Bridge Program
Overview
The Joffrey Ballet’s Bridge Residency Program is designed to introduce students from Chicago Public Schools to the basic elements of classical ballet ultimately finding and training the next generation of dancers. This program provides students in grades 1 and 2 with a highly structured dance experience where they will develop life skills, creativity and physical awareness. The Joffrey Ballet is committed to providing the highest level of classical dance instruction to Chicago’s youth, thereby teaching students about the concept of pursuing dance as a career when they otherwise would not have had this exposure.
The program is structured into three phases. During the first phase, students work on perfecting basic classical exercises, increasing ballet vocabulary and improving body placement. These classes are taught twice per week at the beginning levels by a Joffrey Teaching Artist at Chicago Public Schools. Additionally, students will increase their physical awareness, strength and flexibility. They will also improve their coordination and balance through a series of exercises designed especially for this age group. Thus, they will develop a greater understanding for the technical elements of classical ballet while improving their ability to follow directions. Finally, participants will enhance their self-management skills and character traits such as respect, responsibility and teamwork. Some students will be selected to continue this program in transitional classes that take place on Saturdays at the Joffrey Academy of Dance. These classes are by invitation only and only available for students that participated in the Bridge Program at their school during the first semester of the academic year. Students that demonstrate excellent attendance, behavior and progress will be awarded a scholarship to continue studying at the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of the Joffrey Ballet, as the third and final phase of the program. These students will have an opportunity to be integrated into the Children’s and Youth Division classes that summer and beyond. See the Program Overview.
Performances
May 18 – Bridge Final Presentation, 1:00 pm, Black Box Theater, Joffrey Tower
“Nothing is closer to my heart than a young person who finds a means of expression through dance. In many ways, that was my story, too.” -Ashley C. Wheater, Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet
Video
Images
CE and Academy Students at Spring Gala (April 2013)
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Bridge Program 2012
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Bridge Program Performance Gallery
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Details
Details
The Joffrey Ballet’s Bridge Program is aligned with the expectations, standards, and goals for dance as described in The Chicago Guide for Teaching and Learning in the Arts
This program also addresses the following National Dance Standards:
- Identifying and demonstrating movement elements and skills in performing dance
- Understanding choreographic principles, processes and structures
- Understanding dance as a way to create and communicate meaning
- Applying and demonstrating critical and creating thinking skills in dance
- Demonstrating and understanding dance in various cultures and historical periods
- Making connections between dance and healthful living
- Making connections between dance and other disciplines
And age-appropriate Illinois State Learning Standards for Social Emotional Learning:
- Goal 1: Develop self-awareness and self-management skills to achieve school and life success.
- Goal 2: Use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships
And Fine Arts Standards as appropriate for Grades 1 and 2:
- Goal 25: Know the language of the arts
- Goal 26: Through creating and performing, understand how works of art are produced.
- Goal 27: Understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present.
For more information, you can view the Bridge Program Overview or send a message to ce [at] joffrey [dot] org with questions.
