Barefoot Offers:
CLASSES: See course offerings below for details.
SUMMER CAMPS: See schedule & fees page for details on our exciting programs.
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION: Students choose to have private lessons for many reasons. Those who are new to dance and would like extra help in learning basic skills and dance vocabulary often benefit from undivided attention. Jessie also works with more advanced dancers who are working to attain a particular goal. Private instruction is essential when dancers are preparing for auditions. We tailor our private classes to match the specific needs of each student. The fee is $70 per hour and must be paid in advance. Call ahead to schedule. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance or refunds will not be granted. We look forward to working with you and/or your child.
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE SCHOOL PROGRAMS: Click here for our brochure.
DANCE PERFORMANCES: The Barefoot Dance Company performs at public events, school assemblies, retirement homes, hospitals and other venues. Call the studio for information and to book a performance.
SPACE RENTAL: $15/$25 (private/commercial rate) per hour. 2 hour minimum. Full day rates also available. Call or e-mail to make arrangements.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES: Fun-filled dance parties for children turning 4-10 years. You supply the food. We supply the entertainment and the clean up! Click here for birthday party details.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
Toddler Duets
This joyful class encourages very young children to bond with their caregivers through songs and movement. Children are challenged to learn about different parts of their bodies, dance and freeze to world music, and stretch their gross motor skill abilities by using props, such as parachutes, scarves, floor mats and balance beams. (with caregiver) Approximate Ages: 18 months-3 1/2 years.
Creative Movement
The focus of this playful class is to capture and develop children's creative expression. Students become animals at the zoo, rainbows in the sky, magic stones and toys in a toy store as they move through games, songs, and imagination. Ages: 3-5 years.
Boy
s' Dance
This energetic class uses games and music to encourage moving through space. Basic modern dance technique is introduced. Emphasis is on fun and athletic movements, such as gallops, skips, jumps and turns. Students are challenged to put movements and shapes together into short phrases. Boys who love to dance or want to improve their balance and coordination for sports are encouraged to take this class. Ages: 5-9 years.
Modern Dance l
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This joyful class is for children who have
experienced Creative Movement and are ready for more of a challenge. Modern I focuses on the basics of modern dance
technique, improvisation and composition. Students are challenged to expand
their movement vocabularies through playful and creative
activities. Each week, kids learn technical skills, play dance games, improvise,
and compose dances. A wide array of music is used to encourage uninhibited
movement as well as to introduce basic rhythm patterns. Ages: 5-9 years.
Modern Dance II
Modern
II focuses on modern dance
technique and choreography. We warm-up carefully to wake up muscles, build strength and flexibility.
We learn dance phrases with specific counts and across- the-floor combinations to experience the joy
of full body dancing. Students are given personal attention to encourage
technical growth. Creative work through improvisation and the creation of
compositions continues to be explored in Choreolab, which meets directly after
Modern II for those who wish to study the many elements of Modern Dance. Ages: 9-12 years.
Modern Dance III
Modern III is for the experienced dancer and is required for company members. Discipline, focus and timing are emphasized. Dancers work to improve their skills, paying close attention to proper alignment and increasing stamina and strength. Students are challenged by learning longer, more complex phrases and across-the-floor combinations. For those interested in improvisation and choreography, Choreolab should be taken in addition to this class. Ages: 12 years and up.
Advanced Modern
Advanced
Modern is geared toward our most advanced teens who are ready to move at a
faster pace and attack technique with great focus, diligence and energy. This
quick-paced, exciting technique class is offered to those taking multiple dance
classes at Barefoot. Ages: 13 years and up.
Ballet
l & ll
Our ballet classes emphasize correct, unforced alignment, classical technique, musicality, and the joy of dancing. Dancers are challenged with skills appropriate for their age and level. Ages: 7-10 (Ballet l) & 11 & up (Ballet II).
Choreolab Performance Workshop
This lab-type class is a wonderful choice for those interested in the creative aspects of dance. We focus on improvisation, composition and performance. Students learn choreography skills and create compositions on themselves as well as on each other. Participants learn repertory and create new pieces together. They have many opportunities to be dancers, collaborators and choreographers. Students join the Barefoot Dance Company and perform several times during the year. Ages: 10 years and up.
Barefoot Dance Company 
The company is intended for the serious dance student. We meet as a full group twice per week, once in Modern III (see description above) and once for Company class. In addition, company members are required to take additional classes in modern and/or ballet. Students set goals for themselves early in the fall and are challenged to achieve them during the school year. Dancers work with guest teachers, learn pieces created by professionals and choreograph on each other.
Participants experience their own unique creative process when working on their choreography projects. Throughout the year, students watch many modern dance video clips to become exposed to the wide variety of choreography. They also research how to move as individuals and an ensemble through improvisation and deep focus work. Questions asked include: What is the inspiration for your piece? Is it a abstract or telling a story? How many dancers do you need in your piece? What type of music or sound will enhance the vision? Are there specific costumes, props or sets that you need to bring your piece to life? Students support each other through this process by giving feedback to one another, helping the choreographer make their dance "more of what it is." (Neil Greenberg)
Company members have many opportunities to perform throughout the Hudson Valley. (By audition)
Adult Modern
This welcoming class combines modern technique and structured improvisation. We focus on maintaining healthy alignment, strength-building and the sheer joy of dancing. The style is greatly influenced by Cunningham, Limon and Release techniques, as well as Yoga. Adult Modern is good for your center, energizing for the body and guaranteed to lift your spirits!
last updated 02/08/2013