Created by Nashville Ballet’s former Director of NB2, Maria Konrad, this invite-only intensive program features world-class faculty and artistic staff. Designed to immerse dancers in the contemporary ballet world, dancers will take daily classes in classical ballet and contemporary technique as well as contemporary pointe, contemporary partnering, improvisation for the ballet dancer, and contemporary repertoire.
Contemporary Intensive
June 7-11, 2027
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Optional Housing & Meals
$150 Non-Refundable Registration Fee
Experience Contemporary Technique class, developed specifically for the needs of ballet dancers, placing emphases on the articulation of the epaulment, joint strength, breath of movement, release of the spine, and the distinction of parallel and rotated positions. She explains how each exercise relates to classical ballet technique and moves into contemporary technique of today.
This class incorporates the needs of contemporary pointe work today, including articulation of the foot, strengthening exercises and transitions from parallel to turned out positions. The class includes a pointe barre, dynamic across-the-floor exercises, and contemporary pointe phrase work in center. Students may choose to participate in pointe shoes or in ballet slippers.
Students learn from the diverse repertoire that includes some of the most cutting-edge creators of today. This class will emphasize attention to detail, focus on learning material quickly, and the history of existing works.
Improvisation can be overwhelming and nerve-racking for ballet students! Students are given clear structures and directives that help them make the connection from classical lines to contemporary vocabulary created from their own body. Choreographers often ask dancers to “move in space”. This class readies dancers to create phrase work with freedom and less stress.
This class explores weight transfer, grip transitioning, and articulation of contemporary release with a classical ballet line.
MARIA A. KONRAD holds a BFA in Performing Arts from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her work Maestro was commissioned for the Mariinsky under the direction of Yuri Fateev. She was commissioned to set works for the 2022 Nervi Festival in Italy. She has worked with Philadelphia Ballet 2, NB2, and Oklahoma City Ballet 2. Ms. Konrad’s choreography has been presented at the Spoleto Festival, The Fringe Festival, Florida Dance Festival, Miami Dade Cultural, The Kravis Center and STEPS on Broadway. She has choreographed Les Perles Fishuers and Aida for Opera Tampa. She has been a Master Teacher with the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, The Colorado Ballet, The Tulsa Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, University of the Arta, Philadelphia Ballet, and others.
She received “Outstanding Choreographer” recognition for her body of work at the YAGP 2022 International Finals presented by POINTE magazine. She served on the 2018 faculty at The International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. She has been a guest instructor for the fitness line “Eleven” with Venus Williams. She also hosts the YouTube series Barre Talk for So’Danca where she chats, laughs, and loves with some of the biggest names in dance.
-Black leotard of any style
-Pink/Flesh colored convertible tights (recommended styles: Capezio Style #9 in Theatrical Pink or Eurotard style 210 in Caramel, Suntan, or Mocha)*
-Pink/Flesh colored ballet shoes and pointe shoes (if applicable)*
-Black leggings, biker shorts, or joggers
-Black fitted shirt for contemporary classes (optional)
-Black chiffon wrap skirt for pointe classes (any brand is fine; we recommend Mirella MS12)
-Black socks
-A notebook and pencil
-Plain black leotard, fitted crewneck t-shirt or sports shirt (no logos unless it is an official Nashville Ballet leotard or shirt. Nashville Ballet attire not required.)
-Black tights
-Black joggers or bikers shorts acceptable for contemporary classes
-Black socks
-Black ballet shoes
-A notebook and pencil