The Academy of Ballet Arts 

Ballet

The Academy of Ballet Arts’ ballet curriculum incorporates the classical styles of French, Italian, Russian, and American schools of ballet. Each level strives to progress dancers in a safe and nurturing environment. Dancers gain strength, flexibility, agility, and confidence all through the curriculum of Ballet Arts.

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Pre-Primary Ballet-ages 3-5

• An introduction to ballet with an emphasis on creative movement. Classes will take on an imaginative play structure that will instill ballet concepts for further growth and muscular development. Dancers will learn and appreciate the joy and movement of dance.

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Primary A-C - ages 6-8

• Primary A-C will follow a curriculum that begins to introduce proper alignment, musicality, and coordination. Dancers will have an emphasis on turnout, “allegro,” meaning to jump, back strength, and abdominal focus, to help begin the muscle and brain development for ballet.

 

Level 1A-B - ages 8-9

• Level 1 will follow a curriculum that incorporates a cognitive understanding of the basic positions of arms and feet, and movements in dancing. Dancers will grow and develop their technique in ballet.

 

Level 2A-B - ages 10-11

• Level 2 will incorporate all the vocabulary of the previous levels with the addition of new material to continue growth of the dancer. Dancers will be introduced to many new concepts such as the directions of the body, and use of epaulement.

 

Level 3A-B - ages 12+

• Level 3 will incorporate all the vocabulary of the previous levels with the addition of new material to continue growth of the dancer. Dancers are expected to understand and incorporate proper use of turnout and correct posture. Dancers will also be introduced to pre-pointe or pointe when age and skill level are appropriate.

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Level 4A-B - placement based on skill level

• Level 4 will incorporate all the vocabulary of the previous levels with the addition of new material to continue growth of the dancer. Dancers will solidify foundational technique increase the development of artistry. Level 4 class will incorporate pointe work to enhance the dancer’s progression.

 

Level 5-8 placement based on skill level

• As dancers advance through Levels 5 to 8, the expectations for their execution will progressively intensify, culminating at Level 8. Each level will be carefully catered to the individual student for the benefit of the dancer’s progression. Levels 5-8 classes willincorporate advanced pointe work to enhance the dancer's progression.

 

Variations

Variations class, designed as an extension for our advanced dancers, provides a chance for students to explore classical and neoclassical ballet repertoire. This class focuses on preparing dancers for solo or corps roles in significant ballet performances. Participants will not only learn choreography but will also gain insights into the rich historical context of ballet throughout the ages.

 

Modern

Our modern workshop class will serve as an introduction to the Horton technique, incorporating elements influenced by the Martha Graham technique. This class aims to cultivate an essential second style of dance, fostering the artistic growth of our dancers. The Horton method specifically focuses on strengthening the achilles, calves, and abdominal muscles. As Lester Horton stated, “I am sincerely trying now to create a dance technique based entirely upon corrective exercises, created with a knowledge of human anatomy; a
technique which will correct physical faults and prepare a dancer for any type of dancing he/she may wish to follow; a technique having all the basic movements which govern the actions of the body; combined with a knowledge of the origin of movement and a sense of artistic design.”