The Marblehead School of Ballet (MSB) in Marblehead, Massachusetts recently celebrated their 45th anniversary. MSB launched their 2016-2017 Season on August 29th! The school provides quality attention and education and helps dancers reach all their goals. They have trained, professional teachers available for young children to adult, both for vocational and avocational dancers. Many of their students study dance for pleasure and others study dance working towards a career.
As their 45th year, this is a milestone anniversary for MSB. “This is a time to celebrate. Th
Marblehead School of Ballet dress hearsal. Peter A. Smith Photography
is season, we will provide experienced and aspiring dancers of all ages – children, teenagers, adults, and seniors –with professional, quality training emphasizing the internal mechanics of the body and proper technique, such as correct alignment, body mechanics and musicality. The Marblehead School of Ballet looks to the future to introduce and develop ballet in a new generation of artists, who will perpetuate this art form and the disciplines related to it,” states Paula K. Shiff, Director, Marblehead School of Ballet.
Paula trained at the Boston Ballet, continued her studies in New York City at the American Ballet Theatre and the Martha Graham Studio, and performed with the Boston Ballet Company. Furthermore, she was the recipient of Salem State University’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts.
MSB provides weekly dance classes in varied genres, such as pre-ballet and creative movement, Ballet, Pointe and variations, Repertory, Jazz, Modern Dance, Pilates, stretch and strength. Additionally, they offer partner dancing with Ballroom dance, including Swing, Fox Trot, Latin, Salsa, Argentine Tango. In conjunction with a full range of adult classes, MSB will be adding a new ballet class for adults to the fall schedule on Thursday mornings taught by Paula. Also, dancers preparing for college auditions, a special event, or just seeking further instruction have the option of signing up for private lessons.
Paula founded Marblehead School of Ballet in 1971. Since then, they have earned a broad reputation for integrity of purpose and excellence in training. Classical ballet is the core of their teaching with a particular emphasis on correct alignment and development of strength and agility. Always central to the classroom experience is the sheer pleasure of dance and of music.
According to Paula, she has had many magnificent, proud moments as a dance teacher. In fact, there are so many that the list is incredible. To see her students overc
ome struggles is very fulfilling. She has worked with people who are disabled and others who are talented and dedication to go on to amazing careers. They all mean a lot to her. Dancers who come in very shy and gain an appreciation for dance have a special place in her heart. However, each and every student has many gifts and is very special to Paula.
From Paula’s point of view, the biggest mistake she sees dancers make is trying to advance too quickly. Developing dance is a very slow process. She believes that the stronger their foundations, the faster and higher they will soar Paula says if you solidify your base, you can reach your biggest potential.
Paula, who started this studio to help dancers achieve their full potential, absolutely loves teaching and being in the dance field. She is excited to meet the new generation of students joining the dance studio this year and looks forward to helping them fulfill their goals.
MSB alumni have continued their dance studies at some of the most prestigious ballet companies worldwide, including Houston Ballet, Alvin Ailey, Eliot Field, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet de Lorraine in France and the Metropolitan Ballet, among other prestigious companies. They have graduated from leading postsecondary institutions, such as Johns Hopkins University, the Boston Conservatory of Music, University of North Carolina School for the Arts, University of Utah and the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, and pursued careers in a range of fields globally.
Their students come from far and near to study at the Marblehead. “Students attending Marblehead 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,” explains Paula. Others come from out-of-state, includin
Rehersal photos at Marblehead School of Ballet. Photo by Peter Smith
g Florida, Maine, New Hampshire, Texas, Vermont and countries such as Italy and France.
The North Shore Civic Ballet Company (NSCB) makes its home at the Marblehead School of Ballet. The NSCB provides a variety of educational programs for schools and gives concert performances, all of which are suitable for different age groups and levels of development.
If you would like more information about Marblehead School of Ballet, visit their website at www.havetodance.com/marblehead, call them at 781-631-6262 or email them at msb@havetodance.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1wh3fnp, follow them on Twitter at http://bit.ly/1LMbqhl, and check their photos on Pinterest at http://bit.ly/1blmGEc.
Anyone, who has danced at Marblehead School of Ballet, with Marblehead School of Ballet or with any of the other instructors at Marblehead School, is invited to comment on our blog.
Quote: “. . . the stronger their foundations, the higher and faster they soar.”
Tags: Ballet, Pointe, Jazz , Modern, Modern Dance, ballroom, Latin, dance classes, dance, adult, adults, adult classes, dance, dance studio, class, classes, dance school, dance studio, music, studio, dancer
