Children
It is important for the progress, development and satisfaction of the students that they be placed in peer groupings ~ both as to age and skill level. This assures the students of appropriate material and corrections and thereby satisfactory progress. Some children may be able to pick up the “combinations” quickly, but without sufficient classes to develop adequate muscular control, will instead develop sloppy and hard-to-break habits. A slower learner may, with frequent study, develop motor skills and coordination well ahead of a more naturally gifted child who is less dedicated. Social relationships and carpool convenience are not a good basis for determining a child’s class level. Admission to a higher class level is something the child has earned, and if desired, is necessary to further progress. Ages given are as of September 1, 2010.
Children's classes are for children only. Parents are invited into the classroom during scheduled observation times only.
Children's Ballet
The study of Ballet at the Academy is designed to help the beginner, child and adult, participate with pleasure and without injury in what is one of the most demanding forms of dance and athletic exercise. Slow floor exercises correct the body alignment and prepare for turn-out. Anatomical terms and bio-mechanical principles are presented along with historical facts so the student becomes more appreciative of the art form while learning to control the body. Both Cecchetti and Vaganova techniques are presented at the Academy.
Introduction to Ballet
We offer three age-graded Introduction to Ballet classes for preschool children. In these classes, our goal is first and foremost to teach your child to love dance. In the process, we give high priority to the development of:
- concentration and attention span
- self-control and self-discipline
- listening and following directions
- “see-do” skills
- posture, coordination and flexibility
- musicality
- social skills
These are skills for a lifetime, whether your child becomes a ballerina, an athlete or an astrophysicist! No matter what choice is eventually made, your child should always be able to enjoy dance, always as an audience and perhaps as a performer. Each level is usually taken for one year. Ages given are as of September 1st, 2010.
| Uniform: | |
| Girls: | White, long-sleeved scoop-necked leotard, white bando tutu, pink tights, pink ballet slippers – hair needs to be pulled back and securely out of eyes. |
| Boys: | Black tights, white T-shirt, black ballet slippers |
Introduction to Ballet I (Ages 3 – 4)
Friday 8:45 – 9:45 AM
Friday 12:45 – 1:45 PM
Saturday 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Saturday 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Saturday 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Introduction to Ballet II (Ages 4 – 5)
Friday 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Friday 12:45 – 1:45 PM
Saturday 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Saturday 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Saturday 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Introduction to Ballet II/III (Ages 4 ½ - 5 ½)
Saturday 11:00 – 12:00 PM
Introduction to Ballet III (Ages 5 – 6)
Tuesday 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday 8:45 – 9:45 AM
Saturday 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Basic Ballet
School-aged children begin their study of Ballet in our Basic levels, which are a presentation of Ballet fundamentals, along with exercises for posture improvement and work in basic dance patterns common to many forms of dance. At the Basic level, children usually come once per week.
Children usually are in the Basic classes for two full years of study before they advance to Elementary Ballet which meets twice per week. Older children, ages 9-12, take Basic Ballet I-IIA or Adult Beginning Ballet for one year before advancing to the Elementary levels; their older attention span and muscular strength make it possible to progress more quickly. Each level is usually taken for one year.
| Uniform: | |
| Girls: | Basic I & II: Pink, long-sleeved scoop-necked leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers; pink wrap skirt (optional) Basic I-IIA: Plain Black TANK-top leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers; wrap skirt or black bike shorts (optional) Hair needs to be pulled back securely and out of eyes. |
| Boys: | Black tights, white T-shirt, black ballet slippers |
Basic Ballet I (Ages 6 – 8)
Monday 4:00 – 5:15 PM
Wednesday 4:00 – 5:15 PM
Saturday 8:45 – 10:00 AM
Saturday 11:00 – 12:15 PM
Basic Ballet I-IIA (Ages 9 – 12) Covers material of Basic I & II Ballet in one year.
Wednesday 6:30 – 7:45 PM
Basic Ballet II (Ages 7 – 9)
Required: One year Basic training and consent of instructor.
Monday 5:15 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday 5:15 – 6:30 PM
Saturday 9:45 – 11:00 AM
Jazz and Tap
Jazz Dance at the Academy is age-appropriate with the youngest classes doing dances to familiar tunes from their favorite movies or from musical theatre – but before we dance we always do warm-ups that stretch and strengthen muscles! As the student progresses, the movement patterns and combinations become more complicated.Tap is also oriented towards the age and range of the class make up. A fun class for children of all ages, students learn the basic tap steps and how to coordinate them into more complicated rhythmical phrases.
| Uniform: | |
| Boys and Girls: | Jazz: Plain black TANK-top leotard, black jazz pants, black jazz shoes |
Jazz
Beginning Jazz (Ages 6 – 9)
Monday 5:15 – 6:30 PM
Continuing Jazz I (Completion of Beginning Jazz & consent of instructor)
Monday 4:00 – 5:15 PM
Thursday 5:15 - 6:30 PM* (*This class is reserved for the Elementary Level)
Continuing Jazz II (Completion of Continuing Jazz I & consent of instructor)
Tuesday 5:15 – 6:30 PM
Continuing Jazz III (Completion of Continuing Jazz II & consent of instructor)
Wednesday 4:00 – 5:15 PM
Continuing Jazz IV (Completion of Continuing Jazz III & consent of instructor)
Thursday 4:00 – 5:15 PM
Tap (Ages 6 and Up)
Beginning Tap
Wednesday 5:15 – 6:15 PM
Continuing Tap (Completion of Beginning Tap & consent of instructor)
Tuesday 5:15 – 6:15 PM
Boys
Boys' Production Workshop offer tandem classes both taught by Larry Ippel. One class is a movement class which develops strength, flexibility and coordination through problem-solving exercises. The second class works on projects which develop graphic images and constructs that illustrate the concepts presented in the movement class. Class demonstrations are held periodically throughout the year.
Uniform: Ballet slippers, play clothes
BPW (For Boys Ages 5 - 9) Count as two classes per week
Thursday 4:00 – 6:30 PM