Ballet

PREREQUISITES:

• No experience required

Our primary ballet class focuses on introducing fundamental ballet technique, coordination, and musicality to young dancers. The class typically starts with a warm-up, floor work, followed by ballet exercises like pliés and tendus, arm movements, and traveling exercises like skipping and chassés. The class is taught in a positive and supportive atmosphere that fosters a love for ballet and dance.

PREREQUISITES:

• Experience preferred but not required

Ballet I introduces students to barre technique as they begin to apply more complex movements and combinations to not only challenge their brains, but also continue to strengthen their muscles and improve the foundations of their ballet technique. The class also emphasizes the importance of flexibility and proper posture as students prepare for higher levels of training.

PREREQUISITES:

• Placement is based on ability
• 3+ years of ballet experience
• Students need to take minimum three ballet technique classes per week to wear pointe shoes

Ballet III focuses on preparing our students for pointe work, and many students in this level begin dancing en pointe. The class increases in difficulty as they continue to develop their strength and flexibility, while also introducing more complex movements and combinations. The class is also paired with Variation II, in which our students continue to learn more challenging variations to build their repertoire. Ballet III students begin to showcase more of their technique in our winter and spring showcases, and select students train for ballet competitions and summer intensives.

PREREQUISITES:

• Placement is based on ability
• Advanced ballet technique with instructor approval
• Students must be enrolled in a minimum of four ballet technique classes per week
• Pointe work is required

Ballet V/VI is designed for dedicated dancers who demonstrate strong technical proficiency, artistry, discipline, and a commitment to continued growth. Classes emphasize advanced pointe work, refined classical technique, strength, musicality, performance quality, and artistic expression while preparing students for pre-professional training opportunities.

Students continue studying challenging classical repertoire through Variations, learning both solo and ensemble works that develop technical excellence and stage presence. Dancers in this level are encouraged to audition for ballet competitions, summer intensives, and collegiate or pre-professional training programs, with individualized guidance from our faculty.

These dancers perform featured and principal roles throughout the year in our Spring Showcase and our annual production of The Nutcracker with a Latin Twist, serving as leaders and role models within our ballet program while continuing to refine their artistry and performance at the highest level.

PREREQUISITES:

• Placement in Ballet II or above for Conditioning 2
• Placement in Ballet III or above for Conditioning 3 (placement required)
• Enrollment in the full Ballet schedule

Conditioning 2 continues to build students’ strength and flexibility. This class is essential for a well-rounded dancer, as it targets specific muscle groups to prevent injuries and improves posture and alignment. By building a strong foundation in physical fitness, our dancers are able to perform with precision and control. As students reach Conditioning 3, it is vital for a versatile dancer to continue to train and improve in strength, flexibility, and endurance. Establishing a robust fitness foundation enables our dancers to execute movements with precision, fosters artistic expression to their absolute ability, and develops well-rounded physical prowess and artistic finesse.