School of Dance Hosts ABT's National Training Curriculum

The University of Utah’s School of Dance proudly hosted the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum over Spring Break at the Marriott Center for Dance. ABT’s National Training Curriculum aims to assist beginning through advanced teachers in training dance students to use their bodies correctly, focusing on kinetics and coordination, as well as anatomy and proper body alignment. Artistically, the National Training Curriculum strives to provide dance students with a rich knowledge of classical ballet technique and the ability to adapt to all styles and techniques of dance. The curriculum involves 9 days of rigorous training, culminating in written and oral examinations.

The participants were fortunate enough to receive in-person training from Raymond Lukens and Franco DeVita, the authors of the National Training Curriculum. Of the more than 30 registered participants, the U was represented by 5 current students, 2 alums and one Tanner Dance Faculty member. Misa Oga, a School of Dance alumna and founder of Moga Conservatory, presented students who demonstrated the curriculum for the participants and received high praise from Lukens and DeVita. Two School of Dance Ballet Program faculty who had previously received the certification, Maggie Tesch and Melonie Murray, were invited to proctor the oral exams alongside Lukens and DeVita based on their knowledge of the curriculum and pedagogy.