class descriptions 

Students ranging in age from 2-8 are placed into a level in the Lower School based on their age. Students who are 9 and older with previous dance training will be required to take a placement class to determine the appropriate level in the school's Lower or Upper Divisions. Following the audition, the School Director will discuss the placement result and the requirements for the level with the student's parents. Placement into grades Ballet II and higher is based on skill and ability, not age.

LOWER SCHOOL DIVISION

MOVEMENT FOR MOMMY & ME (AGE 2)

Parents join in and exercise along with their child. This class is designed such that the parent can encourage the child with the movement and help maintain discipline. The class includes stretching, rhythm exercises and traveling steps holding the parent's hand. The class meets once a week for 45 minutes.

PREBALLET I-IV (AGES 3-6)

PreBallet classes are designed to develop good posture, and stress proper alignment. Simple exercises help develop and stretch muscles that are necessary for future training. Traveling steps across the floor include skipping, galloping, and hopping to build a better sense of coordination. A series of rhythm exercises are done to teach young dancers how to hear and count music. PreBallet I & II classes are 45 minutes in length and meet once per week. Pre Ballet III & IV are an hour in length and meet once per week. Pre Ballet II, III, & IV classes conclude with 10-15 minutes of tap dance to further strengthen coordination and the understanding of rhythm.

INTRODUCTION to BALLET (AGE 7)

A continuation of the PreBallet syllabus, Introduction to Ballet is the first year students will be permitted to execute exercises at the barre. Fifteen minutes of each class will be used to introduce the first basic exercises of a standard ballet barre. Students will also learn a portion of the French vocabulary that defines all steps of ballet. Classes are one hour in length and meet once per week

BALLET I (AGE 8+)

Ballet I provides the primary and fundamental foundation for learning ballet technique. By the end of the year, students will have been introduced to all the basic barre exercises. They will continue with center and across the floor exercises and conclude the class with small jumps. This class meets twice per week for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

BALLET II (AGE 9)

Ballet II continues the learning of Ballet I. Students will learn the complete ballet barre. As the students' posture continues to strengthen and proper body placement is achieved, students will begin to perform barre exercises with only one hand on the barre. Coordination of the arms, head, and legs is emphasized. The class meets for one and a half hours twice per week.

BALLET III A and BALLET IV A (AGES 10-12)

Ballet III A and Ballet IV A are classes designed for the older beginner. These classes will introduce the fundamental foundation for classical ballet technique.   Dancers will learn basic barre exercises, center exercises and traveling steps across the floor. Classes are scheduled twice a week for 1.5 hours. Dancers may take one or both classes; two classes per week are strongly encouraged.

BALLET III B and BALLET IV B (AGES 13+)

Ballet III B and Ballet IV B are for experienced students who wish to study dance for personal fulfillment and recreation.  Classes will include pointe work for those who have achieved physical readiness. Classes are scheduled twice a week. Dancers make take one or both classes. Twice per week is required for pointe students and those students preparing for pointe work.

INTRODUCTION TO TAP AND CHILDREN'S TAP (AGES 7-9)

Tap class helps students develop rhythm and coordination. Musicality and clarity of sound are emphasized. Tap dance improves cognitive thinking skills as the tap steps are combined in a variety of ways. Introduction to Tap is offered to 7 year olds, and meets for 30 minutes once per week. Children's Tap, for ages 8 and older, meets once per week for an hour.

CHILDREN'S JAZZ (AGES 8+)

Jazz class is a fun, energetic way for students to stretch and exercise to the music of today. Jazz dance is expressive, rhythmic and theatrical. This class meets once per week for an hour.

UPPER SCHOOL DIVISION

PREPARATORY DIVISIONS I – III

Preparatory division classes are the primary levels for establishing intermediate ballet technique. The student learns a deeper understanding of the vocabulary and begins to refine quality of movement. These levels are an important time in a young dancer's development because they create a solid foundation for the years to follow.

Students may spend one year in each of the three preparatory levels; however, all students learn at different paces. Some may work for more than one year in a level. When a student has learned the technique required for a level and has developed a strong mind and body communication, the student is promoted to the next level. Advancement is based on skill and ability, not age. Preparatory Division students are required to train three days per week; however, all students are encouraged to take additional ballet classes.

STUDENT ENSEMBLE / I AND II APPRENTICE PROGRAMS

Students in the Apprentice and Ensemble levels have earned their placement through hard work, determination, and discipline. These students have been extended an invitation by the artistic staff to join the highest levels of the school. These students have demonstrated a desire to train at a more intensive level.

In most instances, students may not move through these levels on an annual basis. A student will be promoted when the required technique and strength have been achieved. The division of levels is not based on age but on skill and ability. Students are placed in the level where the artistic staff feels the student will benefit the most. Students in these levels are required to train 4-5 days per week, based on level; however all are strongly encouraged to take additional classes. The applied student, for whom ballet is a career goal, may study six days per week for up to three hours per day.

BOYS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The study of dance is an excellent pursuit for boys. Dance teaches physical and mental discipline, good manners and a striving for excellence in all areas of one's life. Special boys' classes are lead by Ballet Master and Principal Teacher, Janusz Mazon, former principal artist of Hamburg Ballet. Boys interested in dedicating themselves to a dance education may qualify for a full or partial scholarship. Interested candidates should inquire with the School Director.