Why the Balanchine Technique®?

Most of the world's ballet companies have one or more Balanchine ballets in their repertory. This technique enables a dancer to move quickly, a requirement for executing the Balanchine choreography. Knowledge of the Balanchine Technique® and Style® will benefit students pursuing a career in dance, whether in a company or as a teacher.

Classes and Studios

Class sizes are small - there are usually about 20 in each level. There are about 1 1/2 hours of pointe on most days and also rehearsals where you might be required to wear your pointe shoes. Not all students will be on pointe yet. Bring as many pointe shoes as you normally need - when in doubt, ask your teacher for her opinion.

Classes take place in two large studios, with sprung wood floors and marley. There is third room for pilates. The studios are a short walk from the condominiums along a nature trail.

Example Schedule (35-40 hours per week)

Monday - Friday (4-5 classes daily)
7:00am - 8:00am breakfast
8:30am - 12:00pm stretch followed by technique classes
12:00noon - 1:00pm lunch
1:00pm - 5:30pm pointe, variations, repertory/dance studies, contemporary, pilates
5:30pm - 6:30pm dinner
6:30pm - 8:30pm classes, rehearsal, choreography party
Curfew: 9:30pm for ages 11-14; 10:00pm for ages 15-17

Saturday (1-2 classes)
7:00am - 8:00am breakfast
8:30am - 1:00pm stretch followed by technique classes
1:00pm lunch
Afternoon free time for optional activities
5:30pm - 6:30pm dinner
Curfew: 10:00pm for ages 11-14; 10:30pm for ages 15-17

Sunday (brunch and barbeque)
Free time for optional activities
Curfew: 9:30pm for ages 11-14; 10:00pm for ages 15-17

*subject to changes*
Accommodations, Laundry, Weather

Student accommodations are in Ski Valley condominiums. Most, but not all, have a telephone, TV, full kitchen and a fireplace. Every student will have their own bed. Linens and towels are supplied by the condos. You will need a beach towel if you plan on using the jacuzzi's.

The condominiums have laundry which is available to the students. There are no other laundromats in the Ski Valley.

Days are usually warm and sunny but not hot, with a chance of a shower in the late afternoon. Nights can be chilly with a sweatshirt needed.

Meals

Three nutritionally balanced meals will be served daily, with a brunch and barbeque on Sundays. If you can't eat all types of food, you will be provided with whatever special diet you need. Everyone eats together in the school's cafeteria, adjacent to the studios.

Weekend Activities and Shopping

Students are free Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday and may participate in many optional activities: trips to Taos for shopping/sightseeing, horseback riding in the Ski Valley, white water rafting on the Rio Grande, hiking in the mountains, chair lift rides and more.

There are many shops in the Ski Valley where you can purchase clothes and gifts. There is a small general store and Post Office where you can buy some grocery items, snacks and rent DVDs.

Counselors and Nurse

Students are supervised by an experienced group of counselors. The counselors are with the students everywhere: condos, classrooms, cafeteria, activities, etc. Most counselors are dancers themselves and have been working with Jillana for 5 or more years - in fact, many are former students of hers. A registered nurse or EMT is on call.

Tuition

Tuition includes all classes, room and board.

Tuition for the four weeks is $3160.
NM Tax is 9.25%.
Total Tuition plus tax is $3452.