Philadelphia
Studio Ballet
CURRICULUM
Introduce
your child to the enchanting world of ballet with fundamental dance instruction,
costumes, props, music acting, fairy tales, and cherished ballet stories.
“Mommy
& Me” Classes
Pre-school:
18 months – 3 years
Children and their parents/caregivers are invited to enter the world of the ballet through creative movement and imagery. These delightful classes introduce little ones to fundamental exercises and spark their imaginations with magical fairy tales and ballet stories. After completing a short basic class, our students are dressed in costumes by their caregivers and given a chance to “create.”
Pre-Ballet
classes introduce ballet in a positive and creative environment and establish an
excellent foundation for future traditional ballet.
Children’s
Pre-Ballet 1
Ages 3-4
Designed
for children with no formal ballet training, these classes teach alignment,
posture, rhythm and coordination through group and individual participation.
Creative movement and ballet fundamentals are introduced. Tiny dancer’s
imaginations are sparked through the use of costumes and props and they are
given the opportunity to “create.”
Children’s
Pre-Ballet 2
Ages
4 - 5
Designed
for children with little or no formal ballet training, Pre-Ballet introduces
simple, correct ballet technique and the basic concepts of alignment, posture,
rhythm, coordination and group participation.
Classes include warm-up to build body awareness, strength and
flexibility, and center floor work to develop coordination. To reinforce
creative exploration, dancers use costumes and props to help show what they can
create to a provided theme --- all entwined with cherished fairy tales and
classical ballet stories. Minimum
study requirement is once weekly. Twice
weekly if desired.
Children’s
Pre-Ballet 3
Ages 5 - 6
Pre-Ballet
3 builds on our younger Pre-Ballet levels 1 and 2. Additional fundamentals are
introduced and students spend more time developing center floor.
Minimum
study requirement is once weekly. Twice weekly recommended.
***The age
group shown for each class on our schedule refers to the age range of the
children in the class as of September 1st.***
Pre-ballet
classes are open throughout the year to new students; you do not need to
wait for the beginning of the semester to enroll.
The
Graded Level Ballet Program
For
children 7 and older who have been introduced to Pre-Ballet or are new to
Philadelphia Studio Ballet. We offer a variety of programs and levels of
instruction, according to proficiency. These
classes develop technique and require commitment and discipline. Students are
positioned according to skill level, regardless of age.
Ballet
1 Ages
7 and up
Suitable
for students with one year or less of formal ballet training. Basic ballet
syllabus is introduced, both at the barre and center floor. Students begin
formal ballet training focusing on the muscular development necessary to execute
classical ballet movements. Classes explore the fundamentals of correct
alignment, turn-out, balance, strength, and flexibility.
Minimum
study requirement is once weekly. Twice weekly recommended.
Ballet
2 Ages
8 and up
At
least one year of formal ballet training (pre-ballet instruction not included)
is required. Continuing the progression established in Ballet 1, these classes
focus on building strength and coordination through the study of body
directions, the use of more complex movement sequences, increased repetition,
and speed.
Minimum
study requirement is once weekly. We strongly recommend twice weekly.
Ballet
3
Suitable
for students with 2 to 3 years of classical ballet training (pre-ballet
instruction not included.) A placement process decides assignment to this level.
Classes focus on increased center floor work and the refinements of technique
and style. Pointe classes are introduced by invitation only.
Minimum study requirement is twice weekly.
Pre-Professional
Division
The
pre-professional division offers a serious training program. As these students
progress, they take on more demanding steps and complex sequences of movement
eventually mastering advanced technical skill, articulation, musicality, and
expression.
Ballet
4
On
completion of level 3, or at the discretion of the faculty, students may advance
to level 4 after being assessed by the School Director. Curriculum content
includes accelerated ballet and point technique.
Ballet
5
Level
5 builds on the Ballet 4 curriculum. This level may also include variations.
Open
Teen/Adult Division
These
classes allow ballet enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the beauty and
discipline of classical ballet. For adults, ballet is an effective and exciting
exercise alternative that increases movement, develops strength and stamina,
tones muscles, and improves posture. Beginner and intermediate classes are
available at convenient times.
Expanded
Programs
Our
expanded programs offer a variety of classes, which include beginner and
intermediate jazz, tap, hip-hop and Pilates instruction for all ages.
Musical Theater:
The integration of the “Triple Threats” – Drama, Music, and Dance.
Integrating
and applying these three techniques teaches students how to perform while
boosting confidence and poise. This class is appropriate for serious students
pursuing a professional track or for those who just want to have fun.