Our Pre-Professional Program spans ages 8-18 and students can expect to spend more than one year in a level to achieve confidence and mastery of each level’s movements before entering the next level. Each level is meant to be taken as a progression in which skills are mastered through repetition. Our goal is to guide each student in their own individual development so that they progress safely and successfully. Electives such as contemporary, jazz, and/or tap are strongly recommended to continue a well-rounded dance education.
Ballet 1 (age 8+)
Students in Ballet 1 study correct form, alignment, and placement through the use of body positions, terminology, and barre work. Students will develop skills in group work, spatial awareness and performance. Ballet 1 requires at least one ballet class per week.
This is the first level in which dancers are eligible to participate in our Student Company.
Level 1 also performs in our Nutcracker Sweets performance and our Showcase performance.
Ballet 2 (age 9+)
Students in Ballet 2 strengthen proper alignment and technique while studying terminology and developing performance quality. Ballet 2 introduces pre-pointe work and strengthening exercises to prepare students for pointe work and more complex movement. For appropriate progress, a minimum of two ballet technique classes per week are required at this level.
Dancers in this level are eligible to participate in our Student Company and to perform in our Nutcracker Sweets performance and our Showcase performance.
Ballet 3 (age 11+)
Students at this level begin arranging more complicated dance movements through increasingly difficult steps and spatial patterns. Ballet 3 continues to prepare students for pointe work and evaluation of pointe readiness. Classes begin on demi-pointe (ballet slippers) and our instructors will let dancers know on an individual basis as to when they are ready to get pointe shoes.
Dancers in this level are eligible to participate in our Student Company and to perform in our Nutcracker Sweets performance and our Showcase performance.
Ballet 4 (age 12+)
Students in Ballet 4 focus on more advanced technical steps executed with an emphasis on artistic expression, performance and movement quality. For appropriate progress, a minimum of three ballet technique classes per week are required at this level.
Dancers in this level are eligible to participate in our Student Company and to perform in both our Nutcracker Sweets performance and our Showcase performance.
ELECTIVES
Contemporary
This style of dance is rooted in ballet and modern technique, through the use of dynamic shapes and expression to convey the meaning or mood of the music. In contrast to ballet, it is typically done barefoot and in both parallel and turned out positions. Dancers attending contemporary classes are required to attend ballet.
Jazz
Set to pop music featuring syncopated rhythms, this style of dance features high energy movement coupled with technical steps such as leaps and turns. Dancers attending jazz classes are required to attend ballet.
Tap
This class emphasizes rhythm through the percussive use of footwork. Dancers attending tap classes are required to attend ballet.
Stretch & Strengthen
This conditioning class enhances students’ technique by focussing on training muscle memory. Through dynamic stretching and a variety of strengthening exercises students will gain increased body awareness and tools for injury prevention.