Classical Ballet Classes

Creative Movement

Price & Princess Ballet  (Ages 3 to 5) - Class length: 60 minutes
 

A fun introduction to dance for preschoolers.  This class stimulates children's imaginations through dance, storytelling, and arts and crafts.  They begin to learn rhythm, musicality and dance all in a fun, nurturing environment.

Creative Movement (3, 4, and 5 year olds) - Class length: 30 minutes
 

Children learn to use their imagery, movement and storytelling.  Classes will begin to developed rhythm, coordination/motor skills and will encourage children to explore their own natural inner creativity and imagination.

Pre Ballet (Ages 5 - 6) Class Length: 60 minutes
Pink
 

An introduction to ballet using appropriate terminology and technique to develop basic skills. A gentle “hands on” approach will be used to gently guide students arms and limbs for proper placement.

Beginning Ballet (Ages 6 - 10) Class length: 60 minutes (recommended 1x a week)
White/Purple
 

Beginning ballet which emphasizes correct posture and alignment. Instructors use a gentle “hands on” approach, which will guide students for best results.

Advance Beginning (By placement only) Class length 90 minutes (recommended 2x a week)
Prerequisite: Beginning Ballet or by placement
Garnet and Light Blue
 

With a review of Beginning Ballet to begin the term, students keep building to a proper foundation with more complex movements, while emphasis is placed on strengthening and coordinating arm and leg movements.

Intermediate I (By placement only) Class length: 90 minutes (recommended 2-3x a week)
Prerequisite: Advanced Beginning Ballet or by placement

For students who have mastered the Advanced Beginning level and have permission from their instructor.

Intermediate II (By placement only) Class length: 90 minutes (recommended 3x a week)
Prerequisite: Intermediate I Ballet or by placement

Students now become aware of how barre work is related to execution of center exercises. Steps become more complex, with emphasis on correct alignment as well as musicality and learning the fine distinction of classical training.  This level is a turning point in a ballet dancer who is serious about studying their craft. Clarity of arms and legs is emphasized, and toward the end of the 4th year, pointe work will begin for students who have the permission of the instructor.

Advanced (By placement only) Class length 90 minutes (Note: Dancers in Toledo Ballet Company and apprentices are required to take a minimum of 4 technique ballet classes per week and 2 pointe classes.)
 
At this level, students should have acquired the musculature and knowledge to execute steps with more controlled and fluid movement. The complexity of steps requires continuous challenges and dedication on behalf of students. Combinations become more complex, and continued focus on techniques and musicality are stressed.  At this point, individuals become more aware of their own style and are encouraged to find tune their individual style within the confines of the classical ballet style.  All steps in the ballet vocabulary should be learned by this point.  Musicality should be second nature to the pre professional student.

Character Dance (ages 9 and up)

Theatrical dance based on ethnic and folk dances within a ballet performance context.  Character shoes and skirts are worn during this class.

Pas de deux (By placement only)

Along with training in the fundamentals of classical dance technique, students may begin to study the art of partnering.  Instruction includes the techniques of balance, holding and lifting.  Classical pas de deux are also taught to provide understanding of the unity between movement and artistic communication.

Variations (By placement only)

Students learn classical variations in an atmosphere of a professional rehearsal.  Each variation is polished and coached very carefully to assist the student the enhancement of this or her technical and artistic personality.