Ballet Classes

Level 1 builds on childrens' key motor skills and establishes the fundamentals of musicality, movement and creativity. Students are encouraged to develop their imagination and communication skills, helping them to build confidence. Music and rhythm is a central focus of this class.

The main focus in Level 2 is the development of a sense of rhythm, flexibility and strength, with an emphasis on strengthening the core muscles of the spine, stomach and feet. This is combined with a strong focus on improvisation to classical music as well as developing the initial positions of the arms and legs, dance steps, jumps and poses.

Students continue to develop the material mastered in the previous classes, and also work on the development of musicality and grace in the performance of ballet movements. Strengthening of the feet, posture and turnout is also emphasized, as well as developing new ballet movements on the floor, at the barre and in dances.

The continued development of stretching, flexibility and strengthening muscles is emphasized. Students study the Vaganova technique at the barre and in the centre, as well as jumps and pointe work.

Level 5 students continue to study the Vaganova technique at the barre and in the centre. Students are introduced to more advanced steps in the centre. Students also work on classical variations and numbers based on the individual characteristics of the student.

Students in this group are also offered the opportunity to take their exams with the Association of Russian Ballet and Theatre Arts - ARBTA .

Pre Intermediate syllabus is the continuation of classical ballet from the grade work adding pointe work and dances. This level is designed to give the necessary training to students wishing to study on a more advanced level, encouraging technical requirements along with artistry and musicality. Many more steps are introduced, further establishing the movement and line of the dancer. Strength and good coordination are required for pirouettes and allegro. Having developed strong posture and at the discretion of the teachers, students can now begin to train en pointe. Pre Intermediate level requires a minimum of two hours a week class and students must be approved or audition for placement in these classes.

Vaganova Russian ballet technique forms the ongoing basis of this well developed curriculum which offers solid in-class training as well as performance opportunities.