A Terre School of Dance 
Exceptional Ballet Training for Students of Any Age or Experience Level

At A Terre we delight in exposing children to the art and discipline of ballet.  We strive to support young people to nurture their passion for technique and excellence while encouraging them to learn more about themselves.  

 

                                            

Pre-ballet

Pre-Ballet is an engaging introduction to ballet land for students aged 3-5.  Students simply follow and move while teachers guide them through the basic ideas of stretch, reach, bend, jump, turn, twist, and leap.  Students learn to follow the leader, take turns, and perform independently (Free Dance).  Our goal is to always make students smile, help them enjoy exercising their body, and to introduce them to the skills they will begin learning as they advance to level 1.

 

Creative movement for dancers ages 3-5, includes engaging activities that help pre-ballet students begin to understand the elements of ballet, rhythm, and motion.  Students learn through song, dance, play, and physical challenge.  Instructors emphasize the importance of posture, lengthening of limbs, and musicality through exercises in stretch, center, free dance play (follow the leader), and across-the-floor. Pre-ballet students learn to cooperate in a group setting through lign up and circle making activities. Some basic ballet vocabulary and movements are introduced at this level.

                                

Level 1 

 

Ballet 1 is a no experience necessary introductory ballet class for children aged 5-8.  The students learn the basic positions of the body and the alignment necessary for intermediate and advanced ballet technique.  Teachers guide students to work on their coordination, flexibility, and athleticism/strength.  Ballet 1 introduces the basic barre exercises.  Our goals are to inspire them to feel proud of what they are accomplishing with their bodies and confident in their knowledge of the fundamentals.  Recommended attendance 1-2 days a week

​

Fundamental principles of ballet Port de bras, posture, alignment, positions, and foundational movements. Introduces children ages 5-7 to more formal instruction. Children may continue with pre-ballet until age 6, but students who move into ballet 1 at age 5 or begin after age 5 receive a 60 minute class that is one third stretching with floor work, one third barre, and one third centre/across-the-floor.  Ballet 1 builds on pre-ballet while adding emphasis on rotating legs from the top of the thigh and working from the center to support proper Port de bras (arm motion, alignment, and shape).  Ballet 1 introduces students to basic ballet positions, alignment, actions steps, and vocabulary that will become the foundation for level 2.

                        

Level 1b 

                    

Increased emphasis on strengthening and stretching body for improved execution of basic steps, while maintaining rotation, alignment and posture. Students learn to coordinate Port de bras with body movements. Ballet levels 1b-2 build on the platform of ballet 1, but expand student's knowledge and practice of more complicated steps. At this level we introduce Épaulement (shouldering) and the orientations of ballet. Students entering ballet after age 7 often begin in a faster moving class as they absorb information more readily.  At age 10, we begin assessing dancers for pointe readiness. However, we require dancers to be physically developed enough and technically proficient before beginning pointe work.

                        

Level 2 

​

Ballet 2 is the level where students are prepared for pointe work.  This class is ideal for students aged 8-12 who have spent at least 1 full year developing in ballet 1.  Ballet 2 students are expected to work at the barre for at least half of their class.  They build on fundamental technique and progress to more elaborate ballet steps.  Our goals are to ensure they are ready to begin pointe work as their body reaches maturity.  Recommended attendance 3-4 days a week.

​

Increased emphasis on strengthening and stretching body for improved execution of basic steps, while maintaining rotation, alignment and posture. Students learn to coordinate Por de bras, Por de tete, and Épaulement with stationary body movements at the barre.  Students develop a repertoire of steps increasing in difficulty.

                        

Level 2b

                        

Continue development of individual flexibility and strength, honing alignment to greatest efficiency.  Pre-pointe work develops students’ strength and accuracy through Relevé. Increased focus on artistry, expression, and virtuosity.

                        

Level 3

​

Level 3 is ideal for students who intend to develop professional level skills as dancers.  Students at this level are expected to work as both artists and athletes, demonstrating passion and dedication.  Recommended attendance: 4-6 days weekly

                        

Beginning pointe, students learn to apply technical principles to work in pointe and begin learning the basic principles of pointe technique. Increased focus on artistry, expression, and virtuosity.

                        

Level 4 

​

Level 4 is for students who have accomplished an exemplary level of ballet technique and are preparing for their next steps as dance professionals. Recommended attendance: 5-7 days weekly

​

Advanced level technique en soft and pointe shoes including Pas de deux, variations, conditioning, jazz and modern dance.

                        

 

​