Class Placement
Ballet is an art form that requires regular practice in order to show improvement, attendance in class is important. Dancers must also show mental maturity, physical coordination, and the ability to follow instructions before being promoted. Promotion is not a given, a certain level of determination and commitment, from both the student and family, is necessary to continue dancing at higher levels.
Age is only part of placement in ballet classes at Strictly Ballet. Approximate age range and attendance requirements:
- Ballet Movement : age 3-4
- Pre-Ballet (age 4-6)
- Basic Beginner (age 6-8)
- Technique I: starting age 7 with permission (1 classes per week)
- Technique II: Physical & skill requirements must be met (2 classes per week)
- Intermediate/Advanced: (up to 6 classes per week)
- Pointe/ Pre-pointe (By permission. In order to be considered for pointe work dancers must pass a “skills checklist” and be taking at least 3 ballet classes at Strictly Ballet. )
Class Descriptions
(Not all classes are available each session, classes are subject to change due to enrollment.)
Ballet Movement: Age 3-4 Dancers will discover new ways to move their bodies by using ballet based exercises to develop strong muscles and coordination. This class introduces them to ballet studio etiquette, following instructions, and waiting patiently for their turn. If your child is shy then parent participation is encouraged, but not required.
Pre-ballet: Age 4-6 This class introduces ballet terminology and follows a traditional ballet class format, but without barre work. It includes warm-up, basic ballet steps, center movement, simple choreography, and free dance time.
Basic Beginner: Age 6-8 This class is for introducing the exercises and etiquette of a traditional ballet class and includes basic ballet skills and conditioning. This class could be taken before or with Technique I.
Technique I: Age 7-12 This class follows a traditional ballet class format, starting at the barre focusing on posture and alignment, continuing with stretching and strengthening exercises. Center movement and traveling steps are added as the class progresses. No former training is required.
Technique II: For students who have completed beginning ballet and are ready to commit to more formal training focusing on a strong technical foundation. A complete technique class with barre, center, and across the floor movement.
Intermediate/Advanced Ballet: This class is for students who are ready for increasingly challenging combinations while adding musicality, choreography, and artistry to their ballet technique.
Pre-pointe & Pointe: This class, by invitation only, is for ladies who are serious about dedicating their time and energy to ballet. With a focus on strengthening the body for pointe work helping with stability, foot and ankle strength, finding your center and balance, it requires students to be physically and technically prepared to handle the challenges of pointe work. Students must attend 3 technique classes per week at this studio in order to participate.
Boys Ballet: Are you looking for an outlet for your son’s creative energy? His future may involve lifting ballerinas onstage; using leg strength to pitch a strike, coordinating the upper and lower body when leaping to catch a football; or sliding and staying balanced in order to hit a forehand winner. Ballets disciplined training teaches strength, stamina, coordination, rhythm, flexibility, and posture, necessary skills for all sports.
Conditioning: Age 10 and up, for any active person, athlete, or dancer. This class focuses on core work, flexibility, strength, and alignment by using techniques from pilates, floor barre, gyrotonics, stretching, and calisthenics. Its aim is to help dancers & athletes reduce injuries with proper alignment and to find their center so they can be more powerful and balanced in any sport they pursue.
Adult Technique: Age 14 & up This class is waiting for you! There is no other dance/sport out there like ballet. It is all inclusive, you have to strong, flexible, graceful, rhythmic, and tell a story with your body all at the same time. The ultimate workout. Bring a friend!
Modern Movement: While classical ballet is the base for all forms of dancing, we are increasingly challenged to move in modern or contemporary ways. This class introduces movements that will help dancers expand their bodies and minds which is essential for the growth of a ballet dancer as an artist and athlete.
Elements of Graham: The Graham technique of modern dance was developed in the early 20th century by Martha Graham. It is considered to be the among the first codified modern dance techniques, and most later forms borrow freely from Graham. The "Elements of Graham" technique class includes floor work, standing exercises, movement across the floor, and falls.
Adult Ballet Movement: For those dancers who want to move to music without the discipline of classical ballet. This class has basic conditioning, ballet and movement exercises. It is adaptable for those with injuries and includes gentle stretching.
