Founded in 1969 by ballet teacher, Sharon
Dante, the Nutmeg Conservatory has continued the commitment
to her original vision of providing professional-level ballet
training to aspiring young dance artists. Almost 41 years
later, the Nutmeg Conservatory is recognized as a major professional
ballet training organization in the United States and is
accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.
Through quality training, education and performance of dance,
the Nutmeg Conservatory prepares its students for entry into
the professional world. One of the reasons
Nutmeg enjoys an international reputation for its training and placement
of students after graduation, is our emphasis on their overall development. Training,
deportment and confidence building, are all aspects of Nutmeg’s years of
success. It is through this methodical approach that the Nutmeg has produced
outstanding students who excel in all areas of their lives.
The fundamental schooling is based on the classical Vaganova training methodology.
This unique detail based curriculum has been producing legendary dancers for
nearly one hundred years, among them such talents as Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail
Baryshnikov and Natalia Markarova. The guiding principles of the Vaganova approach
enable a dancer to develop the flexibility, strength; endurance, muscle memory,
discipline, and attention to detail that are essential for growth as a ballet
dancer. To see a YouTube of this training in action, click
here.
Sharon Dante has assembled an international
classical ballet faculty that trains in the Nutmeg methodology
of combining the Vaganova technique with a blend of neo-classical
and contemporary training. Nutmeg is unique in its dedication
to teaching classical ballet alongside a full resident performance
season. Placing equal emphasis on training and performance
skills prepares the Nutmeg trainee for the demands of ballet
and contemporary dance companies of the 21st Century.
Because Nutmeg believes in preparing students for the realities
of today’s ballet and contemporary dance companies’ demands,
Sharon Dante has added the codified Graham technique.
Training for almost 6 hours a day, the faculty knows and
gives each student proper attention and corrections. The
year-round program is for the hard working and focused student.
Only a select group of students is chosen yearly for Nutmeg’s
accredited training. Our standards remain high and we seek
candidates that are inspired to excel in both their dance
and academic study.
A student’s training is mastered through daily methodical
and technical lessons in Classical Ballet Technique, Graham
Modern Dance Technique, Pointe, Men’s Work, Partnering,
Repertoire and Performing experience.
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The Ladies Program uses the Vaganova syllabus as its
base, guiding the female student in terms of the proper use
of the pointe shoe, advanced placement and eventually strong
pointe work, and eventually suppleness and use of torso and
port de bras which is required on a daily basis. Our ladies
work daily on classical variations and/or contemporary repertoire,
essential in a professional environment.
The Men’s Program has a long history of training young men ages 14-21,
offering them fundamental development, the opportunity to dance in a professional
environment and to train in a methodology that places a special focus on technique
and partnering skills. In addition to regularly scheduled male technique and
partnering classes, the use of professional conditioning coaches offers the
male students additional weight training, mobilization and flexibility training.|
Partnering is another key component of the Nutmeg training
program for all students. The art of pas de deux is an
important part of Nutmeg daily training
as well as preparation for future auditions for ballet company or university
placement.
Performing in full productions in outstanding performance venues gives each
student unparalleled stage experience. Our students learn first hand about
performance responsibilities, costumes, staging protocol and engaging the
audience. Nutmeg performances have been reviewed and acclaimed by publications
such as
The New York Times, Dance Magazine and Pointe Magazine.
Nutmeg also has a major guest teacher program that presents
a variety of dance artists over the school year and at our
summer program. Artists include well established and recognized
names such as Amanda McKerrow, John Gardner, Denise Warner
Limoli, Virginia Johnson and MOMIX, as well as up and coming
artists who are working in the dance field. Nutmeg also provides
the opportunity for its students to see other dancers showcase
their talents at venues such as Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln
Center Theatres and the Joyce Theatre.
Since its inception in 1969, The Nutmeg has been proud to offer live piano
accompaniment as part of the daily classroom training. Using live music for
class and rehearsal offers a wonderful opportunity for the training students
to understand rhythms, quality and an overall sense of artistry that will be
necessary on the professional level.
Sample Day
7:45 – 8:45 Breakfast
8:45 – 10:30 Session One CAP ( 5x per week), Pilate
(two x's per week)
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 12:15 Session Two CAP (5x's per week)
Yoga (two x's per week) Strengthening (2x’s per week)
12:30-1:30 Lunch/Free Time
1:30-2:00 (Pre Class Stretching)
2:00-3:30 Technique/Men’s Work/Pointe Session One
3:30-3:45 Afternoon Break
3:45-5:15 Technique/Men’s Work/Partnering Session Two
5:15-6:00 Intro to Repertoire
6:00-6:45 Dinner Break
6:45-8:00 Evening Repertoire
8:00-8:30 Free
8:30-10:30 Evening Study
11:00 Lights out
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