Class Descriptions
— Class Descriptions —
Classes are listed in ascending order of degree of difficulty.
please note that some classes may not be available in the current schedule.
Stretch & Strengthen
A supplemental class to your dance training, during this time we’ll learn how to safely stretch areas of the body that are important to our ballet technique in order to enjoy a wider range of motion. These extending exercises will be interspersed with strengthening work designed to amplify what our body performs in class. In Studio students will be provided with a yoga mat.
Intro to Ballet
For the student who has never taken ballet before or is perhaps returning to ballet for the first time since their youth. This physical technique class moves at a slow and methodical pace to encourage the student to take in analytical information as well as the physical movements. Proper muscle engagement, posture, and mental dexterity are a strong focus, while learning the basic positions of the legs and arms and foundational movements such as plié, battement tendu, port de bras, and relevé. It is recommended that students who are new to ballet start with Introduction to Ballet before taking Beginner Ballet.
Introduction to Ballet is currently offered as a 6-class Series.
Beginner Ballet and Beginner Ballet +
Taking what we’ve learned in Introduction to Ballet, the Beginner Ballet student will begin to perform foundational movements in tandem with port de bras sequences. New steps and concepts are introduced that build on those learned in the previous level. Speed of movement will increase slightly but only as to present a gentle challenge for the mind and body. Flexibility and stamina elements are introduced into classwork.
“Beginner Ballet +” works at the same level but has an additional 30 minutes of class time.
beginner pointe
A short-form class building fundamental pointe work technique at the barre. Students may join in flat technique shoes to begin to pave the path toward pointe work. It is highly recommended that students take the technique class that precedes this class in order to be sufficiently warm for class. Students must be assessed by instructor before joining this class in pointe shoes. If taking this class in flat technique shoes no assessment is necessary.
Advanced Beginner Ballet and advanced beginner ballet +
A bridge between Beginner Ballet and Intermediate Ballet, this class serves to introduce the student to slightly more complex combination patterns and weight exchanges. A significant focus is on taking barre and center exercises from flat to demi-pointe. Preparations for pirouettes and other turns begins in this level. Petit and Medium Allegro are introduced in simple exercises. More advanced students may enjoy this class as an opportunity to clean up or fill any gaps in their technique.
“Advanced Beginner Ballet +” works at the same level but has an additional 30 minutes of class time.
Intermediate Ballet
A faster paced class that encourages the student to step into their artistry while continuing to build their technical knowledge and analytical problem solving methods. Pirouettes from all positions begin in this level. Batterie is introduced in simple exercises. Grand Allegro steps are built in this level.
Intermediate/Advanced Ballet
A faster paced class that increases turn frequency, batterie, Grand Allegro, dexterity, and variations in combination choreography.