Dance Life

The LINES Ballet Training Program is structured as a one- to two-year program for dancers 17-24. Most students begin with the fall semester, but students occasionally start in the spring if there is space available. The majority of our students stay for two full years of the program; however, some stay for just three semesters and some choose to only participate for one year.

The Training Program curriculum is designed to challenge the pre-professional dancer physically and mentally. Students train Monday-Friday, roughly 35 hours per week. The core training includes Ballet, Pointe & Variations, Men’s Technique, Modern, and GYROTONIC® with an enriched curriculum that includes Improvisation, Classical & Contemporary Partnering, Choreography, Anatomy, Nutrition, and Audition Preparation.

Additionally, students learn LINES Ballet repertoire from former company members. This weekly rehearsal process explores the intricacies of Alonzo King’s philosophy through his own choreography and the insights of those who have worked closely with him for years.

Both the fall and spring semesters offer the opportunity for student choreography. This semester-long exploration into the process of creating new work culminates in studio showings of their choreography in November and March of each year. Students also have the opportunity to perform new work by established and emerging choreographers in a final showcase at a professional theater in May of each year. These works may be performed at other venues during the year, including special events, festivals, and lecture demonstrations at Bay Area schools.

GYROTONIC®

San Francisco GYROTONIC® is owned and operated by master trainer and former Alonzo King LINES Ballet company member, Debra Rose. Debra and her team of highly qualified and diversely experienced trainers provide students with an exercise system that works seamlessly with the LINES Ballet philosophy.

As detailed on their website, the trainers at San Francisco GYROTONIC® focus on circular movement that can endlessly recycle energy. This creates a consistent and fluid flow of energy that aids in nurturing and strengthening all the systems of the body. By pairing this understanding of movement with the trainers’ knowledge of dance, students are given the tools to completely transform their bodies and their dance careers.

For more information, please visit sfgyrotonic.com.

GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.

Guest artists

Training Program students are afforded many opportunities to take master classes with artists visiting the Bay Area and local artists who don’t teach regularly within our program. Guest artists have included:

Desmond Richardson
Co-Artistic Director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company, based in New York

Janet Wong
Company Member of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, based in New York

Elizabeth Streb
Artistic Director of STREB, based in New York

Glen Edgerton
Center Associate Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Hiroshi Koike
Artistic Director of Pappa Tarahumara, based in Tokyo

Janice Garrett
Artistic Director of Janice Garrett and Dancers, based in San Francisco

John Jasperse
Artistic Director of John Jasperse Company, based in New York

Housing

Program students are responsible for their own housing. LINES Ballet School does not have dormitories. However, we make every effort to assist you in finding safe and affordable housing options and can provide you with resources and suggestions.

Craig’s List
An online forum that posts listings of both empty apartments to lease and spare bedrooms in otherwise occupied apartments to rent.

The Monroe
A residence club with weekly and monthly rates; rooms are furnished and meal plans are available.

Citi Apartments
A free rental service with a variety of options (and price tags) all over San Francisco.

Please contact School Manager Emily Withenbury for possible sublets and/or leases that may become available from current LBTP students.

Photo: Dikayl
Student: Michelle Cooke, Fall 2008 - Spring 2009