Marblehead School of Ballet celebrates 43rd year

The Marblehead School of Ballet is celebrating its 43rd anniversary season with a full lineup of classes for 2014-2015. Applications are now being accepted for MSB financial and work-study scholarship awards on a rolling basis from applicants, ages 12 to 21, to study ballet. An application form must be completed and an audition performed at the school.

"The scholarships are open to dancers who have a passion and dedication for ballet. This is a great opportunity to study with a highly trained and experienced staff," explained Paula K. Shiff, director, Marblehead School of Ballet.

Applicants must demonstrate financial need as well as a genuine passion and talent for dance. Award recipients are expected to make the dance schedule a priority while maintaining average or above-average grades in school. Consistent attendance and enthusiastic par­ticipation is expected in every class.

MSB graduates have continued their dance studies at some of the most prestigious ballet companies worldwide, including Eliot Field, Alvin Ailey, Houston Ballet, Metropolitan Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet de Lorraine in France, among others. Alumni have graduated from leading post-secondary institutions, such as Boston Conservatory, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, University North Carolina School for the Arts, University of Utah, and others and pursued careers in a range of fields globally.

2014-2015 classes

MSB aims to provide quality education and individual attention while working with seasoned dancers and avocational dancers — men, women, girls and boys of all ages — to reach their goals. Shiff believes all will find something of interest at her “dance oasis on the North Shore.”

MSB provides weekly classes in ballet, pointe and variations; pre-ballet and creative movement; modern and jazz; belly dancing; zumba; repertory; pilates, stretch and strength; and partner dancing with ballroom, foxtrot, swing, Latin, Argentine tango and salsa.

“The seasoned dancer will find high-quality training at MSB,” said Shiff, recipient of Salem State University's 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts award. “The internal mechanics of the body are emphasized and not the superficial aspects of style, bringing the dance to a higher level.”

She added that, for new students of all ages, MSB offers a very strong foundation, emphasizing proper technique, such as correct alignment, body mechanics and musicality.

“To teach this way and for the dancer to work this way, one sees and feels the true joy of movement,” Shiff said. “This foundation is the heart of the dance.”

Dancers come from near and far to study at the school. Students attending MSB are drawn from the surrounding cities and towns of Beverly, Boston, Boxford, Danvers, East Gloucester, Hamilton, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lynn, Manchester by the Sea, Marblehead, Melrose, Nahant, Reading, Revere, Rockport, Salem, Saugus, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wakefield, Wenham and Winthrop. Others come from out of state, including Maine, Florida, Texas, New Hampshire, Vermont and countries such as France and Italy.

About Marblehead School of Ballet

Founded in 1971 by Shiff and thus celebrating its 43rd year, the Marblehead School of Ballet has earned a wide reputation for the excellence of its training and integrity of purpose. Classical ballet forms the core of teaching with particular emphasis on correct alignment and development of strength and agility. The sheer pleasure of dance and of music is always central to the classroom experience, according to Shiff.

The basic graded program for children includes classes in ballet technique with advanced work in repertoire and pointe. The school also offers a modern-dance department, classes for young children in creative movement and classes in improvisation and technique for the older student. A full range of adult classes is offered.

MSB is home to the North Shore Civic Ballet Company. The NSCB gives concert performances and a variety of educational programs for schools; all are suitable for different age groups and levels of development.

For a scholarship application, class schedule and further information, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com or visit havetodance.com/marblehead. Follow MSB on Facebook and get Twitter updates @LuhrsAssocPress.