Broadway Performer Returns in July to Marblehead School of Ballet to Teach Master Classes

This summer, Broadway performer Julie Pappas Smith returns as a guest faculty member to the Marblehead School of Ballet (MSB). During July, the North Shore native teaches master classes on Floor-Barre and Broadway Jazz at the school, located at 115 Pleasant Street in picturesque Marblehead, Massachusetts.

A limited number of time slots for private lessons in those areas and voice are available. Students enrolled in the school's renowned Summer Dance Intensive also attend the Floor-Barre and Broadway Jazz classes.

Floor-Barre classes are held July 17, 19, and 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Broadway Jazz classes are offered on July 17, 19, and 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and July 18 and 20 from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. To register for the master classes and private lessons, contact 781-631-6262 or send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com.

"I have worked with Julie Pappas Smith since she was a youngster. She went from our school and continued to study at Boston Conservatory of Music and pursue a professional performing career. Julie teaches at The Miami Performing Arts Studio and brings a wealth of knowledge to dancers. We are very excited to have her return every summer to teach at the Marblehead School of Ballet," said Paula K. Shiff, director of the Marblehead School of Ballet.

Pappas Smith began her professional training at MSB and comes back annually to the school to teach another generation of dancers and performers. With a BFA from The Boston Conservatory of Music in Musical Theatre, Pappas Smith's lengthy credits include performing in A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast, and Showboat, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winners Harold Prince and Susan Stroman. Traveling worldwide, she performed with Broadway national touring companies and at Disney World, Tokyo Disney, Royal Albert Hall, and other prominent venues.

She has taught at the University of Miami, Florida International University, New World School of the Arts High School and College, and the Miami City Ballet's summer intensives. As a mentor for Zena Rommett Floor-Barre, she studied Floor-Barre with the technique's originator, Zena Rommett.

Pappas Smith teaches students in the MSB's Summer Dance Intensive. "This is where I got my best training, and I send dancers to MSB. Many other summer programs are large, and the students become a number. A smaller atmosphere provides personal attention, quality training, and a much better place to learn. Going back to where I studied, helps me learn and look for new ideas to keep things fresh for my students," she explained.

The Marblehead School of Ballet is accepting applications on a rolling basis to the school's prestigious Summer Dance Intensive program and the annual excursion to Jacob's Pillow. Dancers, ages 11 and over, may apply for the intensive's classes held from July 17 to August 5. Children, ages 8 to 12, are invited to register for the session scheduled August 7 to August 11. International students, ages 15 and above with intermediate level dance training, may also apply.

Students, ages 11 and up, participate in customized ballet, pointe, jazz, stretch and strength, variations, Floor-Barre and modern technique classes. The program also presents classes in the related disciplines of music theory, nutrition, anatomy, injury prevention, and dance history, among others. By popular demand, the third week of repertory will focus on technique, choreography, and rehearsals, culminating in a special public performance on Saturday, August 5. The program is sponsored in part by The Ruth N. Shiff Memorial Fund and provides support for the guest teachers and the performance.

A highlight for the students is the school's annual excursion to Jacob's Pillow in Lenox, Massachusetts. This year, participants will take a guided tour and see Ballet Hispanico on Sunday, July 30.

For further information about the master classes, private lessons, the Summer Dance Intensive 2017 and the Jacob's Pillow annual excursion, visit the MSB's website, marbleheadschoolofballet.com. To register for the master classes or private lessons or additional information about the Summer Dance Intensive 2017, call the school at 781-631-6262 or send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com.

Celebrating its 45th year, the Marblehead School of Ballet, founded in 1971 by Paula K. Shiff, 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 music is always central to the classroom experience.

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 (NSCBC). 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 further information, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com or visit www.marbleheadschoolofballet.com. Follow MSB on Facebook, on.fb.me/1wh3fnp, and Twitter @MSB_ballet.

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