“And Lydia Johnson Dance, a company based in South Orange, N.J., performed a show of Johnson’s works that demonstrated perhaps the most organic choreographic fusion of ballet and modern-dance techniques ever invented.” Lisa Jo, Sagolla Backstage Magazine, 2009
School & Company Photos
See photos of our students at work on Shutterfly!
Lydia Johnson Dance (LJD) teaches a unique blend of Dance Technique and Choreography. No prior dance training is necessary. Unlike most other dance programs LJD believes that technique is best learned as children use their creative energy to compose their own dance works. In discovering the power of different movements and vocabularies, students become motivated to increase their technical range. The works presented at the end of each class series are totally choreographed by students using the compositional techniques that have been worked on throughout the semester.
Lydia Johnson Dance will continue to offer classes at SOPAC and the Burgdorff Center in Maplewood Village again this summer and fall/winter, 2010!
New Hip hop and jazz dance classes Saturday mornings! Open House Dates at SOPAC to be announced soon!
Fall Schedule
Monday Classes Begin September 20
Classes Meet:
- September 20, 27
- October 4, 11, 18 (no 25)
- November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- December 6, 13, (no 20, no 27)
- January 3, 10 (showing of student works)
- Student Performance for all Ballet classes 7PM at SOPAC
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Intro to Ballet and Choreography (Grades Pre-K/K)
This class focuses on the basic structures of early ballet technique while allowing children to experience a joyous exploration of movement! The choreography portion of the class encourages a growing awareness of the use of dance technique as a creative tool. The class does not culminate in the usual recital, but rather the children will show short pieces of choreography at the end of the semester.
Instructors: Tammi Shamblin with Assistant Teacher Jeremy Summerville
5:00 - 6:00 PM: Ballet and Choreography I (Grades 1-4)
This unique class is broken into two segments with LJD Company member Tammi Shamblin teaching a Royal Academy based ballet class followed by Lydia Johnson teaching beginning Choreography. At this age children are able to compose using choreographic tools such as: levels, theme and variation, canons, movement dynamics and spatial design. LJD classes allow children to explore the process of choreography as a learnable skill. The class culminates in a student showing of works in progress.
Instructors: Tammi Shamblin with Assistant Teacher Jeremy Summerville
6:00 - 7:30 PM: Ballet and Choreography II (Grades 4-11 including beginners)
This unique class is broken into two segments with LJD Company member Tammi Shamblin teaching a Royal Academy based ballet class followed by Lydia Johnson teaching beginning choreography. Level II classes incorporate additional skills as students grow in their abilities to compose dances. Theme and variation, canons, movement dynamics, spatial design, partnering and group partnering are explored in depth. At this level, children are now using music as a part of their creative process as they experience the use of music as a springboard for choreography. The class culminates in a student showing of works in progress.
Instructors: Tammi Shamblin with Assistant Teacher Jeremy Summerville
7:30 – 8:30 PM: Ballet for Teens and Adults (Including Athletes, Actors, Musicians and CEOs)
This is the perfect ballet class for the adult or teen beginner, or for students with some prior training, who wishes to experience the joyous physicality of ballet! Finding classes for teens is difficult and this class will allow athletes, actors and others to add a dance class to their week. Ballet alleviates stress and encourages a grace and efficiency of movement, which can help in other areas of creative expression!
After the start of the semester it is possible to join this class. Please email lydia@lydiajohnsondance.org to inquire.
Instructors: Tammi Shamblin with Assistant Teacher Jeremy Summerville
Thursdays at Burgdorff Center in Maplewood Village
Classes begin September 16
Classes Meet:
- September 16, 23, 30
- October 7, 14, 21, 28
- November (no 4), 11, 18 (no 25)
- December 2, 9, 16 (no 25)
- January 6, 13 (Student showing 7 pm):
- Classes as usual 4-5 and 5-6:15 for Student Performances at Burgdorff Center
- Contemporary I: 7:00 -7:45
- Contemporary II 7:45-9
4:00 – 5:00 PM: Contemporary and Choreography I (Grades 1-4)
This class focuses on a ballet-based contemporary technique. Using a floor-based warmup and progressing into a center and across the floor section using combinations from a variety of contemporary techniques, the class allows kids to experience the thrill of drop and release, full out modern movement! At this age children are able to compose using choreographic tools such as: levels, theme and variation, canons, movement dynamics and spatial design. LJD classes allow children to explore the process of choreography as a learnable skill. The class culminates in a student showing of works in progress.
Teacher: Lydia Johnson, Sherrell Bush
5:00 – 6:15 PM Contemporary and Choreography II (Grades 5-11 including beginners)
A ballet-based contemporary technique class which allows for a full experience of drop and release modern movement, this Level II class incorporates additional skills as students grow in their abilities to compose dances. Theme and variation, canons, movement dynamics, spatial design, partnering and group partnering are explored in depth. At this level, children are now using music as a part of their creative process as they experience the use of music as a springboard for choreography. The class culminates in a student showing of works in progress.
Teacher: Lydia Johnson, Sherrell Bush
Saturday Mornings at Burgdorff Center in Maplewood Village
Classes begin September 25, 2010
Classes meet:
- September 25
- October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- November 6, 13, 20 (no 27)
- December 4, 11, 18 (no 25)
- January 8, 15 (Student showing for Hip Hop 1 am - 1 pm)
10:00 – 11:00 AM Hip Hop and Jazz with Choreography Level I (grades 2-5)
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Hip Hop and Jazz with Choreography Level II (grades 5-12)
- Saturday January 15: Student Rehearsals for both classes 11 am - 1 pm
This class will focus on both Hip Hop and classic Jazz (Broadway) dance steps and combinations in a creative environment which allows each student to progress at their own pace. Students will learn combinations based on Hip Hop and Jazz and use these moves as a springboard for their own choreography in this genre. Taught by Sherrell Bush and Guest Artists from New York, the class will have a distinctive vocabulary not taught in our Contemporary and is a great opportunity for experiencing and working in an expanded dance vocabulary.
To Register On Line:
You can register online and pay via PayPal. Or, print out the registration form to pay by check.
To Pay By Check:
Please print the registration form and mail it with your check to Lydia Johnson Dance at 266 Audley Street, South Orange, NJ 07079. Or e-mail us your class choices and grades and we'll work out an arrangement. For any questions, please email us at: info@lydiajohnsondance.org.
Class Fees:
Each course is $415 by check and $425 if paid by PayPal online.
Sibling Discount: $25 off sibling's class fee by check only.
2nd and 3rd Class discount: $100 off second and third classes by check only.
Refund Policy
We offer a complete refund after the first class has been tried. We offer a refund of the semester fee minus $40 after the second class. We offer a refund of the semester fee minus $100 after the third class.
After the third class there are no further refunds for dropping out of the class.
Special Events
During the semester dancers from the company will perform as guest artists, demonstrating partnering, phrasing and performing excerpts from LJD’s repertory. Our dancers all have extensive teaching experience and love to work with kids!
