Curriculum
The curriculum for our school is based on the Russian style of ballet, and the course content and typical ages of students at each level are given below. Please remember that there are always exceptions to each rule. Students who spend a great deal of time in class will usually excel technically and artistically, if they have no health problems to hold them back. Strength, stamina and the ability to dance en pointe usually will be determined by the amount of time and effort devoted to class work.
Pre-Ballet
OUR PRE-BALLET PROGRAM
OFFERS A VARIETY OF CLASSES
Discover the joy of movement, expression, and ballet in a nurturing environment. Coordination, strength-building, age-appropriate stretching, rhythm, and classroom manners are taught.
A, B, & C (4 - 5 years old)
Stretching exercises on the floor, skipping, hopping, and galloping (chasse) steps are combined with creative dance and folk dance to encourage the joy of movement. Classes are 1 hour long
Beginning Levels
Level I - 6yrs and older
Classes at this level are similar to Pre-Ballet classes, but emphasize more ballet technique and structure, and introduce the children to ballet barre work. Classes are one hour long.
Level II - 7yrs and older
Children at this level begin a half hour of exercises at the barre, followed by a half hour in the center. The focus is on building strength, technique and expression. Classes are one hour long, and some students may attend class twice a week.
Level III - 8yrs and older
At this level, many ballet steps are taught in basic form, especially at the barre, since coordination, strength and development are maturing. Teenage beginners sometimes can start in this level with a supplement of private or semi-private lessons to help them catch up to their age group. Classes are one hour long, and students are encouraged to attend 2 classes each week. Pre-professional students should take 3 to 4 classes weekly.
Level IVB - 9yrs and older
Students at this level begin serious preparation for pointe work, and they are strongly advised to attend classes a minimum of 3 days a week in order to build the strength and stamina they will need to danceen pointe. Classes are one and one half hours long. Pre-professional students should attend classes at least 4 days a week.
Level IVA - 10yrs and older
A class for students who will be ready to begin pointe work within the year. Students must have completed Level IVB and must attend 3 classes per week to begin pointe work. Students will be notified in writing when they are ready for pointe shoes. Classes are one and one half hours long. Pre-professional students should attend classes at least 5 days a week.
Intermediate Levels
Level V - 11yrs and older
At this level, students devote one half hour of each class to pointe work. Classes are one and one half hours long, and we recommend students attend at least 4 classes a week. Pre-professional students should attend 5 or 6 days a week.
Level VIB - 12yrs and older
All students at this level should take a one and one-half hour pointe class. Classes are one and one-half hours long, and we recommend students attend at least 4 classes a week. Pre-professional students should attend 5 or 6 days a week.
Level VIA - 13yrs and older
All students at this level take a one and one-half hour pointe class, and for the most advanced, pas de deux may be offered. Classes are one and one-half hours long, and we recommend students attend 5 classes a week. Pre-professional students should attend 6 days a week.
Advanced Levels
Level VIIB - 14yrs and older
Two one and one-half hour pointe classes are required at this level, as well as a minimum of five classes a week. Pre-professional students should attend 6 days a week.
Level VIIA - 15yrs and older
An advanced level for serious, pre-professional students who take at least 6 ballet classes a week and who have reached a high degree of technical proficiency.
Private and semi-private lessons are available! Please call the school for information. We can assign you a teacher or you can request a specific one. Each teacher will be responsible for setting up the lessons and will determine the rates.