|
Our Ballet Class Syllabus is as follow:
- PreBallet
- Ages 3-4
- Very simplest classical ballet movements taught at this level.
- Students learn how to take turns, follow a teacher, and the importance of dance etiquette .
- Instilling the joy of movement is a main focus for this level.
- Ballet Level 1
- Ages 5-9
- Beginning level ballet syllabus
- Students learn basic barre exercises which include, but are not limited to, plie, tendu, degage, pique, rond de jambe, arabesque (facing the barre), passe, develope as well as first, second, and fifth positions of the feet.
- The proper placement of a dancers posture and the correct tendu, degage technique as well as transfer of weight in basic ballet leaps (pas de chat and glissade) are some of the main focuses at this level.
- Students continue in their joy of movement with a more studious approach.
- Students begin to learn basic control through use of muscles and posture.
- Ballet Level 2
- Ages 8-12 (students ages 8 & 9 need prior training to attend this level)
- Advanced beginner to low-intermediate movements taught at this level.
- Students go from facing the barre using both hands, to using one hand and alternating sides as they execute the barre exercises.
- All the movements of level 1 with added emphasis on balance and extension. Intermediate leaps and jumps (sissone, assemble, changement, grand jete) as well as turns (chaine, pirouete) are added at this level. The movement of rond de jambe is a focus of this level as students learn how to control one side of their body at a time as well as isolate and control each different body part.
- Students begin to see their bodies as instruments of grace and beauty.
- Students in this level often make the unconscious decision that they will continue on or forego their ballet training as this level demands more of the student on an on-going basis.
- Ballet Levels 3 & 4
- Ages 11-17 (or younger with prior training and teacher permission)
- Intermediate movements are taught at this level.
- Pre-pointe or pointe work COULD be introduced at this level if the student displays sufficient strength and control. Pointe students need to take a minimum of 2 ballet technique classes per week in addition to the pointe technique class. Pointe students should be a minimum of 10 years old.
- All movements of levels 1 and 2 as well as more advanced jumps (brise, entrechat, pas de chat enveloppe, tour jete, saut de basque etc.) and the use of batterie and petit allegro. Turns introduced at this level include pique, multiple pirouettes, pirouette en dedans to name a few. The proper placement of legs and hips in developpes and arabesque are an emphasis. The correct port de bras is emphasized as students execute centre tendu, adagio and other centre work.
- Students at this level begin to truly see the fruits of their efforts as more advanced lines are achieved and movements become more natural.
- The artistry of dance and the meaning behind movements are discussed to help students put meaning behind their actions and begin to become dance artists.
- Ballet Levels 5 & 6
- Ages 12 - Adult (or younger with prior training and teacher permission)
- Advanced movements are taught at this level.
- Pointe work, if not introduced prior to this, should be seriously considered. The teaching of advanced leaps jumps and turns are completed at this level. Students should become “fluent” in the language and meaning of all ballet terminology so as to attend class anywhere and understand the teacher. The barre section of class includes the use of a student’s musicality, strength, memory and speed. The centre portion of class focuses on maintained control through lengthy adagio execises and quick and precise tendu, degage and other movements. The use of all known ballet movements are taught in challenging combinations for students to perform across the floor.
- Students progress even further towards becoming a dance artist as they learn complicated musicality, how to achieve sustained height in their leaps and multiple turns. The correct use of the head in all movements is expected at this level as well as port de bras.
- Students at this level are considered pre-professional and are serious about their dance education. Most go on to take ballet at an established university or other quality dance program.
- Dancers at this level become mentors and sometimes teachers to younger students in our ballet program. Much is expected of students at this level including proper etiquette and consistent execution of their personal best at all times.
Please note that the movements listed in this syllabus represent only a sampling of all the classical ballet movements that are taught at each level.
|
