CHARACTER DANCE

2 WEEK STUDENT PROGRAM
August 2 - 14, 2010

1 WEEK TEACHER SEMINAR
August 16 - 21, 2010

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Vaganova Summer School Character Dance Program is an intensive program designed for the committed dancer of an intermediate, advanced or pre-professional level.  This program will cover the fundamentals of Classical Character Dance, including Barre & Exercise and repertoire of various etudes from national styles that feature prominently in classical ballets, including: Polish (Mazurka, others), Hungarian (Csardas), Italian (Tarantella), Russian (various), Spanish (Jota, Flamenco), Romanian/Moldavian (Various) and Gypsy/Romany (Various).

Character Dance is a unique and integral part of Russian Classical Ballet that exists only in Russia. Its basis is the national and folkloric dance traditions that are incorporated into Classical Ballet. The Character Dance genre was codified during Petipa by Alexander Viktorovich Shiryaev, Petipa's assistant. Although an essential part of many major ballets, there is no school of Character Dance anywhere outside of Russia. Character Dance is a unique form of art that is unknown outside of Russia and that is gradually disappearing.

When Mansur was a student at the Vaganova Academy, he studied directly with Shiryaev. In addition to performing classical roles and working as a classical teacher, beginning at age 22, Mansur also specialized in Character Dance. He was Principal Character Dancer with the Bolshoi and was the Chair of the Character Dance Department at the Bolshoi Theatre.

For the serious student, dancer or teacher, study of Character Dance with Mansur offers a unique opportunity. This intensive program provides 39 hours of instruction time and the chance of a lifetime to study with a Ballet Master with over 60 years of teaching experience and who provides an unbroken link from the creators of these master works.

SCHEDULE
2 Week Student Program
August 2 - August 14, 2010
Pittsburgh, PA at Joy School of Dance
Class is held 6 days per week.

Monday - Friday • 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
10:00 - 12:00      Character Technique and Character Barre
12:00 - 12:45      Lunch
12:45 - 2:00        Character Center, Combinations and Etudes
2:00 - 2:15          Break
2:15 - 3:15          Character Variations
3:15 - 3:30          Break
3:30 - 5:00          Character Variations and Coda

Saturday • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
10:00 - 12:00      Character Technique, Variations and Coda

ADMISSION & REGISTRATION
STUDENTS: The Vaganova Summer School program is open to students experienced in Classical Dance Technique who are able to undertake a rigorous course of study. Admission to the program is bu auditon. Students wishing to attend the Vaganova Summer program may audition by attending a Master Class with Mansur, held Sundays between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. The audition fee is $25. Please e-mail or call (412) 343-1926 to schedule an appointment. Please join our mailing list to be updated on additional audition locations and dates.

Students who cannot attend the audition should send a VHS video and/or photograph, letter of recommendation from a teacher or ballet professional and a completed application form. There is a $25 audition fee. Click here to download a printable version of the form. Please e-mail for more information.

TEACHERS: Classical Ballet teachers are welcome to observe or take class during the 3 week Vaganova Summer School and attend teacher only discussions on Russian Classical Teaching Methodology at the close of each day. Teachers are welcome to attend for the full program or for one or two weeks and may bring up to one student at no charge.

STUDENT TEACHERS: Students of Classical Ballet and aspiring teachers under 19 who are interested in learning classical ballet teaching technique are welcome to attend Teacher Seminars, as students and demonstrators, at a discounted rate. This is a great opportunity to learn classical and character variations. Please email us with your information if you would like to be considered.

TUITION

CHARACTER DANCE STUDENT PROGRAM & TEACHER SEMINAR
2 Week Summer Program for Students: August 2 - 14, 2010	$950
2 Week Summer Program for Teachers: August 2 - 14, 2010 (attend and/or observe)	$950
1 Week Teacher Seminar: August 16 - 21, 2010	$850
1 Week Teacher Seminar for Student Teachers: August 16 - 21, 2010 (50% discount)	$425
1 Week Teacher Seminar for Teachers who attend the 2 Week Summer Program: August 16 - 21, 2010 (50% discount)	$425
1 Week Teacher Seminar for Student Teachers who attend the 2 Week Summer Program: August 16 - 21, 2010 (75+% discount)	$225
STUDENTS: 2 Week Summer Program + 1 Week Teacher Seminar: August 2 - 14 & August 16 -21, 2010 (75+% discount on 1 week seminar)	$1,175
TEACHERS: 2 Week Summer Program + 1 week Teacher Seminar: August 2 - 14 & August 16 -21, 2010 (50% discount on 1 week seminar)	$1,275
Upon acceptance a 20% non-refundable deposit is due by June 1, 2010 to reserve space in the program. Full payment for tuition is due on or before July 1, 2010. Students wishing to attend part of the session should e-mail or call to make arrangements. Checks should be made payable to Mansur Kamaletdinov and mailed to: Mansur Kamaletdinov Vaganova Summer School P.O. Box 14652 Pittsburgh, PA 15234

FACILITIES
Pittsburgh, PA at Joy School of Dance
The Pittsburgh session will be conducted at the Joy School of Dance in Crafton, PA, located on the Blue Belt and approximately six miles from downtown Pittsburgh, a city which offers many cultural opportunities.

HOUSING
Housing for out of town students may be arranged with host families of Mansur Kamaletdinov's local students in Pittsburgh. For $600, the host family provides room, board and transportation to and from classes. Room and board is paid directly to the host families. Since space is limited, please call or e-mail with your interest in housing as soon as possible.

Pittsburgh has many fine hotels and motels for families wishing accompany their Summer Program attendees. We can provide a list of these arrangements upon request. It is also possible to arrange a short-term sublet through www.craigslist.org and other real estate and leasing agents.

SCHOLARSHIPS
A limited number of partial financial scholarships are available to deserving students who are most prepared and who posses the most potential and interest in a professional career in dance. Scholarships are awarded through audition (live or video) and are based on both merit and financial need. For more information, please e-mail us.

CHARACTER DANCE TEACHER PROGRAM
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED CHARACTER DANCE TEACHER INFO
CLICK HERE SEE ALL 2009 TEACHER SEMINARS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information, please e-mail or call (412) 343-1926.

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As always, please feel free to email or call us with any questions.