Ballet is the basis of good dance education and is, therefore the central focus of our school. Our philosophy is to expect of each student, whether or not a dance career is planned, the very best effort of which he or she is capable, and to give in return the care and attention every student deserves. All can experience the joy of dance and the benefits of disciplining the mind and body that this art requires.

Our primary goal is for the development of our students, their dance education, and the enrichment that comes from studying ballet. The positive atmosphere builds self-esteem and the love of their art form.

 

We Believe in Technique

Poor technique can hold back the most artistic dancer or give her greater expression.  Because the steps of ballet build from simpler to more complex, a problem of technique in one area will be magnified inother areas. That's why learning the basic technique perfectly is so important. With the right instruction, virtually any child can learn proper ballet technique and dance beautifully. The training of muscles and mind must start early. Building discipline, developing strength and stamina, achieving grace in movement is the work of years of study; a process that never really ends.

Classes are carefully designed to increase technical skills, stamina and discipline appropriate for their age and physical and mental development. Our program is designed to provide an increasing variety of special classes to make greater demands on the student with each year of study. Besides ballet technique the curriculum includes classes in pointe, classical variations, pas de deux and modern dance.

 

We Believe in Classical Ballet Training

Classical ballet provides the foundation for all other dance forms.  It is the most demanding, most disciplined of all dance forms; but also the most rewarding. With a solid ballet foundation, classically trained dancers can transfer their skills into jazz, modern dance, or any other dance form they might decide to pursue. Accomplishing that solid ballet foundation is crucial to becoming an outstanding dancer in any dance form. The Triangle Academy of Dance provides ourstudents with that solid ballet foundation.

 

We Believe Dancers Should Perform

The point of studying ballet is to perform. Performing gives students the confidence they need to compete or to succeed in a professional career of any kind. Stage experience is available to the dancers throughout their training, enabling them to develop confidence and stage manners. The annual Spring Performances involves all the students. Carolina Youth Ballet is our pre-professional performing company designed to give our dedicated ballet students experience in rehearsal work, auditioning, in performing and in working together in a cast. Carolina Youth Ballet is involved in a number of activities in the community that give the students the opportunity to perform. In addition, students are encouraged to audition and are selected for children's roles with Carolina Ballet, the area's professional company. Our students have performed with Carolina Ballet in the Nutcracker, Carmen, Coppelia, Carmina Burana and other productions.

 

We Believe in the Individual

Every child benefits from quality dance training, even though he or she may ultimately choose another career path. In dance, children learn the cooperative teamwork necessary to produce a high quality work of art. They develop creative thinking skills and the ability to push themselves to higher achievements. They learn an immense amount about music and rhythm, and are introduced to the French language. They encounter spatial relationships and must think with both sides of their brain while learning to dance. All these skills will enhance your child's academic performance, as well as their physical well-being. Self-confidence and self-esteem continue to develop as a young person conquers new movements and grows more certain of his or her ability to apply themselves, work hard, and master any task put before him or her. Growing through this artistic process helps a child find the pathway to personal integrity and self-assured adulthood. He or she enters society with the ability to do well at whatever life places before them; and with the ability to maintain the uncompromising high standards absorbed during their dance training.

 

We Believe in Quality Teaching

Quality teaching pays close attention to your child's artistic development. But of equal importance, quality teaching pays close attention to your child's health and safety, as well as physical and emotionalwell-being. Triangle Academy of Dance is committed to offering the finest dance instruction available in a fun and supportive environment. All classes are taught by professionally trained dance and educationspecialist.

The Faculty of the Triangle Academy of Dance has been providing dance instruction for 14 years. The school director, Annette Hagopian, holds certifications from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD). Previous to teaching dance, Annette danced professionally throughout Europe with a modern ballet company.

 

Finally, We Believe in High Expectations and Hard Work

We care about all our students and want them to do their best. That's why we demand a lot from them. The Academy endeavors to help each student enjoy and treasure the hours devoted to dance training, encouraging them to love dance for the sheer pleasure and sense of artistic fulfillment, rather than only for a sense of technical accomplishment. The Triangle Academy of Dance provides a positive environment where every student is expected to strive for excellence to the very best of his or her abilities. We, in turn, will always strive to make a positive contribution to the lives of our students and our community. We will achieve this by giving students the individualized guidance and attention to which they are entitled while instilling the value of commitment, respect, hard work, discipline, and artistry.