Youth Program
The purpose of Ballet U’s Classical Ballet Program is to provide each student with the highest standard of classical ballet training through scientific, anatomically based and artistic education while encouraging students to develop strong personal characteristics such as self-discipline, commitment, responsibility and perseverance.
Whatever their ultimate goals, this training nurtures dancers’ consistent progress, inspiring them towards achieving their maximum level of excellence, while preventing common dance injuries through safety-minded anatomical technical practices. It is our hope that these achievements will manifest into pure joy of movement, enhance confidence and self-esteem. Training follows a carefully designed curriculum, allowing each student to progress to his or her own maximum potential.
The quality of training that begins in the Elementary/ Beginning levels establishes the foundation for progression through the Intermediate and Advanced levels. The faculty work to develop the students’ individual abilities in a safe and supportive learning environment. Upon graduating from the advanced levels of this program, students will have mastered a thorough knowledge of classical ballet vocabulary. In addition to developing strong ballet technique, students gain valuable life skills such as self-discipline and motivation, creativity, increased critical thinking, confidence, and self-esteem.
Students are expected to maintain consistent attendance while displaying the characteristics described above as well as demonstrating a positive attitude with respect for all instructors and fellow students.
We offer trial/placement classes and ongoing enrollment and are known for the individual attention we provide to our students.
Class Placement
Students are placed in the most suitable class by age, experience, motivation, self-discipline, previous attendance, maturity, and physical development. Student's initial class serves as a placement audition. Promotion is based on assimilation of the current vocabulary and mastery of movements for each level, which usually requires more than one year's study at each level. As students progress the attendance of multiple weekly classes is expected.
Pointe work begins at about age 12 after four years of training. Students wishing to pursue pointe work as a part of their ballet education should begin twice weekly attendance by age 9/10 - including summer! - and add a third weekly class in the second year of Youth 3. While pointe work is not for everyone, although very few students are physically inhibited, some may elect to just continue to enjoy dancing on soft shoes. Students are individually evaluated for readiness, and then attendance of three weekly ballet classes is required.
In each level we work within 3 TIERS OF GROWTH before moving to the next level. Students should expect to spend 2-3 years in each level.
BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION
Class information is brand new Dancers are laying the ground-work that is necessary for building their strength, technique and knowledge. This is where dancers are most humbled and nervous - that's okay.
EVOLVE
Dancers are developing an understanding of class material. They are capable of picking material up and processing information more efficiently. This is where dancers begin to build confidence.
THRIVE
Dancers are the natural leaders in their level. They can learn and process material quickly and are habitually using their strength, techniques and knowledge. This is where dancers are most confident.
Youth Ballet 1
This entry level class in our FOUNDATION block establishes the critical technical foundational elements upon which all successful development depends in an age-appropriate and engaging way. In their first year in Youth Ballet 1, students attend the 1A class. The second and third year students attend the 1B class.
- Ages 7-10
- One weekly 60 min class
- Spring Showcase Performance
- Eligible for Nutcracker participation
- This level takes 2-3 years to complete
Optional classes:
- Youth Combo class - explore additional dance styles, like Lyrical or Jazz
Youth Ballet 2 is the second level in our FOUNDATION block.
This second level class in our Foundation block solidifies the critical technical foundational elements upon which all successful development depends in an age-appropriate and engaging way.
In their first year in Youth Ballet 2, students attend the 2A class. The second and third year students attend the 2B class.
- Ages 9-13
- Youth 2A - one 90 min class, 2nd weekly class is optional
- Youth 2B - two 90 min classes
- Spring Showcase Performance
- Eligible for Nutcracker participation
- This level takes 2-3 years to complete
Optional classes
Youth Ballet 3 is the first level in our PROGRESSION block.
This level focuses on continued vocabulary development including intermediate level jumps and turns with an emphasis on clarity, strength, control, flexibility and fluid transitions.
Students are eligible to add optional classes and attend up to 7 or 8 hours of classes and rehearsals per week.
- Ages 11+
- Two 90 min classes per week
- Spring Showcase Performance
- Eligible for Nutcracker participation
- This level takes 2-3 years to complete
- Eligible to join our project based performing ensembles
- Youth 3B students are eligible to join the Assistant Program
Optional Classes
- Prepointe or Pointe class
- Extension class: Character and Jazz
- Progressing Ballet Technique
- Ballet U Summer Intensive
Youth Ballet 4 is the second level in our PROGRESSION block.
Students at this level continue to progress by focusing on further refining their ballet technique and artistry. Students are eligible to add optional classes and attend up to 7 or 8 hours of classes and rehearsals per week.
They are mentored to take on leadership positions in our Junior Teacher program as they explore are possible career of teaching dance.
- Ages 13+
- Youth 4 - Two to four 90 min classes per week
- Spring Showcase Performance
- Eligible for Nutcracker participation
- Eligible to join our project based performing ensembles
- Eligible to join the Junior Teacher Program
Optional Classes
- Pointe
- Contemporary/Character/Jazz
- Progressing Ballet Technique
- Ballet U Summet Intensive
Youth Ballet 5 - DEVOTION
Students at this level are devoted to the art of ballet and spend as much time as possible pursuing their passion while further refining their ballet technique and artistry.
Students are eligible to add optional classes and attend up to 7 or 8 hours of classes and rehearsals per week. They are mentored to take on leadership positions in our Junior Teacher program as they explore a career of teaching dance.
- Ages 16+
- Youth 5 - Two to four 90 min classes per week
- Spring Showcase Performance
- Eligible for Nutcracker participation
- Eligible to join our project based performing ensembles
- Eligible to join the Junior Teacher Program
Optional Classes
- Pointe
- Contemporary/Character/Jazz
- Progressing Ballet Technique
- Ballet U Summet Intensive
Interested in dancing at Ballet U? Please contact us to schedule a placement class!