Preparatory Dance

UNCSA Community programs will be offered this Fall in a variety of formats: in-person, online and hybrid. Classes will be held off-campus. The health and safety of our students, teachers and their families is paramount, so in-person classes will adhere to stringent safety protocols, including hand hygiene, face coverings and social distancing.

• In-person Preparatory Dance classes will take place in two locations. Please carefully consult the class schedule, as many students will have classes in both locations.
  • Stevens Center
    405 4^th Street NW
    Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  • Milton Rhodes Center
    251 North Spruce Street
    Winston-Salem, NC 27101

• Parents will complete an online health assessment for their child prior to each class session
• In order to limit the number of people in the buildings, parents will drop off their students at the main box office door of the Stevens Center or the drop-off circle at the Milton Rhodes Center prior to class time. Staff will be stationed inside the door to check students in and take temperatures. Additional family members will be not allowed into the buildings; exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• The pick-up location for Stevens Center classes will be at the stage door ramp on Marshall Street.
• The pick-up location for Milton Rhodes Center classes will be at the drop-off circle. Instructors will supervise student pick-up.
• Learn more about the UNCSA Community Health Standards which will guide our safety protocols.

UNCSA’s Preparatory Dance Program presents a unique opportunity for young dancers to experience the joy of developing their artistry in a nurturing atmosphere. Focusing on the etiquette and discipline necessary for building a solid foundation in ballet technique, this after-school, pre-professional training program has received national recognition for its excellence. The program runs from third to ninth grade.

The members of the ballet faculty of the Preparatory Program are certified in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum that combines high quality artistic training, dancer health and child development. Classical ballet vocabulary is developed progressively with an emphasis on sound body alignment, musicality, coordination and attention to dynamic detail to prepare students for entry into the UNCSA High School Program

Students are placed according to age and ability, taking into account the developmental needs of the individual with an emphasis on the health of the whole dancer. Courses are designed to develop versatile dancers with an organic feeling for line, musicality and quality which will allow them to move from one dance technique to another with ease.

Students in our Preparatory Dance program practice in state-of-the-art UNCSA facilities and have access to special master classes and workshops held by visiting choreographers and artists.

2020-21 Calendar and Class Schedules

The well-being and comfort of our students is our first priority. To that end all classes will be provided in a hybrid format, in-person and on Zoom. At the beginning of the semester students may choose how they wish to study.

Classes will be split in two groups so we can observe the recommend health standards for occupancy for each studio space.

Students will alternate between in-person and Zoom classes. Please see the Student Handbook for the safety precautions to be observed by every student.

 

Performance opportunities & additional courses

  

Careers

Students in the Preparatory Dance Program are uniquely poised to audition for the high-school dance program at UNCSA. Dancers who began their training in Preparatory Dance now work for the American Ballet Theatre, the Boston Ballet, the Houston Ballet, the New York City Ballet, the San Francisco Ballet, the National Ballet of Canada and many other dance companies.

For more information about the Preparatory Dance Program, visit Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.