Session Description

Curriculum Overview Weekly classes occur during our school year, which runs from September through May. School year programming includes family observation weeks, seminars, music theory classes, workshops and performances. Preparatory A & B: Stepping into a New Division Exercises help develop flexibility, strength, alignment and turnout. Curriculum includes an additional day of training to prepare for the Student Division. Requires prior ballet training. Dancers attend class two days a week. Level 1 A & B: Beginning the Nutcracker Journey Curriculum concentrates on correct placement of the body, head, arms and feet in the five positions and requires that students have already developed good concentration skills. Students in Level 1 will be eligible to audition for PBT’s production of The Nutcracker. Dancers attend class two days a week. Level 2: Adding Jazz Training Students are introduced to new vocabulary and exercises. Classes are longer. In Level 2, Jazz is introduced to their curriculum. Dancers attend class two days a week. Level 3: Starting En Pointe Instructors introduce more complex steps, combinations and vocabulary. Classes become longer and a day is added to the weekly schedule. Pointe classes are introduced into the curriculum. Dancers attend class 3 days a week. Level 4: Introducing Variations Class Students are introduced to more intricate patterns and sequences of steps with emphasis on port de bras (carriage of the arms) and epaulement (placement of the shoulders) in all movements. Dancers attend class 4 days a week and variations are added as part of the curriculum. Level 5: Leading the Student Division Students expand their classical ballet vocabulary. Combinations are longer and more stylistic. In some sessions, students will be expected to complete the class’s full barre and center work en pointe as appropriate for their training. Classical variations may be introduced. A day is added to the weekly schedule and dancers attend class 5 days a week.