Classical Ballet
Pre-Ballet levels I, II, III are one hour classes designed to teach young children movement in an imaginative way—introducing basic ballet, different dance forms, yoga-stretches, rhythm, co-ordination, self-expression, class deportment, and improvisational skills.
Level I of pre-ballet (starting at age four) employs a creative, playful structure in order to give the new young ballet student a means of self - expression while instilling the joy of movement.
In Pre-Ballet levels II and III, the basic French terminology of ballet is taught along with basic fundamentals of classical ballet. Ballet Barre is playfully introduced and explored, yet only a hint of what is to come in future levels is presented. The imaginative movements in the studio become more structured.
Ballet I for beginners (from age 7) starts with a one hour lesson which emphasizes the discipline and precision required of ballet students. The children have increased physical abilities and are stronger by the age of seven. The skills of the young dancer develop with the increased attention paid to classical ballet technique, awareness of their bodies, and more extensive dance vocabulary. Improvisation for creative self-expression is encouraged.
Increasing the child’s body awareness is of great importance in the levels of Pre-Ballet and Ballet I.
In Ballet I A, students come to two one hour classes per week and the classical ballet barre is formally executed in order to help aid the children in acquiring the heightened awareness needed for the special legwork and coordinations required of the classical dancer. The movements of the „Centerwork“ become a bit more complex and a more exact use of the arms (port de bras) is introduced in order to prepare the children for the coming levels.
Ballet I B, and I C classes are extended to one and a half hour classes in order to give ART students more technically based exercises and still time to imaginatively explore the art of dance. We strive to manifest an excitement for the art of ballet while guiding our students to attain a more controlled floor work and a heightened understanding of the discipline of the "barre" and "centerwork“. Each of these levels introduces successively complex and age appropriate classical dance elements. It is required that students at these levels attend a minimum of two classes per week.
Ballet II A (Junior level), Ballet II B (Intermediate level), and Ballet III (Advanced level) are the upper division of classes. Here careful attention is paid to individual potential and ability. Technical, musical, and mental requirements are thoroughly taught at all these levels. The teachers watch each student with care to ensure that bad habits are not formed and that movements are executed correctly.
Progression at these levels depends not only on talent, age, or the number of years in training, but on the student's dedication to the discipline of this art form, the number of hours exercised per week, and the burning desire for excellence.
Pointe Work is only permitted when a young lady is at least 12 years old. She must have a proficient level of ballet technique with the required strong feet, ankles, legs, and control of the pelvis, all of which are necessary for a dancer.
Students beginning pointe work must attend a minimum of two classes per week. Young ladies in the advanced pointe classes are taught variations, repertoire, and pas de deux.
