Dance is a way to connect, communicate, create, express and embody a healthy and empowered way of being. The variety of classes, levels, teachers and styles gives everyone who enters the beautiful studio in the M.S. Currier Center, a safe place to land and an inspiring place to move from. Whether you arrive with experience, or want to try a dance class for the very first time, you are welcomed.

The Winter and Spring Dance Concerts in Calder Hall feature both student and faculty work and are lit and run by the Putney School's student technical team. Project Week and Senior Exhibitions are a time for students to explore their own independent projects, which often culminate in informal performances. The Dance Ensemble is a way for a community of committed dancers to delve deeper into the creative process of building repertory, rehearsing and then performing in local schools and venues. There are several annual trips to area theaters to see the work of professional companies and choreographers.

The Dance Program is dedicated to serving all students who bring it to life with their love, passion, joy and hard work.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jonathan Riseling, director of the program. jriseling@putneyschool.org  (802) 387-7326

Dance Courses

Modern Dance (full credit)

Through the study of technique, choreography and improvisation, this course will provide students with the opportunity to explore the continuously evolving art form known as modern dance. First focusing on experiential anatomy as it relates to the human body as an articulate instrument of expression, students will learn to “listen” to the innate intelligence of their bodies, align their structures, see and sense their wholeness while simultaneously tending to their various parts. Their capacity as dancers to move and be moved, tuned and ready to receive the moment will be heightened and strengthened. The class will then observe the history of modern dance by drawing from the various techniques and styles of past generations. Students will continue to delve more deeply into their own creative voices, choreographing, collaborating and culminating in performance. To further enhance the understanding of modern dance, studio class time is sup- ported by journaling, reading, viewing DVDs and going to live performances. Students who have taken level 1 and wish to continue may register for Modern Dance II, III, and IV. For these returning students, an independent path of study that both relates to the overall focus of the class and the curiosity of the individual student will be collaboratively developed by the student and teacher.

Contemporary Ballet (level 1, 2 & 3) (fall, winter, spring)

As many star athletes have discovered, contemporary ballet builds a strong, expressive physical foundation! In a supportive and fun group environment, each individual will gain core strength, flexibility, alignment and articulation.

Level 1- all are welcome, no prior experience is necessary.

Level 2 & 3 for dancers with previous experience the opportunity to further expand their movement vocabu- lary, strength and ability. Pointe is offered, if requested and appropriate.

Dunham Technique/Jazz Dance (level 1, 2 & 3) (fall, winter, spring)

One day a week, dancing to live drums, we focus on Dunham Technique, based on Haitian dance, modern and ballet. On the other day, following a vigorous and invigorating workout to build full body strength and gain flexibility, students explore con- temporary styles of jazz with an emphasis on rhythm, energy and fun!

1- all are welcome, no prior experience necessary. Level 2 & 3- offering dancers with previous experience the opportunity to further expand their movement vocabulary, strength and ability.

Dance Ensemble

The Putney School Dance Ensemble offers experienced dancers the exciting opportunity to be part of a community of dedicated dancers. We will be making new dances and adding to our company repertoire for performances in the Winter and Spring Dance Concerts, as well as “on tour” at various local venues. Please note: though offered as an evening activity, rehearsals are after dance class Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The Thursday rehearsal is with Patricia Wilson, making dances that draw from Modern Dance and the Dunham-based jazz style of her after- noon classes. The Wednesday rehearsal is with Kalya Yannatos, making dances that draw from both modern and ballet. We encourage you to sign up for both (2 credits), but you may sign up for just one, (1 credit), please do specify clearly on your sign up form. Please note that we will also work for two blocks during the Winter Project Week. Dancers should be in Level 3 dance classes or receive permission from Patricia or Kalya. Full year commitment required.

Dance Ensemble Two

Monday Night Ensemble is an opportunity for Level 2 dancers to gain experience as dancers and perform- ers. Weekly rehearsals, learning a new dance choreographed by the instructor, will lead to performing in the Winter Dance Concert. All dancers should be taking Dunham/jazz classes in theafternoon, and preferably ballet too. (Dancers from the academic modern class are also welcome.)

Afro-Modern Dance

“No matter where we are from, we move as one people.”
This class provides a broad overview of various ethnic dance forms with an emphasis on blending West African dance with modern day Jazz and Hip Hop.

Hip Hop

“Hip: to educate/ Hop: to elevate.” This class will build your hip hop skills and challenge you to grow as a dancer.

Latin Dance

Salsa, Marengue, Cumbia and more! No experience necessary, just a willingness to try and a desire to have fun, fun, fun!