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North Atlanta Dance Academy
Photo By Richard Calmes
Programs and Philosophy
The philosophy behind our program is based on the dancer’s need for versatility. Professional companies, which were considered strictly classically oriented, now maintain contemporary repertoires. Predominantly jazz or Broadway dancers must have good ballet technique. Modern companies seek dancers with strong classical foundations. Talented artists with solid classical and contemporary foundations possess a higher probability of success.
Ballet
North Atlanta Dance Academy features Vaganova style Ballet training. At the turn of the twentieth century teachers from France and Italy greatly influenced the “Russian” school. Aggripina Vaganova, a renowned teacher of the Kirov school in St. Petersburg, Russia, took the best from the French, Italian and Russian schools. She codified them into a style considered by many to be the foremost method of training ballet dancers. The style she developed, in conjunction with other teachers such as Alexander Pushkin developed greater strength and a highly developed use of the arms creating a more harmonious and lyrical way of moving. Several of the most noted Kirov trained dancers are Rudolph Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Natalia Makarova.
Mr. Garrison studied the Vaganova style extensively while at the North Carolina School of the Arts under the late Mr. Duncan Noble, of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Gyula Pandi, of the Hungarian National Ballet and in Atlanta with Mr. Pavel Rotaru, of the Opera Romano of Bucharest.
Accelerated / Pre-Professional Program
The accelerated program is geared to students who are interested in, one day, performing with North Atlanta Dance Theatre and may be interested in pursuing a career in dance. Students beginning age seven may audition for this program with company eligibility beginning around age twelve. A student must display talent, motivation and meet physical requirements. Acceptance is based on evaluation and approval by Mr. Garrison.
Modern
Our modern training is based upon the Horton style. Mr. Horton was a modern dance pioneer. The Horton technique is an organic approach to movement. It increases strength and range of motion beyond the constraints of classical ballet. It is anatomically corrective, therefore beneficial to young dancers. Mr. Horton trained many successful dancers including Alvin Ailey, Bella Lewitzky, Joyce Tristler and Mr. Garrison's teacher Carl Ratcliff.
Character
European national dances, otherwise called character dances are featured in most classical ballet. The various styles are very valuable for all dance students. In addition to being great fun for the students they develop a greater sense of upper body carriage and footwork.
Jazz & Tap
Our Jazz and Tap are rooted in the classic L.A. and Broadway styles with some funky stuff mixed in. All instruction is age appropriate and is designed to provide greater versatility as well as freedom of movement.
Open School Program
Our open school program provides the casual students the outlet they desire for the enjoyment of the activity. Open school students may take as many classes desired and are registered by level and age group. A minimum of one ballet technique class per week is required to take jazz, character or modern classes. Students taking pointe must be registered in two ballet technique classes per-week.
Photo By Richard Calmes
Images by Keiko Guest Photography, Navid Yavari and captured from video by Pointe DVD
Home About us Employment Location Faculty Facility Calendar Pre Ballet Tuition
Recital Information and Directives Summer Intensives Dress Codes
10700 State Bridge Road Suite 13 , Johns Creek, Georgia 30022 ~ 770-772-8000
northatlantad658@bellsouth.net