CLASSICAL BALLET CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Pre-Primary & Primary Ballet Program

Our Pre-Primary and Primary Ballet Programs are meant to develop the entire well-being of a student, both physically and developmentally.

Pre-Primary (Ages 3-4): Dancers must be 3 years old and bathroom independent by August 1, 2023.

The Pre-Primary class is designed to introduce your preschoolers to the world of ballet.  We will begin with warming up the body through imaginative play with our Circle Warm Up (banana feet, alligators, mermaids, kitty cats, etc.), moving to Center Barre (learning basic ballet terms), Across the Floor (flamingo passe’s are a favorite!), to our guided Free Dance (bubble space, rocket ships, fairies floating in the garden, etc.).  Dancers attend 1 class per week.

Primary (Ages 5-7):

The Primary class is designed to introduce music and movement through Share Time, Circle Warm Up and Dance, Center Barre, Across the Floor, and Free Dance. The progression of these exercises will help develop a solid foundation in ballet technique. The use of props will help instigate creativity and imagination, all while learning to love the art of classical ballet! Dancers attend 1 class per week.

Ballet 1 (By Placement):

Dancers in Ballet I will learn to build a solid technical foundation, while being introduced to more complex combinations, allowing their mind and body to work simultaneously. This year is exciting as they are invited to hold onto the ballet barre for their beginning class work! They will learn safe progressions of movement in a way that teaches them how to use their muscles and create turnout from the hips. We remain sensitive to their physical and developmental needs. Dancers attend 1 class per week.

Intermediate & Advanced Program

Dancers in this program may advance with hard work, determination, and discipline. Our program is designed to strengthen technique and stamina. Classes provided include a challenging and engaging atmosphere. 

*As these levels follow a specific progressive curriculum, all dancers are expected to attend all their assigned classes in the level they have been assigned. If your dancer would like to take more than 2x/week, please speak with the Ballet Director to make appropriate arrangements.

Ballet 2/3 (By Placement: Ballet Technique, Pre-Pointe/Beginning Pointe):

Classwork will build from previous years’ progression. The goal of this level is to prepare for going “en pointe” and purchasing pointe shoes is at the sole discretion of the Ballet Director. We continue to work on classical ballet technique, coordination, and alignment. Artistry, musicality and injury prevention continue to be emphasized. In order to progress onto pointe, dancers attend 2 classes per week (consistently and in the level they have been assigned), and must have approval of the Ballet Director.

Ballet 4/5 (By Placement: Ballet Technique, Beginning/Intermediate Pointe):

Classwork becomes more complex at this level.  Muscle memory, coordination, anatomy, injury prevention, musicality, and health are all emphasized in this level. We are interested in training the “whole dancer” and the ability to adapt to all styles of dance. We combine elements of classical French, Italian and Russian schools of ballet in our dedicated syllabus. We emphasize Injury Prevention in order to keep our dancers injury free. Dancers attend 2 classes per week.

Ballet 6/7 (By Placement: Ballet Technique, Intermediate/Advanced Pointe):

This level is designed to increase skills to become advanced in the technical, developmental, and artistic education of our dancers. We are dedicated to the serious dancers who would like to continue their training in a dance college/university or would like to advance to a career on the stage. We emphasize Injury Prevention and whole-body health (physical and mental) to train happy and healthy dancers for as long as their bodies/minds will allow. Classes will require more stamina, flexibility, intellectual awareness, and personal commitment. Dancers attend 2 classes per week. For those dancers wanting to progress towards professional ballet programs and/or college dance programs: We highly encourage attending the Ballet 4/5 level, thus allowing 4 classes per week which is necessary to progress to the pre-professional level of training safely.

Beginning Teen/Adult Ballet:

This class is for adults with or without prior ballet experience.  This class will take dancers through an hour and a half of classical ballet barre and center work, stressing proper technique and placement.