C
ontemporary is
one hour long. The ballet classes vary in duration and are listed in the class description below. The ages listed in the class description are approximate. All classes are taught by adult professional dance instructors and that includes our pre-ballet classes! We do not avoid the expense of professional instructors by using our students to teach.
A family discount of 10% applies when more than one family member signs up for classes. There are additional requirements for participation in our ballet productions. Students wishing to participate in CCBC productions must commit to taking all classes at their level and attend all rehearsals.
At Ballet Arts our core ballet curriculum consists of six levels. Most students will spend 2 years at each level after Level 1, starting with learning the basic skills and etiquette of proper ballet training and advancing to levels of artistic expression only limited by their efforts. The 1st year at a level is labeled with a "B" for beginning and the 2nd year is labeled with an "A" for Advanced (thus level 2 has 2B and then 2A). Advancing to a higher level requires passing a proficiency test. Testing will be performed each year at the end of the academic term. Students ending their first year in a level are expected to take the test for evaluation of their progress so they can concentrate on improving performance on techniques that are causing them difficulty. New students to Ballet Arts will be placed based on an evaluation class.
A program developed for the young dancer that focuses on coordination and rhythm. Students learn basic class etiquette, learning to take turns and group participation. A portion of the class is set aside for stretching to develop flexibility and free dance encouraging students to respond individually to different types of music.
Beginning Ballet (ages 4-5)
In addition to warm-up stretches on the floor, short barre exercises are introduced. Class etiquette and structure is emphasized. Students are exposed to ballet terminology such as plie, releve, chasse, and passe explained in simple terms the young dancer will remember.
- 1 hour classes, 1 class per week -
Students at Level One become familiar with basic ballet class structure (stretching, barre work, center exercises, and Reverance). These classes consist of simple stretches on the floor to develop flexibility. Students will spend approximately 20 minutes at the barre learning basic exercises of ballet positions such as demi plies, jetes, and tendus. Students in Level One start simple center exercises of ballet movement including port de bra and simple jumps. In addition students learn traveling steps such as Chasse and Bourees.
- 1 hour, 2 classes per week -
Students at this level are now familiar with basic ballet class structure and etiquette. Training increases to 2 classes a week. Barre work is now a little longer and includes additional exercises that train the muscles for balance and coordination such as Frappes and Developes. Center exercises now include more difficult movements such as Assemble and beginning turns.
- 1.25 hours (Ballet 3B) & 1.5 hours (Ballet 3A), 2 classes per week -
Students are now familiar with basic moves and ballet terminology. Training increases to 90 minute classes extending the stamina of the dancer. Stretching moves from the floor to the barre and barre exercises are now approximately 40 minutes. Combinations for the floor exercises increase in level of difficulty training the dancer in choreographic comprehension. Students at this level now learn to execute more difficult floor exercises without the teacher dancing in front of them.
- 1.5 hours, 3 classes per week (1 class on pointe) -
Students become more proficient at putting steps together, improve balance and strength in turns. Female students start training on pointe and learn to adjust to the new balance required for pointe shoes. At this level pointe combinations are simpler so students may concentrate on proper form. Training on flat ballet shoes continues with more complex exercises such as fouette turns.
- 1.5 hours, 5 classes/week (2 classes on pointe) -
Students now have a good command of ballet terminology. This level adds beats to petite allegro steps such as: assemble battu, jete battu, entrechate trios. We continue to develop elevation in the execution of grande allegro steps and concentrate on developing the smoothness of movements when transitioning from one step to another. Pointe exercises become more complex and students foot muscles become stronger.
Ballet Advanced (15+ yrs)
- 1.5 hours, 5 classes/week (2 classes on pointe) -
Students have progressed through the 5 levels or have been tested to be proficient in all techniques. Female students should be confident to dance on pointe any and all combinations. Students present a polished execution of steps and combinations. They have developed strength, stamina, and artistic expression which serves them well in stage performance. At this level ballet technique is refined and artistic expression is emphasized.
This class explores new and divergent choreography. Students take the technique and principles of ballet and form new interpretations to music outside the usual classical realm. Many ballet companies offer contemporary pieces in their repetoire. Contemporary Dance expands the education and performance opportunities of students with solid ballet training.