The Classical Ballet Program is a set of 8 curriculum based 1-year programs, with Certificates of Completion.
Alumni of this program have a track record of acceptance into several world renown institutions such as School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, and The Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive.
Beginners are welcome, and students with prior experience are placed in levels according to their age, potential and extent of training. Recommended for ages 6 to 17 (is your child younger? Visit Tyler's Dance Club!)
The Curriculum includes a set of core classes, plus several interesting electives, designed to give young dancers a solid foundation and a first-hand look at the world of Classical Ballet.
The Core Curriculum focuses on ballet technique, terminology, variations, conditioning and preparation for pointe, followed in time by pointe and pas de duex. Some contemporary technique is included in this Curriculum, as well as some neo-classical ballet and contemporary ballet choreography and repertoire.
We suggest a frequency of 2 lessons/week for Level 1, and as the dancer's level increases so will the suggested number of weekly classes.
CURRICULUM
BALLET TECHNIQUE
Initially, students explore how to execute proper posture, alignment, and placement of basic ballet positions, creating a strong foundation for intermediate and advanced classes.
As students' technique levels increase, they learn the sequence of a full ballet barre, followed by center tendues and a focus on adagio training. Students begin to learn pirouettes both en dedan and en dehor. Across the floor work, petite allegro, grand allegro and fouetté coaching for those who take private lessons. Advanced students are also evaluated on their knowledge of ballet terminology and classical ballet variations.
BALLET CONDITIONING
Pilates, flexibility and conditioning. Everything a ballerina needs in order to stay strong and keep their technique in tip-top shape. Especially good for when students have summer breaks or are in off season.
PRE-POINTE
In this class, students get a head start on a large selection of ballet movements and combinations needed to prepare dancers for pointe work. This class is an important preparatory step towards dancing on pointe, and a way to greatly increase young dancers' knowledge of how to dance on their toes properly before their pointe shoes get laced on, thus limiting the chance of injury.
POINTE
Following pre pointe and variation courses dancers who show they have gained the proper amount of strength and knowledge to excute ballet positions with control and proper aesthetic will be invited to begin pointe work. Please note if a student has not taken prior pointe lessons no matter the students level they will be placed in a beginner pointe class.
VARIATIONS
Students learn challenging solos from classical ballets, such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and many more. Students memorization skills and stage presence are challenged.
PAS DE DUEX
Ballet partnering. Lifts and coordination is practiced, amongst two dancers. Helps to develop communication skills, and great connection amongst classmates.
BALLET, NEO-CLASSICAL and CONTEMPORARY REPERTORIE
Students learn the art of picking up choreography quickly, working directly with the choreographer. Students are given the opportunity to perform the pieces alongside professional dancers at two yearly showcases.
CONTEMPORARY
Intermediate and advanced classes, using a fusion of Horton and Graham based modern and contemporary movement. Students will learn about fall and recovery, contraction and release, flatbacks, spirals, high releases, hinges, stag leaps and turns, sustained movement versus sharp staccatos, and more.
