The Primary 2 level is the first where all core styles (ballet, jazz, tap) are divided into their own classes. 

The Primary 2 level explores all parts of ballet class- barre work, center, leaps, turns, and classical repertoire. These classes provide dancers the opportunity to build up and then refine their foundational skills, develop more fluidity and grace, and quick feet and a faster paced class, in preparation for the Upper School. With the continuation of proper ballet technique, eligible students at least 9-years-old have the opportunity to take part in more rigorous Ballet training, with the option of  joining Ballet Intensive as an Apprentice.

Dancers also acquire a greater knowledge of Tap and Jazz technique, with more complex combinations, floor work, new rhythms and ways to interpret the music. All 3 dance styles have a choreographed piece in the Showcase. All Primary 2 students also participate in our annual Nutcracker with the opportunity of multiple roles.

For dancers fulfilling their ballet requirement after an average of two years in the Primary  Levels or older dancers with minimal experience. This ballet is a core ballet, which can be taken alone, or as a part of fulfilling requirements for dancers who are part of the Intensive program. This level is structured to benefit Advanced-Beginner through Intermediate dancers, covering all parts of ballet class. Students will continue to build strength, stamina, balance and receive exposure to additional repertoire. 

Upper 1/2 Moves faster through barre work, fusing one isolated step into single exercises, and emphasizes usage of the whole floor, more complex traveling, turns and leaps, and a stronger understanding of spatial awareness. Dancers should have a good foundation of proper technique and alignment.  All Upper 1/2 Ballet students also participate in our annual Nutcracker with the opportunity of multiple roles, and perform one dance in our Spring Showcase.

For upper middle/high school students that may dance once per week to fulfill their ballet requirement, or for dancers at the most advanced level, in conjunction with Intensive class(es). 

At this level, students should have established strong muscle memory, and be able to execute the different parts of class with little to no demonstration, with a near full understanding of terminology. Corrections should be primarily for progression of steps, rather than body placement, and the general pattern of a typical ballet class should be well understood.

Dancers who are not part of the Intensive Program, need at least three years of ballet, with a minimum of two years in the Upper  1/2  level, and must be at least 14-years-old to participate in Upper 3. Students at an Advanced/Intermediate-Advanced level benefit from this class. This level continues to expand upon Upper ½. All Upper 3 Ballet students also participate in our annual Nutcracker with the opportunity of multiple roles, and have one dance piece in our Spring Showcase.

Prerequisite: 2 years of ballet, part of Intensive 1 or 2/3, and at least 9-years-old

Pre-Pointe and Pointe are an extension of our Intensive Program and therefore are by invitation- only.

Pre-Pointe is the transitional period where a student prepares their body for the challenge of dancing en pointe. This includes a strong core, ankles and feet, stability and balance, proper execution of plié and relevé, and a demi pointe that is suitable to rise onto the platform of a pointe shoe when that time comes. Students are expected to take Pre-Pointe seriously, and agree to participate in the class for as long as it takes them to achieve the necessary requirements to dance en pointe safely. Each winter an evaluation is held to assess dancers on their readiness for this continuation of dance training. 

Pointe is offered to older children through adults, with permission from the teacher. No dancer is allowed en pointe until the age of  at least 11, or bone structure, development, and technique are satisfactory for training. Pointe work is an extension of classical ballet.

An average of at least three years of continuous classical training,  at least two ballet classes per week, and taking part in our Intensive Program are needed to reach the required level. A willingness to be patient with the process is extremely important, as placement in pointe class is on an individual basis. Parents assume responsibility for ensuring their child doesn’t purchase Pointe Shoes prior to teacher authorization, and for the financial commitment associated with pointe work. Dancers may be removed from the Pre-Pointe or Pointe class if absences become too frequent, or if the student or parent cannot fulfill the requirements. 

Dancers en pointe who have moved to center work will have opportunities to perform in our Nutcracker as well as our Spring Showcase in their pointe shoes.