Ballet is the basis for all good dance technique. Centering, port de bras (carriage of the arms), balance, deportment (the look and carriage of the dancer), leaping, gliding, darting, all of the vocabular of dance movement is addressed in a ballet class. MacKinnon's students do not just learn jazz or to tap they learn to dance and dance well.
MacKinnon's has observation once a month for children ages 3 through 7 during the first class each month. We open our curtains and allow the parents to observe the classes and note the progress of their little dancers. During the rest of the month - we close our curtains to prevent distraction. For older dancers, the classes may be observed any time, provided it is not distracting to the instructor or students.
Each chid is unique and special in her/his own way. There is no accurate way to predict how long it takes to develop a dancer. Some children jump right in and study hard, others may just attend classes without much interest. Those who study hard and love dance, will do well. It all takes time and is a process of development.
YES! In all subjects, and at all levels. You are more than welcome, beginners through professionals.
Yes. Please refer to the price schedule for current rates.
Visit the school(s). Observe the class that interests you. Notice whether the instructors are engaged with the children/adults and whether the instructors seem professional. Then, and this is important, ask to observe the MOST ADVANCED classes in the school. If you see real dancers- Sign Up! This is the school for you.
Yes. We encourage you to take class, where you will learn more by observing others and interacting with fellow dancers. However, we do special choreography and private lessons for more advanced dancers.
First educate them a little about well known male dancers. Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, all of the old-timers in the movies. Check out ballet for them to watch with Mikhail Baryshnikov, for example, 'Sinatra Suite', choreographed by Twyla Tharpe. Most people will agree that some fo the finest dancers have been men. Masculine, strong, athletic men. Relate dancing to sports: jumping, leaping, and running are all required from dancers. Great athletes will be come more flexible and stronger with dancing lessons!
Yes, MacKinnon's does rent studio space depending on availability in our schedule. Rates vary depending on time of day and duration of class or workshop. If you are interested please contact Joy MacKinnon directly.