This fifth of twelve scheduled classes with Susan demonstrates the use of the back to execute upper body and arm movements.

Introduction to Cecchetti-Style Ballet Technique with live music accompaniment by Michael Martinez. This beginning restorative Cecchetti-style ballet barre offers basic skills and terminology. Enjoy this first in a twelve part series with students, dancers & athletes, as they learn techniques designed to restore and rehabilitate former poor habits, while at the same time bringing beginner and first timers along with them. This class includes general ballet terms used to exchange ideas, and introduces proper anatomically correct body positions. Learn how to incorporate full body function alignment, from foot and arm positions, through the knees and spine, to the top of the head. This course offers the opportunity to change the way you think about moving your body through space, to produce healthy ways of inducing greater ease of movement, balance and longevity.

Cecchetti:
Enrico Cecchetti taught the Ballet Russe dance company how to rehabilitate their bodies in order to extend the lives of their careers. By re-learning movements and creating new habits, and using anatomically correct techniques the benefits became historically established as extremely beneficial.

Bio:
Dance master Susan Southard's early training included Olympic competition swimming in high school; when she wasn't in the pool training she could be found in one of the various local dance studios or horseback riding. Susan studied under, and with, many dance legends through the years, both in and after college. Icons such as Mia Slavenska of the original Ballet Russes, Martha Graham, Paul Taylor, Alvin Ailey, and the Nicholas Brothers were some of her mentors and colleagues. Graduating CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) with a double masters degree in Dance/Dance Therapy, lead her into fields of designing curriculum for college campuses, (which she continues to do today), and touring with her own professional dance troupe. Ultimately, Southard's passion for dance and all that it has to offer each individual, makes her the perfectly seasoned guide to bring this self-discovery, self-correction technique to her students. Come with us on our journey through this unique series of 12 Episodes.

Live accompanist: Michael Martinez
These classes are exceedingly fortunate to have live piano accompaniment by Michael Martinez, a local and gifted improvisational musician; a life-long resident of the Monterey Peninsula and renowned performer.

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