I Want to be aDancer
THE ROCK SCHOOL FOR DANCE EDUCATION
The best dance training in the region since 1963
2015–2016 YEAR ROUND SESSION
The Rock School has more soloists qualify for YAGP NYC Finals & WBC Finals than any other School in the world!
WE ARE ROCK SCHOOL DANCERS
The Rock School for Dance Education In 1963, The Rock School for Dance Education began in Philadelphia as the School of Pennsylvania Ballet. Bo Spassoff became Director of the School of Pennsylvania Ballet in 1986 and after six years of steady growth, The Rock School became an independent, mission-focused, not-for-profit institution. For over 29 years The School mission, excellence in dance education, has driven Bo and Co-Director Stephanie Wolf Spassoff, along with the Trustees of The School, to transform the artistic quality, performing opportunities, and student life of a small regional school into a world leader in career-oriented, professional dance training. The School has developed dancers for premier international companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The Rock School owns the ballet conservatory that begins Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, a vibrant corridor of culture and modern city life. The state-of-the-art dance facility includes specialized floors with just the right amount bounce and cushion for young athletic dancers. The building also houses a healthy and nutrition-oriented bistro for dancers, friends, and families. The School’s distinguished instructors, choreographers, and alumni form the heart of The Rock School’s whole dancer-focused approach. The Rock School welcomes talented students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. The School does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, gender, or religion in its admissions procedures, employment policies, or the administration of its programs and activities. The Rock School is recognized as a superior institution by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Photography by Tiffany Yoon
Outstanding School Award 10 years in a row
at Youth America Grand Prix semi-finals
THE ROCK SCHOOL FOR BALLET CREATIVE MOVEMENT Beginning dance training for children age 3
PRE-BALLET AND LEVEL 1 & 1x Training for new dancers starting at age 4 NEW — Ages for Pre-Ballet have changed, see Tuition page
FORMAL Training for developing dancers approximately aged 11–15
PROFESSIONAL Training for advanced dancers approximately aged 12–young adult
All students are invited to perform in The Rock School’s production of Nutcracker 1776, a 70 minute classic of dazzling dance with international talent and stars of tomorrow.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES Performing gives young students an opportunity to showcase their hard work and prepare for life as a professional dancer if they so choose. In 2014–2015, Rock School students performed at the Please Touch Museum, at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and at other local venues. All students are invited to dance in The Rock School’s annual Showcase. Select Rock School students also perform in Dynamics of Dance lecture demonstrations for thousands of students at inner-city schools.
DANCE EDUCATION OTHER DANCE CLASSES Gymnastics Beginning training for children ages 4–7
Hip Hop - Junior & Pre-Hip Hop Beginning training for ages 5–11 NEW — Pre-Hip Hop, ages 5-7, see Tuition page
Hip Hop - Teen Beginning to intermediate training for ages 12–young adult
Open Adult Classes for intermediate to advanced dancers
BALLET BISTRO Offering delicious, healthy meals, snacks, and beverages for students, parents, and visitors. Host your event at Ballet Bistro, located on the 2nd floor, with a skyline view of downtown Philadelphia, The Bistro accommodates up to 200 guests.
ROCK BOUTIQUE Rock Boutique is located on the 2nd floor and offers a variety of dance wear, Rock School merchandise, gifts, and accessories. Open Tuesday-Saturday
ROCK COSTUME SHOP The Rock School is equipped with its own inhouse costume shop. All performing students receive individual fittings. The costume shop is located on the 3rd floor.
DANCE CLASSES, SCHEDULES BALLET CLASSES EARLY DANCE NEW Pre-Ballet ages
Student must be minimum age as of Sept. 1, 2015 CREATIVE MOVEMENT (2 class per week) 3 years of age, No experience required Annual Tuition ............... $1180 Per Installment ............... $157.50 Mondays ......................... 3:30pm - 4:15pm Wednesdays ..................... 3:30pm - 4:15pm PRE-BALLET 1 (1 class per week, required) 4-5 years of age, No experience required Annual Tuition ............... $800 Per Installment ............... $100 Mondays ...................... 4:30pm - 5:30pm Tuesdays ...................... 4:30pm - 5:30pm Thursdays .................... 4:30pm - 5:30pm Saturdays ...................... 8:30am - 9:30am Saturdays ................. 10:00am - 11:00am Saturdays ................. 11:00am - 12:00pm PRE-BALLET 1 (2 classes per week, preferred) 4-5 years of age, No experience required Annual Tuition ............... $1440 Per Installment ............... $180 Mondays ...................... 4:30pm - 5:30pm Tuesdays ...................... 4:30pm - 5:30pm Thursdays .................... 4:30pm - 5:30pm Saturdays ...................... 8:30am - 9:30am Saturdays ................. 10:00am - 11:00am Saturdays ................. 11:00am - 12:00pm PRE-BALLET 2 (1 class per week, required) 6 years of age, No experience required Annual Tuition ............... $800 Per Installment ............... $100 Mondays ...................... 4:30pm - 5:30pm Thursdays .................... 4:30pm - 5:30pm Saturdays ...................... 8:30am - 9:30am Saturdays ................. 10:00am - 11:00am Saturdays .................. 12:00pm - 1:00pm PRE-BALLET 2 (2 classes per week, preferred) 6 years of age, No experience required Annual Tuition ............... $1440 Per Installment ............... $180 Mondays ...................... 4:30pm - 5:30pm Thursdays .................... 4:30pm - 5:30pm Saturdays ...................... 8:30am - 9:30am Saturdays ................. 10:00am - 11:00am Saturdays ................... 12:00pm - 1:00pm 3+ classes per week pricing available upon request LEVEL 1 (2 classes per week, required) 7-10 years of age, No experience required Annual Tuition ............... $1680 Per Installment ............... $210 Wednesdays ................ 4:30pm - 6:00pm Saturdays ................. 11:00am - 12:30pm
LEVEL 1 (3 classes per week, preferred) 7-10 years of age, depending on previous training Annual Tuition ............... $2240 Per Installment ............... $280 Tuesdays ...................... 5:30pm - 7:00pm Wednesdays ................ 4:30pm - 6:00pm Saturdays ................. 11:00am - 12:30pm LEVEL 1x (3 classes per week, required) 8-12 years of age, depending on previous training Annual Tuition ............... $2240 Per Installment ............... $280 Mondays ...................... 4:30pm - 6:00pm Wednesdays ................ 4:30pm - 6:30pm Saturdays ................. 11:00am - 12:30pm
FORMAL Audition Required LEVEL 2 (4 classes per week, required) Annual Tuition ............... $2920 Per Installment ............... $365 Tues - Thurs ......................... 4:30pm - 6:30pm Saturdays .......................... 9:30am - 11:00am LEVEL 2 (5 classes a week, preferred) Annual Tuition ............... $3440 Per Installment ............... $430 Tues - Fri ......................... 4:30pm - 6:30pm Saturdays .......................... 9:30am - 11:00am LEVEL 2x (5 classes per week, required) Annual Tuition ............... $3440 Per Installment ............... $430 Tues - Fri ......................... 4:30pm - 6:30pm Saturdays .......................... 9:30am - 11:00am LEVEL 3 (6 classes per week, required) Annual Tuition ............... $3560 Per Installment ............... $445 Mon - Thurs ......................... 4:30pm - 6:30pm Saturdays .......................... 9:30am - 12:00pm Saturdays .......................... 11:00am - 12:00pm
& TUITION
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LEVEL 3 (7 classes per week, preferred) Annual Tuition ............... $4080 Per Installment ............... $510 Mon - Fri ......................... 4:30pm - 6:30pm Saturdays .......................... 9:30am - 12:00pm Saturdays .......................... 11:00am - 12:00pm LEVEL 3x (7 classes per week, required) Annual Tuition ............... $4080 Per Installment ............... $510 Mon - Fri ......................... 4:30pm - 6:30pm Saturdays .......................... 9:30am - 12:00pm Saturdays .......................... 11:00am - 12:00pm
PROFESSIONAL Audition Required LEVELS 4 - 6 (8 classes per week, required) Annual Tuition ............... $4840 Per Installment ............... $610 Classes held weekday afternoons & Saturdays Please refer to separate daily class schedule LEVELS 3x - 6 (unlimited) Annual Tuition ............... $6120 Per Installment ............... $765 Classes held weekday mornings and afternoons in addition to Saturdays Please refer to separate daily class schedule
OTHER DANCE CLASSES
Student must be minimum age as of Sept. 1, 2015 GYMNASTICS (1 class per week) 4-6 years of age Annual Tuition ............... $270 Per Installment ............... $33.75 Mondays ...................... 5:30pm - 6:30pm
PRE-HIP HOP (1 class per week) 5-7 years of age Annual Tuition ............... $280 Per Installment ............... $35 Saturdays ..................... 12:30pm - 1:15pm HIP HOP - JUNIOR (1 class per week) 8-11 years of age Annual Tuition ............... $440 Per Installment ............... $55 Tuesdays ......................... 6:30pm - 7:30pm Saturdays ..................... 1:30pm - 2:30pm HIP HOP - JUNIOR (2 classes per week) 8-11 years of age Annual Tuition ............... $800 Per Installment ............... $100 Tuesdays ......................... 6:30pm - 7:30pm Saturdays ..................... 1:30pm - 2:30pm HIP HOP - TEEN (2 classes per week, required) 12+ years of age Annual Tuition ............... $800 Per Installment ............... $100 Tuesdays ......................... 7:30pm - 8:30pm Saturdays ..................... 2:30pm - 3:30pm LYRICAL/JAZZ (1 class per week) 8+ years of age, registered ballet students only Annual Tuition ............... $430 Per Installment ............... $53.75 Wednesdays ................ 6:30pm - 7:30pm
OPEN ADULT
Intermediate - Advanced Per Class............... $15 Tuesdays ......................... 6:30pm - 8:00pm Thursdays ......................... 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Dance tuition is due and payable in eight installments by the 1st of each month. If the first of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday, payment will be due on the next operational business day. A discount is available for students who would like to pay the annual tuition in full. A discount is available for families with more than one student enrolled. Contact the front office at 215-551-7010 ext. 1100 for more information.
ROCK ACADEMICS In-house academics for grades 7 - 12
Rock Academics provides a flexible, college-preparatory curriculum that is integrated into each student’s daily routine. Students move forward at a pace suited to their individual abilities, earning middle school and high school credits. Rock Academics and The Rock School’s dance instruction combine to prepare students for both artistic careers and future success in higher education. The Rock Academics staff provides daily academic supervision, while academic tutors in many different subjects provide additional assistance. Several group outings are planned each school year, including a pool party, a Halloween-themed excursion to the Eastern State Penitentiary haunted house, an educational visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and a fun-filled trip to a local amusement park to end the year.
RESIDENCE
Rock Academics also offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for non-native speakers and a post-secondary support program for students who want to get a jumpstart on their college careers and who often spend their college years in professional companies. For more information, see our website at: www.therockschool.org/rockacademics Director of Rock Academics Robert Hodges rockacademics@therockschool.org
A home away from home for students coming from all over the world to train & refine their technique. The Rock School Residence is located in the Marine Club condominiums directly across the street from The Rock School and Ballet Bistro. The Residence occupies one floor, which includes sixteen lovely, large, loft-style apartments, a spacious student lounge with a large television, and a study room. Each apartment has a full kitchen, full bath, laundry room, and is airconditioned.
English as a Second Language and post-secondary support programs available
The Marine Club Residence Director and Assistants provide 24-hour care for each student on an individual basis, ensuring students are well supported. The Residence Director and Assistants live on the floor with the students. There are security cameras in the hallway to monitor all activity on the floor, as well as 24-hour doormen/security to ensure each resident is safe.
Marine Club Residence Director Tina Kelly residence@therockschool.org
SUMMER BALLET INTENSIVE The Summer Ballet Intensive is a selective, audition-only program that immerses aspiring dancers in a minimum of three classes per day, plus rehearsals, plus classes on Saturdays for Levels 3-6. The Rock School offers Adagio, Men’s & Women’s Variations, Pointe, Repertoire, Jazz, Injury Prevention, & more! The Rock School Summer Intensive accepts students ages 8 and up.
ROCKREACH RockReach, the School’s multifaceted outreach program, makes dance accessible to underserved urban youth in the greater Philadelphia community. RockReach makes a significant, long lasting impact on a student’s social, artistic, and academic life. The majority of RockReach participants are in the Title 1 program for economically disadvantaged youth. Classical ballet is not something these students would experience if it were not for RockReach supplementing limited physical and arts education programs in many Philadelphia area schools.
There are three program components within RockReach: In-School Residencies, which include 36 weeks of weekly dance instruction as part of the school curriculum; Dynamics of Dance, interactive performances by Rock School conservatory students at participating schools; and City Dance, a long-term full tuition scholarship program for talented students from low-income families to take classes at The Rock School. “...It is amazing how the boys really look forward to participating [in RockReach]. The program grabbed their interest from the beginning. Students have found another art medium and a way to get their energy out. They are learning new things and the Health and Physical Education teacher is also implementing kinesthetic activities that are increasing their energy...” - Donna Smith, John Wister School
AWARDS 2012 Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) New York City International Finals Gold Medal winner for Ensemble YAGP New York City Finals – Grand Prix, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals; more Soloists qualify for the NYC Finals than any competing school Jerome Robbins Foundation recipients for four consecutive years Two Princess Grace Foundation Award Winners Moscow International Dance Competition and USA International Ballet Competition (Olympics of Ballet) – Gold and Bronze medal winners International Ballet Competition in Havana, Cuba – Gold medal winners 2014 Philadelphia YAGP Semi-Final Jr. and Sr. Grand Prix; 1st place men’s contemporary and classical; 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in Pas de Deux 2014 YAGP NYC Finals The Rock School ensemble was the only student piece selected to perform at the YAGP 15th Anniversary Gala at the Koch Theater in Lincoln Center. Rock students were offered positions with American Ballet Theater Studio Company, San Francisco Ballet, Washington Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet West, Dresden Ballet, and more. Over 30 dancers accepted to compete Silver medal Classical Pas de Deux Bronze medal Ensembles Zachary Downer – Mary Day Award 2014 World Ballet Competition More medals than any other competing organization; Three solos and the ensemble (Noir et Blanc) performed at the final gala. 2015 Philadelphia YAGP Semi-Final 10th consecutive Outstanding School Award; Jr. and Sr. Grand Prix; 1st place Pas de Deux; 1st place senior classical and contemporary women’s division; 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in senior classical men’s division; 1st & 2nd place in senior contemporary men’s division 2015 YAGP NYC Finals Over 20 dancers accepted to compete Bronze medal Pas de Deux, Bronze medal Ensemble at NYC Finals
THE MERRIAM THEATER Friday, November 27th, 2015 Saturday, November 28th, 2015
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