Class Descriptions for Ballet Conservatory

In Fall 2009 we are adding a separate division of our dance studio dedicated to ballet: The Innovations Dance Academy's Ballet Conservatory. Dancers will require a placement audition for all ballet classes to determine their level. The Ballet Conservatory strives to enable each dancer with a love of ballet and all forms of dance, artistry, and technical proficiency. Our goal is to provide each dancer with an appreciation for the art of classical ballet, as well as the proper strength and technique to continue their formal ballet training for the years to come.

Level I: 1 hour per week
Pink leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes (leather or canvas--NO silk)

Dancers in Level I focus on the basics of ballet. They learn the basic arm and feet positions, along with correct posturing. They also focus on building proper ankle strength and core strength. The barre is used to assist dancers in learning coordination and correct alignment. Dancers will begin to recognize the discipline it takes to become a serious ballerina. Correct attire is to be worn at all times. Technique taught in Level I: basic positions of the arms and feet (first through sixth positions), first port de bras, plies (including demi and grand plies), tendus, movements en crois, ballet walks, passé, degage, floor stretch, releve, attitude, arabesque.

Level II: 2 1/2 hours per week (includes pre-pointe).
Light blue leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes--(leather or canvas).

Level II dancers will continue improving upon the focus that they learned in Level I. Barre and floor exercises become slightly more complex. Dancers will be encouraged to consistently place their arms in correct positions; additional focus will be on leg and feet turn-out. Teachers will continue to demonstrate proper ballet technique. In Level II, the dancers will learn more about grace and poise. They will also begin to incorporate upper body movements to add uniqueness and character to their dancing. Before graduating from Level II, each dancer must be able to demonstrate a strong knowledge of the terminology learned in Level I and II. Technique introduced in Level II: pas balance, intro to the waltz step, correct plies with one hand on the barre, barre stretch, grand battement, second por de bras, tendu combinations, chasse, pique turns, turn spotting, pas de chat, sautés in arabesque, sautés from fifth.

Level III: 3 hours per week (includes pre-pointe and pointe).
Burgundy leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes.

Level III dancers will have already learned basic ballet technique. The dancer’s goal in Level III is to master this technique and make it his own/her own. Level III dancers will also learn how to self-correct their own technique before the teacher corrects them. The dancer is encouraged, at this point in his/her training, to begin incorporating graceful movements into his/her technique. They are encouraged to begin independent improvisation as well. Level III dancers learn complex combinations and are encouraged to perform them independently and with grace and ease. Level III dancers intensely focus on turns and jumps. Pre-pointe exercises are also introduced, as well as proper stage presence. Technique introduced in Level III: ronde de jambe en dehors, ronde de jambe en dedans, ronde de jambe en l’air, 1st arabesque, 2nd arabesque, 3rd arabesque, preparation of petite battement, soutenou (at the barre and in the center), changement, sous-sous, glissade, assemble, grand jete, waltz step, preparation for pirouette, frappe en croix (without sur le cu de pied), pas de bouree, echappes (jumping and on releve), assemble with glissade, grand allegro, half turn on one foot at the barre, single pirouette from fifth position en de hors and en dedans, single pirouette from second position en de hors and en dedans, single pirouette from fourth position en de hors and en dedans, pas de bouree couru.

Level IV: 3 hours per week (includes pointe).
Navy blue leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet shoes, pointe shoes.

Level IV dancers learn the proper methods of caring for their feet and pointe shoes. These methods will ensure that each dancer has a positive and enhancing experience en pointe. Dancers begin to learn the proper technique associated with pointe work. This technique includes proper stance, alignment, elevation, etc. Dancers continue their pre-pointe work to increase ankle and foot strength. Along with learning the basics of pointe work, the dancer will be encouraged to bridge the gap between technique and artistry, thus creating a harmony between the two. Each dancer will begin to master classical ballet technique as well as continue working on stage presence. Technique introduced in Level IV: sissone, frappe with sur le cu de pied, petite battement with sur le cu de pied, pas de basque, cambers, turning waltz step, traveling jete, releve en pointe, echappe en pointepas de bourree en pointe, sau de chat, double pirouette from fifth position en de hors and en dedansdouble pirouette from second position en de hors and en dedans, double pirouette from fourth position en de hors and en dedans, pas de bouree couru en pointe.

Level V: 5 hours per week
Black leotard, pink tights, canvas ballet shoes, pointe shoes.

Level V dancers know and understand proper classical ballet technique. They continue to master their own personal technique and enrich the quality of their artistry. Optimal stage presence is achieved at this level of dancing. Level V dancers continue to build their confidence and technique in dancing en pointe.

Pointe
Pointe work is an exciting part of a ballet student's training. During pre-pointe class they will work in flat shoes to learn pointe technique and combinations, and to develop the strength they will need to dance en pointe.Each student responds to the demands of pointe preparation differently, and some will need longer than others to be ready for pointe work. I strongly recommend that all students preparing to go en pointe consult with their family doctor to ensure that there are no medical reasons to keep them from dancing on pointe. In addition, no dancers will be allowed to go on pointe without recommendation from their current ballet teacher as well as their pre-pointe teacher. Please do not buy pointe shoes until you receive instruction from us. We will provide information about fitting pointe shoes, so that students can be introduced to pointe technique and learn the proper care of their feet and pointe shoes. Beginners on toe will spend approximately ten minutes per class en pointe at the barre, and will gradually build up their time as their strength develops. Please feel free to speak with your instructor about any concerns you may have about pointe work.

Criteria for Pointe work:
*Student must be 10 1/2 or older.
*Must have at least 2 years training.
*Must be taking a minimum of 4.5 hours weekly.
*Must have sufficient strength to do the following:
*Hold turnout while dancing, have a strong straight back while dancing, especially the lower back.
*Keep the heels forward toward the big toe (no sickling).
*Pique passe with a straight leg, and correctly be able to use their plie and pointed feet.
*Be able to do 16 releves in the center without stopping, hold passe on half-pointe.
*Students must be well-groomed--hair in a bun is required for ballet classes.
*Student must be in good health, pay attention and work well in class, be of normal weight, and have enough of an arched instep to stand on pointe.