A comprehensive dance education here at Elite Dance Academy should begin when students are young and end around the time of high school graduation. Our young students progress through the study of classical ballet beginning with Pre-Ballet through Ballet Levels 1-8. Their training incorporates a syllabus rich in Italian, French, and Russian influence. Students learn the French names, meanings, and the precise technique for each movement. To further expand our students’ classical ballet education, they perform a suite of dances from some of the best known classical ballets during the spring and The Nutcracker annually.

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Pre Ballet

(Ages 5-7, 1, class/week).

An introduction to ballet and fundamental concepts:  turn-out, coordination, spatial awareness, and classroom etiquette. 

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​Ballet Level 1

(Ages 8 and up, two 1 hr. classes/week).

This class focuses on basic ballet technique: proper body alignment, French language terminology, and musicality.   ​

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Ballet Level 2

(Ages 9 and up, two 1 hr. classes/week).

This class focuses on positioning of the arms, proper preparation for barre and center work, intro to pre-pointe piruoettes, as well as increased body directions, movement, and dance vocabulary. (As with each level, students are invited to the next level after they have demonstrated full understanding of the previous level.)

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​Ballet Level 3

(Two, 1 ½ hr. technique classes and 1 hr. Pointe/Pre-Pointe/week).

At this level the development of movement sequences is introduced with added focus on port de bras (movement of the arms) as well as proper extension of the legs and feet, use of the head, balance, simple beats, and center work.

 

Ballet Level 4

(Two, 1 ½ hr. technique classes and 1 hr. Pointe).

At this level students continue to develop strength and clean extensions of the legs and feet as well as more advanced barre and center work. Other styles of dance, such as contemporary and lyrical dance are introduced at this level.

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Ballet Level 5

(Two, 1 ½ hr. technique classes and 1 hr. Pointe).

Level 5 classes focus on pointe work: pirouettes, use of the head and upper body, fluidity of port de bras, as well as the proficiency in execution of small and large jumps. Dance training at this level becomes much more rigorous with the addition of pointe and variations from the classical repertory.

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Ballet Levels 6-8

(Three, 1 ½ hr. technique classes and 1 hr. Pointe/Variations). 

At the advanced level, meticulous detail becomes the prime focus: use of the upper body and range of movement, as well as performance artistry.