Author: Sarah Ahmadi

Pro Arte Centre is proud to host our Annual Open House/Parent Viewing Week!  The week of June 25 – 30, 2018, the Centre holds a number of classes that are open to try by our students as well as friends and those who are interested in seeing what is happening at the Centre!  Half-Day, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Hip Hop … it’s all there for students to try!  If you’re not sure what class fits for you, just ask us — email info@proarte.ca or registrar@proarte.ca.

Come and join us for one — two — or even more classes!

Here is the schedule for the week:

Looking forward to seeing you next week!

Pro Arte Centre is proud to present an incredible line-up of dedicated and talented faculty who will be working with the students at the Centre this next year.  Representing an incredible breadth and depth of professional experiences, certification and accreditation with renown international dance bodies (ISTD, RAD, IADMS, Vaganova, Cecchetti) as well as commercial experience, the team will bring the best of training to the diverse program offerings at Pro Arte.

Let us introduce them:

Ms. Astrid Sherman, Artistic Director

• A Fellow of the ISTD Imperial Ballet, Associate in Modern Theatre and Tap, Ms. Astrid’s background as a professional dancer in both a classical ballet setting as well as stage and musical theatre productions provides this community with an artistic direction that understands the importance of the commitment to a strong technique foundation for any work in the professional field.  A member of the Education Committee of IADMS (International Association of Dance Medicine and Science – the leading body internationally for research in the field), Ms. Astrid has presented papers and case studies based on work in dance science and injury prevention/recovery along with Ms. Erika and Ms. Susie in both IADMS international conferences as well as Healthy Dancer Canada.  Her choreography has gained international recognition and she frequently is commissioned to develop work for dancers, in particular, in settings that are collaborations with other leading arts and music organizations.  Ms. Astrid’s work with students for over two decades has seen these artists become professional dancers and choreographers across Canada, North America and Europe.  Her passion is to see the next generation of dancers take their place in the future of dance.  Ms. Astrid is excited to be back in the Studio, working hands-on and mentoring young dancers.

Ms. Beverly Bagg

• Ms. Bev has performed almost every principal ballerina role in classical ballet and has worked with legendary choreographers world-wide in her professional career.  She has been Ballet Mistress for Ballet BC, Alberta Ballet and continues to teach weekly at Ballet BC and guest teaches at leading dance companies across North America.  A wonderful resource for our students planning to embark on a professional career, Ms. Bev looks forward to investing more of her energy, time, passion and talent in students at Pro Arte in this coming year as she is limiting her work to Pro Arte Centre, Modus Operandi (grad program) and Ballet BC.

Ms. Jocelyn Wozencroft ARAD, BA(Hons) RAD RTS

• Ms. Jocelyn holds one of the highest standard in teaching with the Royal Academy of Dance and is also an RAD Mentor.  Also coming from a professional performance background, she has taught students to the highest standard, coached students to the BC Provincials on many occasions (2 students this year), taken dancers to the Genees and has mentored students to top post secondary programs and professional ballet companies.  Ms. Jocelyn has a wealth of experience and expertise in working with students of all ages and is eager to transition to work at Pro Arte Centre starting this year.

Ms. Yana Dragueiva BA

• Ms. Yana continues to be an asset to the students at Pro Arte.  With her background in classical pedagogy and character and training in Vaganova and RAD, she adds much to enrich the training of students.

Ms. Sophia Curalli AISTD (Imperial Ballet) AISTD Dip (Modern) ARAD BBA(ip)

• Well known in this community for her work in ballet syllabus training and choreography, Ms. Sophia, trained by Ms. Astrid, is also an Associate Diploma in Modern Theatre and is excited to work more with the students at Pro Arte.  She is also a frequent vocal performer with Pandora’s Vox “Espiritu” and also a seasoned professional performing with Theatre Under the Stars beginning in 2015.

Ms. Dawn Rodel

• A new advocate for the very youngest of our students, Ms. Dawn will be focusing her attention on our pre-junior (Level 1) program.  With a background in Ceccetti and RAD and a strong commitment to good technique but an understanding that those starting in dance training need to have a good balance between training and “fun,” she is well suited to build this program and educate the “beginner parent” on the ins and outs of the dance “world.”  With a diversity of experience in the local and international festival/competitive world, we look forward to seeing these young dancers have a fabulous 2018-19 year!

Ms. Montana Moore BA

• A graduate of Pro Arte, Ms. Montana has a depth of knowledge in strong dance technique that has been the basis for her work in the commercial dance field.  A frequent performer in commercial and film work and performances and represented by Da Costa Talent Agency, Ms. Montana brings the latest in jazz-funk, contemporary-jazz, lyrical and hip hop and will be continuing to bring her experience to the Pro Arte competitive program.

Ms. Rosie Lewis

• A human kinetics student, Ms. Rosie, a Pro Arte graduate, has further trained in the Intensive Training Program at Harbour and the UBC Dance Team where she both performed and choreographed works in addition to working with the UBC Cheer Team.  With her background in kinesiology and a CSEP CPT (certified personal trainer), Ms. Rosie is be a keen advocate for body awareness and safe technique in her work with Pro Arte students in contemporary, jazz and lyrical.

Ms. Leah Kos SDTA-Associates, BA, BED, BCDEA

• Ms. Leah is an accomplished tap teacher who has extensive experience as a performing arts teacher and choreographer who has mentored students from the beginning levels through to those performing at BC Arts Provincials.  With experience as a Co-Artistic Director and Choreographer of a youth company on Vancouver Island, Ms. Leah has toured groups through Los Angeles, New York as well as Island and Lower Mainland events and performances.  She is eager to “step up” the tap program at Pro Arte in this coming year and provide competitive opportunities to students.

Ms. Ashara X

• Ms. Ashara is a circus performer who specializes in aerial hoop, and is also known to sing as she flies, contorts and balances in the air.  With a background in gymantics, figure skating and cheerleading, Ms. Ashara was trained at Misa a Niveau in the art of the aeriel hoop.  A seasoned acrobatics instructor, Ms. Ashara’s passion is to build the acrobatics/aeriel program at Pro Arte Centre and she is looking forward to bringing her experience and expertise to this community.

 

Stay tuned for more information about our Fall Sessional/Workshop Faculty who will be joining the community to share their expertise and experience in the professional contemporary/modern dance world.

We look forward to welcoming you to Pro Arte Centre this Summer and Fall!

Beginning in September, 2018, there is a new addition to the Programs at Pro Arte Centre.  Launched with limited student enrollment capacity, the Pro Arte Protégé Program is a Half-Day Program for students who want to focus on independent intensive classical & contemporary ballet training.  This technique intensive program is designed to maximize the success of the individual student in the international scene.

Faculty in this program are Astrid Sherman, Beverley Bagg, Yana Draguieva & Jocelyn Wozencroft (RAD) and various Contemporary/Contemporary Ballet ex Ballet BC dancers and choreographers supported by On-Site Physiotherapist Erika Mayall & On-site Pilates Conditioning Specialist Susie Higgins.

• Training hours may be done with a commitment to full program training (minimum 20 hour training week is recommended for success) or on a drop-in basis (charges per class are higher).  Class size is limited to 7-9 students in each level and preference will be given to those taking the full program.
• Students may select to participate in competitive groups, but these are additional charges and hours and are not mandatory.
• We do recommend that students take additional examination credit classes in the RAD and ISTD methods.
• Students may perform solos at any festivals/competitions with Pro Arte approval and administration. We do, however, recommend no more than 3 competitions during a training year and that consideration is given to the science for the best training cycle (we want to optimize the peaks and avoid the dips). We also advise that students attend the competitions where Pro Arte Faculty can supply support coaching.  However, parents may take the initiative with Pro Arte approval to participate in festivals at which Pro Arte faculty will not be present.
• Students may have outside choreographers with approval from Pro Arte – rehearsals will be arranged at Pro Arte studios.  Pro Arte does have a recommended list of industry-recognized choreographers.

This program is by application only and preference will be given to dedicated, focused and determined students.

Note: This program will close to new applications when enrollment has been filled.

Complete your application interest here:  Protege Interest Application

Pro Arte Centre is pleased to be able to host the Vancouver 2018 Joffrey Ballet School auditions.  Coming up on Saturday, February 3, more information and registration for the audition can be found on the Joffrey Ballet School website at:  www.joffreyballetschool.com/auditions.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

This Spring, Pro Arte Centre’s Professional Training Program students along with CatchingART Contemporary Ballet Theatre were privileged to be asked to be a part of the Lions Gate Sinfonia’s “Spring At Last” in their 2016-17 Performance Season under the direction of Conductor, Clyde Mitchell. Along with the performance of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, dancers were fortunate to perform both classical and contemporary works from well-known Canadian composers Michael Conway Baker OBC (Pro Arte Centre’s composer-in-residence) as well as Christopher Tyler Nickel.

Enjoy a glimpse of this fabulous show!

We are excited to extend an invitation to attend Pro Arte’s Open House week this Monday, June 26th through Friday, June 30th.  Come and try a class that you’ve always wanted but never had a chance to.  Bring a friend!  We would love to welcome you and introduce our teachers and classes!

Just drop us an email to let us know that you’re coming so we can prepare.  Looking forward to seeing you!

Here is the schedule for the week:

Pro Arte Centre is pleased to announce the dates and times of the upcoming auditions for the 2017-18 Professional Training Programs.  Registration for these sessions opens this week. 

CatchingART Contemporary Ballet Theatre

Aspirant Company Experience for students ages 16 – 19 who have an Advanced 2 level technical ability

• Friday 26^th May 2017 4.00 – 6.00pm

 

The audition will be based on a classical ballet class (including pointe work for girls). A contemporary sequence and contact improv session will follow. A solo classical variation should also be prepared.

Please note: Applicants must submit a resume, headshot and letter of intent to catchingart@proarte.ca  prior to the            audition date.

Professional Training Programs (Ages 11 – 19)

Full Day & Half Day Programs

Saturday May 27^th 2017

• Note: Private auditions are available by appointment only

• Emailed Video Auditions also accepted – please email info@proarte.ca for specifications

 

 Advanced Program (for students ages 14+ who have passed the ISTD Intermediate or RAD Advanced 1 examination or equivalent technical level)

• 10.00am – 12.00pm

The audition will be based on a classical ballet class (including pointe work for girls). A contemporary sequence and contact improv session will follow.

 

Intermediate 1 & 2 Programs (ages 12+ who have passed the Intermediate Foundation ISTD or the Intermediate RAD or equivalent technical level)

• 12.15pm – 1.45pm

The audition will be based on a classical ballet class (including pointe work for girls). A contemporary sequence and contact improv session will follow.

 

Pre-Professional Training Programs (Ages 6 – 12)

After School Programs

Saturday May 27^th 2017

• Note: Private auditions are available by appointment only

• Emailed Video Auditions also accepted – please email info@proarte.ca for specifications

 

Pre- Intermediate & Intermediate 1 Program Programs (for students ages 10 – 13 who have passed the Grade 4 ISTD or Grade 5 RAD or equivalent technical training)

• 2.00 – 3.00pm

 

The audition will be based on a classical ballet class, including basic pointe work for girls who are en-pointe, followed by a modern combo.

Junior and Junior Advanced Programs (for students ages 6 – 12 who have passed the Grade 1 ISTD or RAD or equivalent technical training)

• 3.15 – 4.15pm

 

The audition will be based on a classical ballet class followed by a modern combo.

 

Register for the 2017-18 Audition at:  Audition Application

Join in on classes at Pro Arte Centre during the week of Monday, June 27 through Wednesday, June 29th.  All students are welcome to come and BRING A FRIEND or TRY SOMETHING NEW!

Never been to Pro Arte before?  No worries!  You are welcome to come and see what’s happening at the Centre and try a class yourself!  Just contact the office for more information or drop in!

Here’s what’s happening at the Centre during Open House:

We look forward to seeing you at the end of June.  If you have questions about the suitability of a class, we’re happy to help out!

 

 

 

 

We are pleased to be able to host the Joffrey Ballet School Auditions on Sunday, January 31, 2016.   Open to all students, registration is available online through the Joffrey Ballet School at:  joffreyballetschool.com/auditions.

For Students who may be coming in from outside the Lower Mainland, local hotels include:

Lonsdale Quay Hotel:  http://lonsdalequayhotel.com/

Holiday Inn:  700 Old Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, V7J2H5
Book online or call:1 877 660 8550