THE
OCK SCHOOL
for Dance Education
2017/2018
WELCOME 2017/2018 The Rock School has decades of experience in developing each individual’s unique abilities and possibilities. We believe integrity and discipline are key to achieving a fulfilling career. Whether students desire to become principal dancers or want to grow their love for dance, The Rock School enables them to rise to their full potential through dedication and perserverance. The School has been selected as “Outstanding School” for an unprecedented twelve years in a row by Youth America Grand Prix, the largest ballet competition in the world. The Rock School has placed dancers in companies throughout the world including all major dance companies in the United States.
•Welcome Directors & Faculty • Children’s Dance Children’ Schedule & Tuition • Elevé Performance •Professional Academics Residence • Performance • Nutcracker 1776 • Costume Shop • Rock Boutique • Rock Café • Alumni • RockReach *Open Adult Ballet Class offerings available at therockschool.org/adult-ballet
1101 South Broad Street Philadelphia, Pa, 19147 • 215-551-7010
therockschool.or g “I’m so grateful for the time I had at The Rock School and I am thrilled about the opportunity to give back to the school that prepared me for my professional careers. The generosity and dedication of all the faculty and staff is commendable, and creates a wonderful supportive and invigorating atmosphere. The level of dancers that the School produces is impressive and it will be a joy to teach the students. My time at The Rock taught me the work ethic that is so beneficial in a career and simultaneously nurtured my love of dance. I look forward to spending more time there this summer.” - Rachel Richardson, Rock Alumna, ABT Corps Member
Above - Dancers: Alumni, Rammaru Shindo, Rachel Richardson Front Cover - Photographer: Vikki Sloviter, Dancer: Kaylee McConeghy
Faculty DIRECTORS
Bojan Spassoff
Stephanie Wolf Spassoff
President/Director
Artistic Director
Bojan Spassoff was a Ford Foundation Scholarship student at the School of American Ballet and was an apprentice with the Harkness Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and the New York City Ballet. Thereafter, Mr. Spassoff became a member of the Dutch National ballet and was later among the first foreigners to join the Royal Danish Ballet. Subsequently, Mr Spassoff was invited to join American Ballet Theatre and continued his career dancing solo and principal roles with the San Francisco Ballet and teaching for that company and its school. Mr. Spassoff served as Artistic Director for both Savannah Ballet and Ballet Oklahoma and their associated schools and currently is a judge for Youth America Grand Prix. Mr. Spassoff is Artistic Director for the largest ballet galas in Mexico City, “Despertares”.
Ms. Spassoff is an alumna of The School of American Ballet and New York’s Performing Arts High School. After a private audition with Agnes DeMille, Ms. Spassoff was invited to join the national tour of “Where’s Charley.” Thereafter, she was invited to join American Ballet Theater. She continued her career with San Francisco Ballet and Finis Jhung’s New York Chamber Ballet. She was a principal dancer and Associate Director of both Ballet Oklahoma and the Savannah Ballet and their respective schools. For 26 years Ms. Spassoff was a full-time faculty member of the New York State Summer School for the Arts, run in conjunction with New York City Ballet. Ms. Spassoff has been a judge for Youth America Grand Prix and the World Ballet Competition.
Levels 4/5 rehearsal
FACULTY Justin Allen, Associate Director, Resident Choreographer, Ballet Master Jody Anderson, Ballet Master Vanessa Baker Laura Banchero Laura Berry Sarah Gladwin Camp Sun-Mi Cho Colby Damon Yosbel Delgado
Gina Grace Vincent Johnson Christina Ruiz Pastras Bojan Spassoff Stephanie Wolf Spassoff Eva Szabo Natalya Zeiger
GUEST FACULTY Karin Averty Joaquin De Luz Lucas Labrador Sarah Lapointe Skyler Lubin Sara Michelle Murawski
Juliana Missano Luciano Perotto Rachel Richardson Francois Serre y Berga Daniel Ulbricht
Follow The Rock School’s faculty and student’s journey in their #RockSchoolLife
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@rockschooldance
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C hi ld ren ’s D an c e imagine, dance, & dream
Our Children’s Dance Program is for students in the approximate age range of 3-12 years old. We offer ballet, hip-hop, creative movement, and pre-gymnastics. Students perform at the historic Merriam Theater in Nutcracker 1776 and Showcase.
Creative Movement • Just for 3 year olds Let your little one find the joy of moving to music as a beginning step to his or her first dance class. Laughter and friendship are abound while coordination and strength are developed. Children’s Ballet • Ages 3+ Includes music, movement, joy and the art of ballet. Core building ballet foundations help develop and refine your child’s love of movement. A nurturing environment allows students to grow in focus and friendships, while cultivating the proper foundations for ballet technique. Level placement required. Boys dance ballet tuition free ages 3-11. Hip-Hop • Ages 5+ Our hip-hop program provides fun classes allowing students to develop physical fitness, mental fortitude, creativity, and cultural understanding. Students are exposed to both old school and new hip-hop. Pre-Gymnastics • Ages 4-6 Pre-Gym is an introduction to gymnastics with an emphasis on major muscle movement and coordination in a nurturing and encouraging setting.
Pre-Ballet 2 Class
Schedule & Tuition CHILDREN’S DANCE CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Pre-Gymnastics
3 years of age, No experience required
4-6 years of age, No experience required
Mondays.................3:30 - 4:15pm Wednesdays ........3:30 - 4:15pm 1 class per week Annual Tuition .....$660 Per Quarter .........$165 2 classes per week Annual Tuition .....$1180 Per Quarter .........$295
Mondays.................5:30 - 6:15pm Thursdays ..............5:30 - 6:15pm 1 class per week Annual Tuition .....$300 Per Quarter .........$75 2 classes per week Annual Tuition .....$540 Per Quarter .........$135
PRE-BALLET 1
PRE-BALLET 2
4-5 years of age, No experience required
6 years of age, No experience required
Mondays.................4:30 - 5:30pm Tuesdays .................4:30 - 5:30pm Thursdays ..............4:30 - 5:30pm Saturdays................8:30am - 9:30am Saturdays................10:00 - 11:00am Saturdays................11:00am - 12:00pm 1 class per week Annual Tuition .....$800 Per Quarter .........$200 2 classes per week Annual Tuition .....$1440 Per Quarter .........$360 3 classes per week Annual Tuition .....$1980 Per Quarter .........$495 4 classes per week Annual Tuition .....$2340 Per Quarter .........$585
Mondays.................4:30 - 5:30pm Thursdays ..............4:30 - 5:30pm Saturdays................8:30 - 9:30am Saturdays................10:00 -11:00am 1 class per week Annual Tuition .....$800 Per Quarter .........$200 2 classes per week Annual Tuition ..... $1440 Per Quarter ...........$360 3 classes per week Annual Tuition .....$1980 Per Quarter .........$495
- A discount is available for families with more than one student enrolled and for students who would like to pay the annual tuition in full. - Discounts are not applied to online registration; please contact our front office in order to apply discounts or scholarships. - For more information call our front office at 215-551-7010 ext. 1100.
LEVEL 1 7-10 years of age, No experience required
Tuesdays .................5:30 - 7:00pm Wednesdays ........4:30 - 6:00pm Saturdays................11:00am -12:30pm Saturdays................12:00 -1:30pm 2 classes per week, required (must attend a Saturday class) Annual Tuition .....$1760 Per Quarter .........$440 3 classes per week, preferred Annual Tuition ............... $2320 Per Quarter ................... $580
Ballet is TUITION FREE for boys ages 3 -11 find out more: rockschool.org/balletboys
AUDITION REQUIRED FOR LEVEL 1X AND UP Classes meet evenings and Saturdays
LEVEL 1X
8-12 years of age, depending on previous training
Student must be minimum age as of September 1, 2017.
Mondays.................4:30 - 6:00pm Wednesdays ........4:30 - 6:30pm Saturdays................11:00am - 12:30pm 3 classes per week, required Annual Tuition .....$2320 Per Quarter .........$580
PRE-HIP-HOP
HIP-HOP Jr.
5-7 years of age, No experience required
8-11 years of age, No experience required
Saturdays................12:30 - 1:15pm Annual Tuition .....$300 Per Quarter .........$75
Tuesdays .................6:30 - 7:30pm Saturdays................1:30 - 2:30pm 1 class per week Annual Tuition .....$440 Per Quarter .........$110 2 classes per week Annual Tuition .....$800 Per Quarter .........$200
TUITION DUE DATES Quarterly 1. At time of registration 2. November 7 3. January 23 4. March 27
All new and recurring students pay an annual registration fee. Scholarship students are also required to pay a $50 scholarship fee.
Elevé explore, aspire, & define
The School’s Elevé division is the bridge to the Professional program. Elevé combines an age appropriate and levelspecific curriculum with performance opportunities designed to develop the complete dancer. These performance opportunities compliment the technique classes that are the core of the program. Performing on a professional stage and experiencing the magic of the theatre is vital in developing a pre-professional student’s love and understanding of dance. Students in the Elevé program have multiple opportunities to perform in our Open House events, hosted at the School. The Rock School is also proud to offer students the opportunity to perform Nutcracker 1776 and Showcase on stage at the beautiful Merriam Theater. Located blocks away from The Rock School on the Avenue of the Arts, the Merriam Theater solidifies the professional quality experience we have brought to our families for decades.
*Schedule and Tuition: therockschool.org/eleve-program
Level 3-3X in our annual Showcase performance at the Merriam Theater
Elevé train with purpose Rock School’s Elevé Program is specifically designed to meet the needs of students placed in level 2, 2x, 3, and 3x by preparing them for the School’s professional division. We provide a nurturing class environment with focused attention on proper alignment and technique. Students accepted into the ballet program at this level are eligible to take a contemporary dance class. The Elevé Program’s curriculum prepares students physically and mentally to embrace their next adventure in dance and beyond, cultivating discipline and friendships that will last a lifetime. Sample Schedule 3/3X: Monday-Friday
Saturday
4:30-6pm • Ballet Technique
9:30-11am • Ballet Technique
6-6:30pm • Pointe
11am-12pm • Pointe
Optional Contemporary
11-3pm • Rehearsal
Sample Schedule 2X: Tuesday-Friday
Saturday
4:30-6pm • Ballet Technique
9:30-11am • Ballet Technique
6-6:30pm • Pointe
11am-12pm • Pointe
Optional Contemporary
11-3pm • Rehearsal
Level 2X Class
Fall Open House Performance
Level 2X Class
Professional focus , achieve, & excel
Rock School students train to excel in any professional environment. The School’s carefully constructed schedules expose our students to a diversity of teachers, all Vaganovabased all with their unique perspectives. In an effort to create the best training environment, the School offers the reputable Rock Academics program, a café on the second floor with comprehensive meal plans, as well as a modern loft-style residence located directly across the street from the School. The School is equipped with an on-site physical therapy room, for our on-call physical therapist with dance expertise.
SAMPLE CURRICULUM • Repetoire • Partnering • Fast Forward Dance Contemporary Dance and Choreography track please visit: FFDANCE.COM • Choreography opportunities • Rock academics and residence • Weekly body conditioning class • Guidance in compiling an audition reel • Youth America Grand Prix coaching and training
*Schedule and Tuition: therockschool.org/professional-program
2016 Showcase at The Merriam Theater
Academics accomplish your goals
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, culminating in a high school diploma. Rock Academics augments the online education with in-class courses and group activities, keeping students engaged and part of the Rock Academics family. Most importantly, Rock Academics prepares students for future success in higher education.
The Rock Academics staff provides daily and weekly academic supervision; academic tutors provide additional assistance. Rock Academics also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) for non-native speakers and a postsecondary support program for students who want to get a jumpstart on their college careers. The School provides preparaton for SAT and PSAT as well as transportation to/from testing sites.
Sample Schedule
Pricing • 2017-2018
8am-10am
Academics
10:30am-1pm
Ballet / Pointe / Men
1pm-1:30pm
Lunch
1:30pm-3:30pm Academics / Rehearsals 4pm-6pm
Ballet / Pointe
Dwight Global Online $16,000 School The Keystone School
$11,000
Commonwealth Charter Academy
$3,000
English as a Second Language (ESL)
$2,000
Residence welcome home
Located directly across the street from The Rock School, the Marine Club Residence offers an entire floor to our students. Student rooms are large, loft-style apartments. There is a spacious student lounge with a large television, and a separate study room. Each apartment has a full kitchen, full bath, laundry room, and is air-conditioned. Twenty-four hour care is provided for each student. The Residence Life Manager, Student Life Manager, and Residence Associates live on the floor with the students, ensuring they are well supported while living away from home.
2017-2018 Pricing $20,750
Annual
$2,593.75
Installment
Installment Dates: 1. At time of registration 2. October 3 3. November 7 4. December 12
5. January 23 6. February 21 7. March 27 8. May 1
Residence pricing includes a comprehensive meal plan serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the school year in the Rock School CafĂŠ located directly across the street.
Pe r f o r m a n c e refine your artistr y
Performance opportunities expand the boundaries of daily technique, develop a student’s artistic voice, and build peer relationships. Our performance season offers a variety of opportunities for all levels.
2017-18 PROFESSIONAL DIVISION SEASON: Fringe Arts - Professional Division September 2017, The Rock School Open Houses - Select Elevé and Professional Division Students Seasonal, The Rock School Nutcracker 1776 Previews - Select Students November 1, American Revolution Museum and more Nutcracker 1776 - All Levels November 24 & 25, Merriam Theater RockReach Assemblies - Select Students Throughout the year • Philadelphia Schools Youth America Grand Prix Previews - YAGP Competitors January 2018 • The Rock School Rock School Gala - Select Students May 2018 • Theater TBD Studio A Series - Select Elevé and Professional Division Students Throughout the year • The Rock School Showcase - All Levels June 2018 • Merriam Theater There are additional performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Curtis Institute of Music. -Sample Season subject to change
Nutcracker 1776 at the Merriam Theater
Nutcracker 1776 be a par t of the magic
Join us November 24th and 25th, 2017 at the Merriam Theater to inaugurate the holiday season with The Rock School’s acclaimed and historically inspired Nutcracker 1776. General Mouse Howe leads the famous Battle Scene against the young stars, Abby and Johnny. The Sugar Plum Fairy dazzles with artistry and athleticism. The story is led by Ben Franklin as he weaves this magical tale as our heroes journey through an enchanted night of exquisite dancing performed by our talented local and international students. Your family can be a part of the magical journey by enrolling your child this fall at The Rock School. Ages 3 through Professional level have the opportunity to bring this classic tale to life. Nutcracker 1776 is a professionally designed production supported by a remarkable faculty and staff. This wonderful performance is an overall amazing learning experience that will inspire your young dancer forever.
Yenni, from Burlington, NJ says: “Nutcracker 1776 is an adaption of the original ballet that is attractive to the whole family. Kids love it. The costumes are amazing. The corps de ballet can compete with any professional ballet company, in fact they are as good if not better than professional ones I’ve seen”.
Costume Shop handmade elegance The Rock School is equipped with its own in-house costume shop located on the third floor. All performing students receive individual fittings. Dancers spend their entire lives sculpting every line of their bodies and our Costume Mistress, Laura Berry, does an exquisite job detailing every costume at The Rock School to accentuate and showcase the dancer’s instrument. She also designs and creates historically accurate costumes for Nutcracker 1776 as well as amazing tutus and costumes for Youth America Grand Prix.
Rock Boutique dress, style , & accessories The Rock School offers an in-house boutique for ballet basics for the convenience of our students and parents.The Rock Boutique is located on the 2nd floor and offers a variety of dance wear, Rock School merchandise, gifts, and accessories. Boutique items are also available online by visiting: therockschool.org/rockboutique
Rock Café community, food, & fun The Rock Café’s main mission is to provide healthy, home cooked meals for the students from around the world dormed in the Rock Residence. Meal cards are available to all students. The Café is a comfortable location for family and friends to relax while their young ones are dancing. Free wifi is available. Host your event at The Rock Café, located on the second floor, with a skyline view of downtown Philadelphia, The Café accommodates up to 200 guests.
Alumni realize your dreams
The Rock School’s training has proven to be effective in securing professional positions with major ballet companies. Our students grace the stages of nearly every major ballet company in the world and continue to impact the dance world and beyond. Visit the rockschool.org/alumni for an expansive list of the Rock Alumni and where they are today.
Class of 2011: Where are they now? Kyle Davis - Soloist, Pacific Northwest Ballet Michaela DePrince - Soloist, Dutch National Ballet Millis Faust - Formerly Finnish National Ballet Kara Hanretty - Formerly of Ballet Arizona Isaac Hernandez - Principal, English National Ballet Jeanette Kakareka - Ballet Zaida Afiinity & Artist of English National Ballet Sandhurst Miggins - Dior Model Yurika Nakano - Dance Teacher, Therapist Lawrence Rines - Soloist, Boston Ballet Christine Shevchenko - Soloist, American Ballet Theatre Kyohei Yoshida - Formerly of Grand Rapids Ballet & Instructor at the SUJO
Alumna, Michaela DePrince performs at a Dynamics of Dance assembly.
RockReach is the largest community outreach program in dance serving the Philadelphia region. Created and developed by The Rock School, RockReach directly impacts the lives of 26,000 underserved children annually. The program consists of four components: In-school and after-school Residencies provide Title I schoolchildren with structured dance classes 4 hours per week for 36 weeks. Dynamics of Dance is a performance-based informative program designed to reach high volumes of inner-city children with an introduction to ballet and dance through assemblies and field trips to The Rock School, including master classes and a performance by Rock School students. City Dance Scholarship Program identifies a group of talented children with potential to excel in ballet, and provides them with long-term, high-quality training at The Rock School. The scholarships are awarded to students from poverty-level households, as federally defined. Each year, The Rock School offers Philadelphia-area children the opportunity to see its enchanting holiday production of Nutcracker 1776, providing 1,800 free tickets and transportation to the historic Merriam Theater.
rockreachdance.org /rockreachdance
@rockreachdance
@rockreach.dance
NON-PROFIT ORG.
THE ROCK SCHOOL FOR DANCE EDUCATION 1101 S Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19147
US POSTAGE PAID Philadelphia, PA PERMIT #7252
Photo by Vikki Sloviter