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Student Levels

Our School is organized into 4 levels. 

Student level is based on a combination of student age/maturity and student skill.

Ballet 1

The foundation of a dancer's training can make a big difference in their long term outcome.  Our curriculum is curated to develop the muscle memory students will need to progress more naturally.  With a focus on achievable goals, we aim to build student determination and confidence.  Students in ballet 1 begin with 1 hour of class once a week.  As they approach level 2 readiness they will take 2.5 hrs of class weekly split up over 2 different days of the week.

In Ballet 1 students ages (5-8) will enjoy learning:

 

  1. Basic anatomy in order to understand posture and alignment for ballet

  2. The positions of arms and legs

  3. Proper execution of foundational ballet movements

  4. Proper etiquette for a ballet class: preparations & reverance 

  5. principles of rhythm, and tempo

  6. Professional attitude and conduct

 

In Ballet 1 students will be challenged to:

  1. Increase Flexibility and strength be perfecting execution of codified exercises

  2. Increase coordination and kinesthetic awareness through the practice and perfection of a variation of exercises traveling across the floor

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Ballet 2

Ballet 2 training is the most academic level.  Students in this age bracket are excellent learners.  We aim to teach them everything they will need to fully understand their bodies and technique as teens in the advanced levels.  Level 2 is about preparedness for pre-professional ballet training level.  Level 2 students attend class 2-3 times weekly for a total of 3-6 weekly training hours on average.

In Ballet 2 students ages (8-12) will enjoy learning:​

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  1. The structure, exercises, and most basic form of ballet movements involved in a traditional ballet class barre and center 

  2. Proper alignment and tracking through feet for development of line

  3. Body positions: croisé, en face, effacé, écarté, a la seconde 

  4. Techniques for various turns, promenade, and fouttés

  5. Correct execution of a variety of waltzing and traveling steps

  6. Principles of time signature in music

  7. Proper etiquette for a ballet class; conduct for taking barre and center, preparations etc. 

  8. Professional attitude and conduct

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In Ballet 2 students will be challenged to:

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  1. Maintain posture and alignment while executing barre and center sequences

  2. Develop greater center body control, strength, and flexibility for proper leg extension (lines)

  3. prepare feet and ankle strength for pointe shoe readiness

  4. Develop skills for learning and memorizing choreography

Ballet 3

Ballet 3 is a unique level.  Students in ballet 3 who have completed level two will continue to work at their confidence and discipline as they progress to pointe training.  Level 3 is also the starting level for  beginning or intermediate students who join our school as pre teens, teens, or young adults.  Level 3 students starting in this way are encouraged to supplement with beginning adult lessons and level 2 classes.  Level 3 students train 4-7 days a week for 1.5-4 hrs.  

In Ballet 3, students ages (11-18) will continue working at meeting the level 2 learning goals.

 

Additionally level 3 students will enjoy learning:​

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  1. Classical Ballet repertoire and history

  2. Anatomy for Ballet

  3. ​

  4. Conditioning techniques for maintaining a healthy and well prepared ballet body

  5. Pointe technique (upon student readiness)

  6. Professional conduct and attitude

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In Ballet 3 students will be challenged to:

​

  1. Maintain posture and alignment while executing barre and center sequences

  2. Develop greater center body control, strength, and flexibility for proper leg extension (lines)

  3. prepare feet and ankle strength for pointe shoe readiness

  4. Develop skills for learning and memorizing choreography

  5. Develop strength and proper muscle memory for dancing en pointe

Ballet 4

Ballet 4 is where we bridge the gap from student to professional.  Students are only permitted to this level upon advancement from level 3.  Level 4 students train 5-7 days a week for 1.5-4 hrs.  

In Ballet 4, students ages (11-18) will enjoy learning

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  1. Classical Ballet repertoire and history

  2. Skills for auditioning, and career development

  3. Anatomy for Ballet

  4. Conditioning techniques for maintaining a healthy and well prepared ballet body

  5. Techniques for individual dancing

  6. Professional conduct and attitude 

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In Ballet 4 students will be challenged to:

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  1. ​Maintain a rigorous training schedule both on flat and en pointe

  2. consistently execute proper technique throughout all classes and performances

  3. Address deficits in skill through self motivated cross training

  4. Progress skills to greater heights of virtuosity through personal practice

  5. Audition for summer programs and companies

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