CLASS PLACEMENT: Students are placed in their appropriate level based on ability and level of technique. Students will not be placed into an incorrect level or class because of their age. Students receive their placement level proceeding the required audition. Students are required to complete two years of each primary level to qualify for new placement. Primary Levels: Level 1, Level 1.5 & Level 2. In the case of technical excellence or exceptional achievement, some students may qualify for an expedited graduation of their level placement, with the discretion of VAB Director, Summer reed.
EXAMS: Levels 1, 1.5 & 2 are required to take a yearly level examination in which they are individually evaluated according to the notated level requirements and are given personal feedback on their strengths and artistic and technical development.
Pre-Ballet 1 Curriculum (Ages 4-5) Classes begin with a warm up on yoga mats on the floor to increase flexibility and strength, and to help students learn to focus, listen, observe and follow directions. This class creatively develops motor skills, movement fundamentals, movements in dance, socialization, rhythm and self-expression. Game-like exercises help focus attention and emphasize posture, alignment, musicality, and coordination.
Pre-Ballet 2 Curriculum (Ages 6-7) Classes begin with a warm up on yoga mats on the floor to increase flexibility and strength, and to help students learn to focus, listen, observe and follow directions. Children then move to the barre to learn the ballet positions, improve turnout, and correct posture. After barre exercises, children move to the center to perform small jumps and movements in center and then to the corner to practice larger jumps and moving across the floor.
The routine of barre, center, then movements across the floor is the pattern observed in all classical ballet classes and as the students learn and grow, more advanced exercises will be added. In all exercises, musicality is developed and students begin to gain focus and better control over their bodies.
Ballet GRADE 1 (Ages 8-10) is the first level which introduces the students to disciplined exercises that will allow them to master the placement of the body (core), legs, arms and head. They are introduced to a few of the basic movements of ballet such as bending of the legs (plié), raising on the ball of the feet (releve), and stretching of the legs (tendu, & jete). They also learn the appropriate way to execute gliding and jumping movements, as well as developing flexibility. They begin to learn preparation for turning exercises.
Ballet GRADE 1.5 (Ages 11-12) is a continuation of the level 1 class where students will be taught more in depth to fully master their body placement, basic movements and primary terminology. Students in this level will work on basic turns and jumps at an increased tempo, duration and repetition. Students will begin pointe work in this level if they are approved by a doctor and deemed ready by their instructor.
Ballet Grade 2 (Ages 13-14) is the point in which students begin their formal Classical Ballet training following the Vaganova methodology. The Vaganova method is historical, yet timeless. It emphasizes the simultaneous development of both technical proficiency and individual artistry, and a complete range of musical expression that comes out of proper placement and a strong classical dance foundation.
*ADDITIONAL CLASSES INCLUDED IN VAB’s YEAR ROUND PROGRAM*
Conditioning + Yoga
Conditioning is defined as a state of being physically fit so your body can safely perform the physical demands with least risk and possibility of injury. This class combines elements of pilates, yoga and muscle toning, as well as exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of the core, glutes, and hamstrings.
Contemporary
Modern Dance Technique is meant to help create well-rounded and artistic dancers. Emphasizing on the concepts of breath, weight, fall and recovery, and spinal articulation. Strength, flexibility and creativity are the major components.
Jazz
Jazz is set to popular, upbeat music and combines technique and style in a fun way. The technique of jazz dance has its roots in ballet and uses many of the same body placement elements found in ballet. Classes also include center and across the floor exercises incorporating turns, jumps, leaps, musicality and control.
Character Dance
Character dance is a specific subdivision of classical dance. It is the stylized representation of a traditional folk or national dance, mostly from European countries, and uses movements and music which have been adapted for the theater.
Pre-Pointe
Pre-pointe classes are often offered to ballet students who are not yet on pointe to further develop and strengthen the muscles necessary to go en pointe. They stress correct alignment and correct classical ballet technique.
Pointe Technique
One of the defining elements of classical ballet, female students attend multiple classes on pointe a week including classical repertory.
Variations
In variations class, students are exposed to the classical ballet repertoire by learning historically accurate choreographies from the great ballets. Students will learn excerpts from many great classical ballets such as Paquita, Le Corsair, Don Quixote, Coppelia and many more.