Ballet Curriculum

CREATIVE MOVEMENT (Ages 3-4) and PRE-BALLET (AGES 4-5)

Creative movement and Pre-ballet classes are designed for 3 to 5 year olds to introduce the joy of movement and enrich the child’s spirit of exploration. Children are introduced to many forms of music to allow them to discover rhythmical ways to express themselves. Classes are lightly structured to prepare children for a disciplined ballet approach while stretching and strengthening their bodies with pre-ballet exercises.The emphasis is to develop an imaginative and creative spirit as well as a love for dance.

BALLET I, II AND III

These classes provide the foundation of proper ballet technique. In a nurturing atmosphere, students learn correct body placement, posture, terminology and musicality. Emphasis will be placed on stretching and strengthening the body while fostering artistic expression and a strong sense of personal accomplishment.

BALLET LEVELS IV-VII

These levels use the full range of classical ballet technique.  Longer movement phrases enhance technical strength, stamina, musicality and artistic sense. Pointe classes are offered to ladies who are at least 12 years of age, take 2 ballet classes weekly and have developed sufficient strength for pointe work.

REQUIREMENTS

Ballet III - 2 classes per week (one class can be Tap, Jazz or Irish).
Ballet IV - 2 classes per week are required. The student will spend 2 years in this level.
Ballet V - 2 to 3 technique classes are required.

Beginning Pointe - For those ladies wishing to go on Pointe, please see our guidelines for beginning pointe. Students starting pointe must demonstrate the ballet technique necessary for pointe work.

Ballet VI & VII - 3 technique classes are required.

Jazz, Tap, Irish, & Hip Hop

Beginning Jazz

Fundamentals of jazz technique are introduced. Stretching and strengthening exercises are performed and simple combinations of steps are taught to encourage vitality and enthusiasm for dance.

Intermediate and Advanced Jazz

This level continues to build upon the technique, flexibility, and vocabulary taught in beginner jazz, but places a new emphasis on expression. Curriculum includes the preparation for turns and jumps which are an extension of the alignment and strength taught in the first two levels.

Advanced jazz is a continuation and expansion of technique, repertoire, and performance. Particular attention is placed on turns and jumps. This level connects developed technique with expression, allowing the dancer to dance from the inside out. Special performance and competition opportunities exist for the dedicated jazz dancer

Tap

Tap is a style of American theatrical dance, distinguished by percussive footwork, which marks out precise rhythmic patterns on the floor. Some descriptive step names are brush, flap, shuffle, ball change, and cramp roll.

Hip Hop

Students will learn the fundamentals of social hip hop dance. Understanding the social element of the dance will help the students comprehend the groove necessary to perform, as well as create, choreography. This is achieved by understanding 3 things...history, basic movement principles & musicality. The class focuses on technique, terminology, foundation and fun. Video documentation is also shown to further the learning experience. This class is aimed at giving the students an understanding of what hip hop dance is so that students can build a more powerful repertoire for self expression.

Adult Classes

Ballet, Irish, Hip Hop, Tap

Students in our adult classes learn in a more casual atmosphere. Our instructors understand the needs of adult students and approach the class differently from our children's programs. Many of our adult students use our programs for a fitness and social activity.