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'''The Rock School for Dance Education''' is a [[classical ballet]] school located in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]].<ref name="therockschool.org">{{cite web |title=School Year |url=https://www.therockschool.org/school-year/ |website=The Rock School for Dance Education}}</ref> |
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It is headed by director and president Peter Stark,<ref name="Rock School Faculty">{{cite web |title=Rock School Faculty |url=https://www.therockschool.org/faculty-staff#:~:text=Peter%20Stark%20%2C%20The%20Rock%20School,the%20United%20States%20and%20Europe. |website=Rock School Faculty}}</ref> who was director of Orlando Ballet School, and head of the men's division for Boston Ballet School. |
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{{Infobox school |
{{Infobox school |
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| name = The Rock School for Dance Education |
| name = The Rock School for Dance Education |
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| image = |
| image = TheRockSchoolForDanceEducation logo.png |
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| alt = |
| alt = Logo of The Rock School for Dance Education |
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| caption = |
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| motto = |
| motto = |
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| location = [[Philadelphia |
| location = 1101 S. Broad St. [[Philadelphia]] 19147 |
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| country = |
| country = US |
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| coordinates = |
| coordinates = {{coord|39.937636|-75.166565|region:US-PA|display=inline,title}} |
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| established = {{Start date|1963}} |
| established = {{Start date|1963}} |
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| opened = |
| opened = |
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| grades = |
| grades = |
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| superintendent = |
| superintendent = |
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| director = Peter Stark |
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| viceprincipal = |
| viceprincipal = |
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| enrollment = |
| enrollment = |
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| communities = |
| communities = |
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| feeders = |
| feeders = |
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| website = [ |
| website = [https://www.therockschool.org TheRockSchool.org] |
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| footnotes = |
| footnotes = |
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}} |
}} |
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[[File:Building-2022.jpg|thumb|Rock School for Dance Education, 1101 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] |
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'''The Rock School for Dance Education''' is a [[classical ballet]] school located in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], along the city's Avenue of the Arts. The school offers dance training for students age three and older, with pre-professional programs for students beginning at age twelve.<ref name="therockschool.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.therockschool.org/school-year/|title=School Year|website=The Rock School for Dance Education}}</ref> Rock School alumni dance in companies worldwide, including [[Pennsylvania Ballet]], [[New York City Ballet]], [[San Francisco Ballet]], [[Dutch National Ballet]], and [[English National Ballet]]. |
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== History == |
== History == |
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At the urging of [[George Balanchine]], Barbara Weisberger founded the School of Pennsylvania Ballet in 1962. |
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The Rock School was founded in 1963 as the School of Pennsylvania Ballet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/life/rock-school-celebrates-years-of-dance-training/article_0137d9af-1d54-55f7-9283-2a217b4a5842.html|title=Rock School celebrates 50 years of dance training|publisher=}}</ref> Barbara Weisberger, a protégé of [[George Balanchine]], was inspired to bring [[classical ballet]] to Philadelphia. Bojan Spassoff has been director since 1986, joined by Stephanie Wolf Spassoff in 2000. In 1992 the Rock School parted ways with the Pennsylvania Ballet and became an independent institution. |
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The Pennsylvania Ballet School and Company maintained a close working relationship, but in 1992 they became independent non-profit entities. At that time the Company's Board decided that The School's mission and activities required the attention of an individual staff and Board of Trustees. It became evident that for further growth and increased contribution to the community, The School would need its own development department. |
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The School's independence was accompanied by the development of a Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Constance W. Benoliel. Expanding its funding base, The School was able to develop its outreach activities and scholarship program. In 2006, The School officially separated from the Pennsylvania Ballet and was renamed The Rock School for Dance Education. In 2011, the ballet documentary, [[First Position]], followed Rock School Alum [[Michaela DePrince]] as she trained for and competed at [[Youth America Grand Prix]]. |
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The school's facilities at 1101 South Broad Street opened in 1988, when Dr. Milton Rock memorialized the school in memory of his late wife, Shirley Rock. In 2000 the Rock School purchased and renovated the building, followed by another renovation in 2007 which included the Ballet Bistro and Rock Academics room.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.therockschool.org/history/|title=The School|website=The Rock School for Dance Education}}</ref> |
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After over thirty-years as a director of the Rock School for Dance Education, Bo Spassoff retired, and in February 2022, Peter Stark became the President and Director of the Rock School for Dance Education. Before joining the Rock School, Peter Stark was the associate director of Boston Ballet II and head of the Men’s Program for [[Boston Ballet School]]. He also served as Director of the Orlando Ballet School and founded of the Next Generation Ballet in Tampa, Florida. |
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The 2011 documentary [[First Position]] followed Rock School alum [[Michaela DePrince]] as she trained for and competed at [[Youth America Grand Prix]]. Some scenes were shot inside the Rock School building. Longtime directors Bojan and Stephanie Spassoff also appear in the film.<ref>''First Position''. Documentary by Bess Kargman, 2011.</ref> |
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== Programs == |
== Programs == |
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Many students in the professional division move to Philadelphia to attend the Rock School as full-time students who live in dorms located across the street from the school<ref>{{cite web |title=Residence-Marine Club |url=https://www.therockschool.org/residence-marine-club |website=The Rock School for Dance Education}}</ref> all while training to become professional ballet dancers and completing their education through the Rock Academics program.<ref>{{cite web |title=The School |url=https://www.therockschool.org/history/ |website=The Rock School for Dance Education}}</ref> The Rock School has had students from over twenty countries and twenty-four states enrolled in the Professional Division. For Students under the age of twelve, The Rock School offers ballet classes through its Pre-Ballet and Ballet Division; these programs focus on progressing students’ ballet training at their own pace while instilling strong foundations for continued classical ballet training. The Rock School students perform throughout the year in their annual ''Classic Nutcracker'', Spring Showcase, and at various ballet competitions. |
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In the summer, The Rock School hosts about three hundred students for its annual Summer Intensive; summer intensive students train for one to six weeks with Rock School faculty, guest teaching artists, and alums.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Summer Ballet Intensive 2023 |url=https://www.therockschool.org/summer |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=The Rock School for Dance Education |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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The Rock School teaches classes for students ages 3 and up. Ballet instruction is divided into Children's Dance, Elevé, and Professional training divisions. While the focus is on classical ballet, the school also offers Creative Movement, Pre-Gymnastics, and Hip Hop lessons. In addition to classes throughout the academic year, the school teaches a summer ballet intensive program.<ref name="therockschool.org"/> |
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The Rock School offers residence accommodations for professional ballet students, as well as an academic program for students in grades 7-12.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.therockschool.org/residence-marine-club|title=Residence-Marine Club|website=The Rock School for Dance Education}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.therockschool.org/rock-academics|title=Rock Academics|website=The Rock School for Dance Education}}</ref> Academics students utilize online schools to allow them the flexibility that professional ballet training requires.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theyoungartistfeature.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/interview-sarah-lapointe-student-at-the-rock-school-for-dance-education/|title=INTERVIEW: Sarah Lapointe, Student at The Rock School for Dance Education|first=The Young Artist|last=Feature|date=15 May 2013|publisher=}}</ref> |
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Since its founding, The Rock School for Dance Education has produced world class ballet dancers including brothers [[Isaac Hernández]]<ref>{{cite web |date=4 August 2015 |title=Isaac Hernández: the hottest ballet boy to hit London since Carlos |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/isaac-hern-ndez-the-hottest-ballet-boy-to-hit-london-since-carlos-acosta-10436964.html |publisher=}}</ref> and Esteban Hernández,<ref>{{cite web |title=Two medals for Rock School in N.Y. competition |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/arts/20080422_Two_medals_for_Rock_School_in_N_Y__competition.html |publisher=}}</ref> now both at San Francisco Ballet, as well as [[Christine Shevchenko]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Kourlas |first=Gia |date=19 May 2017 |title=From a ‘Super Bunhead’ to a Lead Dancer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/arts/dance/from-a-super-bunhead-to-a-lead-dancer-christine-schevchenko-american-ballet-theater-abt.html |publisher= |via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> (American Ballet Theatre), [[Michaela DePrince]]<ref>''Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina'' by Michaela DePrince with Elaine DePrince. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014.</ref> (Boston Ballet), Beckanne Sisk (Houston Ballet), [[Derek Dunn]] (Boston Ballet), and Gabe Stone Shayer (American Ballet Theatre). |
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* [[Michaela DePrince]], Soloist [[Boston Ballet]], [[Dutch National Ballet]] |
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* [[Derek Dunn]], Principal [[Boston Ballet]] |
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* [[Michaela DePrince]]<ref>''Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina'' by Michaela DePrince with Elaine DePrince. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014.</ref> |
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* [[Isaac Hernández]], Principal [[San Francisco Ballet]] |
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* Derek Dunn<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pointemagazine.com/featured-article/defying-gravity/|title=Defying Gravity|date=13 October 2016|publisher=}}</ref> |
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* [[Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan]], Principal [[Pacific Northwest Ballet]] |
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* Esteban Hernández<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/arts/20080422_Two_medals_for_Rock_School_in_N_Y__competition.html|title=Two medals for Rock School in N.Y. competition|publisher=}}</ref> |
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* [[Christine Shevchenko]], Principal [[American Ballet Theatre]] |
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* [[Isaac Hernández]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/theatre/isaac-hern-ndez-the-hottest-ballet-boy-to-hit-london-since-carlos-acosta-10436964.html|title=Isaac Hernández: the hottest ballet boy to hit London since Carlos|date=4 August 2015|publisher=}}</ref> |
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* Elizabeth Murphy |
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* [[Amar Ramasar]] |
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* Rachel Richardson |
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* [[Christine Shevchenko]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/arts/dance/from-a-super-bunhead-to-a-lead-dancer-christine-schevchenko-american-ballet-theater-abt.html|title=From a ‘Super Bunhead’ to a Lead Dancer|first=Gia|last=Kourlas|date=19 May 2017|publisher=|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> |
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* Beckanne Sisk |
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* Taylor Stanley<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pointemagazine.com/inside-pt/inspiring-taylor-stanley/|title=The Inspiring Taylor Stanley|date=3 August 2015|publisher=}}</ref> |
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* Voltaire Wade-Greene |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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{{Ballet schools}} |
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== External links == |
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* {{Official website|http://www.therockschool.org}} |
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* http://pointemagazine.com/news/when-they-were-young%e2%80%943-top-rock-alums/ |
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* https://theyoungartistfeature.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/interview-sarah-lapointe-student-at-the-rock-school-for-dance-education/ |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Rock_School_for_Dance_Education}} |
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<!--- Categories ---> |
<!--- Categories ---> |
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[[Category:Dance in the United States]] |
[[Category:Dance in the United States]] |
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[[Category:Ballet schools in the United States]] |
[[Category:Ballet schools in the United States]] |
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[[Category:Performing groups established in 1963]] |
[[Category:Performing groups established in 1963]] |
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[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Pennsylvania]] |
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[[Category:Articles created via the Article Wizard]] |
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[[Category:Dance in Pennsylvania]] |
[[Category:Dance in Pennsylvania]] |
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[[Category:1963 establishments in Pennsylvania]] |
[[Category:1963 establishments in Pennsylvania]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Philadelphia]] |
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Latest revision as of 17:47, 7 October 2024
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The Rock School for Dance Education is a classical ballet school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1] It is headed by director and president Peter Stark,[2] who was director of Orlando Ballet School, and head of the men's division for Boston Ballet School.
| The Rock School for Dance Education | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
 | |
1101 S. Broad St. Philadelphia 19147 United States | |
| Coordinates | 39°56′15″N 75°10′00″W / 39.937636°N 75.166565°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Ballet school |
| Established | 1963 |
| Director | Peter Stark |
| Website | TheRockSchool.org |
History
[edit]At the urging of George Balanchine, Barbara Weisberger founded the School of Pennsylvania Ballet in 1962.
The Pennsylvania Ballet School and Company maintained a close working relationship, but in 1992 they became independent non-profit entities. At that time the Company's Board decided that The School's mission and activities required the attention of an individual staff and Board of Trustees. It became evident that for further growth and increased contribution to the community, The School would need its own development department.
The School's independence was accompanied by the development of a Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Constance W. Benoliel. Expanding its funding base, The School was able to develop its outreach activities and scholarship program. In 2006, The School officially separated from the Pennsylvania Ballet and was renamed The Rock School for Dance Education. In 2011, the ballet documentary, First Position, followed Rock School Alum Michaela DePrince as she trained for and competed at Youth America Grand Prix.
After over thirty-years as a director of the Rock School for Dance Education, Bo Spassoff retired, and in February 2022, Peter Stark became the President and Director of the Rock School for Dance Education. Before joining the Rock School, Peter Stark was the associate director of Boston Ballet II and head of the Men’s Program for Boston Ballet School. He also served as Director of the Orlando Ballet School and founded of the Next Generation Ballet in Tampa, Florida.
Programs
[edit]Many students in the professional division move to Philadelphia to attend the Rock School as full-time students who live in dorms located across the street from the school[3] all while training to become professional ballet dancers and completing their education through the Rock Academics program.[4] The Rock School has had students from over twenty countries and twenty-four states enrolled in the Professional Division. For Students under the age of twelve, The Rock School offers ballet classes through its Pre-Ballet and Ballet Division; these programs focus on progressing students’ ballet training at their own pace while instilling strong foundations for continued classical ballet training. The Rock School students perform throughout the year in their annual Classic Nutcracker, Spring Showcase, and at various ballet competitions.
In the summer, The Rock School hosts about three hundred students for its annual Summer Intensive; summer intensive students train for one to six weeks with Rock School faculty, guest teaching artists, and alums.[5]
Notable alumni
[edit]Since its founding, The Rock School for Dance Education has produced world class ballet dancers including brothers Isaac Hernández[6] and Esteban Hernández,[7] now both at San Francisco Ballet, as well as Christine Shevchenko[8] (American Ballet Theatre), Michaela DePrince[9] (Boston Ballet), Beckanne Sisk (Houston Ballet), Derek Dunn (Boston Ballet), and Gabe Stone Shayer (American Ballet Theatre).
- Michaela DePrince, Soloist Boston Ballet, Dutch National Ballet
- Derek Dunn, Principal Boston Ballet
- Isaac Hernández, Principal San Francisco Ballet
- Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan, Principal Pacific Northwest Ballet
- Christine Shevchenko, Principal American Ballet Theatre
References
[edit]- ^ "School Year". The Rock School for Dance Education.
- ^ "Rock School Faculty". Rock School Faculty.
- ^ "Residence-Marine Club". The Rock School for Dance Education.
- ^ "The School". The Rock School for Dance Education.
- ^ "Summer Ballet Intensive 2023". The Rock School for Dance Education. Retrieved 2023-03-15.
- ^ "Isaac Hernández: the hottest ballet boy to hit London since Carlos". 4 August 2015.
- ^ "Two medals for Rock School in N.Y. competition".
- ^ Kourlas, Gia (19 May 2017). "From a 'Super Bunhead' to a Lead Dancer" – via NYTimes.com.
- ^ Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina by Michaela DePrince with Elaine DePrince. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014.