Modern class in Newburgh, is the polar opposite of ballet. While ballet focuses on symmetry, poise and lift form the core; modern works on asymmetry, a connection to the ground and body contractions. Ballet will tell a story about fairies, princesses and dolls that come to life while Modern might cover politics, baseball or no story line at all. Modern is appropriate from the age of 9 onwards. Before 9, the complexity of the movements and story line will make Modern difficult to understand. Ballet class will prepare a younger dancer for the demands of Modern when they reach the correct age. Each Modern class is age specific. Each level provides students with the opportunity to explore moving in different levels and planes in space, using their spine fully (in all directions), and exposure to a wide variety of musical styles. Students also periodically explore creating their own dance compositions or creating variations of the combinations they learn in class. An emphasis on correct body mechanics (alignment) is included so the students can prevent injuries as they progress in their dance training. Year End Show preparation will begin in March. Dances will be choreographed based on the class work learned during the school year. Dancers rent costumes verses buying costumes, saving you hundreds in costume fees. Parents will receive 2 free tickets and 1 free DVD.

Modern Classes: Techniques covered are Limon, Cunningham and Skinner Releasing. Classes are structured in the traditional modern format starting with a warm up followed by floor combination and travelling across the floor or creative explorations. Class Attire: hair up off the neck and face, dancewear (no specific color needed, but may follow the ballet attire) and bare feet. . Available at The Dance Bag, Beacon 831-5813 or Ms. Dancewear, Mohegan Lake (914) 526-8380.