Pre-Ballet
Ages 3 & 4 - 1/2 hour
Introduction to very basic Ballet positions and exercises (e.g. 1st through 3rd, tendus, demi-pliés, passes, bourées, etc.) Movement to music is done through the imitation of animals; flowers and other make- believe situations.
Pre-Ballet
Ages 5 & 6 -1 hour
This age group works on flexibility and grace while keeping a fun fairy-tale atmosphere. Emphasis is given to proper alignment of the body and turnout through a ½ hour barre followed by simple centre exercises and age-appropriate folkloric dances.
Level I
Ages 7 & up -1 hour
Beginning ballet introduces the students to basic body and arm positions and steps (e.g. demi-pliés, battement tendus, battement tendus jetés (degaggés), rond de jambs, frappes and grand battements), at the barre and centre. Diagonal exercises such as piques, bourées and chasses are also executed. Emphasis is given to the correct alignment of the body and to the strengthening of the ankles through relevés and to the torso through camber movements at the barre.
Level II
Ages 7 & up -1 hour
A continuation of the study of the basics of Ballet with a ½ hour barre followed by centre work. Introduction of centre body positions and epaulement exercises such as croisé, efface, ecarté. Simple step combinations in centre with the introduction of glissade, balance, soutenue and assemblé. Emphasis is placed on accuracy of line and building of strength.
Level IIA
Instr. Approval, Ages 7 & up - 1 hour
This class should be taken in conjunction with Level II and is subject to the teacher’s recommendation. Concentration on the correct positions of the body, jumps with épaulement, turns in piques and the introduction of the pirouette at the barre and later in the centre. Emphasis is given to the proper body and leg alignment, turn out and leg strength as well as beauty of movement.
Level III
Instr. Approval - 1 hour
This class meets twice per week. In addition, the student is advised to take other dance classes such as modern, character and jazz. Intensification of barre exercises for the development of strength, balance and stamina. Centre work includes phrasing and introduction of jumps with batterie. Some grand allegro is introduced. Concentration on balance and stamina through relevés, promenade, fouettés, and jumps with batterie.
Level IV
Instr. Approval - 1 hour
Taken in conjunction with Level III and pointe. Intensification of barre and centre work with emphasis on the aesthetic quality of movement in the coordination of arms, head, legs, and body during the execution of more complicated exercises. The student will concentrate on turns and jumps with beats during centre work. Expanded vocabulary (French terms) and complex combinations are added. Students may do their barre work on pointe during the second semester. Emphasis is placed on the rhythmical accuracy, musicality and artistry needed to achieve a high standard of dance and correct use of space.
Level V
Instr. Approval - 1 1/2, 2 hour
Students ready to advance to serious training should be taking technique ballet classes at least 3 times per week together with the variations class and modern technique class. Emphasis is placed on the execution of more difficult combinations displaying complete control of balance, pointe of reference and stamina. Musicality, coordination, expression and dynamics of performance while achieving the quickness necessary for the execution of petite and grand allegros.
Level VI
Instr. Approval - 1 1/2, 2 hour
This Level is geared to students who are serious about their future as dancers and want to enter the pre-professional level. Instructor approval is necessary to take this class.
Teen/Adult
1 1/2, and 1 hour classes
This class is geared to the adult who has done some dance or sport. The basic steps and positions are reviewed and combinations and variations are executed at the barre and centre. It is a fun and beautiful way to stay in shape and feel better.
Pointe
Beginner/Intermediate
Instr. Approval - 1/2 hour
Beginner:
To be taken in conjunction with Level III this class introduces pointe through the elever and relever exercises, piques and bourées all facing the barre and later at the centre when the student is ready. Some diagonal work.
Intermediate:
Taken in conjunction with Levels IV and V will continue the advancement of the students on an individual basis using the barre and/or centre.
Pointe
Advanced
Instr. Approval - 1 1/2 and 1 hour classes
The student taking this class has to be strong on her pointe work so as to take a ballet class (barre and centre) on pointe. Student should be able to relevé and balance on one leg on pointe at the barre and centre as well as perform clean single pirouettes en d’hors at the centre. | 