Classes

Season 2023/2024 Class Descriptions

Creative Movement (ages 3–5) A pathway for children to start ballet in a fun and creative way. The focus is on coordination and stretching. Students will learn basic ballet positions, jumps, and stretches and will learn how to conduct themselves in a ballet class. One class per week is required.

Pre-Ballet (age 5–6) A basic introduction to the ballet barre and begins to follow the structure of a traditional ballet class. Students will increase their knowledge of ballet terminology, jumps, and will continue to improve and work on stretches in a fun and creative way. Students are also able to participate in Tap 1. One class a week required, two classes recommended.

Ballet 1 (age 6-7) A continuation of Pre-Ballet, Ballet 1 moves further into the ballet barre, and students continue to learn more ballet terminology and jumps. There is still a strong focus on stretching and a beginning focus on strength and alignment. Students are also able to participate in Tap 1 and Contemporary 1 class. One class a week required, two classes recommended

Ballet 2 (ages 7-9) A continuation of Ballet 1, Ballet 2 students begin to practice some barre exercises with one hand on the barre. There is a focus on jumps, stretching, strength and alignment, and students will begin to work on pirouette positions. Students are also able to participate in Tap 1 and Contemporary 1 class. Two classes a week required, three classes recommended.

Ballet 3 (ages 9-11) Pre-pointe level. Students start to fully work one-handed on the barre and begin building strength for pointe work. There is a focus on alignment and balance. Students will still work on flexibility and gain more knowledge of ballet vocabulary. Dancers are able to be a part of the Pre-Professional Division and are able to participate in pre-pointe, contemporary, and tap classes. Three classes a week required for students interested in pointe, two classes a week required if not interested in pointe.

Ballet 4 (ages 10-15) Beginning pointe level. There is a major growth in vocabulary and an understanding of classical ballet technique at this level with a concentration of port de bras. Students are able to be a part of the Pre-Professional Division and are able to participate in beginning pointe, character, contemporary, and tap classes. Three classes a week are required.

Ballet 5 (ages 12 & up) At this level, students start to develop the artistry of ballet. They gain strength in all aspects of class and start to further their training with more complex ballet technique. Students are able to be a part of the Pre-Professional Division and are able to participate in pointe, partnering, variations, character, contemporary, conditioning, and tap classes. Four classes a week required, five recommended.

Ballet 6 (ages 14 & up) Students should have a complete knowledge of ballet vocabulary and should be able to apply most, if not all, corrections. While technique is still the main focus, students are able to dive deeper into the artistry of ballet and develop their own personal style. They are able to be a part of the Pre-Professional Division and are able to participate in pointe, partnering, variations, character, contemporary, conditioning, and tap classes. Five classes a week are required.

Ballet 7 (ages 15 and up) This level is the highest level and intended for students that portray the confidence, technique, and artistry of a dancer intending to dance beyond highschool. Dancers are able to be a part of the Pre-Professional Division and are able to participate in pointe, partnering, variations, contemporary, conditioning, and tap classes. Five classes a week are required.

Pre-Pointe (Ballet 3) This class will focus solely on strength and alignment to prepare students for pointe. It will include TheraBand and balancing exercises. If students are interested in pointe, they must take this class as well as 3 ballet classes a week.

Beginning Pointe (Ballet 4) First-year pointe students will focus on strength and proper pointe techniques. Students interested in this class must take 3 or more technique classes a week.

Pointe (Ballet 5-7) Pointe students will focus on further developing their strength on pointe. This class will focus on students coming off the barre and developing confidence to dance on pointe in the center with proper technique.

Variations (Ballet 5-7) Students are able to learn, rehearse, and perform classical variations. Students start to truly understand how to dance and articulate their feet on pointe.

Partnering (Ballet 5-7) Students learn to work and dance with a partner and build the strength and skills required to dance with one another. Students will learn classical repertoire as well as work on contemporary partnering skills.

Character (Ballet 4-7) This technique is a subdivision of classical ballet and is widely used in classical ballet repertoire. It is very stylized and helps dancers develop certain aspects of ballet such as epaulement.

Contemporary (Ballet 1-7) Dancers are able to explore another form of dance that is widely used in the ballet world. It is very important for ballet dancers to practice other styles in order to truly understand their body.

Conditioning (Ballet 4-7) Conditioning and stretch are a huge part of a dancer’s training, and GAB will incorporate conditioning in weekly technique classes.

Tap (Pre-Ballet - 7) Students are able to explore another form of dance. This class will help with the students' balance, coordination, and musicality.

Supplemental Technique Classes - These classes are available for Ballet 1-7, are day classes, and can benefit any dancer looking for more training. They are not meant to replace the student’s normal weekly technique classes.

Adult Ballet - This class is designed for adults (beginning to intermediate level) wanting to exercise through dance, improve their coordination, or learn new skills. Both monthly and drop-in rates available.

*Pre-Professional Division (Ballet 4-7)

-Dancers are required to take ALL classes offered to their level, including character, pointe, variations, partnering, contemporary, and conditioning. (Tap not required)

-Dancers are required to perform in all GAB performances and attend RDA Festival.

-Dancers are welcomed to take additional lower-level classes.

-Dancers are able to participate in ballet competitions (which competitions the dancers are allowed to attend will be determined by the artistic director).