The Joffrey School Explained.....

[gerlonda]

I was recently on the website for the Joffrey School and I am SO confused about their schedule and their class labels. My first question is, do "division" level students take classes with adults or what? Also, what's the difference between a class called "intermediate" and then "intermediate 1" and "intermediate 2"? What pointe classes can the adults take? Do they break the classes up into "division level" and "open level" or does it all go just according to technique and the dancer's ability? Are the evening classes taught by the same people as the morning classes, are the morning and evening classes different in any way?

Thanks guys

[ashatNYU]

Are you talking about the Joffrey school in Chicago or in New York? Either way, I would call the school since you obviously have a lot of very specific questions :-)

[Victoria Leigh]

Actually, I don't believe the Joffrey has a school in Chicago. Only the company. The school is in NYC. Sorry, can't help on their schedule though.

[Mel Johnson]

Well, at the moment, there IS no Joffrey School in Chicago. But yes, calling would definitely be the way to find out the specifics. And summer classes are vastly different from the year-round variety. They make a real effort in both to balance the teachers across the entire day, without killing anybody, either student or teacher!

[dancergirl39]

Mr. Johnson, you at the moment. Does this imply that they might eventually move the school?

[Mel Johnson]

No, I don't think Joffrey tradition (which is a very mighty thing) would allow of moving the school. But that there would be nothing wrong with opening an "annex". Eventually. Let them get by their 50th anniversary this year.

[gerlonda]

I meant the school in NY.

joffreyballetschool.com

Under the section where it says "Forms" there's like a general schedule.

[mirabray]

Try this link, for Junior Trainee programs, I believe aim for High School Students on professional Track.

I went to lower divison, click on Junior Trainee schedule.

 

http://www.joffreyballetschool.com/index.p...id=39&Itemid=61

 

Depending on your age and level, they have the children division schedule, which may include young teens, and recreational dancers.

 

http://www.joffreyballetschool.com/index.p...id=34&Itemid=61

 

The web site is confusing, and I think the "Junior Trainee program" was just added to the web site this year.

 

The general schedule it looks out dated, 2004-2005.

 

Hope this helps you.

[NutsaboutBallet]

Sure would be nice if Joffrey would open a "Junior Trainee program" in Chicago. The midwest is pretty 'dry' when it comes to REAL pro training programs!

[gerlonda]

Thanks Mira,

I will probably just give them a call one day next week.

[ashatNYU]

Sorry all, didn't know there was no school in Chicago ... didn't mean to create confusion! As for the NY school, I can help on that part (now that I see that this is in the Adult students forum). There are three levels for adults at Joffrey NYC:

 

M/W: Beginner Intermediate with Andrei 7-8:30pm

Tu/Th: Basic Elementary with Dena Moss 7-8:30pm

Sat: Basic Elementary with Dena 12-1pm and Elementary with Dena 1-2:30pm

 

Joffery doesn't have specific points classes for adults b/c the AD doesn't feel that they are safe in general. However, I take some classes on pointe throughout the year. You should be fine as long as you OK it with Dena or Andrei before starting. I have never heard of adults taking classes with the trainees or recreational students. Let me know if you have other questions!

 

Edited to add: No, trainees do not take classes with adults.

 

Edited (again) to add: class level names changed in accordance with schedule posted on page 2 of this thread

[Mel Johnson]

It is, however, a longstanding point of honor with the Joffrey School that, with certain restrictions, if you can handle the class material, you may take the class. Cases like these are considered individually, not much subject to blanket policy. A rather California attitude, before there was a California attitude. Remember, the school is in the West Village, which, I think, exported the California attitude TO California.

[Jans]

M/W: Adv. Beginner/Slow Int. with Andrei 7-8:30pm

Tu/Th: Elementary with Dena Moss 7-8:30pm

Sat: Basic Elementary with Dena 12-1pm and Adv. Beginner/Slow Int. with Dena 1-2:30pm

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AshatNYU: sorry for this stupid question, but what's the difference between elementary and beginner, or elementary and basic elementary?

 

I've tried to find the class schedule and level key/explanation on their website, but can't find it. I found SI and trainees' classes, but couldn't find any adult (recreational) classes, and I've understood that Joffrey is very well known for their adult ballet classes, isn't it?

Maybe I just don't get the website logic.

[ashatNYU]

Jans - Not a silly question at all ... I don't think the website even mentions the adult program (or if it did, I couldn't find it!).

 

The Basic Elem. class (Sat 12-1pm) is designed for those who have very little dance experience or are just getting back into class. The class starts on the floor with point and flex foot exercises, abs and some floor barre. The barre portion is very slow, with attention to placement and detail and then there is a brief center portion to end the class.

 

The Elementary class (Tu/Th is listed as "Basic Elem." but I think is more at the Elementary level) is a good basic class for those with moderate ballet experience. The basics of pirouettes are taught, as well as glissades, assembles, simple combinations and simple across the floor combinations.

 

The Beginner Intermediate class is a challenge for those with moderate ballet experience or good for those that are comfortable with remembering longer combinations and faster footwork.

 

I take the Elementary class (but should take the Beginner Intermediate class) usually because Dena is such a wonderful teacher. The thing I like most about Joffrey is that members of the classes are very supportive of each other. No competition here :-) Any more questions, please ask!

 

Edited to add: Class level names changed in accordance with schedule posted on page two of this thread

[Jans]

Jans - Not a silly question at all ... I don't think the website even mentions the adult program (or if it did, I couldn't find it!).

 

Thanks! I couldn't find it either, but I thought perhaps they have a separate website for adults or they just don't put the information on the internet. The latter one causes the fact that us non-NY-residents wouldn't know about them without BT kind of wonderful forums.

 

I take the Elementary class (but should take the Adv. Beginner class) usually because Dena is such a wonderful teacher.  The thing I like most about Joffrey is that members of the classes are very supportive of each other.  No competition here :-)  Any more questions, please ask!

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Thank you for this as well! I'm coming to NY this week and would like to try also other school besides Steps, so if DH allows me and we/I have time, I could try one of those (elementary or adv.beg.) as well! Are classes held at the same place, in the Joffrey Ballet School? Do I have to pre-register and how much is a class? I know you are not their information officer, but they didn't seem to have any e-mail in their contacts and calling from here is a bit complicated (or at least expensive), so all answers are highly appreciated if you have them.

 

And it is good to know anyway if I don't have time during this visit, as I hope to return to NY later this year (DH doesn't know it yet, though ).