Free Dance Classes For Any Child Offered At Orleans Parish

The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) and the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) are pleased to announce the Fall 2011 registration and audition dates for the tuition-free dance classes at the NORDC/NOBA Center For Dance. The pre-professional dance program is for students, ages 9-18, with demonstrated talent and includes local and guest artists, guest speakers, performance opportunities, and technique classes in ballet and modern. Since 1992, the NORDC/NOBA Center For Dance has been providing classes to school-aged children as well as field trips, mentors, and the opportunity to work with visiting artists.

Pre-Professional Program Auditions at Tulane University
Saturday, August 27, Tulane University, McWilliams Hall, 3rd Floor
10am-12pm-ages 9-12
1pm-3pm-ages 13-18
Requirements for Audition: Auditions for youth ages 9 to 18. There is no pre-registration for the auditions and no audition fee. The audition will consist of a technique class in ballet and modern (no solos). Students must have at least two years of ballet training. Students should wear tights, leotards, and ballet shoes (girls) and a t-shirt with pants and ballet shoes (boys). There will be no change areas available on-site, so come dressed to dance. Classes take place on Saturdays at Tulane University from 9 AM to 5 PM beginning on September 10 (schedule depends on students' placement). If accepted, students must attend a minimum of two additional technique classes during the week at NORDC/NOBA Center For Dance sites, performing arts schools, and or private dance studios in order to enhance the technical training of students.

Registration Dates for Fall 2011 Classes at Center For Dance Sites
All classes are free. Ages six and up.

Annunciation Center (Ballet), 800 Race Street (Lower Garden District)
Tuesday, September 6, 5-7pm
Classes are Tuesday and Thursday between 4:15-7:15pm

Behrman Center (Ballet), 2529 General Meyer Avenue (Algiers)
Tuesday, September 6, 5-7 pm
Classes are Tuesday and Thursday between 4:30-8:30pm

Cut Off Center (Ballet/Tap), 6600 Belgrade Street (Westbank)
Wednesday, September 7, 5-7pm
Classes are Monday 5-8pm and Wednesday 5-7pm

St. Bernard Center (Ballet/Tap), 1500 Lafreniere Street (Gentilly)
Wednesday, September 7, 5-7pm
Classes are Monday 4-7pm and Wednesday 5-8pm

Trinity Christian Community (Ballet), Cypress Grove, 3611 Cambronne (Hollygrove)
Tuesday, September 6, 5-7pm
Classes are Tuesday 5-7pm

All information above is also available at www.nobadance.com. For further information, please call (504) 522-0996.

NORDC/NOBA Center For Dance
Currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the NORDC/NOBA Center For Dance is a cultural community partnership between the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) and the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA). Founded in 1992 with seed money from the Freeport-McMoran Foundation, The CFD was born out of a need to make dance accessible to all school-age children. A program that began with just 30 students now has an annual gross enrollment of more than 750 children at 5 NORDC centers and three partner sites citywide. With a core curriculum of ballet, classes are open to any child in Orleans Parish with a demonstrated interest in dance. Through a professional faculty, master classes by NOBA Main Stage artists and other visiting artists, a mentor program and field trips, the CFD works with each child to cultivate dreams and strengthen futures. The NOBA programs are a recipient of the 2005 Louisiana Governor's Arts Award, 2005 Big Easy Classical Arts Award, and 2002 Coming Up Taller Award by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

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