FSPA Announces New Dance Program

This coming fall, students at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will have the opportunity to participate in a new interdisciplinary dance program with what's being described as "a host of innovative features." Project Dance is the brainchild of FSPA faculty members, Casey Harkness Andrade and Jenny Oliver, who will serve as program coordinators. Offered to students in grades 3 and up, Project Dance enables students to build their own individualized programs by drawing upon the many complimentary dance disciplines, classes and performance opportunities offered at FSPA.

Project Dancers select core classes in ballet, jazz and/or modern and choose from an array of electives in tap, hip-hop, lyrical, Horton Technique or Andrade's own Casey's Class, focusing on strengthening, stretching and conditioning, with an emphasis on jumps and turns. Horton Technique also builds strength and flexibility and supports the more strenuous demands of a classical ballet dancer. Oliver introduces Horton Technique to FSPA dancers this fall. Whether across dance disciplines or within a genre-specific repertoire, class preparation builds a strong technical foundation and fosters artistic growth and development.

Students also have opportunities to audition for FSPA's three dance companies and participate in the Project Dance Concert, bringing skills learned in the classroom to the stage. Additional features for Project Dancers include a special choreography festival, master classes, juried evaluations, field trips and other activities in dance history and music for dancers. A New York City weekend, with workshops led by Broadway choreographers, dance captains and performers, is open by audition through FSPA's collaboration with Broadway Artists Alliance of NYC.

Pleased with the creativity and enthusiasm of the school's dance faculty, FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer remarks, "Project Dance offers young dancers an exciting program of training, activities and performances with flexibility to meet a variety of needs and goals. FSPA offers a fantastic alternative to the expense and demands of the dance competition world. Project Dance supports the development of young artists without a focus on routines and trophies."

In addition to dance, FSPA offers extensive programs in music and drama. Instruction is available at all experience levels, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. Beginners are welcome! Prospective students are encouraged to attend an Open House or contact the school for a visit. Open Houses will be held on Wednesday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. - noon and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 29 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., at 38 Main Street, Franklin. Visit the school to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff and try a complementary class. For more information about FSPA, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.fspaonline.com.

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