articles

Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and Academy

March 13, 2019

Gaithersburg or Clarksburg 301-762-1757 or 301-358-3900
www.mbtdance.org
Facebook.com/metropolitanballettheatre

Metropolitan Ballet Theatre & Academy has so many wonderful camps to choose from, for performers of all ages and experience levels.

Storybook Ballet Camp: age 3-5
Each week offers new themes and crafts!  Young dancers will learn about classic ballet tales and bring characters to life through dance and music in this fairytale week! Students meet for an exciting week of half-day sessions, where they will delight in dance classes and age-appropriate games and crafts. They will dance with fun props, musical instruments, and be engaged in many aspects of learning through the arts! Parents will enjoy a short demonstration from their Storybook Ballet dancers at the end of the week (as COVID precautions allow, video observation may replace in-studio observation).  Wardrobe requirements: leotard and tights for girls, white shirt and black shorts for boys, ballet shoes, hair pulled back. Storybook Ballet campers must meet the age requirement and be able to use the restroom by themselves before their program begins.

Once Upon a Ballet: age 4-6
Enjoy multiple weeks – each week is different!  An introduction to the magic of ballet. Young knights and princesses ages 4-6 will meet for a magical week of half-day sessions. Each day is filled with creative movement and music, classical ballet stories and fun crafts that are certain to delight your young dancer! Dancers will also enjoy exploring with fun props, musical instruments, and prepare a short demonstration for parents at the end of the week (as COVID precautions allow, video observation may replace in-studio observation).  Wardrobe requirements: leotard and tights for girls, white shirt and black shorts for boys, ballet shoes, hair pulled back. Please let the office know if you need to borrow any of these items. Once Upon a Ballet campers must meet the age requirement and be able to use the restroom by themselves before their program begins.

Mini Hip Hop Camp: age 4-6
Enjoy multiple weeks – each week is different! For the young dancer who loves to move and groove! With an introduction to hip hop technique as well as expressive art projects and games, your young dancer will have a ball in this action-packed, half-day program. Students will learn combinations to perform in a culminating performance at the end of the week (as COVID precautions allow, video observation may replace in-studio observation). All experience levels welcome. Wardrobe requirements: comfortable clothing such as leggings or athletic shorts, socks, clean sneakers, long hair pulled back.  Mini Hip Hop campers must meet the age requirement and be able to use the restroom by themselves before their program begins.

DREAMS Online Camp: age 5-7, age 8-10
Enjoy multiple weeks – each week is different! MBT’s DREAMS online camp makes fun summer memories possible from the convenience of home. DREAMS will incorporate Dance classes, Recreation with fun and games, Education through age-appropriate reading, writing, and math games, fun Art projects, Movement exercises to get our campers active in a fun way, and Social time for the campers to become friends through conversation and laughter! Join us from home!

Dance classes will include ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop!
MBT will use the Zoom platform for virtual programming. Links and passwords will be issued one week in advance with instructions.
DREAMS online camp, age 5-7: M-F, 10:00-11:30 daily
DREAMS online camp, age 8-10: M-F, 10:00-12:00 daily

Dance, Arts, & Crafts Camp: age 6-8 or age 9-11
Perfect for the young dancer who wants to learn many styles of dance in a fun, exploratory environment, even if they have not taken prior dance classes. Designed to improve basic dance technique, build strength, poise and confidence with opportunities to explore numerous dance disciplines (ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, and more). Each day includes an art project and other crafts. Students will also have fun playing different games that explore dance and art forms such as acting and singing too. Students will learn combinations to perform in a culminating dance demonstration for the parents at the end of the week (as Covid precautions allow, video observation may need to be substituted). All experience levels welcome. Wardrobe requirements: comfortable clothing such as leggings or athletic shorts, socks, clean sneakers, long hair pulled back.

Dance Performance Camp: age 7-10
Perfect for the young performer who wants to learn many styles of dance in a fun, exploratory environment, even if he or she has not taken prior dance classes. Designed to improve basic dance technique, build strength, poise and confidence with opportunities to explore numerous dance disciplines (ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, and more). Each day will include fun activities, games, and art projects. Students will learn original choreography in different styles of dance to perform in a culminating dance performance in MBT’s Black Box Studio Theater for the parents at the end of the week (as Covid precautions allow, video observation may need to be substituted). All experience levels welcome. Wardrobe requirements: leotard and tights/leggings for girls, t-shirt and fitted shorts or athletic pants for boys, jazz or ballet shoes, long hair pulled back.

Broadway Musical Dance Camp: age 7-11
For the preteens who love musical theater, broadway, and ‘all that jazz’! Each day, dancers will learn about a different broadway musical, take broadway jazz dance class, explore acting and drama exercises, and learn dance choreography and songs from famous Broadway musicals to perform in MBT’s Black Box Studio Theater at the end of the week (as Covid precautions allow, video observation may need to be substituted). All experience levels welcome. Wardrobe requirements: leotard and tights/leggings for girls, t-shirt and fitted shorts or athletic pants for boys, jazz or ballet shoes, long hair pulled back.

Junior Summer Ballet Intensive: age 7-10
Continued training for the serious young ballet student. Designed to improve ballet technique, build strength, poise and confidence with opportunities to explore a variety of movement styles, including jazz, modern and hip hop. Each day is rounded out with related topics in dance and drama, and fun activities and art projects. Students will also learn choreography for a culminating performance in MBT’s Black Box Studio Theater (as Covid precautions allow, video observation may need to be substituted). Wardrobe requirements: leotard and tights for girls, white shirt and black shorts for boys, ballet shoes, ballet bun for long hair. Costumes will be provided by MBT. Please let the office know if you need to borrow any of these items. Minimum 1 year previous ballet training. Requires faculty approval and placement. Please contact the office to schedule a free placement class.

Summer Ballet Intensive: age 10+
The Summer Ballet Intensive program is designed to improve technique, strength and flexibility while broadening perspectives and developing personal expression through a variety of dance styles. Dancers will be placed in their appropriate class level based on technical ability and experience. Included are technique classes in ballet, pointe (as appropriate for students already dancing en pointe), modern, jazz and more! Guest instructors from around the country join MBT each week. Additional classes vary and may include variations and repertoire, choreography, tone & stretch, nutrition for dancers, and drama.

Adult ballet dancers with required experience and approval welcome. Drop-in Intensive classes available for advanced dancers, please call for details.
Minimum 3 years prior ballet training. Faculty approval and placement required. Please call to schedule a placement class.

Week of Ballets: ages 12+ and 14+ (MBT levels 6-9 or equivalent)
Students will learn about the history and choreography of some of the world’s most famous ballets. After a ballet class with one of MBT’s ballet faculty members, students will watch and learn about a ballet, and learn variations from the ballet to be performed at the end of the week (as Covid precautions allow, video observation may need to be substituted). A different ballet will be studied daily. Daily classes may also include pointe, pilates, or ballet fitness. You may bring your own practice tutu if desired, but not necessary. Faculty approval required; please call to schedule a placement class.

Advanced Dance Performance Camp: age 12+
Perfect for the serious performer who wants to explore many styles of dance in a fun environment. Designed to build upon intermediate/advanced dance technique, build strength, poise and confidence with opportunities to explore numerous dance disciplines (ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, and more disciplines from all around the world!).  Dancers will learn original choreography in different styles of dance to perform in a culminating dance performance in MBT’s Black Box Studio Theater for the parents at the end of the week (as Covid precautions allow, video observation may need to be substituted.) Requires faculty approval and placement. Wardrobe requirements: leotard and tights and leggings for girls, t-shirt and fitted shorts or athletic pants for boys, jazz or ballet shoes, long hair pulled back.

Pre-Pointe Workshop
This workshop is for students who have been advanced to pointe by MBT faculty (or equivalent at other schools), or with other prior approval. During the workshop, dancers will learn everything they need to know about pointe shoes including sewing pointe shoes, toe care, and foot strengthening. Take your first steps en pointe with proper care and instruction and get ready for your first year en pointe!

Ballet Boot Camp: age 11+ Placement Required
Get back into ballet shape before the Fall Semester starts. This week-long intensive includes ballet classes, pointe classes (for approved students), extensive stretching, and an exercise portion that is sure to strengthen muscles and get your heart pumping! Requires faculty approval and placement. Please contact the office to schedule a free placement class.


Visit MBT’s website at www.mbtdance.org or call 301-762-1757 for more details about summer programs in both their Gaithersburg and Clarksburg locations.

Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and Academy is a 501(c)(3)  nonprofit arts education organization.

Parent Review:
“MBT is truly the best dance company in Maryland and we could not be happier with their summer programs. Our daughter has been attending MBT’s camps for over five years and has discovered a love for so many different dance forms because of MBT’s diverse camp offerings. We are always amazed at how much she learns in just one week! The camps are fun and challenging, and the teachers provide exceptional dance training tailored to your child’s age and abilities. We feel so lucky to have found such an outstanding company that makes our daughter feel at home, cares so much about its students, and gives back to the community. Thank you MBT!”