Karen Pisani, a Broadway performer who has three decades of dancing and choreography experience, is set to teach a Theater Arts workshop that introduces another generation of aspiring young performers to Broadway at the Marblehead School of Ballet beginning next month.
The School of Ballet is inviting 7- to 9-year-olds to sign up for the new series, which will run on Wednesdays from March 1 to April 12, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the school’s Pleasant Street studio and virtually. The workshop seeks to create a Broadway atmosphere, where dance, voice, and acting skills are learned and applied.
“Technique and creativity are the keys to a triple threat,” the school said in a statement. “For the theater-loving individual, this class is for them.”
Pisani’s career includes serving as dance captain and performer in the National Touring Company of A Chorus Line and dancing in Gypsy, Dames at Sea, Fiddler on the Roof, and Stop the World! I Want to Get Off. Her lengthy list of credits spans 32 years as choreographer for the Hasty Pudding Theatricals and the special event at Harvard’s 350th celebration.
She also served as artistic director of the National Dance Institute/New England with Jacques D’Amboise of the New York City Ballet. In Washington, D.C., she choreographed the Jack Lemmon segment of the Kennedy Center Honors.
Advanced registration is required to attend the workshop, and can be done online at https://marbleheadschoolofballet.com/classes/schedule/#workshops. For further information, contact 781-631-6262 or msb@havetodance.com.
The Marblehead School of Ballet was founded by Paula K. Shiff in 1971, and is celebrating its 51st year. The school has “earned a wide reputation for the excellence of its training and integrity of purpose,” the statement said.
Classical ballet is the core of teaching at the school, and an emphasis is placed on correct alignment and development of strength and agility. The sheer pleasure of dance and music is always central to the classroom experience.
The basic graded program for children includes classes in ballet technique with advanced work in repertoire and pointe. The school also offers a modern dance department, classes for young children in creative movement, and classes in improvisation and technique for the older student. A full range of adult classes is offered.
MSB is home to the North Shore Civic Ballet Company (NSCB). The NSCB gives concert performances and a variety of educational programs for schools; all are suitable for different age groups and levels of development.