers stage of how a dancer with her name inspired her to dance.

The following classes require pre-approval to enroll on-line. Coaching may be necessary to enter into the class of choice. Costumes are worn in the Showcase at this level of training.

Ballet

Ballet students are required to study ballet twice a week. For optimal strength and improvement more classes are recommended. A curriculum is followed for all levels. Pointe readiness is under the discretion of the faculty. Enrollment in ballet is a requirement in order to study most classes at the Berest school. Exceptions are marked with an asterisk (*)

Dress Code: Black monogrammed BDC leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, pointe shoes, hair in bun

Upper level ballet class

Modern

Modern is the study of movement that initiates from the center of the body. This class explores contraction, release, spiral, fall and recovery, a strong and seamless shift of weight and the practice of moving in more complex spacial patterns. A Martha Graham based technique is used with a strong influence of the Paul Taylor style.

Dress Code: Black monogrammed BDC leotard, black footless tights, hair in ponytail

Tap

* Tap is offered in a variety of styles: RHYTHM TAP, MUSICAL HALL TAP, AND TRADITIONAL TAP. This class teaches the rhythms and weight shifts of tap dance.

Dress Code: Fitted shirt, black leggings, black oxford tap shoes, hair in neat ponytail

Jazz

Jazz is the study of TRADITIONAL, BROADWAY AND CONTEMPORARY STYLES with fun upbeat energy. Flexibility, coordination and strength are focal points of the warm up, followed by progressions across the floor, center work and combinations.

Dress Code: Black monogrammed BDC leotard, black footless tights, tan jazz boots, hair in neat ponytail

African

*African is considered to be lively and upbeat, displaying many different techniques which portray a range of emotions. The main feature of African dance is the use of different rhythms being performed by the body at the same time. (Performances are with live drumming.)

Dress Code: comfortable dancewear

Hip Hop

Hip Hop is a fusion of styles that may include JAZZ, CONTEMPORARY, LYRICAL and the techniques of BREAKING, POPPING AND LOCKING, primarily using pop music.

Dress code: White fitted shirt, back leggings, sneakers (no keds), hair in neat ponytail

Berest hip hop

Improvisation

Improvisation teaches the craft of self-expression that is translated into movement.

Dress code: comfortable dancewear

Improvisation dance

Contemporary

Contemporary is a fusion of ballet and jazz. It explores different levels, traveling movements and positions. The class uses elements of fall and recovery, contractions, jumps, turns and improvisation.

Dress Code: Black monogrammed BDC leotard, black footless tights, hair in neat ponytail

Contemporary dance

Lyrical

Lyrical is a fusion of ballet and jazz. The movement is specifically inspired by the lyrics or music, illustrating the emotion of the particular piece.

Dress Code: Black monogrammed BDC leotard, black footless tights, hair in neat ponytail

Lyrical dance

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre Dance class uses movement associated with Musical productions. It cannot be defined as a particular dance style. It is a diverse and creative style that is dependent on the specific Musical . Tap, Jazz , Hiphop, Lyrical, and Hiphop have all been associated with this class. Middle school as well as high school students are welcome to join Musical Theatre. There is a ballet requirement.

Upper level dance

Performing Companies

These students rehearse in a company class specific to their age and level. The repertory consists of multi-genre choreography. A current enrollment in Ballet, Modern, Tap and Jazz is required to be a company member. The Berest Dance Center company members perform in a non-competitive environment. Concerts, fairs, studio events throughout the year.

Performing companies