The Bay Head School of Ballet & Violin is dedicated to the study, appreciation and enjoyment of classical ballet and music. Located in the heart of the beautiful seashore town of Bay Head in a 100 year old Victorian residence, the school offers classes to all ages in an atmosphere of old world charm and elegance.
Classes are offered to children ages 5 and older. All classes are taught by the Director. Class size is limited and personal attention is emphasized.
The Russian, or Vaganova, syllabus is followed.
ELEMENTARY BALLET--for all beginning students ages five to nine. Elementary Ballet introduces the student to the world of dance and music and establishes the foundation necessary for a worthwhile study of classical ballet. The elementary grade includes study of basic foot, arm and body positions; careful attention to correct body placement and posture; an elementary barre, centre, port de bras, adage and allegro; basic dances such as the waltz and polka; and beginning study of the classical ballet repertoire. (Class: one hour)
INTERMEDIATE BALLET--for students ages ten and older. Intermediate Ballet includes an intermediate barre, centre, port de bras, adage and allegro; and continuing study of the classical ballet repertoire. Students begin pointe work in the second year of Intermediate Ballet. Intermediate Ballet usually requires three years to complete. (Class: one hour and thirty minutes)
ADVANCED BALLET--for students who have completed Intermediate Ballet. Advanced Ballet includes emphasis on refinement of technique, pointe work and performance and study of the classical ballet repertoire. (Class: one hour and thirty minutes)
Girls: Black leotard, pink tights or white ankle socks and pink ballet slippers. Hair must be neatly arranged in a bun, if possible.
Boys: Black tights, white tee shirt, black ballet slippers and white socks.
Ballet is first and foremost a performing art and recitals are an integral part of the program at the Bay Head School of Ballet & Violin. Students study and perform selections from the classical ballet repertoire. There are three recitals each year and all students participate. The annual "Nutcracker in the Sky" performance is held during the Bay Head Christmas Walk in December. The students perform in the School's large picture windows during the festivities. The second recital is always the classic ballet "The Sleeping Beauty," performed in the more intimate setting within the School. The third recital focuses on a different classical ballet each year, such as "Swan Lake," "Giselle" or "Les Sylphides," to name a few. There are no extra fees for recitals. Costumes are provided by the School.
The Bay Head Ballet Company performs at local community events. All performances are free to the public.
The Violin School offers individual classical violin and piano lessons to children ages six and older at all levels. All lessons are taught by the Director. Students receive a 1/2 hour private lesson once a week. A Beginner Violin Class (limited to six students) is also available. A Winter and Spring Recital are held at the School. Private violin lessons are offered to adults at all levels on an ongoing basis. Please call the School to schedule.
Bonnie A. Behrman hopes you love music and dance. A student of these arts most of her life, Behrman developed a love for the classical forms of both. That love is so intense she wanted to share it with others. In 1996, she got the chance to do exactly that when she moved to New Jersey and opened the Bay Head School of Ballet & Violin.
Dedicated exclusively to classical ballet and music, the school is precisely what Behrman hoped to create--something that didn't exist in the area and would give children a stronger foundation in classical ballet and classical music than other schools.
Behrman wanted to resurrect the art and tradition of the study of ballet. She does that at the school which provides a unique and wonderful environment for its students, as well as for the community. The school is in a 100-year-old Victorian house that has been partially transformed into a dance studio. Decorated in an 1800's style, the stunning structure carries visitors back in time and adds to the magic of the fine arts experience.
Behrman has an impressive background in dance and music. She began her dance education with Irine Fokine, a relative of the renowned dancer and choreographer, Michael Fokine, best known for his ballets, "Firebird" and "Petrushka." Next, Behrman studied modern dance on scholarship at the Ailey School and classical music at the Mannes College of Music, both located in New York City. For the next ten years, she worked with a dance company, the Ionic Dance Company, she founded. She has performed in productions of "Swan Lake," "Coppelia," "Giselle," "The Sleeping Beauty," "Cinderella," and the "Nutcracker." Her original choreography has been performed by the Ionic Dance Company in New York City. She has performed on the violin with orchestras and chamber music groups in New York, New Jersey and Europe.
(From The Asbury Park Press, August 5, 2005.)
56 Mount Street, Bay Head, New Jersey 08742
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