The Flachs bring classical ballet to MHC
Prior to their teaching career at Mount Holyoke, Professor Charles Flachs and Professor Rose Marie Flachs danced professionally with the Nashville Ballet, Ballet West, and the Cincinnati Ballet Company.
Since arriving at Mount Holyoke College, their guesting careers have thrived as they have taught and performed at the Tulsa Ballet, Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, Jacob's Pillow, Connecticut Concert Ballet, Columbia College, the University of Georgia at Athens, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
They have also taught for the Southeast Regional Ballet Festival and the American College Dance Festival. As choreographers, they have created over 20 ballets and staged excerpts from many of the classics.
In addition, the Flachs are founding members of the Council of Organized Researchers of Pedagogical Studies (CORPS) de Ballet International Inc. An organization dedicated to the development, exploration, and advancement of ballet in higher education. They are also the directors of their own school, the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet, specializing in the training of classical ballet professionals.
Considered knowledgeable teachers of the Vaganova method of classical ballet, they are dedicated to contributing to the development of quality ballet training in the United States.
Charles Flachs has produced three CD’s for the classical ballet lesson entitled "OPEN CLASS!" “Master Class” and “First Class.” Rose Marie Flachs has written articles for "Dance Teacher" and "Dance Spirit" magazines on healthy competition in the classroom.
As principal dancers the Flachs repertoire includes the lead roles in Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Cinderella and Coppelia, and works by choreographers George Balanchine, Choo San Goh, Peter Anastos, Paul Taylor, Jose Limon, John Butler, Michael Smuin, and Val Caniparoli. Their awards and honors include two Outstanding Service Awards from the CORPS de Ballet, a Choreographic Fellowship from the Ohio Arts Council and a Tennessee Individual Artist Fellowship.