Pre-Primary Classes are for youngsters three and four years old. They meet once a week for 45 minutes. Students are introduced to learning skills such as listening and following directions in the dance class context. Development of coordination and large motor skills, spatial awareness, musicality, expressiveness, learning to work with others, and taking turns are all part of our early childhood curriculum, explored through dance.
Primary Classes are for children five to seven years of age. They meet once a week, for 45 minutes (Primary A) or for one hour (Primary B & C). We continue to develop the concepts introduced in the Pre-Primary levels and begin introducing the French ballet vocabulary, along with the elementary positions, steps, and concepts that are the foundation for ballet technique. These levels are eligible to participate in the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum Examinations each spring.
Levels 1-2 are for children eight years of age and older. These are the levels where formal ballet training begins: the traditional class structure of barre work, center work, and traveling work is introduced, and students learn and practice a large number of new steps. Students attend ballet class two days per week, and their training may be supplemented by jazz classes (Levels 1B, 2A, and 2B). These levels are eligible to participate in the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum Examinations each spring.
Tights and leotards should be washed on a regular basis.
Tights should be footed; please do not wear cut-off tights.
All ballet slippers should have elastic straps sewn on securely across the ankles.
Drawstrings should be tied in a knot, trimmed, and tucked into the shoe.
No excess clothing or jewelry should be worn in class.