The School of Boca Ballet Theatre
The School of Boca Ballet Theatre was established in 1993 in support of the Company’s mission to expose the community’s youth to quality concert dance and professional training. The School of Boca Ballet Theatre is one of the few non-profit dance schools in the country. Governed by a Board of Directors, all income from the school is channeled into training or performance programs.
Training Philosophy
In class, BBT’s “stair step” approach teaches dancers how to dance in a series of progressive stages overseen by the school’s expert faculty. Rather than teaching rote memorization of dance routines for recitals, we teach the technique and discipline required to succeed as a professional dancer. Along the way, our students learn the importance of rigorous study and hard work, while also developing an appreciation of the artistry of dance itself—valuable lessons for all young people. Parents can celebrate their child’s progress during our annual classroom presentations. Dancers at our school have the opportunity to audition for Boca Ballet Theatre productions. As a member of the BBT Company, dancers also have the invaluable opportunity to interact with professional dancers and guest artists.
Whether seeking a professional dance career, the enrichment of life through dance, or a satisfying way to keep in shape, students at the School of Boca Ballet Theatre find their needs met with the finest in dance training provided by our expert faculty members.
Front Row
Boca Ballet Theatre believes that exposure to the magic of live theatre is of equal importance to in-class training. All of our students attend Boca Ballet Theatre productions, learning an appreciation and passion of the world of theatre and dance.
In the Wings
After a few years of focused training, young dancers have the opportunity to audition and perform corps de ballet roles in Boca Ballet Theatre’s mainstage productions. Rehearsals are held outside of class time, ensuring that students’ educational progress is not interrupted.
On Stage
After developing the strength of their technique in classes, students begin to earn featured roles in our stage productions. The ballets that Boca Ballet Theatre presents are specially selected to expose young dancers to historically significant classical works as well as innovative contemporary choreography. Students also have the invaluable opportunity to rehearse and perform with the professional dancers who serve as guest artists in the company’s productions. While still in training, our students have worked with dancers from American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, and National Ballet of Canada, to name a few.
Backstage
Behind the scenes, Boca Ballet Theatre’s dedicated staff of teachers, Board of Directors, and volunteer Guild work tirelessly to bring the company’s productions to the stage. Co-Artistic Directors Dan Guin and Jane Tyree are the dynamic professional dancers who were recruited in 1991 to create and guide the evolution of BBT. Dan and Jane’s national and international reputations not only insure instructional excellence for the school but also attract the outstanding professionals who return to the company each season to perform for the community alongside our students.
The Seven Steps in the Development of a Dancer
01.
Introduction to Movement and Musical Rhythms
Minimum Age - 3
02.
Base Training in Ballet Technique
Minimum Age - 7
03.
Start Specialization Training: Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Etc.
Minimum Age - 10
04.
Start Specialization Training: Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Etc.; Begin performing in Concert work
Minimum Age - 12
05.
Continue above elements; Attend Professional Workshops and Summer Programs to make Contacts and Gain insights about Professional Careers in Dance, or attend a Full-Time Professional Training School
Minimum Age - 15/16
06.
Serve as an Intern with a Professional Company; Attend college if possible.
Minimum Age - 18
07.
Dance Professionally!
