The Dance Conservatory

Ballet: The top company. This level is held at a high technical standard. The ballerina uses her technique as a medium for artistic expression. Pointe work seems effortless as the action of the foot is so controlled the descent and ascent barely seem noticeable. The ballerina can execute allegro movements with sharpness and attack and adagio movements with softness and fluidity. This level is by audition only.

Ballet: The precursor of Performing Dance Company. The ballerina is taught how to use her technique as a medium for artistic expression. The ultimate goal of pointe work is to make it seem effortless. Variations from classical repertoire are studied. This level is by audition only.

Ballet: At this level the ballerina can tolerate longer periods of pointe work. Center work is strengthened and the more difficult steps of pointe work are studied. It’s the first year to perform on pointe. This level is by audition only.

Ballet: This level is for those who are strong enough to begin pointe work. Appropriate strength is deemed sufficient by the instructor and ballet director. Pointe concepts and exercises are taught slowly and facing the barre. Later, as stability and strength improve, similar exercises are executed in center. This level is by audition only.

Ballet: The preparatory level for pointe work. Proper placement and a considerable amount of technical strength on demi-pointe is required before studying pointe work. At this level the ballerina should be seriously committed to the study of classical ballet. Pre-pointe exercises are practiced in and outside of the classroom. This level is by audition only.

Ballet: Proper placement and a considerable amount of technical strength on demi-pointe is required before studying pointe work. At this level the ballerina should be seriously committed to the study of classical ballet. Pre-pointe exercises are practiced in and outside of the classroom. This level is by audition only.

Ballet: Added to the formal work of previous years is the knowledge of a corps de ballet. Dancing as a group is solidified through peripheral awareness. The ballerina will be taught how to dance within a group in a way that creates the illusion of one body on the stage. A higher expectation to perform with grace and poise is required when moving from one position to the next. Flexibility and strength continue to increase preparing dancers for higher extensions and longer more extensive steps and combinations. This level is by audition only.

Certified Instructors

In studio performances

Ballet: Level 4 is a cultivation of levels 2 and 3. This level is for elementary age and teens who would like to begin classical ballet training and begin preparations for company audition placement.

Ballet: This year of study begins with a review of the previous years’ material. Progress is measured in this year by the improvement achieved in the execution of the steps, not merely by how many steps have been added to the vocabulary. Throughout the year, the students will begin to execute the exercises in increased number, stressing the development of strength in the legs and feet, and the coordination of the upper and lower body.

Ballet: This year of study introduces the students to the formal ballet class. The students transition from the freedom of the previous years’ classes into a more disciplined study of classical ballet. The transition is made slowly throughout the year to ease the students into executing exercises that are just as fun, but with a little more structure. More emphasis is placed on proper alignment, line and classical shape of the port de bras than in previous years.

Ballet: Level 1′s main purpose is to strengthen and develop certain muscles of the body which prepare the dancer for level two where they will begin formal classical ballet training. The objective is to utilize an assortment of fun activities and dancing games to heighten an awareness of classical ballet concepts, motor skills and strength. A continued focus is placed on musicality and developing imagination and creativity skills.

This class actively develops motor skills, imagination and creativity skills and an awareness of musical concepts while building self-confidence and trust when when working with other children. The class is fun and simplistic with a lot of dancing games and other activities that get the dancers excited to move.