Dance Classes

DANCE PROGRAM PURPOSE

The primary purpose of the Dance Program is to provide students seeking associate degrees or transfer credit in dance with technical training and performance experience. Additional purposes are to provide enrichment opportunities for all students and to offer cultural enrichment to the Tyler community through presentation of varied public performances.

Courses

Ballet: These courses emphasize proper body placement as it applies to the technique of classical ballet. Ballet vocabulary and proper execution of classical ballet exercises and steps are stressed, along with a knowledge of the history and development of ballet in Europe and the United States.

Modern Dance: This course explores the technique of Modern Dance by using structures, alignment, breathing/relaxation and dynamics of movement. Various styles of movement are presented and used in class.

Jazz: This course focuses on technique of contemporary music and its effect on style, rhythm and dynamics, in both solo and group work, and employs the many elements of dance that comprise current movement styles.

Tap: This course emphasize on technique. The class introduces rhythm and coordination exercises that develop into extended choreography pieces using past and present elements of tap dance.

Apache Belles: This course is a select women's organization. The group presents performances for half time entertainment at college and professional games and entertains on other occasions. Throughout the year, special study is given to good taste in clothing, make-up, manners and general personal improvement.

Performing Opportunities

The Nutcracker ballet is an annual Tyler tradition that is performed on campus by TJC students and community dancers with our last cast at its all time high of 116. Community dancers, non-dancers, children and adults of all ages are encouraged to audition and broaden their skills and meet other dancers who are also inspired by dancing.

The Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance will celebrate the 20th anniversary of "The Nutcracker" in collaboration with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. This milestone will truly be a historic event for the cast members as well as the East Texas Community. The performances are scheduled for December 6, 2008 and will be held at the UT Tyler Cowan Center.

Nutcracker 2008 Performance Date:

• December 6, '08
• Auditions:
  • When: September 6, 2008
  • Location: Ornelas Health & Physical Education building room 125 (dance studio)
  • Times: TBA
  • Bring ballet & pointe shoes

Student/Faculty Recital a performing opportunity for the Music and Dance Department faculty and students and includes vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers.

Dance students can elect to choreograph their own works and gain behind-the-scenes experience. The Student/Faculty Recital is held every spring and open to the East Texas Community.

• Student/Faculty Recital April 17th, 2009
• 7:30pm at Wise Auditorium
• Ticket Prices: $5.00 general admission, Students free with valid ID
• Student/Faculty DVD Order Form (PDF)

DanceFest is an annual spring dance performance featuring TJC college dance students and TJC Academy of Dance students in a varied program incorporating ballet, jazz, tap and modern choreography.

• DanceFest Performance Dates: May 1 & 2, 2009
  Wise Auditorium on the main TJC Campus.
• Driving Directions to TJC & Campus Map.

Scholarship for Dance Students Information

Scholarships are given to two students each year. Awarded monies are determined by financial need, work ethic during audition, and the potential for improvement in technique and performance skills.

• When: April 25, 2009
• Time: 10am-12pm
• Where: OHPE 125
• Bring ballet and jazz shoes.

• Scholarship auditions are held every April.
• Videotape auditions are accepted. Please submit a 1 minute ballet piece and a 1 minute jazz piece.
• Send videotape and letter of recommendation to
  Attn: Jennifer Bailey
  Tyler Junior College
  P.O. Box 9020
  Tyler, TX 75711
• Please call 903-510-2027 for more information

Class Attire

• Ballet Class Attire: For Women - Black leotard, pink tights, ballet slippers, and hair pulled back.
• Ballet Class Attire: For Men - White shirt, black jazz pants, and black ballet slippers.
• Jazz, Modern, Tap Attire: Loose fitting clothing, and tap and/or jazz shoes.

For additional information, please contact:

Jennifer Bailey, Instructor, Dance/Director Academy of Dance

• Phone: (903) 510-2027 Or if calling long distance, 1-800-687-5680
• Fax: (903) 510-2800
• E-mail: jbai@tjc.edu

Ruth Flynn, Director of the Apache Belles

• Phone: (903) 510-2244 Or if calling long distance, 1-800-687-5680
• E-mail: rfly@tjc.edu

• Degree plan for Dance Majors
• Back to Academy of Dance
• Back to Music and Dance