Maybe you’ve got a kid who shakes their booty all day long. Or maybe, you’ve got one who is more reserved but loves structure and discipline. Or perhaps, you’ve got someone who can use some work on balance and grace. Whichever kid you have, the beauty of dance is that there is a style and a place for each of them. And there is no better place for your child to learn the art and craft of dance than in the bergenPAC Performing Arts School Dance Program.
Under the direction of Roberta Mathes, toddlers and children ages 18 months – 4 years are introduced to dance in age appropriate classes that incorporate the basic elements of movement through storytelling, imagery, rhythmic patterns and improvisation.
School aged children are able to expand their knowledge of dance and practice their skills in a variety of dance styles including ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz, modern & contemporary dance and acro, a combination of dance and gymnastics. Students taught by professional faculty with serious dance credentials, many of whom also work with dancers in New York City.
For students ages 9-18 who want to gain more confidence, stage presence and performance experience, and who enjoy the challenge and excitement of competition, the bergenPAC Dance Program offers a Dance Competition Team. Auditions for placement on the team occur in the fall and dancers are required to practice with the team on Saturday afternoons. Team dancers compete in 2-3 local competitions and perform throughout the community. Dancers must be enrolled in at least four technique classes a week including a minimum of two ballet classes. Dancers must also be prepared to attend additional rehearsals if they are selected to perform solos, duets or in small groups.
And for those who plan to make dancing their career, the bergenPAC Dance Program offers a one-of-a-kind Pre-Professional program. Dancers between the ages of 13 and 18 may take a minimum of eight classes per week in a variety of styles including pointe, variations, character, Horton method and partnering. Students are offered master classes in addition to workshops and college guidance is offered for dancers in this elite program. Evaluations for this program are done annually and dancers will be a part of the Dance Ensemble and have additional opportunities to perform throughout Bergen County and in New York City.
Whether you have a novice dancer who is just taking their first few steps, or a dancer who has decided that dance is their passion, bergenPAC Dance Program has classes that will work for your child and your family. For more information or to register for classes, please visit the website.
bergenPAC 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood 201.482.8194 education@bergenpac.org
