Participants: Participants in the Ballet Program are committed to mastering the art of dance to a very high level. They are willing to work hard in a focused way. They are not necessarily pursuing a career in dance, but have a strong desire to experience the Art, participate in significant performances and to receive the benefits of intensive study. This program would prepare the student for continued study in a college program in dance.
Curriculum: The curriculum includes intense, age appropriate training, including multiple dance forms, participation in master classes and weekend dance workshops. Secondary issues like dance health & diet are explored, participation in activities that increase the student's awareness of the greater world of dance including outside dance performances, reading and viewing dance videos. Possible intensive summer study, especially for those advanced students considering a career in dance. Possible participation in classes to learn choreography and repertoire.
Senior Workshop: The Senior Workshop is available for students in the intensive program of Level III or higher if they choose. This is a performance oriented grouping of students. Based on the requirements of the dances being learned, the director may invite others to participate.
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Characteristics and Requirements:
- Age: Most students are in the 3rd to 12th grades. College students could be included in the program.
- Admission: Admission to the program is by the choice of the student having successfully attained Level I or higher with acceptance by the Director.
- Class: 2 (min) or 3 ballet classes/week for 3rd & 4th graders, 3 (min) or 4 ballet classes/week for 5th & 6th graders, 4 ballet classes (min) plus for 7th graders and older. Typical classes are 60 to 120 minutes in length.
- Class Size: Technique classes limited to 16 students, general classes limited to 20 students.
- Rehearsal Classes: Rehearsals will be added as required, in preparation for performances, at no additional charge.
- Dress: Girls wear shoes, leotard and tights colored based on their level of achievement. Boys wear black dance shoes and dance pants with a white t-shirt (black tights optional).
- Dance Styles: Focus on Ballet with Jazz, Tap, Lyrical or Hip-Hop to broaden the technique.
- Performance: Two major performances per year with possible participation in other small group performances and recitals. The "Nutcracker" in the Winter and a "Spring Recital" in the late Spring in which classics of ballet as well as original choreography will be performed. We also present the "Honors Recital" featuring students in this program.
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- Goal: A student in this program should attain Level VI by the time they graduate from high school.
- Benefit: A student who acheives at this high level will benefit in many ways; balance, coordination and physical strength, as well as discipline and mental sharpness. Confidence and self esteem will also result. Some say that Ballet is the most rigorous and physically taxing form of physical training for men or women.
- Workshops: Eligible to participate in Junior or Senior Workshop based on level of acheivement.
- Special Events: Students can participate in school special events, receptions, movie screenings and other social events with other students in this level.
- Class Size: Smaller class sizes for certain repetiore and technique classes. Increased personal attention from your teachers on a regular bassis at this level.
- Performance: Roles will be assigned by the Director based on level of acheivement and special abilities demonstrated. In this program, the student can expect better, more visible roles in productions. The most advanced students might have solos.
- Cost: Cost per class is discounted based on the number of classes taken per week.
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| Schedule:
Classes are held 6 days per week; Monday thru Friday, 4:00 til 9:00 PM and Saturday, 9:00 AM til 3:00 PM.
Students must meet minimum program requirements for attendance, etc.. in order to remain in the program. New classes are roughly aligned with the Wake County academic calendar. Classes begin in late August. It is possible for students to join the program at any time during the year.
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Course of Study for Intensive Ballet:
- Level I - Ballet Basics A, 1st & 2nd grade, ages 5 - 7 years old, 1 class per week.
- Level II - Ballet Basics B, 3rd & 4th grade, ages 8 - 10 years old. The student can expect to take 2 - 3 classes per week. It will probably take 2 years to complete this level, but this varies.
- Level III - Ballet Basics C including beginning pointe, 5th & 6th grade, ages 10 - 12 years old. The student can expect to take 3-4 ballet classes per week plus 1 class in another dance style.
- Level IV - Perfecting and "cleaning up" technique previously learned, 7th & 8th grade, ages 12 - 14 years old. The student can expect to take 4 - 5 ballet classes per week plus 1 - 2 classes in other dance styles.
- Level V - Increasing quality, more turns, higher jumps, beats on jumps, etc... 9th and 10th grade, 14 - 16 years old. The student can expect to take 6 - 9 classes per week, plus 2 classes in other dance styles.
- Level VI - Beginning Virtuosity - beginning of artistry, working with the music, subtlety of expression and gesture, 11th & 12th grade, ages 16 - 18 years old. 6 - 9 ballet classes plus 2 - 3 classes in other dance styles per week. Solo classes and private coaching are also recommended.
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