Courses of Study
Ballet Program (ages 8 and up)
Classical ballet technique is the primary area of study at the Academy of Dance. Our program is designed to train students to the highest levels of technical achievement. Many of our students have joined professional companies or college degree programs upon graduation from high school. Our syllabus is based on the Vaganova methodology and the curriculum designed by former director Kristen Potts.
The weekly class requirements for each technique level are as follows:
Ballet A (audition required): two Ballet Technique
Recommended Enrichment classes: Jazz, Character
Ballet B (audition required): two Ballet Technique, one Conditioning
Recommended Enrichment classes: Jazz, Character
Ballet C (audition required): three Ballet Technique, one Conditioning, one Variations; pointe work is incorporated into technique class
Recommended Enrichment classes: Jazz, Character, Modern Improvisation, Contemporary
Ballet D (audition required): four Ballet Technique, one Conditioning, one Variations; pointe work is incorporated into technique class
Recommended Enrichment classes: Jazz, Character, Modern Improvisation, Contemporary
Ballet E&F (audition required): four Ballet Technique (1 en pointe), one Conditioning, one Variations; pointe work is incorporated into technique class
Recommended Enrichment classes: Jazz, Character, Modern Improvisation, additional Conditioning
Ballet D-F may attend unlimited technique classes and are strongly encouraged to take ballet five to six days a week.
Elementary Program (ages 3-8)
Our elementary program, comprising Creative Movement and Elementary 1-2, is designed to prepare students for formal ballet training by building strength, flexibility, coordination, and musicality in a safe, age-appropriate format. Classes are structured to include improvisation and learning through play while teaching the seven basic movements of ballet: plier (to bend), éntendre (to stretch), glisser (to glide), relever (to rise), tourner (to turn), and élancer (to dart).
The weekly class requirements for each elementary level are as follows:
Creative Movement (ages 3-4): one 30-minute class
Elementary 1A - 1B (ages 4-6): one 45-minute class
Elementary 2A - 2B (ages 6-8): one 60-minute class
Pointe Policy & Requirements
This policy was created to ensure that 100% of our students will be fully ready to begin pointe work with a minimum of struggle and a maximum of safety. Children develop at different rates. It is really important not to rush this very important step in the training process. Patience is the key here for the best results long term.
Here are the specific criteria that a student will be required to meet before beginning pointe work at the Academy of Dance.
• A student must be age 10, minimum, by January 1 of the school year in which their pointe training will begin.
• A student must have a strong core and correct ballet placement.
• A student must be able to point her feet fully with completely straight, stretched legs.
• A student must be able to stand on a 3/4 pointe position with completely straight, stretched legs in her technique shoes.
Students will have to meet all of the above criteria before they will begin pointe work. Please remember that this policy has been instituted to enhance your child’s experience in ballet. There is nothing more disheartening than a young lady who is struggling valiantly to get on pointe, but not succeeding in spite of a lot of effort.
Second-year Ballet B dancers or first-year Ballet C dancers will usually go on pointe at this juncture in their training. This will be determined on an individual basis by the Director of the Academy (with the parent's permission).
Parents, our faculty respectfully requests that you explain to your child that it is important to be patient in the pursuit of excellence and that it is important to trust your teachers and mentors in life. Our sole purpose at this school is to further each dancer’s goals and dreams in every way possible. The strongest fortresses are always built on a sound foundation!
Other Required Classes
Conditioning
Our body conditioning classes are designed to reinforce the principles of proper alignment and correct muscle usage while developing strength and mobility in the whole body. These classes are informed by our faculty's background in Pilates and kinesiology.
Variations
In Variations class, students learn solo choreography from classical repertoire as well as other works. The study of variations helps students develop their artistry and individual aesthetic while building on the technique they learn in class.
Enrichment Classes
Character
Character dance is a codified technique largely based on various European folk dances that were adapted into classical ballet. This year, Character will be offered to students in technique levels A and above.
Jazz
Jazz training rounds out a student's dance instruction and offers an opportunity to utilize ballet technique in a nonclassical setting. This year, Jazz will be offered to students in technique levels A and above.
Modern Improvisation
Modern Improvisation is a class designed to expand students' creativity, personal movement style, and understanding of the elements of dance. Rather than teaching a codified technique, Modern Improv focuses on using improvisation techniques to guide students in movement exploration. This year, Modern Improv will be offered to students in technique levels D and above, or level C with instructor approval.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance is a fusion of dance styles, incorporating the aesthetics of ballet and jazz with modern dance's emphasis on energy and motion. This year, contemporary is offered to students in levels C and above.