Curriculum

The Ballet Program

The Expressions of Joy Ballet program follows the 8-year training system known as the Vaganova Method of classical ballet. The internationally renowned Vaganova Training Syllabus is a notated and progressive training program that has produced some of the best dancers in the world, including Anna Pavlova, Natalia Makarova, Mikhail Baryshnikov, the legendary choreographer George Balanchine, and professional dancers in almost every company in the world.

Originally developed by Mme. Agrippina Yakovlevna Vaganova over 100 years ago, the Vaganova Method focuses on epaulement, or the stylized turning of the shoulders and body, which is partnered with the development of total stability and strength in the back to produce harmonious coordination of the body and continuity of movement (Special emphasis on jumps and turns). The codified technical approach of the Vaganova Method emphasizes the development of strength, technical proficiency, proper placement, individual artistry, and performance expression. It is characterized by impeccable precision, attention to detail, ease of execution, emotion-evoking grace, and individual creativity.

In 1948, Vaganova authored a book titled The Foundation For Dance (more commonly known as Basic Principles of Russian Classical Dance), although her techniques contained within had been famous within the ballet world for over three decades. Following Vaganova’s death in 1951, her teaching method was preserved by instructors such as Vera Kostrovitskaya. In 1957, the school was renamed the Vaganova Ballet Academy in recognition of her achievements.

Today the Vaganova method is the most common method of teaching ballet in Russia. It is also widely used in Europe and in North America. At Expressions of Joy, we believe (along with most of the top schools in the nation) that the Vaganova Method of classical ballet is the best program to train ballet dancers in the proper understanding of technique, body placement, and gracefulness. Implementing this method with our hardworking students and our dedicated and qualified teachers, all guided by the Holy Spirit, will allow us to develop their God-given talents safely and effectively. The ballet program is the foundation of all the dance techniques offered at EOJ and will prepare our dancers for any future dance opportunities they may pursue whether academic, professional or ministry-related.

Pre-Ballet Curricula

 

Jewels: This pre-ballet and creative movement class is designed to identify and develop the creative gifts of our students. Our children learn to express ideas and concepts through the wonderful language of dance while building athleticism, flexibility, coordination, musicality, grace, creativity, and self-confidence. They also being to learn the stories and characters they will encounter in theirballet training. Tap and Jazz are introduced or enrichment and variety needed to retain the attention of young dancers.

Pre-Ballet: This class progresses to a more detailed introduction of Ballet movements and coordination, still building athleticism, flexibility, coordination, musicality, grace, creativity, and self-confidence. Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary concepts are sparingly introduced in preparation for future electives.

Fusion

This program is designed to complement our structured ballet program with varied offerings in the major contemporary forms. More than just a Contemporary Dance class, Fusion will teach the foundational techniques of Jazz, Lyrical and Modern before combining them in Contemporary choreograhy.

Jazz: explores body isolations of the head, shoulders, ribcage, feet and arms to encourage individual expression and movement quality with an emphasis on proper execution of jazz rhythms. For Jazz we use high energy contemporary music to give dancers great techniques in modern and classical jazz with an awesome workout.

 

Lyrical: brings classical dance techniques as well as Jazz into the interpretation of Lyrics and Music.

 

 

 

Modern Dance: is a contemporary form that has its roots in Ballet. It emphasizes the use of the floor for centering and grounding oneself in movement. Concepts of overcurve/undercurve, contraction/release, musicality and rhythm are explored. Modern allows dancers to expresses their innermost emotions and uses music that relates to a story.

HipHop

EOJ uses the unique moves of the street dances created by the HipHop culture from the eighties forward to amplify the messages of Christian music from Rap to House. We offer instruction in all the street and club styles modified as needed to reflect Christian values. Oferrings  include B-boy, Poppin’, Lockin’, House, Lyrical HipHop and will continue to grow as new styes emerge.

Dance Worship

Almost a counterpoint to the rest of our dance offerings, Dance Worship focuses on choreography, freedom and expression over technique. This makes the class accessible to all levels of skill and ability and is offered to teens and adults. It prepares the student for personal and corporate worship in any setting.

Drama/Mime

This class is designed for teens and adults at all levels of skill and ability preparing them to bring biblical messages through drama, dance and mime. This class will develop a repertoire of  Christian street theatre for individual and group performance in church and community venues.

Ballroom / Social Dance

Ballroom and other social dances are offered for singles and couples both at the EOJ studios and off-campus.  Like all our dance classes, Christian  music is used exclusively and modesty in dress and movement is required. We offer the American Ballroom syllabus along with select dances found only in the International. We also teach popular American and Latin social dances not found in either syllabus. Classes explore not only technique but the biblical principles embodied in ballroom dance (leading/following, respect, etc.). Beginning and advanced classes are available.