Intro-Ballet

Introduction to the world of Ballet for our young dancers. In many cases this is the next step after combo classes.  Young dancers can still be in combo classes while attending Pre-Ballet for detailed instructions. Pre-Ballet encourages more structure and focus.

Ballet 1

In this level, students reach beyond the fun into a more self-reflective and serious stage of development.  Class structure and discipline are emphasized, with students adhering to a dress code and following proper ballet etiquette in the classroom. Students develop self-esteem by being challenged to dance the classical technique and feeling pride in a sense of accomplishment, with positive encouragement from their teacher. Students learn to dance for the first time with one hand on the barre and can demonstrate a variety of ballet movements independently. Other skills learned at this level are how to give and receive appropriate feedback from their peers, how to self-correct their own technique, and memorization of ballet combinations with correct musical timing.

Ballet 2

This is the introductory level of the Intensive Ballet Program.  A concentration on both technique, ballet vocabulary  and the enjoyment of dancing are equally important at this first level. The students will learn how to achieve a correct ballet posture and how to feel comfortable executing ballet movements while keeping their correct ballet stance at all times. They will also work on their dance coordination and refine the transitions between the different ballet movements. The ballet barre combinations require a high level of concentration and good memory. In the center, the dancers will build strength and work on their coordination and musicality. The Center practice will have a clearly distinguished Center Barre, Adagio and Small Allegro parts.

Ballet 3

These students build on the strength of their prior ballet experience and continue to develop as confident and capable dancers.  Combinations at the barre become more complex and complete, with emphasis on head and arm position as well as consistent turn-out of the legs. Dancers learn a variety of combinations at the barre, as well as in the center in allegro and adagio sections of the class. The student should consistently demonstrate an understanding of proper ballet technique and poise, as well as the self-control necessary to progress through the ballet program. 

Ballet 4

The students at this level should have a higher understanding of vocabulary and positions. They should also show an understanding of proper body alignment, arm placement and head position. Also,the student at this level will dance more in center working on their ballet performance and fluidity.

Pre-Pointe/Pointe 1

Beginning work for dancers who want to start pointe. General strengthening of feet, ankles and inner thighs. Dancer will advance to pointe shoes at the appropriate time. Dancers must be in Ballet 2 before enrolling in Pointe. 

Pointe 2

The student will continue their pointe progression in this class, focusing on more advanced pointe technique. The student must have teacher approval for this level and be in Ballet 3 before enrolling in Pointe 2.

Pointe 3

The Student must have advanced Pointe technique before entering this class with an emphasis on working through their pointe shoes. The student will learn how to move gracefully from movement to movement through their pointe shoes. The student must have teacher approval and must be in Ballet 4 before enrolling in Pointe 3.

See photos of our ballet classes with instructor Bob Woodard

See photos of our performance at Paso Robles's downtown Elegant Evening