Ballet
Our ballet program is a carefully designed curriculum that takes the student from Introductory through Intermediate and Advanced levels of instruction . Our school also offers Graded Cecchetti Ballet Method Classes . All ballet classes are designed to endow the human body with all of the qualities essential to dance : balance , poise , strength , and flexibility . Training in ballet is necessary to improve development in all dance forms . French terminology , alignment , control , and coordination are stressed throughout every level offered . C level classes offered .
C LEVEL CLASSES ARE CONTINUATIONS OF THEIR NUMBERED LEVEL COUNTERPARTS .
BALLET 1 ( 8Y +) covers the basic fundamentals of classical ballet and is a good beginning level for the 8 year old and up . Balanced exercises at the barre and center are introduced to gain strength , good posture , placement and discipline . French terminology , correct body alignment and proper technique are emphasized as well as introduction to turns leaps , skips and jumps across the floor .
BALLET 2 includes all barre and center work from Ballet 1 & Ballet 1C with increased speed and execution of proper technique of steps and combinations of movements . Coordination of arms with legs and feet , as well as greater emphasis on turns and combinations of movements across the floor are introduced at this advanced beginner level .
BALLET 3 is an intermediate class with longer combinations , greater variance of tempo and an introduction to beats , and multiple turns . Placement , alignment and previous technique is required in order to accomplish work at this level . Most students spend at least 3 years at this level .
BALLET 4 is an advanced intermediate class which continues the study of classical ballet including barre , center , adagio , petite allegro and grand allegro . Students on pointe must commit to a minimum of two ballet classes weekly and register for Pointe 1 .
BALLET 5 is an advanced class which continues the study of classical ballet including barre , center , adagio , petite allegro and grand allegro . Students on pointe must commit to a minimum of two ballet classes weekly and register for Pointe 2 .
CECCHETTI classes offer the student a firm foundation in classical ballet technique , language and theory as well as offer opportunity for certification by the Cecchetti Council of America . The Cecchetti syllabus develops strong classical lines , solid anatomical placement , as well as beautiful jumps , leaps and beats . The Cecchetti Method of Ballet is endorsed because of its careful regard for the laws of anatomy , its teaching of movement theory and the foundation it can provide for all styles of dance . Once the Graded syllabus has been accomplished , those students wishing to be certified ( with the instructor ' s approval ) may take the examination . Chicago area exams are held in early winter and spring . Examination is entirely optional and will incur added fees . Examination and certification is not mandatory for advancement in Cecchetti classes .
POINTE CONDITIONING is a class for students that are serious in their desire to succeed with pointe work . Students must be registered in Ballet 3 . This class is by instructor recommendation only .
PRE-POINTE is a supplemental class for serious students who wish to pursue point work . Students must be concurrently registered in Ballet 3C and a second ballet class . Teacher recommendation only .
POINTE 1 is a supplemental class for serious students who have been approved for pointe work by their teacher and who want to take classical ballet to the next level . Students must be concurrently registered in Ballet 4 and a second ballet class . Teacher recommendation only .
POINTE 2 is a supplemental class for serious students who have been approved for pointe work by their teacher and who want to take classical ballet to the next level . Students must be concurrently registered in Ballet 5 and a second ballet class . Teacher recommendation only .
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