About Ballet at HPSD
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When enough time is spent achieving optimal technique before introducing new vocabulary, it is easier for the student to learn more difficult steps while maintaining the ability to perform the basics at peak standards.
Ballet For Little Ones
Dancers under the age of seven are introduced to our program through a series of basic movement classes rooted in ballet fundamentals, providing a solid foundation for expansion into any form of dance.
These age-appropriate classes are fun, playful, and carefully structured to maximize the enjoyment and personal growth of our littlest dancers. Accompanied by live pianists and instructed by dancers who are active in the world of professional ballet.
Ballet classes for dancers up to age 7 begin with First Steps (for toddlers aged 18 - 36 months together with a parent or caregiver) and progress to Creative Movement (for 3 & 4 year-olds) before moving on to Pre-Ballet (for dancers aged 4-7).
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Ballet For Dancers 7 to 18
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CO-ED BALLET FOR DANCERS OVER 7
Ballet 1
Ages: 7 years and up
Class length: 60 minutes
Recommended class load: once a week
Ballet 1 is an introduction to ballet with an emphasis on posture and correct body placement. Basic ability to do a correct demi plie, tendu front and side, saute in first, five positions of the arms and simple traveling steps will be accomplished.
Ballet 2 (if Ballet 1 is complete)
Ages: 8 years and up
Class length: 60 minutes
Recommended class load: twice a week
In Ballet 2, steps become more complex as students focus on the coordination of arm and leg movements. Dancers begin at the barre and have set exercises to accomplish at this level.
Ballet 3 (if Ballet 2 is complete)
Ages: 9 years and up
Class length: 75 minutes
Recommended class load: three times a week
Ballet 3 begins with a barre workout to build strength and flexibility through quick dance movements and demi-pointe work. After barre, students practice technique in the center, focusing on simple adagio and port de bras, stamina in jumps, and later, preparation for pirouettes. All basic steps are taught separately from each other (pas de chat, glissade, assemblé, sissonne, petit jeté) and later combined in simple “enchaînements” (combined steps) From the center, students move into across-the-floor work, which combines the skills stressed in the beginning of class with turning and leaping exercises.
Ballet4A & 4B (if Ballet 3 is complete)
Ages: 11 years and up
Class length: 90 minutes
Recommended class load: three to four times a week
Ballet 4 begins with a 45-minute-long barre to further develop flexibility. Focus on intricate movement intensifies, as do strengthening exercises specifically designed to prepare students for pointe work and basic combinations of steps ("enchaînements") in the form of petit allegro and grand allegro. The art of "beating" jumps is taught towards the end of the year.
Ballet 5 (if Ballet 4 is complete)
Ages: 12 years and up
Class length: 90 minutes
Recommended class load: three to four times a week
In Ballet 5, class begins with a 45-minute barre focused on flexibility and increasingly difficult movements. In Ballet 5, the focus on pointe work increases. Students who have not passed their physical and written examinations for pointe readiness will prepare through demi-pointe work, and students who are en pointe will begin to spend more time on pointe work. Enchaînements will become more complex and challenging. Complex turn combinations, including piqué turns, chaînés, and fouetté turns, will be developed.
Ballet 6 (if Ballet 5 is complete)
Ages: 13 or 14 years and up (if Ballet 5 is complete)
Class length: 90 minutes
Recommended class load: four to five times a week
The syllabus for Ballet 6 is built on increasing complexity, stamina, and memory and recall. In Ballet 6, pointe shoes may be worn for the duration of class with instructor permission. At this level we have a rigorous class at a pre-professional level of training to carry a dancer into a dance major or minor in college or a dance career. Exposure to all ballet vocabulary is complete. Dancers should have strong adagio, petit allegro, medium allegro, grand allegro and turns including fouetté turns.
Floor Barre
Ages: 10 years and up
Class length: 60 minutes
Combines basic ballet technique with principles and movements borrowed from yoga and Pilates. With its innovative approach to stretching, strengthening, and breathing, Floor Barre builds core strength and corrects body alignment and posture issues, helping students become attuned to their body's movements. Originally developed to prevent dancer injuries, this mat-based class uses nothing but the dancer's own body weight for resistance, resulting in a low-impact but highly effective workout. Wear comfortable clothing, and be prepared to work barefoot.