About SNHDT
The School
Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater (SNHDT), now regarded as the area's finest dance school, was founded in September of 1996 by artistic director Patricia Lavoie, a Bedford, NH native. SNHDT's highly skilled faculty provides quality training and a sound education in dance as a performing art. While nurturing the development of each student's technical and artistic skills, we also emphasize an understanding of the inherent traditions that lie behind each dance form. It is our goal to support the philosophy that dance, much like any art form, is an important part of our society's cultural fabric and heritage. All classes are taught by adults and all curriculums are age and ability appropriate.Philosophy of The School
Central to the philosophy of our school is the belief that the process of learning
should be emphasized at all levels in a fun and nurturing way. All classes and levels are taught by adults. Whether you are looking to pursue dance as a career or not, students are presented with a curriculum that reflects the standards and traditions of the dance world today. All disciplines (Ballet, Modern, Jazz, etc.) are presented in their
traditional form. The teachers of SNHDT are dedicated to honoring the traditions of
dance training and nurturing the artistic and technical development of each student.
School Syllabus
The Ballet Syllabus at Southern NH Dance Theater is based on the classical Russian
tradition and is further enhanced by the ideas and concepts of several other major
methods and syllabi of training (i.e. Balanchine, Bournonville, Cecchetti, RAD).
Young students are taught the basic elements of classical ballet that are common to
all major syllabi. Intermediate and advanced level students are later introduced to the
number of varying styles that exist among some of the major methods of training.
Additionally, students are exposed to several guest instructors throughout the year
to broaden their knowledge and to ensure versatility. This more universal approach
enables our students to be prepared for the eclectic demands of today's dance world.
The Modern Syllabus at Southern NH Dance Theater is based primarily on the
teachings and styles of Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey, two of the earliest
pioneers of modern dance. Movement theories and steps common to all forms of
modern dance are also introduced and further explored at upper levels. Intermediate
and advanced students are challenged by increased complexity and length of sequence,
constant level change and use of non-traditional phrasing. The Jazz and Tap Syllabus
at Southern NH Dance Theater reflects these traditional American vernacular dance
forms as they have evolved today on the Broadway stage and in popular culture.
