Students will learn specific movement skills that will help them to feel and identify with the music while developing technique and style to perform. The classes will serve to expand and nurture the dancers’ creative talent. Inspirational and classical music provide an enriching and stimulating environment. Classes begin with a devotion and end with a reverence.
Ballet 2
Ballet 2 continues to stress posture, placement, and ballet presence while expanding the students’ ballet vocabulary. Physical strength and stamina will increase through various barre and centre work.
Ballet 3
Ballet 3 is a structured ballet class which starts with combinations at the barre learning technique. The class focuses on correct postural alignment, weight transitions, body positions of ballet, turns, and leaps. This level sets the foundation for Ballet 4.
Ballet 4
Through a progressive series of combinations at the barre, students will warm up while working on correct body alignment and turnout. After barre work, students will stretch and move into centre. Centre work includes progressive combinations of small and large jumps and turns through which students continue to work correct placement, posture and turnout.
Ballet 4+
Ballet 4+ includes two level 4 classes plus an opportunity to take one ballet 5 class per week. This class is for the dancer who needs to continue to work on Ballet 4 technique, but should be challenged at the next level. Ballet 4+ provides the unique opportunity for your dancer to gain confidence in both technique and performance in Ballet 4 class while being exposed to the more difficult technique of Ballet 5 at the same time.
Ballet 5 (audition required)
Ballet 5 builds upon the work mastered in Ballet 4. Through a progressive series of combinations at the barre, students will warm up while working on correct body alignment and turnout. After barre work, students will stretch and move into center. Center work includes progressive combinations of small and large jumps and turns.
Ballet 5+
Ballet 5+ includes two level 5 classes plus an opportunity to take one Ballet 6 class per week. This class is for the dancer in Ballet 5 that needs to be challenged and exposed to the most advanced level of ballet at GAC.
Ballet 6 (audition required)
Ballet 6 class builds upon the work mastered in Ballet 5. Through a progressive series of combinations at the barre, students will warm up while working on correct body alignment and turnout. After barre work, students will stretch and move into center. Center work includes progressive combinations of small and large jumps and turns through which students continue to work on correct placement, posture and turnout. Ballet 6 is offered one or two classes a week.
Pointe A (Required if taking Ballet 5 or 6)
Pointe Class concentrates on the transference of ballet steps from demi-pointe to pointe and is only introduced when a dancer has developed sufficient strength in the feet and legs necessary for the discipline. Girls must have taken at least two or three years of ballet classes or be at least eleven years of age before going en Pointe. Dancers must have good turnout, proper balance and body alignment with an understanding of their center. They must take at least two ballet classes a week. Students are expected to attend all classes. Instructors will advance students to higher Pointe levels based on the following requirements: positive attitude, prepared in proper attire, can efficiently do all strength training exercises at the barre, get on top of their pointe shoes effortlessly and articulate through their feet while doing relevé, and execute piqué turns, bourrés, and échappés during center work.
Pointe B
Pointe B is a continuation of all the barre and strength training from Pointe A. This level combines additional exercises at the barre to improve pointe technique. The next part of the class is spent working on combinations in the center. Then, the dancers will work on turn sequences across the floor. During the spring semester, Pointe B will put together a recital piece showcasing all the different ballet steps. Dancers wear pointe shoes throughout the class, and the instructor will continue to assist in helping everyone to have the correctly fitted shoe. After purchasing pointe shoes, please have the instructor make sure that it is the best fit before sewing them.
Pointe C
Pointe C is a continuation of all the barre, strength training, and center exercises from Pointe A and Pointe B. Pointe C class begins with warm-up exercises and strength training at the barre. In the center, dancers focus on fast foot work, pirouettes, and combinations that require strength, balance, and coordination. Dancers must have pointe shoes checked by Ms. Kristi before sewing and wearing. Dancers should have shoes sewn and prepared by the following class time. During the spring semester, the class will put together a recital piece showcasing all the different ballet steps.