Ballet Division
Class Descriptions
2023 - 2024 Season
Dancers will learn all about music, movement, coordination, spatial relations, and the basics of ballet that will hopefully lead to many fun-filled years of dancing and self-expression. Classroom focus will be on appropriate etiquette, respect for others, and self-confidence. When teaching your children, the instructors will follow the basic principles of Creative Movement: understanding space, time, body, and movement concepts. Different class themes and concepts will be explored each month while still offering consistency and familiar learning formats for the dancers. Class time will also be spent learning ballet pantomime and using it to act out the stories such as Cinderella, The Nutcracker, or Sleeping Beauty. Dancers will utilize various props and pretend to be different kinds of animals, fairytale characters, and objects in nature. Dancers will also travel through obstacle courses designed to improve fine and gross motor skills. All Creative Movement classes will participate in the 2024 spring production, Oh, the Places You’ll Dance!
Creative Movement
This class is recommended for dancers who are in kindergarten and are ready for a more structured class than Creative Movement. Dancers will perform various stretches, utilizing props such as balls, resista-bands, towels, and books to increase flexibility and an understanding of how their muscles coordinate to help them dance. They will spend time at the ballet barre and in the center of the room learning the positions of the arms and feet, as well as learning basic ballet steps. Dancers will also be taught to travel from one corner of the room to the next by way of basic turns, jumps, and leaps. Dancers will act out various stories like in Creative Movement classes and will learn more pantomime while still engaging in movement-based play to build body connectivity and creativity. Dancers will also learn to count music and dance on the correct musical counts. By the end of the season, they will know the names of several ballet steps and positions and will maintain proper ballet etiquette in class. This level will perform in the 2024 spring production, Oh, the Places You’ll Dance!
Pre-Ballet
Level I Ballet
(Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced)
Level I dancers will begin class with floor stretches specific to developing strength in their feet. Dancers will then go to the ballet barre and learn basic steps and positions, which will be combined to create simple combinations. They will be taught about maintaining correct posture, which involves the whole body from the feet up through the top of the head. After leaving the barre, dancers will continue stretching, working on their hamstrings, calves, quadriceps, and back muscles. They will learn the names of the steps and what they mean in the French language. Dancers will attempt new jumps and execute them with more repetition. They will begin learning waltz and character steps, as well as more complicated turns. Dancers will have an opportunity to use pantomime and their ballet steps to act out different classical ballet stories. Class time will also be spent learning basic floor barre skills. The Beginning Level I Class is for dancers new to ballet or for dancers moving up from the Pre-Ballet or Creative Movement level. Dancers who are ready for the Intermediate and Advanced Level I Classes have completed a Beginning Level I Class*. Returning students should always refer to their spring evaluation to determine the appropriate fall class to take. The Level I - Beginning and Level I - Intermediate Classes will perform in the 2024 spring production, Oh, the Places You’ll Dance! The Level I - Advanced Class will participate in the 2024 spring production, Beauty and the Beast.
*The difference between Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes is based on the level of detail offered by the instructor regarding how to execute proper ballet technique. The higher the level, the more serious and structured the class. The Advanced Level I Class requires a dancer who can absorb and follow a series of instructions for the entire length of the class. It also requires a dancer who is well-behaved and attentive in class.
Level II Ballet
(Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced)
Level II dancers will begin class with stretches in the center specific to strengthening the feet. They will then go to the ballet barre to work on basic technique and learn more detailed combinations involving port de bras (use of upper body, head, and arms). Dancers will be encouraged to count the music and name the steps. They will begin learning about turnout and correct body placement as well as the names of important muscles and anatomy used in ballet. This level will expand their repertoire of jumps in simple forms at the barre. Center work will combine three or more steps, and corner work will combine two or more steps which will be traveled across the floor. Dancers will work to improve their turns through spotting and proper use of the arms. Class time will be spent learning basic floor barre technique and stretching specific to the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and back muscles. For the last few minutes of each class, dancers will have an opportunity to use pantomime and ballet combinations to act out different excerpts from classical ballets as well as the perform occasional dance-related creative play activities. As dancers progress from Beginning to Intermediate to Advanced, the time spent at the barre is longer and more focus is placed on body placement and ballet terminology. Advanced Level II students must have three years of previous dance experience and maintain their focus during the entire class. All Level II Classes will perform in the June 2024 production, Beauty and the Beast.
*The difference between Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes is based on the level of detail offered by the instructor regarding how to execute proper ballet technique. The higher the level, the more serious and structured the class. The Advanced Level II Class requires a dancer who can absorb and follow a series of instructions for the entire length of the class. It also requires a dancer who is well-behaved and attentive in class. Returning students should always refer to their spring evaluation to determine the appropriate fall class to take.
Level III Ballet
(Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced)
Level III - Beginning: Moving from Level II into Level III is a very large step and requires a love of ballet and the desire to advance in technique. Dancers at this level will start class at the ballet barre to work on classical technique, executing combinations at different musical tempos and on different musical counts. They will also build strength and learn how to put several steps together while smoothly transferring their weight and holding correct posture and body placement. Dancers will add several new steps to their repertoire. Center work will consist of an adagio, a tendu combination, jumps (including petit allegro and batterie), and pirouette preparations and turns. Corner work will consist of jumps, waltzes, and various traveling combinations kept in time to the music. Dancers will learn basic kinesiology and stage placement. They will be given literature on anatomy for dancers. Returning students should always refer to their spring evaluation to determine the appropriate fall class to take. All Level III Classes will perform in the June 2024 production, Beauty and the Beast.
Level III - Beginning/Intermediate - This Level is an important stepping stone required to reach the Level III - Intermediate Level. It further expands the dancer’s understanding of proper technique, posture, and placement. Core strength is also a focus for this level. All Level III Classes will perform in the June 2024 production, Beauty and the Beast.
Level III - Intermediate: Dancers at this level will start class at the ballet barre to work on classical technique, executing combinations at different musical tempos and on different musical counts. They will work to build strength and learn how to put several steps together while smoothly transferring their weight and holding correct posture and body placement. They will also add new steps to their repertoire, moving beyond the Level III – Beginning level. Center work will consist of an adagio, a tendu combination, jumps (including petit allegro and batterie), and pirouette preparations and turns. Corner work will consist of jumps, waltzes, and various traveling combinations, including grande allegro combinations, which will be more advanced than the Level III – Beginning class, all which will be kept in time to the music. Dancers will learn basic kinesiology and stage placement. They will be given literature on anatomy for dancers and review the requirements and technical requirements to go on pointe in the future. Level III - Intermediate dancers must have at least 3 years of experience and take at least one other class per week on two different weekdays. Returning students should always refer to their spring evaluation to determine the appropriate fall class to take. All Level III Classes will perform in the June 2024 production, Beauty and the Beast.
Level III - Intermediate/Advanced: This Level is an important stepping stone required to reach the Level III - Advanced Class. It further expands the dancer’s understanding of proper technique, posture, and placement, with a strong focus on turns and specific technique required for pointe work. Level III - Intermediate/Advanced dancers must take at least one other class per week on two different weekdays. All Level III Classes will perform in the June 2024 production, Beauty and the Beast.
Level III - Advanced: Dancers at this level will start class at the ballet barre to work on classical technique, executing combinations at different musical tempos and on different musical counts. They will build strength and learn how to put several steps together while smoothly transferring their weight and holding correct posture and body placement. Focus will be on building core strength and alignment. Dancers will learn basic kinesiology and stage placement. They will be given literature on anatomy for dancers. They will also add new steps to their repertoire, moving beyond the Level III - Intermediate Level. Center work will consist of an adagio, a tendu combination, jumps (including petit allegro and batterie), pirouette preparations, and turns. Dancers will begin to work on attitude positions and develop their grande rond de jambe and rond de jambe en l’air. Corner work will consist of jumps, waltzes, pirouettes, and various traveling combinations, including grande allegro, all which will be kept in time to the music. These combinations may exceed 2 eight counts of movement. Advanced Level III dancers must have at least four years of experience, take at least one other ballet class a week on two different weekdays, and have the instructor’s permission to register for the class. This class is recommended for dancers ages 11 and up. Returning students should always refer to their spring evaluation to determine the appropriate fall class to take. All Level III Classes will perform in the 2024 spring production, Beauty and the Beast.
Level III - Advanced/Level IV Technique: This class is for dancers who have reached the Level III - Advanced Level, but are not quite ready to move into the Level IV/Level V Classes. Many new steps will be taught that are required for the next level and building overall alignment, core and body strength will be crucial to moving on from this Level. A lot of time is spent working at the beginning levels of pointe work or preparing dancers to start pointe work within the next year. The curriculum moves quickly and this class is meant for the focused and dedicated ballet dancer. Level III – Advanced/Level IV dancers must have at least four years of experience and take at least one other class per week on two different weekdays. All Level III Classes will perform in the 2024 spring production, Beauty and the Beast.
*All Level III Classes will have Pre-Pointe Technique exercises incorporated into class time. Dancers will be given exercises to work on at home to help build their strength for pointe work. Particular ballet steps dedicated to pointe shoes will also be taught.
Level IV & Level V Ballet
Level IV Technique: This level continues to expand and develop the dancer’s ballet repertoire. More complicated barre combinations are introduced, some at a very fast pace, with attention to quick weight transfers and advanced core use. Center-work combinations are longer, with more direction changes and a focus on balance, clean transitions, and the incorporation of attitude and pirouette turns. Petit allegro combinations are longer and faster, with the expectation that dancers will be able to pick up combinations quickly. Dancers reaching this level must have strong class attendance and be serious about ballet technique. Most dancers are on pointe and are ready to perform onstage on pointe. Dancers at this level will perform in the 2024 spring production, Beauty and the Beast. This class requires Director’s permission.
Level IV/Level V Technique: Dancers at this level have been enrolled in ballet class for four or more years. The dancers are serious about increasing their repertoire of ballet steps and combinations as well as building their strength and stamina. Emphasis will be placed on kinesiology, body and stage placement, and today’s ever-changing world of ballet. Classical and contemporary styles of ballet, with emphasis on Vaganova, Cechetti, and Bournonville schools of thought will be taught. Dancers at this level must be taking technique class at least three times a week on three separate weekdays. Intermediate pointe work is incorporated into the class. The curriculum moves quickly and this class is meant for the focused and dedicated ballet dancer. Solo opportunities may be available at this level for our most dedicated students. Dancers at this level will perform in the 2024 spring production, Beauty and the Beast. This class requires Director’s permission.
Level V Technique: Dancers at this level have been dancing at least three times a week for three or more years and have proven themselves through hard work and a dedication to ballet. They will further increase the repertoire of steps, combinations, and turns. Many combinations (grande allegro) will be 4 eight counts or more in length. The stamina required for this level takes a true love of ballet. Classical and contemporary styles of ballet, with emphasis on Vaganova, Cechetti, and Bournonville schools of thought, will be taught. Dancers at this level should be taking technique class four times a week, on at least three separate weekdays, including Floor Barre Technique and/or Pointe Technique Classes. Dancers who have been on pointe for two or more years will often take the entire class on pointe. The curriculum moves quickly and this class is meant for the focused and dedicated ballet dancer. Solo opportunities may be available at this level for our most dedicated students. Dancers at this level will perform in the 2024 spring production, Beauty and the Beast. This class requires Director’s permission.
Technique Classes
Intermediate/Advanced Variations: Dancers enrolled in this class will learn classical ballet variations from famous ballets such as: The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet. These variations may be used in the solo roles for the Beauty and the Beast production, but will not perform as a class in the June 2024 performances. Dancers must have reached the Level IV Technique Level to take this class. Dancers are required to take two technique classes in addition to this class, as it does not count towards your technique class requirements.
Beginning/Intermediate Pointe Technique: This class is for first through third year pointe students, as well as dancers who will go on pointe within the next year. First-year pointe students will start slowly at the barre and will gradually move to center work on two feet. Building strength and establishing proper placement on pointe are the key goals in this class. Intermediate Level students will be given more challenging work and will continue to build strength by executing turns, sissonne, and hops on one foot at the barre. The barre combinations will then be performed in the center, and corner work will include turns, pirouettes, bourree, pas de polka, and adagio combinations. Pirouettes are a strong focus in this class. Dancers are required to take two technique classes in addition to a pointe class. By the end of the season, dancers should have mastered various pointe technique skills, including: bourree, pique to tour, pas marche, petit battement, as well as basic turns and sur le pointe movement. Dancers are required to take a minimum of two regular technique classes a week on separate weekdays to continue dancing en pointe. This class is a full season technique class that will not perform in the June 2024 productions.
Advanced Pointe Technique: This class is for dancers who have been on pointe for three or more years. Dancers will continue to build strength and learn steps specific to pointe dancing as well as steps done either on half or three-quarter pointe or full pointe. Dancers will work extensively on turns, traveling combinations, and adagio reaching an advanced level. Combinations will increase in difficulty as the year progresses and more challenging single foot exercises will be performed both on the barre and the center. Dancers are required to take two technique classes a week in addition to this pointe class, and Floor Barre is highly recommended. Dancers are required to take a minimum of two regular technique classes a week on separate weekdays to continue dancing en pointe. This class is a full season technique class that will not perform in the June 2024 productions. This class requires Director’s permission.
Floor Barre Class: This class is a great supplement to dancers who want more ballet! Through yoga, Pilates, and floor barre exercises, dancers will build core strength, find and maintain their balance, and increase their flexibility. Thera-bands, weights, and rollers are used in class. This class is highly recommended for the serious dancer, as well as adults wishing to increase their strength and flexibility. All dancers hoping to reach an advanced level on pointe will need this class to reach their goal. This class is a full season technique class that will not perform in the June 2024 productions.
Adult Ballet
Adult Ballet: This class is open to all adults who want to dance! Some adults may have years of ballet experience, while others may have none. Adults are always welcome to “pick and choose” what they want to do during class and are not required to wear a leotard or tights. Class time will be spent performing barre, center, and corner work with combinations adjusted for different levels of ability as needed. Dancers will learn waltz, tango, and various adagio combinations. Stretching to increase flexibility will be incorporated throughout the class. This class does not perform in Beauty and the Beast.
