Class Descriptions

Pre-Ballet I (age 3.5-5): In each session, class focuses on the stories and music from selected classical ballets. We begin listening to tempos and rhythms in music and learn how to move our bodies in time with the music. Individual accomplishment and the joy of dance is highly encouraged, while also introducing the idea of taking direction from the teacher and sharing turns with peers. No prior dance experience necessary.

Pre-Ballet II (age 5-6): Pre-Ballet II encourages individual accomplishment and the joy of dance, while also introducing the idea of taking direction from the teacher and sharing turns with peers. We continue to learn about the stories and music from ballets. Students begin listening to tempos and rhythms in music as we learn how to move our bodies in time with the music. Pre-Ballet II builds on the foundations set up in Pre-Ballet I, but also encompasses increased coordination and motor skills as students are introduced to basic ballet terminology. No prior dance experience needed.

Preliminary (age 6): The goal for any young dancer in our program is to encourage individual accomplishment and the joy of dance, and this remains true in the Preliminary level. These goals are paired with instruction in proper body placement, muscle development, flexibility and foundations in classical ballet technique. Students also receive basic instruction in rhythm, counting and tempo of music (with an emphasis on classical ballets). This class is sometimes combined with Level A. No prior dance experience needed.

Level A (age 7+): In Level A, students begin basic barre work as they begin exposure to the structure of a classical ballet class that then progresses into the center where we work on expanding our vocabulary of the French ballet terms and their translations, through such movements as jumps, turns, and balances. These goals are paired with instruction in proper body placement, muscle development, flexibility and foundations in classical ballet technique. Students also receive basic instruction in rhythm, counting and tempo of music (with an emphasis on classical ballets). This class is sometimes combined with Preliminary. No prior dance experience needed.

Level B, First Class: Placement in Level B and up is by approval of the school, as each student develops at their own pace. Students begin one-handed barre work for increased strength and continue to work on strength, flexibility, and more advanced vocabulary where multiple movements are combined. Class progresses from the barre, to exercises done in the center and then traveling across the floor. At this level, it is recommended to take class twice a week but it is not mandatory. At least one year of prior ballet training is required.

Level B, Second Class: This class is for students enrolling twice a week, which is highly recommended for reinforcement of strength-building and retention of new steps. Placement in Level B and up is by approval of the school, as each student develops at their own pace. Students begin one-handed barre work for increased strength and continue to work on strength, flexibility, and more advanced vocabulary where multiple movements are combined. Class progresses from the barre, to exercises done in the center and then traveling across the floor. At this level, it is recommended to take class twice a week but it is not mandatory. At least one year of prior ballet training is required.

Level C/Intermediate: At the intermediate level, students progress through more challenging movements both at the barre and in the center while continuing to focus on strength, flexibility, and musicality. Examples of steps explored in this level include: pirouette en dehors and en dedans, petit allegro with battu, waltz turn, tour jété, and many others. An emphasis on increased foot and ankle strength, along with postural alignment, is important at this level as many students aim to begin pointe work. Enrollment in two classes per week along with instructor approval are necessary to begin pointe work.

At least three years of prior ballet training is required for this level. Placement in Level B and up is by approval of the school, as each student develops at their own pace.

Level C/Intermediate with Pre-Pointe: At the intermediate level, students progress through more challenging movements both at the barre and in the center while continuing to focus on strength, flexibility, and musicality. Examples of steps explored in this level include: pirouette en dehors and en dedans, petit allegro with battu, waltz turn, tour jété, and many others. 

This class includes an extra 30 minutes of targeted preparation for pointe later in the year. An emphasis on increased foot and ankle strength, along with postural alignment, is important at this level as many students aim to begin pointe work. Enrollment in two classes per week along with instructor approval are necessary to begin pointe work. Assessment of pointe readiness is done on an individual student basis.

At least three years of prior ballet training is required for this level. Placement in Level B and up is by approval of the school, as each student develops at their own pace.

Intermediate/Advanced: At the Intermediate/Advanced level, there is an emphasis on learning more complex phrases and choreography along with incorporating a variety of ballet techniques (Cecchetti, Bournonville, contemporary influences, etc). Examples of steps explored in this level include: multiple pirouettes, fouetté turns, penché, rond de jambe en l’air and grand rond de jambe en l’air, tour de basque, saut de basque - it varies from week to week and class to class.

At least four years of prior ballet training is required for this level. Placement in Level B and up is by approval of the school, as each student develops at their own pace.

Intermediate/Advanced with Pointe: At the Intermediate/Advanced level, there is an emphasis on learning more complex phrases and choreography along with incorporating a variety of ballet techniques (Cecchetti, Bournonville, contemporary influences, etc). Examples of steps explored in this level include: multiple pirouettes, fouetté turns, penché, rond de jambe en l’air and grand rond de jambe en l’air, tour de basque, saut de basque - it varies from week to week and class to class.

This option includes a 30 minute pointe class directly following the 1.5 hour technique class on flat. Pointe class is not mandatory for enrollment in Intermediate/Advanced level ballet technique classes.  Enrollment in two classes per week along with instructor approval are necessary to begin or continue pointe work. Assessment of pointe readiness is done on an individual student basis. 

At least four years of prior ballet training is required for this level. Placement in Level B and up is by approval of the school, as each student develops at their own pace.

Adult Ballet: This is a low-stress, intermediate-level recreational adult class with a full progression of barre, center, and traveling movements. All levels are welcome but the majority of students are often those who danced a lot as kids and took several years off. This class focuses on good technique and avoiding injury, while meeting adult dancers where they are.

All age requirements are as of December 1, 2023 for Spring 2024.