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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.

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Benefits of fully 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

 

Benefits of participating in our PreProfessional Program

  • All of the above, plus…

  • Additional conference with faculty in the spring semester

  • Additional classes and training to prepare students for college and professional dance careers

  • Opportunities to assistant teach

  • Optional private lessons for individual training and to prepare students for specific performances and auditions

 

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.

BALLET 2

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. Students in Ballet 2 may choose either our Classical Ballet or Pre-Professional Programs.

 

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


The Ballet 2 Required class will perform in DaySpring’s end of year recital, Finale, in June 2024. Other Ballet 2 and combined level ballet classes do not perform in Finale, instead these classes are designed to give students a deeper focus on ballet technique.

REQUIRED CLASSES

Classical Program Requirements

  • Ballet 2 - Required class

Pre-Professional Program Requirements

  • All Ballet 2 Classical requirements, plus…

    • Pre Pointe

BALLET 3

Beginning/Intermediate Dancers
BALLET 3

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


The Ballet 3 Required class will perform in DaySpring’s end of year recital, Finale, in June 2024. Other Ballet 3 and combined level ballet classes do not perform in Finale, instead these classes are designed to give students a deeper focus on ballet technique.

REQUIRED CLASSES

Classical Program Requirements​

  • Ballet 3 - Required class

Pre-Professional Program Requirements

BALLET 4

Intermediate Dancers
BALLET 4

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


The Ballet 4 Required class will perform in DaySpring’s end of year recital, Finale, in June 2024. Other Ballet 4 and combined level ballet classes do not perform in Finale, instead these classes are designed to give students a deeper focus on ballet technique.

REQUIRED CLASSES

Classical Program Requirements​

  • Ballet 4 - Required class

Pre-Professional Program Requirements

  • All Ballet 4 Classical requirements, plus…

BALLET 5

Intermediate/Advanced Dancers
BALLET 5

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


The Ballet 5 Required class will perform in DaySpring’s end of year recital, Finale, in June 2024. Other Ballet 5 and combined level ballet classes do not perform in Finale, instead these classes are designed to give students a deeper focus on ballet technique.

REQUIRED CLASSES

Classical Program Requirements​

  • Ballet 5 - Required class

Pre-Professional Program Requirements

  • All Ballet 4 Classical requirements, plus…

    • All Ballet 5 Classical requirements, plus…

    • Third additional Ballet 5 class

    • Pointe

    • Contemporary Modern

    • Variations

    • Optional Private Lesson

Pointe
By Placement

POINTE

Students progress through pointe levels at an individual rate with great attention to correct placement given by Dance Faculty. As such, each class is by recommendation only.  Please contact dance@dayspringarts.org for individual placement information. Classical or Pre-Professional program participation is required to participate in pointe classes.

 

Pre-Pointe

PrePointe is for students in our Classical or Pre-Professional Program who are not yet dancing on pointe. This class prepares muscles of the feet and ankles for pointe work. Focus will also be given to mental and emotional preparedness for the intensity and rigor that is required to dance on pointe.  

 

Introduction to Pointe 

This class is designated specifically to help students new to pointe shoes to learn the ins and outs of pointe work. Students learn how to care for their pointe shoes and how it feels to stand in pointe shoes. They concentrate on maintaining their weight over their toes and adjusting to the very new feelings of standing on their toes.

 

Beginning Pointe

This class is for students who have completed Introduction to Pointe and are familiar with how to care for and stand in their pointe shoes. Through barre work, attention is placed on metatarsal use and weight placement. The pace of the class is guided by the students' individual progression and the skills they are ready to approach safely. 

 

Intermediate Pointe

Intermediate pointe students are given more center work, beginning to layer on their foundational skills to achieve more advanced technique such as pirouettes and hops on pointe. 

 

Advanced Pointe

Advanced pointe students are bringing their pointe work to performance level. Classical Variations may be taught within the class as a way to build stamina and expose the students to classical repertoire. Advanced Pointe perform in DaySpring’s end of year recital, Finale, in June 2024

BALLET ELECTIVES

Additional classes available to students in DaySpring's Classical Ballet Program
BALLET ELECTIVES

Conditioning for Dancers

This class will introduce dancers to strengthening and stretching exercises to enhance and support their ballet technique. A small portion of class time will be used to familiarize students with general kinesiological principles and basic functions of various muscle groups.

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Required for Ballet 4+ students, by placement/permission for dance students ages 12+.

Variations

This class focuses on classical repertoire for intermediate to advanced level ballet students to apply their technique to performance and broaden their knowledge and technique. Attention will be put toward solo and corps de ballet variations with an emphasis on character development, pantomime, and various ballet techniques.

 

For students in Ballet 3, Ballet 4, or Ballet 5. Contact dance@dayspringarts.org for placement information


These classes perform in DaySpring’s end of year recital, Finale, in June 2024

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