Ballet

The Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet is a disciplined system designed with careful regard to the laws of anatomy. Developed by Maestro Enrico Cecchetti at the turn of the 20th Century, his method focuses on the essential qualities of a dancer - balance, poise, strength, elevation, elasticity, and a sense of artistry. The Cecchetti syllabus establishes carefully orchestrated exercises to ensure that the sequences of steps and movements grow along with the student. Classic in its purity and clean-cut style, it emphasizes the importance of using the entire body to establish a feeling of line. There is a strong focus on instruction by studying and absorbing the basic principles which govern the art, rather than by mere imitation of an individual's teaching style. Most classes will contain a balance between the traditional exercises set by Maestro Cecchetti and those created by the teacher, thereby allowing students to both master the technique and practice learning new sequences quickly.

Modern

The modern dance classes are based on the principles of movement developed by Doris Humphrey, a pioneer of American modern dance. Her inspiration came from natural acts such as breathing, standing, walking, running, leaping, rising, and falling. These principles are applied in the classroom with an emphasis on rhythmic coordination, strength, flexibility, and movement flow.

Tap

Apart from being an essential skill for the professional dancer, tap dance is one of the most enjoyable forms of recreational dance. Cheshire Dance Centre is pleased to offer tap in accordance with the syllabi offered by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, London, England, for both children and adults.

I.S.T.D. Tap Dance Faculty

Annual Concert

Cheshire Dance Centre presents an annual concert involving all the students in the school. Using a professional approach, instruction throughout the year is focused on development of technique instead of one single routine. Choreography for the recital is created and taught in the two months leading up to the performance date. This gives even our three- and four-year-old dancers the opportunity to demonstrate a higher standard of choreography on the stage.

Unlike other studios with exorbitant fees for costumes that can usually only be worn one time, Cheshire Dance Centre selects functional, versatile, and practical dance wear that works well both in the performance and in classes during the subsequent year.

The Nutcracker

Since 1997, Cheshire Dance Centre has been the home of Cecchetti Ballet Theatre, collaborating with the company to bring first-rate full-length student productions of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker to audiences in central Connecticut. The company's premiere performance was at Yale University Theatre. Most recently, performances have been held at Hamden High School in Hamden, CT.  Every fall, auditions for dancers ages four and up are offered to involve the greater Cheshire community and beyond. Cast members ranging between infancy and adulthood have had the joy of performing in this beloved ballet.

Age Guidelines

Cheshire Dance Centre admits students without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or national origin. Classes are offered for 3 year olds through adults, beginning through professional levels.

Children's Division (recommended 1 day p/wk)

Student's Division (recommended 2 days p/wk Cecchetti Grades 2-3, 3 days p/wk Cecchetti Grades 4-6)

Pre-Professional Division (recommended 4-5 days p/wk of ballet)

Seibert Dancers Performing Groups

Adult Division