Ballet
For ages 6+
Inspiring mind, body & spirit through Ballet
Ballet is the oldest and most structured foundational form of all the dance arts; inspiring the mind, body, and spirit. Dancers build proper technical skills, core strength and aplomb, correct posture, and usage of arms, head, and shoulders (épaulement), along with grace and elegance. It is highly recommended all students who wish to learn any of the dance arts properly, must first and foremost understand the basics in the technique that can only be learned in ballet.
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Classes
Ballet I
This 60-minute class is appropriate for students who are at least 2nd grade (or a minimum age of 7 by August 31). Students are also encouraged to continue studying at least one other discipline for as long as their schedule allows, as we are widely known for our well-rounded dancers of all ages.
Ballet II
Two ballet classes per week are required for this 75-minute class. We will be implementing a minimum age of 8 years by August 31 (or in 3rd grade), as students are much more likely to be ready for the socio-emotional demands of this level at that age. This is the minimum age but not a guarantee of automatic placement in a Level II class as opposed to a Level I class. A placement evaluation is required for new students wishing to be placed in Level II classes or higher.
Ballet III
In this 90-minute class, we have a standard minimum age of 10 years by August 31 (or in 5th grade). Again, this age is a standard, but not a guarantee of placement. At this level, students can continue to take 2 ballet classes per week, but 3 classes per week are preferred in order to progress at the rate they have become accustomed to while digesting and mastering a much more complex curriculum.
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**Pointe studies may begin at this level, with pre-pointe starting at age 10 and the potential to progress to pointe at approximately age 11. Many factors determine readiness for pointe, and depending on certain anatomical qualities, some students may never be a good candidate for pointe studies. Any student considering point studies must take 3 ballet classes per week at this level. Pre-pointe students can attend 2 pointe classes per week (in ballet slippers) but students en pointe will attend 3 pointe classes per week. Pointe classes are in addition to ballet classes and should immediately follow a ballet class.
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STUDENTS AT THIS LEVEL WHO HAVE A DEEP LOVE OF BALLET AND ARE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN BALLET MAY ASK TO BE EVALUATED FOR OUR ACADEMY BALLET CONSERVATORY.
Ballet IV & V
Ballet IV and Ballet V (both 90-minute classes) allow our dancers to continue achieving at a high level in the art of ballet while supporting their growth in other dance disciplines that may be of greater priority to them. These classes can also further prepare dancers to audition for our Academy Ballet Conservatory if their interest developed a little later or they were not physically ready to audition at an earlier age.
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**Whether or not pointe classes are offered at these levels will depend on our student population from year to year.