Balanchine technique, also known as the Balanchine method, is a ballet performance style invented by the renowned dancer, choreographer, and teacher George Balanchine (1904–1983). It has become a trademark of the George Balanchine Foundation and is widely used in many of Balanchine’s choreographic works. Here are some key characteristics of the Balanchine technique:

Neoclassical Style: Balanchine’s choreography blends elements of traditional ballet technique with modern and abstract movements. His style emphasizes strong lines, angular shapes, and dynamic contrasts, creating a unique and innovative approach to ballet.

Speed and Musicality: Training in the Balanchine technique allows dancers to utilize more space in less time. Dancers focus on extreme speed, deep plié (bending of the knees), and a syncopated musicality. Balanchine’s choreography often aligns movement with the music, creating a harmonious connection between dance and sound.

Unconventional Arm and Hand Placement: Balanchine’s approach to arm and hand positions is unconventional and asymmetrical. Dancers learn to create abstract shapes with their arms, adding visual interest and expressiveness to their movements.

Distinctive Arabesque Line: Balanchine’s arabesque is described as “longer, stronger, and bigger.” Dancers are encouraged to “reach for diamonds” in both directions, elongating their arms and creating a visually striking line.

Athletic Dance Quality: Balanchine’s choreography demands athleticism and precision. Dancers perform with energy, clarity, and technical excellence, showcasing their physical abilities.

Balanchine’s legacy extends beyond his choreography; he also founded the School of American Ballet in New York City, where the Balanchine technique was first developed. Although he never created a formal “dictionary” of his technique, his impact on the world of ballet remains profound.

Bob Fosse created an entire stylistic repertoire of movement. Fosse died many years ago yet his style is still emulated, taught and performed across the world, especially throughout the US. The revival of Chicago the musical, choreographed by Fosse devotee Ann Reinking, is still running on Broadway, so it is clear Fosse’s work continues to inspire.

Fosse didn’t codify a technique in order to train dancers, yet his style serves as an essential base for students of all disciplines; Fosse’s smooth style and attention to detail are invaluable. Fosse is known to have called his dancers “actors,” emphasizing that their primary job is to communicate a story as everything he did had an emotional, mental and ethical side to it. The dancers he trained are complete entertainers through their deep understanding of performance. Each step has intent behind it and to convey it the dancer must bring out every aspect of the character.

The Fosse style of jazz encourages dancers to engage emotionally with the movement, and also helps develop to ensemble skills which are essential in any dance discipline. In addition to dancers working together as a group, attention to detail is paramount. The intricate nature of Fosse’s choreography means so much can be conveyed through the subtlety of a single finger wag or a sideways glance. The style requires a strong work ethic because much of the work is based on intricate isolations, so dancers naturally develop a heightened body awareness and focus.

Is all about expressing emotion through organic movements and unrestricted lines. It’s a fusion of various techniques, including elements from lyrical jazz, ballet, and modern dance.

Contemporary dance is a captivating and boundary-defying form of artistic expression and performance art. It has a rich history that intertwines heavily with the evolution of ballet and modern dance.

The Origins of Contemporary Dance

Contemporary dance grew from the rebellion against the constraints of classical ballet by modern dancers. These artists wanted to break free from the rigid structures of ballet and embrace individuality, emotion, and creativity.

Musical theater & Broadway dance is a type of dancing used in choreographed sequences for musical theater productions. It draws from various styles, including:

Ballet: ballet remains at the core of musical theater dance. The poise, strength, and technique learned in ballet provide a solid foundation for performers. Some musicals still feature ballet, and revivals often include it. Some musicals still feature ballet, and revivals often include it.

Jazz: Jazz dance, like jazz music, originated in Black American culture and made its way to vaudeville stages around the turn of the 20th century. In musical theater, jazz dance combines elements of rhythm, syncopation, and expressive movement.

Hip-Hop: Hip-hop dance, influenced by street and urban culture, has also found its way into musical theater. It brings energy, athleticism, and contemporary flair to performances.

Overall, musical theater dancers are not only skilled in these styles but also prioritize acting and musical interpretation. They bring characters to life through movement, seamlessly blending dance with storytelling on the Broadway stage.

The cabaret probably originated in France in the 1880s as a small club in which the audience was grouped around a platform. The entertainment at first consisted of a series of amateur acts linked together by a master of ceremonies; its coarse humour was usually directed against the conventions of bourgeois society. The typical program, which first flourished in the Montmartre district of Paris at the tiny Chat Noir in 1881, listed poetry readings, shadow plays, songs, and comic skits. The primary exponent of French cabaret entertainment was the Moulin Rouge, in Paris; established in 1889 as a dance hall, it featured a cabaret show in which the cancan was first performed and in which many major stars of variety and music hall later appeared.

Tailored Choreography: Your love story is unique, and so should be your dance. I craft personalized choreography that reflects your journey together. Whether you want a romantic waltz, a sizzling tamgo , or a whimsical contemporary piece, I’ll design it exclusively for you.

Magical Transitions: Smooth transitions are the secret to a flawless performance. I’ll guide you through every step, ensuring that your dance flows seamlessly. Lifts, spins, and dips—prepare to dazzle your guests with elegance and grace.

Stunning Visuals: Picture this: fairy lights, soft candlelight, and a starlit dance floor.

I’ll make your dance a visual masterpiece. Your guests won’t believe their eyes!

Confidence Boost: Nervous about dancing in front of everyone? Fear not! I’ll coach you patiently, building your confidence. We’ll turn those jitters into pure excitement. By the time your special day arrives, you’ll feel like a dance floor superstar.

Don’t settle for ordinary. Let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact me now to reserve your spot on my enchanted calendar. Your wedding dance awaits—a moment of pure magic!