It’s August and it’s officially time to focus on all things Back-to-School. The most important order of business in your BTS planning is enrolling your children in fall activities and classes. Today, we’re calling all Smarty dancers!
We’re thrilled to introduce you to our newest partner in the Smarty family, Charlotte Ballet!
Charlotte Ballet Academy is a division under Charlotte Ballet, led by the talented Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. Charlotte Ballet is known for its strong dancers and versatile repertoire, ranging from classical ballet like the Nutcracker, our favorite holiday tradition, to bold, contemporary works.
Charlotte Ballet’s talented faculty are wonderfully experienced instructors and have diverse backgrounds as professional dancers performing at prestigious companies both nationally and internationally. For example, students work with master teacher Patricia McBride, who has been celebrated as the outstanding American ballerina of our day and a star of international stature. In 1961, Ms. McBride became New York City Ballet’s youngest principal dancer where she danced in over 100 ballets and for five American presidents. In 2014, Ms. McBride became a Kennedy Center Honoree alongside Al Green, Tom Hanks, Sting and Lily Tomlin.
Charlotte Ballet Academy, led by Ayisha McMillan Cravotta, offers a nurturing and structured environment that encourages individuality, creative expression and an appreciation for the art of dance for a range of ages and ability. The Academy’s School Year Programs include the highest quality of instruction in ballet, modern and jazz technique.
Performance opportunities at Charlotte Ballet Academy:
All students perform in end-of-year gala performances at the theater right at the Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance. Students are outfitted by the Charlotte Ballet costume shop, the same talented costumers who work with the professional Company. Academy students age 9 and up can audition for the Company’s annual performance of Nutcracker at Belk Theater with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker is the only local production staged with a full Company of professionals and students in the shows rehearse and perform right alongside them. Older students can be a part of dance ensembles within the Academy who are professionally choreographed on for additional performances.
How do I sign my child up at Charlotte Ballet Academy?
Charlotte Ballet Academy’s divisions provide options to fit your child’s age and ability level as they build on their ballet skills. Younger children who are just beginning to dance for the first time attend weekly classes while older, advanced students train up to five days a week. Each division’s curriculum is designed specifically for the level of the students.
You’ll find boys incorporated into all dance classes and they offer specialty technique classes that emphasize stretching, strengthening, muscle coordination and musicality through a variety of dance styles.
Smarty tip for Moms: Charlotte Ballet Academy also offers Adult Open Division classes for adults who are beginners looking to use dance as a way to achieve a healthy lifestyle or former dancers wanting to return to their passion.
Students who are not currently attending Charlotte Ballet Academy must take a placement class to determine which class they should enroll in. The placement class usually lasts between 1 and 1 ½ hours. The next placement class is August 24th from 6-7 p for ages 6-9, and 6:30-7:45p for ages 10+. Contact Cindy Miller at cmiller@charlotteballet.org or 704-372-3900 or online at charlotteballet.org.
About Charlotte Ballet:
Led by internationally acclaimed President and Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Charlotte Ballet is known for its strong dancers and versatile repertoire, ranging from classical ballet like the Nutcracker, to bold, contemporary works. The company of 27 professional dancers, who make Charlotte their home, annually present five performance series in Charlotte during a season spanning from October to April. Charlotte Ballet Academy, the only school of ballet in the state affiliated with a nationally renowned professional ballet Company, provides a nurturing and structured environment that encourages individuality, creative expression and an appreciation for the art of dance. The Academy provides expert instruction to students who are training for a professional career in dance, as well as those who are interested in simply experiencing the joy and benefits of dance training.
Charlotte Ballet Academy has two convenient locations near you:
Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance
701 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Charlotte Country Day School
1440 Carmel Road @ Fairview Road
Charlotte, NC 28226
