Community Division Introduces Ballet Workout for Adults – Free Trial Class on Friday

Preparacion Fisica Instructor Eddy Tovar

The Hartt School Community Division is bringing Preparacion Fisica dance classes to the Greater Hartford community.

The classes will be instructed by Eddy Tovar, former professional dancer with the Texas Ballet Theatre and current Community Division faculty member. Preparacion Fisica is a physical training program designed for the Cuban National Ballet School and used by top ballet performers throughout the world.

Classes are for adults and teens ages 15 and up. No prior dance experience is needed. Classes will take place every Friday from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at the Handel Performing Arts Center, 35 Westbourne Parkway, Hartford.

There will be a free trial class on Friday, Jan. 25, at 7:15 p.m., and regular classes will begin on Feb. 1.

Students may register for the full spring semester, purchase a 10-class dance card, or just drop in. Discounts are available for University of Hartford students, faculty and staff.

For more information, contact the Hartt Community Division at 860.768.6000 or visit the Community Division website.

Preparacion Fisica is perfect for those who want a “ballet body,” but are intimidated by the thought of taking an actual ballet class. This physical training workout was designed for the Cuban National Ballet School and is practiced by some of today’s most exciting and physical ballet dancers, including Carlos Acosta and Renata Pavam. Preparacion Fisica was developed by a former member of the Cuban National Gymnastics Team, Vicente Hernandez, and has been adopted by dance schools and companies throughout the world. This high-energy physical training workout, accompanied by upbeat music, will make participants sweat as they increase turnout, extension, strength, and stamina and build their bodies into strong and healthy instruments.

About Eddy Tovar, Preparacion Fisica Instructor: A native of Cuba, Eddy Tovar began his dance training at the National Ballet School in Havana. Prior to joining Texas Ballet Theatre, Tovar was a Principal Dancer with Orlando Ballet for nine years. Internationally, Tovar has performed in ballet galas in Japan, Canada, Argentina, and Latvia. He was the recipient of several gold medals for dance competitions in Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba. In 2008, he appeared on the television program So You Think You Can Dance, performing the principal role in George Balanchine’s Who Cares?. Some of Tovar's favorite classical roles have included Romeo in Romeo and Juliet and Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake. He also has enjoyed performing works by George Balanchine, Val Caniporoli, and Twyla Tharp.