Dance Program
HCA Dance Program
Jessica Wilson, Director of Dance
Class Descriptions I Instructors I Dress Code
The Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) dance program provides a warm, nurturing environment for students to learn from experienced teachers in small class settings. Beyond the classroom dancers have the opportunity to perform a variety of roles on the stage, including in the annual Nutcracker production. Intermediate/Advanced dancers can build their future through networking and master classes with guest teachers. Enrollment in dance classes at the HCA continue on a rolling basis. For placement questions please email jessica@hopartscenter.org. If you see a class you would like to join please call us at 508.435.9222 to make arrangements. Tuition will be pro-rated.
Click here to view current schedule and to register. I Spring Brochure I Summer Brochure
UPCOMING PERFROMANCES
Madeline Goes to the Circus: A Children's Ballet I Saturday, May 9
Student Choreographers Workshop I Friday, June 12.
Class Descriptions
Creative Dance
Through story telling, props, music, and play, young dancers are introduced to the joy of dance, and our experienced HCA faculty work to ensure this joy and appreciation of dance will remain with the students for a lifetime. Rhythm, coordination, and listening skills are developed in a playful, warm, and nurturing atmosphere.
Pre Ballet
Pre Ballet expands on the elements and practices of Creative Movement. While dance elements are further developed, imagery, musicality, creative thinking, spatial awareness and team work continue to be emphasized in a safe, fun, nurturing environment. This class is appropriate for students enrolled in Kindergarten.
Tap Dance Beginner and Intermediate
Classes consists of both center and across the floor training. Students learn shuffles, flaps, time steps, buffalo, hops, drawbacks, cramp rolls, and basic turns. As they progress students learn more tap-rhythms and combinations as they are exposed to riffs, pullbacks, time steps, and intermediate turns.
Hip Hop 1 and Hip Hop 2
Join our fun, exciting, and energetic classes that focus on the today’s most popular dance moves. Develop coordination, body awareness, build self-esteem and promote confidence while having a blast.
Jazz 1 and Jazz 2
This is a fun, high energy class explores the expressive styles of classic jazz. Students will develop a foundation of the basic jazz movements including isolations, flat backs, laterals, floor progression, jumps, turns, and stylized movement. This class will encourage students to bring their individuality and unique personality to the class.
Beginner Teen Ballet
Teen Ballet is designed to develop the dancer’s technique. The focus of this class will be to correct posture, increase flexibility, gain strength and learn the vocabulary of ballet. This environment allows young dancers to gain confidence and build self-esteem.Beginner Teen Contemporary
This class focuses on loosening tensed muscles, building strength through fluid movement, and exploring artistic expression. Easy to follow contemporary combinations will include lateral bends, contractions and expansions, simple floor rolls, swings, and other elements of contemporary dance. Class includes floor work, movement across the floor, and choreography.
> To register for any of these classes, click here.
Adult Programs
Pilates for Core Strength & Joint Release
For adult dancers and non-dancers alike. Stretch and strengthen, have fun, and channel your inner dancer with this class created by Cathy Fallon. Cathy, a former Principal ballet dancer, is Pilates Mat certified, holds a B.S in Kinesthetic Education and Dance, and is an AmSAT certified teacher of the Alexander Technique mind/body awareness technique. Let Cathy guide you to increased core strength, proper alignment, and ease of movement. Explore in a safe judgment free studio!
Adult Ballet
If your are looking to pick up ballet again, want to try ballet classes for the first time, or you've looking for a new way to approach health and wellness, this is a perfect class. Have fun working out and learning a classical art form. The HCA faculty does a wonderful job helping each student get the best class they can in order to improve strength and flexibility. We can help you adapt movements as needed (and push you to the next level when you’re ready!).
Adult Contemporary Conditioning
This class focuses on loosening tensed muscles, building strength through fluid movement, and exploring artistic expression. Easy to follow contemporary combinations will include lateral bends, contractions and expansions, simple floor rolls, swings, and other elements of contemporary dance. Class includes floor work, movement across the floor, and choreography.
> To register for any of these classes, click here.
Primary Ballet School
Ballet 1 and Ballet 2
Inspiring and imaginative classes designed to be a foundation for basic dance principles and the proper French ballet terminology. An emphasis s placed on musicality and creativity while basic coordination skills and the fundamentals of classical ballet are explored through the use of props and imagery. Individual expression and improvisation is encouraged in a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Ballet 3
Students will work on skills in a structured class format to include barre work, center, and elements across the floor. Emphasis is placed on form, musicality, coordination, expression, and working together as a corps. A portion of class remains dedicated to creative dance and individual expression. Many performing opportunities are available for students at this level.
Ballet 4
Classes lay the groundwork for the material covered in the Upper Ballet School. Students begin the study of turns and ladies begin conditioning exercise and prepare for pre-pointe work. Students at this level have many performing opportunities and may participate in supplementary workshops like the Student Choreographers Workshop.
> To register for any of these classes, click here.
Upper Ballet School
Classes for the intermediate and advanced dancers are offered six days each week, and students can work with Director, Jessica Wilson, to customize an individual schedule. Some students, for example, may enroll three days each week while others may opt to attend five days. Miss Jessica is known for her ability to guide and nurture all students. You can view some testimonials here http://www.
Placement in this advanced program by Artistic Dance Director Jessica Wilson is required. Please email Director Jessica Wilson at jessica@hopartscenter.org if you are interested in Intermediate and/or Advanced classes.
Intermediate and Advanced
Intermediate marks the start of pointe* classes for ladies as well as increased study of pirouettes, adagio, and allegro. Training for advanced students continues its focus on alignment and proper technique while preparing students for pre-professional and professional training options through. Both Intermediate and Advanced students are introduced to the world of classical ballet repertory as well as contemporary movement and improvisation through a weekly contemporary class. Intermediate and advanced students are also exposed to historical dance, character dance, modern, jazz, Pilates, and Alexander Technique by weekly classes, workshops, or master classes.
*Students will be placed en pointe when the faculty deems the student ready. Health and safety are a priority with a goal to help students dance injury free for a life time. Students must be training a minimum of three days each week to be placed en pointe.
> For more information click here, or email Artistic Dance Director Jessica Wilson.
Cathy Fallon
Ballet, Certified Pilates, Certified Alexander Technique
Cathy Hazeltine Fallon B.S. M.AmSAT, received her classical ballet training from Melissa Hayden, Laurence Rhodes, Christina Bernal, and Maggie Black. She danced with Garden State Ballet and Kansas City Ballet, where she performed in ballets by George Balanchine, Lew Christensen, Todd Bolender and Peter Anastos. She also danced with Laura Dean Dancers and Musicians, Mark Morris, and other modern choreographers, and studied and rehearsed with Twyla Tharp and her company members. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesthetic education and dance. She began her Pilates training in New York with Kathy Grant, one of only two teachers certified by Joseph Pilates’, and completed her mat certification through the Physicalmind Institute. In 1993 she completed the three-year training to become an AmSAT certified teacher of the Alexander Technique. She incorporates her Pilates and Alexander training in her dance teaching, which is especially helpful to students with strength and alignment issues.
Theresa Kniaz
Ballet, Contemporary, Certified Fitness Trainer
Theresa discovered her love for ballet at age ten, and began her training with Cathy Fallon. By age sixteen, she enrolled as a full-time student at the Boston Ballet School and later spent a year as a student at renowned Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet where she trained under the direction of Marcia Dale Weary. During her years of training, she performed extensively in corps de ballet and solo roles in productions of The Nutcracker, Peer Gynt, and Snow White, as well as annual Spring showcases. She also performed contemporary pieces in Boston Ballet School’s production of Alice and Wonderland as the Cheshire Cat, and as a company member of SundanceX directed by David Sun.
In 2017, Theresa graduated Summa Cum Laude from UMass Boston with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. After working full time as a business analyst at a fast paced start-up, Theresa renewed her passion for dance and discovered her love for teaching. In addition to her faculty positions, Theresa continues her own dance training, attending ballet and contemporary classes and workshops in the Greater Boston area, and is certificated as a personal fitness trainer.
Tina Marshall
Ballet, Pre Ballet
Tina has trained in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) from the age of 3 years, completing examination levels Pre-Primary through to Advanced 2. She enjoyed being part of numerous touring productions as a child and also enjoyed being part of dance competitions. Her love for ballet and contemporary dance continued at the university level where she studied a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Dance)/Bachelor of Education (Secondary - English). With this achievement, Tina taught dance as an elective subject for 7 years at an Australian high school. Missing the technique of syllabus work, Tina went back to study the RAD's Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) allowing her the privilege to teach using the RAD approach. She is looking forward to sharing her love for ballet.
Alyssa McQuillan
Creative Dance, Hip Hop
From the time she was three-years-old, Alyssa has looked up to her own amazing dance teachers and is now thrilled to be a role model for young dancers at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. She began her training at the Academy of Tap, Jazz, and Ballet in Bellingham, Massachusetts. While training there, Alyssa competed all over New England and won several high awards and scholarships for solos, group dances, and productions. The Academy also provided her with an opportunity to work as an assistant dance teacher with children of all different ages and abilities. This position fueled her interest and passion for becoming a teacher. Now she attends Bridgewater State University with a major in business and a minor in dance in hopes to one day open up her own dance studio. She also is continuing her dance training at the AS220 in Providence RI. Alyssa is a member of the Dance Teachers Club of Boston, and is excited to share her passion for dance with students here at the HCA.
Jessica Wilson
Director of Dance
Jessica Wilson, the HCA's new Director of Dance is a former student and instructor of Jacquline Cronsberg's studio in Hopkinton and is the director and owner of MetroWest Ballet in Hudson. Read more about Jessica in her letter to students.
Jessica Wilson began her dance training through the Royal Academy of Dancing with Mary Tolland and received coaching from Herida May for R.A.D. exams. She also studied intensely with well known teacher Jacqueline Cronsberg, graduated from Walnut Hill School in Natick, Massachusetts, and later attended State University New York at Purchase where she majored in dance and psychology and minored in philosophy.
Ms. Wilson began her teaching career in 1993 when she joined the faculty of Ballet Workshop New England. She was appointed Associate Director of the school in 2003. Ms. Wilson also held the position of Ballet Mistress with the Massachusetts Youth Ballet. There she worked closely with Sandra Jennings, Repetiteur for the George Balanchine Trust. In 2003, Ms. Wilson was appointed Artistic Associate of the company.
In an effort to keep quality classical ballet training west of Boston Ms. Wilson founded MetroWest Ballet in 2005 with the intention to provide a warm and nurturing atmosphere of small classes and individual attention and to uphold the highest standards of classical ballet training. Her students have gone onto join companies like Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, Ballet Theater of Maryland, Dawson/Wallace Dance Project, Arch Contemporary Ballet, Carolyn Dorfman Dance, and Boston Dance Theater. In 2019, Ms. Wilson joined the Hopkinton Center for the Arts as its Director of Dance.
Ms. Wilson is celebrating more than twenty-five years of teaching. Outside of the studio Ms. Wilson has enjoyed working as a Tutor for Sudbury Public Schools and co-owns Woodrow’s Apiary, providing beekeeping service throughout the suburbs of Boston and Central Massachusetts.
Creative Dance
Girls: leotard (any color), pink tights, ballet slippers, ballet sweater (optional), hair pulled back and secured
Boys: white, crewneck shirt, Black bike shorts. white socks, black technique shoes
Pre Ballet
Girls: white cap sleeve leotard with attached skirt, pink tights, pink technique shoes with elastic, ballet sweater (optional), hair must be pulled off the face
Boys: white, crewneck shirt, Black bike shorts. white socks, black technique shoes
Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
Comfortable clothing that you can move in. No jeans. Footwear: Tap - tap shoes (any color). Hip Hop - sneakers or bare feet. Jazz - jazz shoe or ballet flat.
Beginning Teens
Classic ballet attire, leggings, sweats, or any comfortable clothing you can move in is appropriate and acceptable for beginning teen classes
Ballet 1 - Ballet 4
Girls: black tank style leotard, pink tights, pink full sole technique shoes, hair should be pulled into a bun
Boys: white, crewneck shirt, Black bike shorts or dance pants. white socks, white technique shoes
Intermediate and Advanced
Girls: black leotard (any classical style), black bullet pointe skirt for pointe classes, pink tights, pink split sole technique shoes, pointe shoes if appropriate, hair should be pulled into a bun, students will also be given the option to wear any color leotard or skirt they choose on Saturdays
Boys: white, crewneck shirt, Black bike shorts or dance pants. white socks, white technique shoes
Adults
Classic ballet attire, leggings, sweats, or any comfortable clothing you can move in is appropriate and acceptable for adult classes
