CLASSICAL

BALLET

About Our Program

The Classical Ballet Program is geared towards students wishing to receive serious, pre-professional level dance training in a healthy environment. Our curriculum is based on the traditional Vaganova method, with a strong emphasis on contemporary style in the upper levels. Multiple classes per week are required to safely and effectively build technical and physical strength.

Benefits of participating in our classical ballet program include

Ballet conferences with faculty in the fall semester
Ballet exams every spring to track progress and progression
Priority casting in DaySpring Dance productions
Additional outreach and community performances throughout the year

Classes in the Classical Ballet Program are by placement. Please email dance department head at dance@dayspringarts.org to discuss your student's current ballet experience.

Open studio classes are also available for all students, even those not in the Classical Ballet Program. Placement is still required.

BALLET 2

Beginning/Intermediate Dancers

Students in Ballet 2 build on skills learned in Ballet 1. Dancers progress to holding the barre with one hand, and center work introduces an array of new steps and terminology. Focus is given to building a strong technical foundation, placement and positions, waltzing, and understanding ballet terminology.

*By placement only, please email dance@dayspringarts.org for placement information.

Ballet 2 students will perform in DaySpring’s end of year recital, Finale, and are also encouraged to audition for our summer and winter ballet productions.

Registration for Ballet 2 includes the following classes

Ballet 2, Mondays 5:45-7:15pm
Ballet 2, Wednesdays 5:30-7:00pm
Pre Pointe, Wednesday 7:00-7:45pm

Additionally, Ballet 2 students are required to take one dance or performing arts elective. Examples are Jazz, Tap, Contemporary Modern, Musical Theatre, or Acting.

BALLET 3

Beginning/Intermediate Dancers

Through introduction of new steps, patterns, and physical concepts, Ballet 3 builds on students’ previous knowledge and training. Exercises in class remain simple and precise, which allows students to absorb new information and build confidence. Focus is given to proper alignment and pirouettes, as well as building strength and stamina for grand allegro.

*By placement only, please email dance@dayspringarts.org for placement information.

Ballet 3 students will perform in DaySpring’s end of year recital, Finale, and are also encouraged to audition for our summer and winter ballet productions.

Registration for Ballet 3 includes the following classes

Ballet 3, Mondays 7:15-8:45pm
Dance Conditioning, Thursdays 5:30-6:15pm
Ballet 3/4, Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm

Additionally, Ballet 3 students are required to take pointe, specific level is determined by individual student placement, and one dance or performing arts elective. Elective examples are Jazz, Tap, Contemporary Modern, Musical Theatre, or Acting. Ballet 3 students are encouraged to also take one Ballet 3+ open studio class.

BALLET 4

Intermediate Dancers

Moving into more complicated technical concepts, Ballet 4 students are given many opportunities to expand their knowledge and hone in on their critical thinking skills. Some focus is given on how to troubleshoot and adjust in the moment, so that dancers are prepared to take on the fast-paced, advanced levels in future years. Much attention is given to helping each dancer thrive in their own imaginations and creativity, to allow them to begin to discover who they are as individuals, while still being able to understand and implement directions both quickly and efficiently.

*By placement only, please email dance@dayspringarts.org for placement information.

Ballet 4 students will perform in DaySpring’s end of year recital, Finale, and are also encouraged to audition for our summer and winter ballet productions.

Registration for Ballet 4 includes the following classes

Ballet 4 Mondays 4:15-5:45pm
Variations, Monday 5:45-6:30pm
Dance Conditioning, Thursdays 5:30-6:15pm
Ballet 3/4, Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm
Your Choice of one Open Studio class
- Ballet 3+ Open Studio Tuesdays, 5:45-7:15pm
- Ballet 3+ Open Studio Wednesday, 7:00-8:30pm

Additionally, Ballet 4 students are required to take Contemporary Modern (level determined by placement), Pointe (level determined by placement) and one dance or performing arts elective. Elective examples are Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, or Acting. Students at this level may choose to add an additional Open Studio class as well.

BALLET 5

Intermediate/Advanced Dancers

For advanced dancers, Ballet 5 classes begin with an intense barre focused on alignment and clean technique. Center work builds upon previously learned skills while emphasizing artistry, technique, precision, and clarity. This class is focused on thoroughly examining battu work, linking larger steps with clearly defined footwork, as well as being able to transfer clean technique into more complex combinations. Highly advanced steps and skills are introduced as dancers become technically able and mentally ready for new challenges.

*By placement only, please email dance@dayspringarts.org for placement information.

Ballet 5 students will perform in DaySpring’s end of year recital, Finale, and are also encouraged to audition for our summer and winter ballet productions.

Registration for Ballet 5 includes the following classes

Ballet 5, Mondays 4:15-5:45pm
Variations, Monday 5:45-6:30pm
Dance Conditioning, Thursdays 5:30-6:15pm
Ballet 5, Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm
Your Choice of one Open Studio class
- Ballet 3+ Open Studio Tuesdays, 5:45-7:15pm
- Ballet 3+ Open Studio Wednesday, 7:00-8:30pm

Additionally, Ballet 5 students are required to take Contemporary Modern (level determined by placement), Pointe (level determined by placement) and one dance or performing arts elective. Elective examples are Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, or Acting. Students at this level may choose to add an additional Open Studio class as well.

OPEN STUDIO BALLET CLASSES

Open Ballet Classes are for students in our Classical Ballet Program as well as any other student who is interested in ballet training. Placement evaluations are required for students who are not in the Classical Ballet Program, please contact dance@dayspringarts.org for placement.

POINTE CLASSES

Pointe Classes are required for Ballet 3+ students in our Classical Ballet Program. Placement letters are sent home in the early May of each year, for any questions please contact dance@dayspringarts.org. Dancers are required to take a ballet class immediately before any pointe class.

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