“Ballet Essentials”

-Grades 1-3-

Saturdays 11:30-12:30

Instructor: Chloe

Dress Code

Students will:

● Begin to apply the foundations learned in pre and beginner ballet as students become more aware of their bodies in space

● Begin to use static positions in more fluid motion

● Learn and practice standard patterns across the floor and in groups

● Begin to refine classical ballet technique and bodily placement in combination with movement and posture

“Technique & Training”

-by recommendation-

Wednesdays 5:45-6:45

Instructor: Zoe

Dress Code

● Essential skills that have already been mastered are used in formal classical ballet training

● Emphasis is placed on correct bodily placement and technique as students string together combinations with familiar steps

● Slow pace with attention to detail. Several opportunities for practice to gain muscle memory

● Learn ballet positions, stage directions (ex: upstage/downstage), and steps across the floor

● Begin to focus more on bilateral coordination (controlling both sides of the body at one time) and balance

-by recommendation-

Tuesdays 6:00-7:00

Instructor: Clarissa

Dress Code

● Emphasis on repetition and mastery of foundational skills

● String together longer combinations using mastered skills

● Incorporate more complex jumps, turns, and extensions

● Demonstrate maturity and ability to accept corrective feedback

-by recommendation-

Thursdays 4:00-5:00

Instructor: Eliza

Dress Code

● Expectation that foundational skills have been mastered and can be executed with precise technique

● Ability to learn and execute choreography quickly

● Designed for intermediate dancers showing emerging abilities to master advanced level technique and execution

● Demonstrate maturity, ability to accept corrective feedback, and ability to apply corrections in real time

Age 12-18 or by recommendation

Tuesdays 4:00-5:00

Instructor: Tiana

Dress Code

This class:

• Designed for pre-teen and teen students who are working to refine their classical ballet technique

• Slower pace to ensure mastery of content and to promote muscle memory

• Emphasis on repetition and practice

• Demonstrate maturity, ability to accept corrective feedback, and ability to apply corrections in real time

• Great for new dancers who are looking to get involved with ballet in their teens

• Safe, comfortable environment to learn, make mistakes, and progress in your ballet journey

Age 12-18 or by recommendation

Mondays 4:00-5:15

Instructor: Vanessa

Dress Code

This class:

• Designed for pre-teen and teen dancers who have previous knowledge and experience with ballet. Not for beginner - this will be run as an int/adv level class.

• Must have some previous ballet training and ability to follow along with standard class expectations

• Faster paced than Teen Ballet 1 with strong emphasis on correct alignment and technique.

• Good option as a technique class without the added intensity of extremely intense choreography

-by recommendation-

Mondays 6:45-8:00

Instructor: Amy H

Dress Code

● Designed for highly dedicated and technically advanced dancers

● Emphasis on precision, control, musicality, and artistry - expectation that this has been mastered and is no longer an emerging set of skills

● Complex combinations incorporating sustained balances, directional changes, and dynamic transitions

● Focus on alignment, strength, stamina, and advanced movement quality

● Dancers are expected to demonstrate maturity, self-discipline, and emotional presence

● Must consistently apply feedback and maintain a professional class mindset

Pre-Pointe: Fridays 6:45-7:15 w/ Zoe

Please visit our informational page for more detailed information.

We typically recommend pre-pointe for dancers age 11 and up who are showing signs of readiness. If you are curious about pointe readiness, we welcome you to view our requirements that are evaluated during an Initial Pointe Screening , or Schedule a Screening

• These are crafted differently than flat ballet slippers and designed as an in-between training shoe to help ready the feet for pointe work. 

• Dancers transition into pointe shoes at different times depending upon age, the structure of their feet, posture, flexibility, precision, and strength. 

•  It is typical to spend 1 - 3 years in pre-pointe shoes before getting pointe shoes.

• Transitioning into pointe shoes involves very specific technical expectations for the dancer’s bone structure and strength.

What is a Pointe Screening:

• All pre-pointe dancers are required to undergo a screening with Tiana to gauge readiness. This initial pointe screening was developed in collaboration with Amanda Donahue, our Performing Arts Athletic Trainer. 

• All students enrolled in Pre Pointe are automatically screened throughout the year.

• Placement into full pointe is determined only by meeting specific criteria

• If there appears to be a substantial lack of progress despite a dancer’s hard work and consistent effort, they will be asked to complete a full formal evaluation with Amanda if they are still hoping to get en pointe

• If a dancer is feeling frustrated by a lack of progress in their strength, we encourage our dancers to meet with Amanda to develop a targeted strength-training plan. She can be reached at amanda@theintelligentbodyllc.com

Beginner Pointe: Mondays 6:15-6:45 w/ Tiana

• Designed for dancers who are transitioning from pre-pointe to full pointe

• Dancers will not leave the barre unless it is deemed safe to do so

• Includes progressions towards more advanced work (ex: may step up to sous sous or passe to prepare for pique turns)

• L’Ecole de Ballet will not place a student en pointe if they are not able to execute the required criteria

Advanced Pointe: Thursdays 6:15-7:45 w/ Clarissa

This class will be run as an advanced ballet class with the expectation that pointework is executed with precision and technique.

POINTE DRESS CODE

Open for ages 9+

May sign up for Fall, Winter, or Spring sessions or full season

Fall session: Sept - Jan
Winter session: Jan - April
Spring session: April - June

Full season required for Prep Track

Run by a PBT Certified Instructor, rooted in evidence-based neuromuscular science.

“Progressing Ballet Technique is a body-conditioning and strengthening program designed specifically for dancers. It was built to develop the strength, muscle memory, and body awareness that transforms how they move, feel, and perform.

PBT works from the inside out: through a graded series of exercises using equipment such as exercise balls and resistance bands, dancers develop precise alignment, coordination, and control, supported by music and guided by an understanding of both technical and artistic development.

Informed by anatomy, motor learning, and movement science, PBT is trusted by teachers, professional dancers, and sports physiotherapists worldwide as effective for injury prevention and rehabilitation as it is for technical growth.”

Progressing Ballet Technique