The mirrored walls of room 2307 in the Carmichael Gymnasium were lined with leotard-clad dancers Friday evening, each with a hand gently clasping the barre. Classical music flowed out of the speakers and the dancers graceful movements began on rhythm.
However, this wasn’t a rehearsal or an audition. It’s one of the dance classes offered in the Master Class Series by the N.C . State Dance Program. The woman gliding around the room and leading the class, making sure toes are pointed and posture is aligned, was Megan Marvel — an accomplished ballet dancer, choreographer and current associate director of Raleigh Dance Theatre .
Instead of seasoned professionals, Marvel spent the evening teaching N.C . State students. While most have had previous dance training, for many, ballet is more an enjoyable hobby instead of a future career.
Rachel McCloskey , a junior in elementary education, was drawn to the event out of a sense of nostalgia. The event was McCloskey’s first time experiencing a dance class at N.C . State.
“I really miss dancing in high school,” McCloskey said. “When I received the information email about the class, I knew this would be a fun opportunity to put my ballet shoes back on. I haven’t done ballet in so long. I missed the barre and working on technique. It’s nice to be back.”
Anja Holzberg , a senior in math and English and an exchange student from Germany, also found the class as a way to connect to her past.
“I took modern dance classes in Germany,” Holzberg said, “so when I saw that N.C . State was offering this master class series, I immediately signed up for it. I haven’t done ballet in a while, but it was nice to be back at the barre again. I would definitely take the class again if it was offered.”
On the other end of the spectrum is Karsey Long, a sophomore in human biology, who has been taking ballet her whole life and now teaches at a dance studio in Garner.
“I was three when I went to my first ballet class and I’ve been dancing ever since,” Long said. “I studied with Mrs. Marvel in high school so I really wanted to come and take her class. I love the freedom in ballet and the opportunity to express yourself without words.”
The intermediate ballet class examined quality of movement and musicality in a traditional ballet structure. It began with basic barre technique, continued with exercises and stretches to enhance flexibility and strength and ended with floor work and movements (such as the waltz) across the room.
Long found the pace of the class allowed her to simply let go and enjoy the evening.
“This class was nice because there was no pressure,” Long said, “and it was a relaxed dance atmosphere. We could all just dance without any worries of being perfect. If N.C . State offered more classes like this, I would be in here all the time.”
The night proved a relaxing time for both casual and long-term ballet students.
Those interested in the other dance classes in the Master Class Series, such as modern and contemporary dance, can find all they need to know on the N.C . State Dance Program website.
