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7 | Wednesday, August 27, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Fall Registration OSCB at forefront of classical ballet training The Oakville School of Classical Ballet is at the forefront of classical ballet training in the GTA area, continuing to create a future generation of choreographers, dancers and teachers. Following in her mother's footsteps, (Elizabeth Paterson - former Graded and Vocational Graded Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance), Artistic Director Amanda Paterson continues to raise the standard of training offered at the OSCB. A graduate of Canada's National Ballet School Amanda Paterson has been training young dancers for more than 20 years, and many are now dancing in companies and post-secondary institutes world-wide. A registered teacher of the highest of levels with the Royal Academy of Dance, and an Affiliate Teacher of American Ballet Theatre ­ National Training Curriculum, she is also a member of the Artistic Board of Examiners of the American Ballet Theatre-NTC. The Oakville School of Classical Ballet provides exceptional classical and contemporary ballet training for beginners to professional ballet students. Ballet classes offer a young student from the age of three the opportunity to grow in self-confidence, coordination, flexibility, strength, musicality, artistry, and creativity. The friendly, nurturing atmosphere exposes each child's creative talent and incorporates this into the art of classical ballet. Alongside the syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance, the OSCB is proud to include the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, a breakthrough eight level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancers' health and child development. The ABT National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines consistent with the best practices in the fields of sports psychology, child/adolescent development, nutrition and training, to provide the highest quality of ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels. Emphasis in the younger classes is placed on the pleasure of movement and musicality, with the development of technique evolving through the levels. "Children are also exposed to Character Dance, the study of folk steps and dances from selected countries", says Paterson. "This provides insight into the colourful history of music, dance, and national costumes of countries such as Poland, Russia, Hungary, Spain, and Romania. For the serious ballet student who aspires to a professional career in classical ballet, the OSCB offers two programs, and students are accepted on an audition/invitation basis. The Pre-Professional Program is held after school, and offers daily training in ballet technique, pointe work, repertoire, contemporary dance, conditioning and dance composition. The Conservatory (Professional Training) Program offers half day intensive training. Students attend mornings at a specialized public school devoted to high performers and their afternoons are concentrated on dance training. The Pre-Professional and Professional Training Program's unique curriculum pushes students to their highest potential, and excellent artistic training offers a positive learning experience in both ballet technique and other complementary subjects. A number of OSCB students have had the prestigious opportunity of participating in the International Genée Ballet Competition, attended by top young classical male and female students from all over the world between the ages of 15 and 19. Students have also attended the Youth American Grand Prix (two OSCB students placed in the top 12 for Pas de Deux at the finals in New York City, April, 2014). "Competitions of this calibre are the only ones I will entertain for senior students, as it is a true indication of artistic talent, and can help a graduating student secure a contract with a professional ballet company". An outstanding faculty of dance professionals with extensive performing and teaching experience form the core of the OSCB. The faculty, Continued on page 10 Students of the OSCB in the annual production of The Nutcracker. Pictured are young dancers in the Party Scene and senior students in the Land of Snow. ! www.AllegroDance.ca or call 905-815-9239 Laura Dacyshyn, Director and former dancer with the National Ballet of Canada Mondays & Wednesdays (9am-5pm) Tuesdays & Thursdays (9am-8pm) Saturdays, September 6 & 13 (10am-2pm)