Technique Classes Offered at UGA

It is our desire that each student obtain intellectual, aesthetic and physical benefits from the classical ballet, modern, and jazz training offered here at The University of Georgia. The UGA Department of Dance strives to create a healthy atmosphere of guided practice in the disciplines and principles of these techniques, with special attention given to proper alignment, movement qualities, musicality, breath and expression.

Classical Ballet

Classical ballet training is offered at several levels and each level is designed so that it may be repeated from year to year dependant on each individual student's needs.

The method of classical ballet training offered is devised from three schools of classical ballet technique, the pre-Soviet Russian ballet school as exemplified in the teaching of Agrippina Vaganova, the Danish school of Auguste Bournonville, and the Italian methods of Enrico Cecchetti. Pointe and variations classes are also offered throughout the school year and consist of preparatory barre and center combinations and a classical female variation.

The instruction of these techniques is also based on the study of the science of kinesiology with specific regard to the demands that twentieth century ballet technique places upon the human anatomy.

Modern Dance

Modern Dance training is offered at several levels which are repeated according to the individual student's technical proficiency. Instruction includes the introduction to the qualitative and stylistic approaches which distinguish the major modern techniques including Graham, Limon, Cunningham and Hawkin techniques. During the course of study, movement sequences reflecting post-modern styles as well as traditional modern repertoire are experienced.

The student is introduced to movement progressions grounded in sound kinesiology-based movement concepts. Movement theory and training methods which reflect current theoretical and scientific research such as Rommett Floor-Barre Technique, Laban Theory, Bartenieff Fundamentals, Body/Mind Centering, and Pilates are used to provide support and enhance dance training. These methods and approaches are widely used by the professional dancer for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and as a means to address the vast range of movement demands required by the current modern dancer and/or teacher.

Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance

Jazz/Musical Theatre dance classes are offered at various levels. Emphasis is given to technical proficiency, performance quality, and stylistic definition, in conjunction with the study of historical and choreographic components of American Jazz Dance and Musical Theatre. Course content is diverse to enable the student to become more fluent in a variety of jazz movement styles, rhythms, phrasing and dynamics. At the intermediate, advanced level students work in several styles which may include pop, funk, Broadway adagio or blues.

POD Procedure For Dance Technique Classes

Students wishing to enroll in a DANC technique class, including prospective majors and minors who have not yet completed a department audition, must participate in a placement class in the technique of their interest, or attend the audition in August prior to the first day of Fall semester classes. The student is responsible for contacting the ballet coordinator (Joan Buttram) to arrange a placement visit to a ballet class and/or for contacting the modern dance coordinator (Bala Sarasvati) to arrange a placement visit to a modern dance class. The student will be notified if he/she is capable of enrolling in a DANC technique course and, if so, at what level. The Department will clear the student for enrollment for the following semester. Once cleared, the student is responsible for enrolling in the course.