Celebrate National Dance Week In April At The Marblehead School Of Ballet

The Marblehead School of Ballet (MSB) celebrates National Dance Week from Friday, April 20 through Saturday, April 28. To thank the public for its support for 46 years, MSB is offering special discounts throughout the week and featuring its ballet classes and spring salsa and partner dance series.

"During National Dance Week, the Marblehead School of Ballet takes pride in joining other organizations across the country in celebrating and spotlighting the importance of dance in our society. We want to introduce people of all ages -- children, teenagers, adults, and seniors -- to dance and the school's programs in ballet, ballroom and partner dancing. This is an opportunity to learn and have fun with dance in its many styles: ballet, salsa, Argentine tango, swing, ballroom, and other forms," said Artistic Director Paula K. Shiff, recipient of Salem State University's 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts.

To celebrate the occasion, MSB has exclusive offers available only from April 20 through April 28. "This is the time to try something different or revisit a dance style you may have learned and want to explore further. During National Dance Week, new students may attend any class for only $5 with advanced registration, or they may watch a class and learn about the school's dance events and activities taking place throughout the year," explained Shiff.

Students currently enrolled in the school may bring a friend to any class for a reduced fee of $5. They may attend classes in ballet, Pilates, stretch and strength, creative movement, ballroom, Argentine tango, swing, salsa and more. Newcomers to the school are invited to arrange a complimentary consultation with Ms. Shiff to discuss their dance future. Guests must register in advance.

The Spirit of '76 Bookstore joins MSB to celebrate dance that week and offers a 20% off coupon for a single-item order of a dance dictionary or another dance book. Stop by the MSB office, meet the staff and request a coupon.

Spring Salsa and Partner Dance Series

During National Dance Week, MSB's spring salsa and partner dance class series gets ready for all the fun activities in the coming months -- proms, weddings, engagement parties, graduations, reunions, and more. Dancers of all levels and ages, from teenagers to adults, will enjoy the partner dance program featuring fox trot, swing, Latin, Argentine Tango and salsa at this dance oasis on the North Shore.

The spring salsa series runs through Monday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. The weekend kicks off in the partner dance series on Fridays through May 18 with Teenage Ballroom at 5:30 p.m., Argentine tango at 6:30 p.m., ballroom and Latin at 7:30 p.m. and swing at 8:30 p.m. Couples, singles, drop-ins and new students are welcome to attend a class.

People of all ages study ballroom or salsa as a night out, in preparation for special events such as proms, weddings, graduations, galas, parties, and other activities. "Parents of the bride and groom or the wedding couple take classes and private lesson to prepare for the reception. For couples whose children are grown, they discover dancing and learning to dance is a wonderful thing to do together, said MSB's ballroom instructor, Nancy Murphy, who has taught at the school for 20 years.

"The teen ballroom program is especially suited to youngsters who want another form of exercise, are looking for an extracurricular activity not available in their schools, or developing their college applications and want to show they are well-rounded. In our classes, they learn the dances, the technique, and develop their self-confidence."

Classes are taught at the school's studio, located at 115 Pleasant Street, in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Private lessons are available for dancers requiring additional instruction. For a class schedule, information about private lessons and other details, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com or visit the organization's web site, www.marbleheadschoolofballet.com. Register for the new class series online. marbleheadschoolofballet.com/the-school/registration/

About Marblehead School of Ballet

Celebrating its 46th 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 (NSCB). The NSCB gives concert performances and a variety of educational programs for schools; all are suitable for different age groups and levels of development.

Photo Credit: Peter Smith

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