CLASSES

VIANI’S PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

CLASSES AVAILABLE

Private Instruction- one on one training that helps increase the quality of student technique and performance at a quicker pace

Small Group Instruction- classes where students can sign up with their friends (5 students max)to provide a healthy and fun performing arts atmosphere

^{Lyrical- all levels/ages available}
^{Jazz- all levels/ages available}
^{Tap- all levels/ages available}
^{Hip Hop- all levels/ages available}
^{Modern-all levels/ages available}
^{Musical Theater- all levels/ages available}
^{Flexibility & Strength Building- all levels/ages available}
^{Musical Theater Voice (beginning-advanced)}
^{Contemporary/Commercial Voice (beginning-advanced)}
^{Classical Voice (beginning-advanced)}
^{Character Development (beginning-advanced)}
^{Stage Presence/Showmanship (intermediate-advanced)}
^{Music Theory (beginning-intermediate)}
^{Mindfulness (yoga inspired wellness practice)}

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

_{(BEWARE: educational content below)}

LYRICAL: a favorite genre of Kasey’s- her style is an original infusion of different dance stylizations such as ballet, jazz and contemporary. Lyrical dance is one that tells a story- one from the soul – which, when performed and disciplined correctly, can quickly improve the dance skills of the dancer and simultaneously emotionally evoke their audience. These pieces are usually the audience favorites. Foundational skills in the infused dance styles will be emphasized and instructed in this class.

JAZZ: another favorite genre of Kasey’s – the genre of jazz is a historical one rooted in African tribal dancing and chanting. Since its inception, the style of jazz has taken on many forms emphasizing strength, agility, artistry and isolationism. A few great jazz choreographers to note that helped its evolution to its current formation: Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, Jack Cole, and Katherine Dunham- to name a few. All levels of jazz are instructed in this class.

HIP HOP: a for-sure crowd pleaser, hip hop has definitely had many journeys. The stylizations of hip hop are very vast and wide, and can even be defined by the physical location it was initially developed (ie. west coast, east coast, etc.). Now, hip hop is defined by the choreographer that incepts its stylizations such as: Travis Payne, Tabitha & Napoleon D’umo, Twitch, or Wade Robson. As a hip hop choreographer, Kasey brings her own finesse and style to her craft. Hip Hop infuses fitness and swag (ie. STYLE) which creates one contagiously fun class.

MUSICAL THEATER MOVEMENT: the genre of musical theater is one that encapsulates life on stage at a grander scale. If one is feeling joyful- they break out in a tap dance. If one is feeling in love- they break out in a ballet pas du deux (ie. ‘a duet’- typically between romantic characters). Musical theater dance has the ability to become magical, which is a powerful force with the audience. Historical icon and influence, Gene Kelly, was known for incorporating athleticism in combination with grace and purpose- he was known as the dancer’s choreographer. Another master at this art is Tyce Diorio- one of the featured choreographers on SYTYCD and Emmy Award winner. This class teaches you to become not only at ease with your ‘grander’ self, but also teaches you how to transform into a person you want to be. Foundational skills in applicable dance genres will be instructed in this class, as well as character development.

TAP: an iconic art form, tap has been made famous by the industries finest: Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Gregory Hines, and Ann Miller (the fastest recorded tapper in history). Tap is filled with energy, syncopation, athleticism, and- believe it or not- artistry! Watch how new budding tappers take the stage on SYTYCD (“So You Think You Can Dance”-if you didn’t know) The variation of tap dancers you will experience are some incredibly quick and articulately fast tappers, but also ones whom syncopate the music through highly complicated tap structures in combination with simplified slow dragging sounds. Foundational tap skills are instructed in this class.

BALLET: Baryshnikov, Balanchine, Charisse, Caron- these names just list a few of the greats that went on to do great things in the world of ballet because they not only rooted their skills in this foundational craft but fell in love with the art form. Ballet is the foundation that any trained or untrained dancer must have. Ballet instruction helps with alignment, flexibility, stature, grace and poise- all which ties into the basic elements you must have for all other dance forms. All types of dancers are strongly encouraged to train in the art of ballet, so they receive the correct basic foundational movements that apply linearly to most dance styles.

MODERN: modern was an evolution – a dance evolution – that grew out of the art form of ballet. Inceptors and radical pioneers of the modern dance world include: Martha Graham (considered the ‘Mother of Modern Dance’), Isadore Duncan, Jose Limon, Twyla Tharp, and Alvin Ailey. Modern dance prides its stylizations in abstract movements, suspensions, and unpredictability. It is typically performed as a company depicting the deepest of societal struggles. Although, modern isn’t really spoken about today- due to the commercialism of contemporary dance- modern is credited to be also the foundation of contemporary dance. Jean Isaacs, Founder/Creator of San Diego Dance Theater, still keeps modern alive today by having her troupe perform around local spots across San Diego County- these are known as “The Trolley Dances”. Foundational modern skills are instructed in this class.

VOCAL TRAINING: the world of singing is great and vast, and it is easy to get lost in it if you don’t receive the right training. Differentiated training should be given per the expertise you are either seeking to learn or have already learned and want to perfect your skill. Great singers such as: Andrea Bochelli, Indina Menzel, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey all have very specific areas of strength in their vocality and style (ie. Opera, R & B, Pop, Musical Theater). Kasey has had decades of experience in honing her singing craft to be her own, and is eager to teach her tips to her budding or seasoned singers. She is a singer/songwriter and holds two self titled CD’s that she toured California and Las Vegas. She is experienced in teaching CCM (contemporary/commercial/musical theater), and Classical. She can teach you how to protect your voice, breath properly, pitch correct as you simultaneously learn articulation and resonance.

MUSICAL THEATER VOICE: Musical theater voice is a class that is specialized in teaching specific singing techniques when it comes to musical theater content. Musical theater vocal techniques are a blend of genres in respect to the vocal range of the singer. Such techniques as belting, classical resonance, and contemporary expression are all infused to best compliment the story at hand and the character in play. Not all vocalists need to belt, not all vocalists need to be classical in tone, which is why it is important to know ones own voice and receive instruction on how to best use it in a musical theater setting.

Commercial/Contemporary Voice- this genre is considered the nonclassical genre of singing. Popular music types such as pop, r & b, soul, and musical theater are all stylizations within this genre. Classical singing is a great foundation to begin with before entering the contemporary genre, so a vocalist knows how to best protect and utilize their voice with the appropriate breathing, intonation, and articulation techniques. Just like the art form of modern dance- where it began by evolving from the foundation of ballet, contemporary/commercial singing builds on the foundation of classical singing. Specific inflections, transitions, vocalities, and belting practices are techniques taught in this vocal genre.

Classical Voice: the genre of classical voice is one that is highly contested. Many instructors will tell you that to be trained in classical music is to restrict yourself to a very limited capacity of singing capability. This is in a sense, true. Classical singing is a foundation from which to push off of, so that you can grow your advanced skills in the contemporary/commercial genres. Classical singing assists the singer in understanding how to breathe, utilize their diaphragm appropriately, and project their voice in a large auditorium. These classical techniques are foundational to every type of singer, and should be learned at some point of their singing career.

Character Development: this class assists the performer in diving deeper into their specific character and their physicality. Many times, side characters, supporting characters, or leading character roles require the performer to embody the physicality of their role. For instance, the role of Shrek requires the actor to take on a clunky gate (ie. walk), because the character himself is an ogre, and that gate needs to be performed through his dancing as well. This class helps train the performer to apply said characterizations consistently through their performance in different types of real life or fantasy scenarios.

Stage Presence/Showmanship: the ambitious performer is always curious why directors are drawn to certain performers on stage. As a director, I can honestly say that there is a certain command and presence that the performer not only takes the stage, but owns it the entire time they are on it. There is a controlled energy the performer brings to their role that draws the intrigued attention of their audience. This class helps coach and mentor the performer in honing this craft. This class can benefit not only the weary of heart (ie. shy and introverted performers- they do exist), but also the seasoned performer looking to take their craft to the next level.

Music Theory Practice: this class doesn’t seem like the most fun class to participate in nor something someone would want to do with their spare time, but let me broaden your minds. A singer needs to know what to do with their voice and when and how to do it…how do they learn to use their voice when a conductor is hollering at them to join them on page 5, measure 37, on the 3rd rest?? Music theory helps with this. Complex words made simple: it helps you learn to read music! Once you know how to read music, the world is your oyster! You can walk into that audition with complete confidence in being able to read whatever the music director throws at you. This class is essential for any stage performer and/or vocalists- from professional to recreational.

Flexibility & Strength Building: this class is built to increase the flexibility and strength of the performer. Dance skills will increase significantly when complimented with good flexibility and strength. Turns can be cleaner and battements (high kicks) can be prettier. It also helps the body learn how to release and balance at the same time, so that the art of their dancing performance appears more effortless. Flexibility and strength building also assists in protecting the body from injury. Injuries can happen when the performer isn’t appropriately stretched before a performance, and by increasing their flexibility- injuries can happen at a lesser frequency. Balance being also the core of dancing- strength building can help that performer to finally defeat that double pirouette they keep falling out of. This class is foundation for any performer or dancer looking to compliment their skills on stage.

Mindfulness: mindfulness is a state of being. In a crazy time of busy schedules, demanding deadlines, and simply just trying to do it all- we forget many time to take care of our mind. This class emphasizes yoga practices to bring the performer back to their center and calm their mind. Slow stretches and peaceful breathing are the core focus of this class. Set in a serene setting with spa relaxation music- this class is good for all types of individuals and performers.

Like this: