THE
OCK SCHOOL
f o r D A N C E E D U C AT I O N
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“ I love The Rock School. It has prepared me for a very bright future! The versatility the school provides for its dancers is exactly what a 21st century professional needs. Dance has evolved to become a mix of many things and The Rock School truly prepares dancers for that professional experience – and for that I am very grateful.” -DEREK DUNN
Follow The Rock School's Faculty, student's, and alumni's journey in their #RockSchoolLife /therockschool
@therockschool
@rockschooldance
Dancer, Cover: Current Rock Student, Linyue Zhao • Inside Cover: Rock Alumnus, Derek Dunn • Photographer, Vikki Sloviter
Rock Alumnus / Summer Guest Faculty Principal, Boston Ballet
#exploreyourvoice The Rock School has placed and continues to place dancers in companies throughout the world including all major dance companies in the United States. The Rock School has decades of experience in developing each individual’s unique abilities. We believe integrity and discipline are key to achieving a fulfilling career. Whether students desire to become principal dancers or just want to grow their love for dance, The Rock School enables students to rise to their full potential through dedication and perseverance. The School has been selected as “Outstanding School” for an unprecedented 14 years in a row by Youth America Grand Prix, the largest ballet competition in the world.
1101 South Broad Street, Philadelphia PA 19147 • 215-551-7010 THEROCKSCHOOL.ORG
Table of Contents Directors...................................................................................................................6 Faculty.........................................................................................................................7 BALLET Early Ballet (ages 3-6)................................................................................8 Children’s Ballet (ages 7+)......................................................................10 Elevé....................................................................................................................12 Professional Division...................................................................................14 Academics........................................................................................................18 Residence..........................................................................................................20 Performances..................................................................................................22
PRE-K DANCE.......................................................................................................24 CONTINUATIONS Youth...................................................................................................................26 Adult....................................................................................................................28 Facilities.......................................................................................................................30 Alumni.........................................................................................................................32 Rock Reach..............................................................................................................34
Directors Bojan Spassoff
Stephanie Wolf Spassoff
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 companies. 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 principle 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. He was Associate Director for the New York State Summer School for the Arts, run in conjunction with NYCB under Robert Weiss, Heather Watts and Damian Woetzel. He was Ballet Master for PA Ballet and Director of its school. He is currently a judge for Youth America Grand Prix. Mr. Spassoff is Artistic Coordinator 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, Ms. Spassoff 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. As a soloist, Ms. Spassoff danced solo and principal roles with PA Ballet. She has been a judge for Youth America Grand Prix and the World Ballet Competition. She is an artistic coordinator for the “Despertares” Mexico City Gala.
President/Director
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Artistic Director
Backstage at the 2019 Showcase - FĂŞte des Fleurs
Faculty Bo Spassoff, President & Director Stephanie Wolf Spassoff, Artistic Director Justin Allen, Associate Director, Resident Choreographer, Ballet Master Jody Anderson, Ballet Master Telmo Moreira, Ballet Master Justin Allen Jody Anderson Laura Banchero Sun-Mi Clark Colby Damon Yosbel Delgado Chrissy Eltvedt Gina Grace
Telmo Moreira Christina Pastras Ruiz Bojan Spassoff Stephanie Wolf Spassoff Emily Stevens Eva Szabo Natalya Lushina Zeiger
Guest Faculty Karin Averty Cato Berry Derek Dunn Esteban Hernandez Sarah Lapointe Maiqui Manosa Juliana Missano Natasha Morken
Sara Michelle Murawski Luciano Perotto Rachel Richardson Beckanne Sisk Julia-Rose Sherrill Daniel Ulbricht
Early Ballet foundation, friendship, & fun Ages 3-6 Creative Movement / Pre-Ballet 1 / Pre-Ballet 2
Our especially designed Early Ballet Program integrates all the strong foundations children need for ballet technique, while maintaining the joy and excitement of movement and music. CREATIVE MOVEMENT
PRE-BALLET 2
3 years of age, no experience required
6 years of age, no experience required
Select up to three classes Mondays.......................... 3:30 - 4:15pm Wednesdays................. 3:30 - 4:15pm Saturdays........................ 8:15 - 9:00am 1 class per week Per Quarter.................. $165 Per School Year............ $660 2 classes per week Per Quarter.................. $247.50 Per School Year............ $990 3 classes per week Per Quarter.................. $355 Per School Year............ $1,420
Select up to three classes Mondays.......................... 4:30 - 5:30pm Thursdays....................... 4:30 - 5:30pm Saturdays........................ 10:00 - 11:00am 1 class per week Per Quarter.................. $200 Per School Year............ $800 2 classes per week Per Quarter.................. $360 Per School Year............ $1,440 3 classes per week Per Quarter.................. $495 Per School Year............ $1,980
PRE-BALLET 1 4-5 years of age, no experience required
Select up to three classes Mondays.......................... 4:30 - 5:30pm Tuesdays.......................... 4:30 - 5:30pm Thursdays....................... 4:30 - 5:30pm Saturdays........................ 9:00 - 10:00am Saturdays........................ 10:00 - 11:00am Saturdays........................ 11:00am - 12:00pm 1 class per week Per Quarter.................. $200 Per School Year............ $800 2 classes per week Per Quarter.................. $360 Per School Year............ $1,440 3 classes per week Per Quarter.................. $495 Per School Year............ $1,980
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Visit therockschool.org/early-ballet for more information
Children’s Ballet imagine, dance, & dream Age 7+ Level 1 / Level 1X
We offer an integrated and age appropriate ballet curriculum focusing on the strong classical foundations needed to build and develop a healthy dancer. All students perform at the Annenberg Theater in our end of the school year Showcase and also have the opportunity to perform in Nutcracker 1776 at the Annenberg Center. LEVEL 1 7-10 years of age, no experience required
Students must attend Saturday class and either one or two weekday class(es) Tuesdays.......................... 5:30 - 7:00pm Wednesdays................. 4:30 - 6:00pm Saturdays........................ 11:00am -12:30pm 2 classes per week, minimum required Per Quarter.................. $440 Per School Year............ $1,760 3 classes per week, recommended Per Quarter.................. $580 Per School Year............ $2,320
LEVEL 1X Audition Required 8-12 years of age, depending on previous training
Mondays.......................... 4:30 - 6:00pm Wednesdays................. 4:30 - 6:30pm Saturdays........................ 11:00am - 12:30pm 3 classes per week, required Per Quarter.................. $580 Per School Year............ $2,320
Visit therockschool.org/childrens-ballet for more information 10
Elevé explore, aspire, & define by Audition Only - Part Time Level 2 / Level 2X / Level 3 / Level 3X
The School’s Elevé division is the bridge to the Professional program. Elevé combines an age appropriate and level-specific curriculum with performance opportunities designed to develop the complete dancer. We provide a nurturing class environment with focus on proper alignment and technique to prepare students physically and mentally for this next level of training. LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
Tues - Fri......................... 4:30pm - 6:30pm Saturdays........................ 9:30 - 11:00am
Mondays.......................... 4:30 - 6:30pm Tuesdays.......................... 4:30 - 6:30pm Wednesdays................. 5:00 - 6:30pm Thursdays....................... 4:30 - 6:30pm Fridays.............................. 4:30 - 6:30pm Saturdays........................ 9:30am - 12:00pm
4 days per week, minimum required (does not attend Friday class) Per Installment............. $392.50 Per School Year............ $3,140 5 days per week, recommended Per Installment............. $472.50 Per School Year............ $3,780
5 days per week, minimum required (does not attend Friday class) Per Installment............. $487.50 Per School Year............ $3,900
LEVEL 2X
6 days per week, recommended Per Installment............. $560 Per School Year............ $4,480
Tues - Fri......................... 4:30 - 6:30pm Saturdays........................ 9:30am - 11:00am 5 days per week, required Per Installment .............. $472.50 Per School Year............ $3,780
LEVEL 3X Mondays.......................... 4:30 - 6:30pm Tuesdays.......................... 4:30 - 6:30pm Wednesdays................. 5:00 - 6:30pm Thursdays....................... 4:30 - 6:30pm Fridays.............................. 4:30 - 6:30pm Saturdays........................ 9:30am - 12:00pm 6 days per week, required Per Installment............. $560 Per School Year............ $4,480
Visit therockschool.org/eleve for more information 12
2019 Rock Showcase at the Annenberg Center, Dancer: Audrey Munson
Professional Division focus, achieve, & excel The Rock School faculty combine balanced training and pure technique, based on their own unique background and individual expertise. The full-time faculty, with their varied training, is rotated throughout the week for the Professional Division classes providing students a comprehensive dance education. The School offers the Rock Academics program, a café on the second floor with nutritious meal plans, as well as a modern loftstyle 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. • Rock Academics and Residence • Guidance in compiling an audition reel • Rock dancers participating in Youth America Grand Prix have the option of additional coaching • Daily men’s classes • Contemporary classes every other week • Weekly Pas de Deux (3 times a week for boys) • Weekly variations class
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Ellie Iannotti, 2019 YAGP Regional Jr. Grand Prix Marcos Ramirez, 2019 YAGP Regional 1st Overall Sr. Classical
Professional Division schedule & tuition 3/3X Intermediate (Full Time) (students attend 3/3X on afternoons and Saturdays) Mondays.......................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 4:30 - 6:30pm Tuesdays.......................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 4:30 - 6:30pm Wednesdays................. 10:30am -1:00pm & 5:00 - 6:30pm Thursdays....................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 4:30 - 6:30pm Fridays.............................. 10:30am -1:00pm & 4:30 - 6:30pm Saturdays........................ 9:30am - 12:00pm 6 days per week, required Per Installment .............. $875 Per School Year........... $7,000
LEVEL 4 Mondays.......................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm Tuesdays.......................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:30pm Wednesdays................. 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:30pm Thursdays....................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:30pm Fridays.............................. 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:30pm Saturdays........................ 9:30am - 12:00pm 6 days per week, required Per Installment .............. $875 Per School Year............ $7,000
LEVEL 5 Mondays.......................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 6:30pm Tuesdays.......................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:30pm Wednesdays................. 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm Thursdays....................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:30pm Fridays.............................. 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm Saturdays........................ 9:30am - 12:00pm 6 days per week, required Per Installment .............. $875 Per School Year............ $7,000
LEVEL 6 Mondays.......................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm Tuesdays.......................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm Wednesdays................. 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm Thursdays....................... 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm Fridays.............................. 10:30am -1:00pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm Saturdays........................ 9:30am - 12:30pm 6 days per week, required Per Installment .............. $875 Per School Year............ $7,000
Visit therockschool.org/professional-division for more information 16
“ I couldn’t love this place any more!!! The teachers, directors, staff,
Dancer: Level 5 Rock Student, Anna Turkington • Photographer: Vikki Sloviter
students... everything!!! I have felt tremendous improvements not only as a dancer, but also as a human. The Rock School provides such a positive atmosphere.”
- A N N A T U R K I N G TO N
2019/20 Professional Division Student Awarded 1st Overall Junior Classical & Contemporary, 2019 YAGP Regionals
Academics accomplish your goals Rock Academics is a community that fosters both academic and individual growth for the ballet student. It provides the oversight and accountability that students need to stay on top of their studies and the freedom to work at their pace and build personal responsibility. The daily routine and structure of Academics, designed to work in conjunction with their ballet training, helps students learn to organize their time and take control of their education. While in Rock Academics, students are enrolled in one of our three online partner programs and earn middle or high school credits, plus they have the opportunity to take onsite courses, augmenting the online curriculum. Together, these courses propel the students towards their high school diploma and future success in higher education. Rock Academics also offers English as a Second Language (ESL), providing an introduction to the English language for non-English speaking students. Keystone (grades 9-12) - $1,437.50 per installment, $11,500 per school year Keystone (grades 7 & 8) - $1,250 per installment, $10,000 per school year CCA (PA residents only) - $375 per installment, $3,000 per school year Dwight School - Contact us for more information ESL - $250 per installment, $2,000 per school year
“Rock Academics is the reason I was able to fulfill my dream as a dancer AND graduate achieving all my academic goals. I had suppor t, encouragement, and balance, which is everything I needed to be the best student possible. I would recommend Rock Academics to every student with a passion for both dance and school.� - JULIANA MISSANO
Rock Professional Division & Academics Alumna Apprentice with Atlanta Ballet and 2017 Presidential Scholar in the Ar ts
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Rock Academics Class of 2018/19 with Directors Bo & Stephanie
Residence welcome home L​ ocated directly across the street from The Rock School, we offer spacious loft style apartments equipped with a kitchen, bath, and laundry room. The School offers 24-hour care with a Residence Life Manager, Student Life Manager and Residence Associates living on the floor with students, ensuring they are well supported while living away from home. The newly constructed Lincoln Square located next to the Marine Club offers a variety of convenient shopping such as a Target, Sprouts, Starbucks, Chipotle and Insomnia Cookies. Resident students participate in a number of activities throughout the year, including a trip to Longwood Gardens, apple picking at Linvilla Orchards, family meals, a pool party, Pennsylvania Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra performances (at discounted student rates). To find out more and to schedule a tour please visit: therockschool.org/residence Price - $2,593.75 per installment, $20,750 per school year
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Performances refine your artistr y Performance opportunities expand the boundaries of daily technique, develop a student’s artistic voice and build peer relationships. All of our students enrolled in Pre Ballet 1 and higher have the opportunity to perform in our Nutcracker 1776 and end of the school year Showcase. 2019/20 Performance Opportunities: Nutcracker 1776, Annenberg Center Annual Showcase, Annenberg Center RockReach, Dynamics of Dance Assemblies By Invitation: Land of Sweets Philadelphia Fringe Arts Festival Rock School Open Houses Holiday Spectacular with The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Kimmel Center Annual Rock School Gala, The Kimmel Center
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Pre-K Classes Less structured classes combining dance, songs and story time. Pre-K Dance: Ages 2-4
First steps: Building independence, cultivating the joy of movement and the freedom to express. Our carefully designed program is the perfect beginning for your budding little dancer. Studies show a direct correlation between an early exposure to music, drama & dance and a proficiency in math, reading and writing.
PRE-K DANCE • 2-Year Olds Saturdays...........................8:45 - 9:30am Per Quarter.....................$75 Per School Year...............$300
PRE-K DANCE • 3 & 4-Year Olds Saturdays...........................8:45 - 9:30am Per Quarter.....................$75 Per School Year...............$300
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Continuations Structured Dance and Movement Classes Ages 4+
The joy of dance technique and movement is the main focus of these classes. All ages will benefit from these movement and technique focused classes that meet once a week. Dynamic teachers in a community minded atmosphere will nurture your students love of dance.
GYMNASTICS BASICS Age 4-6
Mondays.............................5:30 - 6:15pm Per Quarter.....................$75 Per School Year...............$300
HIP HOP: Kids Age 4-7
Thursdays......................... 5:30 - 6:15pm Saturdays...........................12:30 - 1:15pm Per Quarter.....................$75 Per School Year...............$300
HIP HOP: Junior Age 8+
Select one or both classes Tuesdays............................... 6:30 - 7:30pm Saturdays............................. 1:30 - 2:30pm 1 class per week Per Quarter....................... $110 Per School Year................. $440 2 classes per week Per Quarter....................... $200 Per School Year................. $800
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Continuations Structured Dance and Movement Classes for Teens and Adults Adult 16+
The joy of dance technique and movement is the main focus of these classes. All ages will benefit from these movement and technique focused classes that meet once or twice a week. Nurture your body and enliven your fitness and dance goals. Adult classes run on a drop-in basis. No registration required.
INTERMEDIATE OPEN BALLET Tuesdays.............................6:30 - 8:00pm Thursdays..........................6:30 - 8:00pm Per Class............................$15 Class Card.........................8 Classes/$110
Instructor, Eva Szabo Eva Szabo danced and toured extensively with the Gyori Ballet, a company which she co-founded in her native Hungary. She graduated from the Hungarian National Ballet Institute, receiving an international teaching certificate encompassing classical ballet, ballroom dance, folk dance, and pas de deux techniques. Ms. Szabo was formerly on faculty at the University of the Arts as Associate Adjunct Professor.
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Facilities Costume Shop
Handmade Elegance: Our award winning Costume Mistress, Laura Berry details and builds every costume to accentuate all of our dancer’s movements and repertoire with a beautifully fully equipped costume shop nestled right in the school. Costume Internships are available for 2019/20 students. email our Costume Shop Manager: BerryL@therockschool.org
Rock Boutique
Basics and Beyond: Official Rock School Lululemon gear and all of your dance basics are easily supplied on the second floor of the Rock School. Items are also available online at therockschool.org/rockboutique
Café
Healthy Homemade Food: Meal cards are available to all students, and our cafe offers healthy options for the entire family. Free Wi-Fi.
Physical Therapy
Customized Care: The Rock School’s resident Physical Therapists provide exceptional care through an on-site and offsite facility. Heather F. Stewart, PT, DPT, SCS is board certified in sports physical therapy. Julie Green, MSPT, OCS is an orthopedic specialized physical therapist with extensive experience in the treatment of both amateur and professional dancers.
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Alumni 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.
Michaela DePrince Dutch National Ballet Soloist Zachary Downer Cats and Hello Dolly! on Broadway Derek Dunn Boston Ballet Principal Esteban Hernandez San Francisco Ballet Principal Isaac Hernandez English National Ballet Principal Russell Janzen New York City Ballet Principal Elizabeth Murphy Pacific Northwest Ballet Principal Beckanne Sisk Ballet West Principal Christine Schevchenko American Ballet Theatre Principal Taylor Stanley New York City Ballet Principal Wanting Zhao San Francisco Ballet Principal
For an expansive list of all of our amazing Rock Alumni. Please visit: rockschool.org/alumni
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Rock Alumni L-R: Jeanette Kakareka - Bayerisches Staatsballett; Michaela DePrince - Dutch National Soloist; Esteban Hernandez - San Francisco Ballet Principal; Beckanne Sisk - Ballet West Principal
RockReach RockReach is the largest dance outreach program in the region. It annually serves over 20,000 children in greater Philadelphia. It provides: • Residencies: In school and after school dance classes to Title I school children. • Dynamics of Dance: Introduction to dance through field trips to The Rock School in addition to dance classes, assemblies and master classes. • City Dance Scholarships: identifies talented children and presents them with long-term, high-quality training at The Rock School. • Nutcracker 1776: Philadelphia-area children are bussed to the Annenberg Center to watch live performances of this holiday classic. RockReach performances are accessible for the visually and hearing impaired.
ROCKREACH FACULTY Christina Pastras Ruiz, RockReach Director Stephanie Demby Fallon Gannon Catherine Long Charon Mapp Jodi Obeid Theresa Pelicata Kelly Rambo Angelica Spillis Jennifer Yackel
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THE ROCK SCHOOL FOR DANCE EDUCATION 1101 S Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 therockschool.org Rock Alumni, Luciano Perotto, Ballet de Monterrey and Teresa D’Ortone 18/19 ABT Studio Compnay, Photo - Vikki Sloviter