DANCE

Training the athlete. Nurturing the artist.

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Philosophy 

Empowered training from the inside out.

World-class standards. Progressive, holistic approach.

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"My training was one-dimensional, focused almost entirely on technique. Teachers would say, if you can't deliver, you'll be replaced in an instant. Fear was the motivator and I was always tense. Then one day I realized that maybe I had better discover what it was that made me irreplaceable. This realization changed my life. I went from looking outside, to looking inside; from  playing small, to playing big. I became a self-directed artist. I started saying things with my body...telling stories of being human...stories  I had lived. My approach to technique, and the way I trained, evolved in ways typical ballet class could never give me. I entered new territory, and I'm still traveling there, sharing what I'm learning."

- Suzana Stankovic

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Read about Suzana's teaching method in Dance Teacher Magazine here.

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Wild Heart is a boutique studio where you can explore, learn and grow, and give your dance dreams a real chance.  Our community consists of individuals from all walks of life who appreciate rigorous dance training and want to realize their potential. We work hard and have loads of fun. 

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The adult dance program is shaped by the belief that dance is life, and if you feel called to dance, if dance speaks to your heart, you ought to receive the very best dance training and dance as only you can. Classes are in-depth and supportive so that you can couple fierce technique with fearless individuality. 

 

With a focus on the powerful mind-body connection and respect for each student as a unique and whole individual, class is designed for your growth across the board---> technical, artistic and personal. By training in this holistic way, we become world-class athletes, fierce artists and empowered human beings. 
 

Faculty

Our dance faculty consists of accomplished professionals who create positive learning environments, teach safe and correct dance technique, provide individual guidance and bring passion, love and expertise to every class. 

 

Facilities

Classes are taught in a professional, sun-lit dance studio with shock-absorbent floors, marley surface, dual-height ballet barres, full-length mirrors, modern sound system, climate control, ceiling fans and warm track lighting.

 

 

Curriculum

Our dance program consists of the core dance disciplines of concert dance training with a specialty in classical ballet. Additional dance styles are coming soon. Specialty workshops, master classes and performance opportunities occur throughout the year. Class size is limited to ensure real learning and growth.

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Class Descriptions

Classical Ballet: An elegant and noble dance form with roots in the Baroque period and the royal courts of Italy and France. Classical ballet is considered the cornerstone of professional dance training and we teach primarily in the Vaganova (Russian) style along with elements of American ballet.  The study of classical ballet is rigorous building both physical and mental strength, turn-out in the hips (external rotation), whole-body alignment, flexibility, poise, virtuosic athleticism and beauty of form and line.

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Classic Jazz: Jazz is a combination of ballet, contemporary, social, African and theatrical dance consisting of rhythmic moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. Class focuses on building classic jazz technique from the bottom up with a focus on proper alignment and placement for turns, leaps, and transitional elements in the classic, theatrical style of Broadway musicals.

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Modern Dance: Modern dance emerged in the late 1900's in opposition to classical ballet. It is a free-form, broad style consisting of grounded, organic movement; contraction and release in the upper body; circular, linear and jagged shapes. The class moves through technical elements inspired by the styles of the founding figures of modern dance-  Jose Limon, Lester Horton and Martha Graham. Modern dance is done barefoot and while there is a strong focus on technique, there is also great emphasis on improvisation and personal exploration. 

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Pointe: Pointe is the height of classical ballet technique and artistry and is considered the most physically demanding style of dance. In pointe class we learn how to dance ‘en pointe’ in pointe shoes. This class consists of repetitive exercises to build strength and flexibility of the feet, ankles and core while maintaining correct whole-body alignment. A strong foundation in ballet technique and teacher approval are required for this class. It is also essential that students be properly fitted for pointe shoes by a professional fitter. We offer guidance for beginners regarding purchasing shoes etc..  

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Class Levels

We are a boutique studio where you can explore, learn and grow. Our classes are intimate. Dancers of all levels are engaged and challenged.

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Basic Beginner: No dance experience whatsoever is required. Step into the world of dance and learn the basics from the ground up one step at a time. Class pace is slow with detailed breakdown of content. 

 

Beginner: For individuals with little or no dance experience or for experienced individuals who wish to refine the basics. Beginner classes focus on the essential elements of correct technique and on building a solid technical foundation and a thorough understanding of the core principles. 

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Advanced Beginner: For those who have a good grasp of the basics and knowledge of dance vocabulary. This class builds upon the basics and introduces intermediate vocabulary and steps. Correct technique is at the core of this class as you begin to move and express yourself in a fuller way. Class tempo is moderate.

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Advanced Beginner-Intermediate: This class is best suited to those who have solid experience. This class moves at a faster pace than beginner level while maintaining a strong focus on the basics in more challenging contexts. Agility, intermediate vocabulary, musicality and aesthetic detail are developed in this class. Class tempo is moderate to fast.

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Intermediate-Advanced: This class is for the highly trained and/or professional dancer. At this level we explore rapid transition, speed, dynamic musicality and intricate phrasing. Presentation, aesthetic detail and bold use of space are emphasized. Advanced vocabulary is explored as we take the basics to their ultimate and highest expression. Class tempo can be quite fast. 

 

Open - All levels: Basic movement experience is helpful; choreography adaptable to all levels; just bring an open mind and heart.

 

Attire

Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing that enables the teacher to see your form and alignment (including your feet and ankles). If you have appropriate dance shoes, wear them, otherwise socks are OK to start. Please secure long hair in a bun or twist and remove any large jewelry as it can be a hazard when you're in motion.

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For weekly class schedule, click here.

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