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Pre-Ballet
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Our Preballet Program is especially geared for the "tiny dancer". Classes for dancers 18 months to 5 years old are a prelude to formal ballet instruction and introduce children to music and movement through a structured progression that stresses creativity, group interaction and following instructions. Children are placed in a safe and nurturing environment with a goal of helping them learn to move and to follow instructions. We use age appropriate music and props to enhance your child’s experience and inspire the love of dance.
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Elementary Division
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Classes are for children between 5 and 8 years old. It consists of two levels – Ballet 1 and Ballet 2. Class is structured around mat-based conditioning exercises, barre and center-work focusing on musicality, strength, proper form, flexibility, coordination, and classical ballet terminology and movements, promoting physical strength and development. Students are promoted according to individual progress in acquiring technique and strength. Depending on the level, classes meet one to two times per week.
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Intermediate Division
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Designed for students between 10-14 years old who have already progressed through our Elementary Division syllabus. The Intermediate Division consists of three levels – Ballet 3-5. In the Intermediate levels, students are expected to take class three to four times per week and the students are exposed to higher levels of ballet technique. Placement in the intermediate division is based on many factors, including age, ability, experience, strength, and mental preparedness. Students often spend several years in each level as they progress and develop their skills. Additionally, students must be able to meet each level's requirements to progress to the next level. In level 4 beginning level pointe-work is introduced and developed in this level as a part of their technique class.
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Pre-professional Advanced Division
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Our pre-professional advanced program concentrates on perfecting technique and developing artistry through intensive instruction. Placement in the advanced division is based on many factors, including age, ability, experience, strength, and mental preparedness. The Advanced Division includes Ballet 6-8. Pointe work is an integral part of all of these levels for girls. Students often spend several years in each level as they progress and develop their skills. Additionally, students must be able to meet each level's requirements to progress to the next level.
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Contemporary
Due to its technical similarities, it is often perceived to be closely related to modern dance, ballet, and other classical concert dance styles. Students with an established ballet foundation, for levels 5 and up, learn modern-influenced movement in contemporary class. Focusing on a grounded approach, floor work, barefoot articulation, expanded upper body and torso movement with improvisational/partner-work concepts expand our dancer's movement vocabulary and versatility. There is an emphasis on musicality, fluidity, coordination and rhythm with a wide variety of music/movement influence.
Progressing Ballet Technique
(PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program developed by Marie Walton-Mahon for students to understand the depth of training muscle memory in achieving their personal best. One of the important elements used in the PBT method is muscle memory which helps to improve students' understanding of core stability, weight placement and alignment. Each exercise in the PBT program has been developed with care and guidance by Marie Walton-Mahon alongwith a team of physiotherapists.
Adult Program
Adult dancers of all ages and abilities are welcome. Our adult dancers also have the opportunity to perform in our stunning full-length, professionally produced ballets such as The Nutcracker & our Spring ballet.
Drop-ins welcome!
Drop-ins welcome!
