Learning the Soul of Dance

Middletown Press Sept 11. 1997

   By WENDY ORLANDO Middletown Press Correspondent

     CROMWELL - Imagine a teacher full of vigor and fervid enthusiasm and a school philosophy that believes in teaching children creativity and a disciplined arts curriculum.  It sounds like the perfect educational setting, unlike what critics describe as today's school systems.  That teacher and  school do indeed exist at Company 'N  Tempo Theatre & Dance Centre.

     "We want to foster the appreciation of and participation in the performing arts," Rosemarie Libera, artistic director and dance teacher, explained.

    Established in 1989, Company N' Tempo works differently than do most other children's dance schools.  The school focuses on arts education and creativity and de-emphasizes recitals and competitions.

     Class offerings are varied, including ballet, ballroom, jazz, modern, tap, theatre, voice and instruments classes.

     The schools philosophy is multi-faceted. All dance classes work on dance history, body awareness, choreography, technique, historical and world dances, and personal expression through movement. "Our goal is for the students' souls to come through their art, " Libera explained.

     The center combines artistic creativity with disciplined technique training. "We teach dance fundamentals, voice technique and theatre concepts rather than a dance, a song and a play," according to the center's handbook.

     Corrine Bates, 9, of Middletown, began at the center when she was 4. She now studies jazz, ballet and voice at the school. Her father, Stephen Bates, spoke of why he chose the school for his daughter.  "The school's approach is to not put pressure on the kids", he said.  "It's a great, positive setting."

     Michael Zaleski, 13, of Cromwell, takes theater classes at the Company 'n Tempo.   This is his fifth year at the center.  "Rosemarie interacts with us," he said of his teacher.  "She doesn't act like an all-knowing authority figure, even though she knows so much."  The center's children's dance ensemble recently performed at WorldFest '97, a statewide multicultural entertainment event held in Stamford.  Bates said that by attending the school, Corrine has gained invaluable self-confidence.  At the WorldFest, she performed before an audience of a few hundred people.  Performing is only one component of the curriculum.   "Not everyone we are teaching is going to be a performer," Libera said.

     The classes teach students about dance, so that as audience members, "they will have a basis to judge a performance," she said.  Also, no student is required to perform in any of the school's concerts.

     Performances combine all the arts taught at the center and are held at various places, including libraries and in-studio performances for parents. Each student receives an end-of-the-year evaluation. Students are asked to make up missed classes, exemplifying the school's interest in education.

     The prices are reasonable and Corrine wasn't charged for her extra classes when she entered the Junior Rep dance troupe, Bates said.

     Faculty members offer a myriad of backgrounds.  Libera has a bachelor of science degree in English and a master of arts degree in physical education, both from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. She has worked with children of all ages, handicapped children and the elderly.

     Her literature background also influences her artistic work.  "For me, literature structure and analysis relate to choreography," Libera explained. She approaches choreography as a creation - merging creativity with structured guidelines.

For more information on the school and registration, call 635-2787.

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