Student Division: Year at-a-Glance

Student Division at-a-glance

• Preparatory: Stepping into a New Division

The preparatory level places a strong emphasis on developing musicality and concentration.  To better equip students for the Student Division, the curriculum incorporates an extra day of training. As a result, dancers participate in classes twice a week. 

• Level 1: Beginning the Nutcracker Journey 

The curriculum places a greater focus on ballet terminology.  At this level, students begin to engage more deeply with barre work, utilizing both hands or one hand on the barre and the other on the shoulder, to concentrate on the correct placement of the body, head, and arms.  Students in Level 1 are eligible to audition for PBT’s production of The Nutcracker.  Dancers participate in classes twice a week. 

• Level 2: Adding Jazz Training

Students are introduced to new vocabulary and exercises, incorporating basic arm coordination and focusing on correct placement primarily in the 1st, 2nd, and 5th positions. Level 2 also begins exercises that lay the groundwork for pointe work in Level 3.  Additionally, jazz is introduced into their curriculum.  Dancers attend class twice a week. 

• Level 3: Starting En Pointe

Dancers are introduced to the 4th position and an increased use of arm movements. Pointe work is incorporated into their curriculum, leading to extended class durations and an additional day in their weekly schedule.  As a result, dancers now attend classes three days a week. 

• Level 4: Introducing Variations Class

Students are introduced to extended combinations, emphasizing strength building. They begin practicing simple center exercises on pointe. Dancers attend class four days a week, with variations incorporated into the curriculum. 

• Level 5: Leading the Student Division

Students broaden their classical ballet vocabulary, engaging in longer and more stylistic combinations while focusing on maintaining correct placement. Additional pointe work is incorporated, and classical variations may be introduced. An extra day is added to the weekly schedule, with dancers attending class five days a week. 

Performance Opportunities are listed here