Training Programs

The ballet program at Ballet Hispanico is uniquely designed to serve as the foundation and basis of all the dance techniques. Students develop self-confidence and a strong understanding and mastery of technical skill in a disciplined yet nurturing environment.  The program emphasizes attention to detail, dynamic movement, musicality, and expressiveness through dance quality.

SPANISH DANCE
Ballet Hispanico’s unique Spanish Dance curriculum incorporates varied regional dance styles from Spain including flamenco and Escuela Clásica. This dramatic technique engages the entire body through the hand, arm, and footwork exercises. Classes feature complex rhythm exercises, full-length choreography, and brief descriptions of the history of the art form and its expressive content.

AFRO–CARIBBEAN
This course follows the history of Afro-Caribbean movement, from the polyrhythmic dances that originated in West Africa to the dance forms that subsequently developed in the West Indies and the Caribbean with the diaspora of African peoples. Emphasis is placed on isolation and proper body alignment, while using stretching techniques to build strength and flexibility, and learning West African and Afro–Caribbean dance combinations.

AFRO-CUBAN
This class is an introduction to the African dances of Cuba, with a focus on the Yoruba-based dances for the Orishas and Rumba. Students will explore the unique aesthetic and expressive qualities of each form in addition to learning basic cultural and historical background information. The syllabus is based on both the folkloric dance curriculum of the Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana and experiential knowledge gained in non-formal and non-institutional settings in Cuba. Students come to understand that Orisha dance and Rumba performances both inside and outside of Cuba continue to occur in professional, social, and ceremonial settings, as both concert dance and part of everyday life. They appreciate the technical subtleties and nuances of Afro-Cuban dance, expanding their understanding of concepts such as polyrhythm, isolation, suspension, and release, and are encouraged to think about these concepts in relation to their other dance forms.

MODERN DANCE (LIMÓN)
The Limón course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental elements of this dance form, created by pioneering modern dancer and choreographer José Limón. By combining his mastery of modern technique with his own Mexican heritage, Limón conceived the movement vocabulary that continues to have a powerful influence. Students of Limón develop an expressive torso and an acute understanding of the body’s weight and movement of breath.

HIP-HOP
Explore the distinctive history and culture of hip-hop! Students focus on five styles: locking, popping, house, breaking, and freestyle. The class emphasizes proper hip-hop technique and the ability to retain movement patterns in a choreographed work.

JAZZ 1:
This class introduces basic format, core technique, basic posture, isolations, progressives across the floor, combinations, basic stretches, and turning principles. Poise, rhythm, confidence, style and technique are encouraged.

JAZZ 2:
Expands on Jazz 1 format adding on stronger basic fundamentals of body alignment and muscle awareness through form, shape, style, and flexibility. This level focuses on different rhythms and timing to develop students awareness of the importance of technique and musical expression.

*Please note that all Jazz classes that have a mix of young ladies and gentlemen will be introduced to some basic partner dance principles through out the year where appropriate and applicable.

BALLROOM DANCE: