Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater Announces Winter Intensive & Partnering Workshops

Monmouth County's first professional ballet company, the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater [AXCBT], will host a winter intensive January 12 and a partnering workshop on February 9 for area dance students who wish to experience focused training in a professional setting under the leadership of Artistic Director and Choreographer Gabriel Chajnik.

When Chajnik first joined the Axelrod Performing Arts Center to establish the company, he met with local schools and dance programs to see what type of professional-level training was needed and desired in the area. This inspired a series of targeted workshops hosted directly onstage with live musicians and high-caliber professional dancers.

"We have already hosted over 150 dance students through our masterclass series and our intensives," said Chajnik. "The Axelrod Contemporary Ballet's educational program is designed for local dancers to expand, refine, and add new elements to their training. Our intention is to build the reputation of the Jersey Shore as a preeminent place for dance."

AXCBT's winter intensive takes place January 12 and offers a full day of training for all students to include ballet technique, pointe, men's class, and classical and contemporary variations. All classes will be taught by graduate teachers from the Juilliard School, NYU Tish School of the Arts, and the Paul Taylor Dance Theater among others.

On February 9, AXCBT will host a ballet and contemporary partnering intensive workshop. "Partnering is one of the most exciting, fun, and beautiful parts of ballet. What aspiring Ballet dancer doesn't want to someday recreate the adagio of Aurora's Wedding or recreate the drama and magic of the BLACK SWAN pas de deux?" said Chajnik.

Ballet partnering is valuable training and the cornerstone in any full-length classical ballet. With an emphasis on safety and technique, AXCBT's intensive will include strengthening exercises, as well as practicing fundamental skills.

Dancers will learn to work with their own body weight in relation to their partner and learn the use of dance phrases and how to incorporate them into movements of a duo, trio, or a larger group. Creation of short dances by the dancers themselves will take center stage. Dance pairs can be formed freely and regardless of gender.

Anyone interested in registering for the workshops can contact (732) 531-9106 or visit the ballet's website for more information: https://www.axelrodartscenter.com/axelrod-cbt.

The AXCBT was established in the fall of 2017 under the leadership of Board President Elise Feldman and Artistic Director and Choreographer Gabriel Chajnik. The mission of the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater is to inspire an appreciation for dance-in both dancers and dance enthusiasts-through artistic excellence, innovative choreography, and exhilarating performances.

Through contemporary ballet, Gabriel Chajnik and his team of master instructors will be able to inspire and teach young dancers to learn to express their talent, explore their creative spirits, and expand their artistic horizons. This training program is designed to underscore the joy of dance and prepare young dancers for the challenges of a career in dancing or a life of loving dance.

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is New Jersey's newest professional theater, offering main-stage musicals, ballets, original concerts, films and special events throughout the year. APAC fosters artistic excellence by showcasing varied and distinct cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual, and creative soul, while cultivating an appreciation of diverse communities through the pursuit of the arts. For more information, please visit www.axelrodartscenter.com.