CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
All age ranges are approximate and are not the primary factor in level placement. Class placements are based on the level of individual dancers at the discretion of their teachers and in consultation with the directors. The birthday cutoff for all ages is September 1st of a given year.
**If you are unsure about the placement for yourself/your child, please email charmcityballet@gmail.com before registering.**
CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Ages 3-5
This class allows girls and boys to be introduced to dance through the use of imagery, stories, and movement games. It is designed to address the child’s developmental needs while stimulating their imagination and introducing them to musicality, simple ballet movements, and locomotor skills. Children also focus on learning to follow directions, wait patiently, observe class etiquette, and dance as part of a group. This is a 45 minute class where children participate without a parent. Students in this class participate in a short informal in-studio performance at the end of the year.
PRE-BALLET
Ages 4-7
Girls and boys further develop the skills learned in Creative Movement with a heavier emphasis on ballet basics. The class structure includes more elements of a standard ballet class, including barre and center, in preparation for Ballet 1. Students are introduced to ballet etiquette, basic ballet exercises, and technical elements such as turnout and posture. This is a 45-minute or one-hour class. It is recommended that dancers at this level take 2 ballet classes per week. Students in this class are generally invited to perform in CCB's two full-length ballet productions.
Dancers who are 4 years old should have already taken Creative Movement and been recommended for this class by their instructor. Children who are 5 years old may start in this class without having taken Creative Movement first.
BALLET 1
Ages 6-10
This is the first level in which dancers begin to move through the rudimentary structure of a standard ballet class, including barre and center practice, while greatly expanding their knowledge of movement and terminology. The goal for this class is to solidify basic movements and develop greater awareness of technical concepts. It is recommended that dancers at this level take 2 ballet classes per week. Students in this level are welcome, but not required, to audition for CCB's two full-length ballet productions.
BALLET 2
Ages 9-13
This class begins to transition young dancers into the full structure of a standard ballet class with increased exercises and vocabulary. The focus of this class is to create good technical habits while building strength and flexibility. This class will prepare dancers for more advance movement, while solidifying skills learned in Ballet 1. It is recommended that dancers at this level take 3 ballet classes per week. Students in this level are welcome, but not required, to audition for CCB's two full-length ballet productions.
BALLET 3
Ages 10-14
The goals of this class are similar to Ballet 2, but at a slightly higher level: to solidify good technical habits while building strength, flexibility, and overall body coordination. Higher level movement, combinations, and technical skills are introduced. It is recommended that dancers at this level take at least 3 ballet classes per week. Students in this level are welcome, but not required, to audition for CCB's two full-length ballet productions.
BALLET 4
Ages 12-16
Dancers who already have a thorough knowledge of elementary ballet start to establish a stronger technical foundation and begin to explore more advanced movement and concepts. Proper technique is emphasized through a full ballet class, and dancers begin to incorporate musicality, projection/performance quality, and artistic expression. Dancers may begin pointe class with the permission and approval of the instructor. It is recommended that dancers at this level take 4 ballet classes per week. Students in this level are welcome, but not required, to audition for CCB's two full-length ballet productions.
BALLET 5
Ages 14-18
This class is for advancing dancers who have a thorough understanding of technique and are able to apply it. The goals for this class include improved performance quality, consistent use of the head and upper body, and more refined body coordination (especially between the upper and lower body). Dancers will begin to explore and practice character work and learn to apply it to movement. It is recommended that dancers at this level take 5 ballet classes per week. Students in this level are welcome, but not required, to audition for CCB's two full-length ballet productions.
BALLET 6
Ages 14-18
This level is for advancing dancers who have a strong technical foundation and are ready for more challenging movement and concepts. The goal of this class is to further refine the qualities developed in Ballet 5, including performance quality, consistent use of the head and upper body, and body coordination. A greater focus will be placed on technical application in performance and expansion of movement versatility. It is recommended that dancers at this level take 5 ballet classes per week. Students in this level are welcome, but not required, to audition for CCB's two full-length ballet productions.
In order to take any class en pointe at CCB, dancers must be enrolled in at least 3 ballet classes at CCB, dancers must be recommended and approved for pointe by a CCB instructor, and dancers must take the ballet class on the schedule that directly precedes their pointe class, when applicable. Adult dancers must also be approved for pointe-work, including taking ballet technique class en pointe.
Exceptions to the minimum class requirement can be made for Int/Adv Ballet adult dancers who meet the minimum level requirement.
POINTE 1
Ages 12+
This class is intended for those dancers who have shown adequate physical strength, accurate technique, and necessary mental awareness to go en pointe. Students will learn and practice pointe at the barre with heavy emphasis on correct foot and body alignment and the development of foot/ankle strength. A slow and careful approach is used to ensure a safe and solid foundation en pointe. This class is geared toward dancers new to pointe, as well as those within their first few years who are still building strength. It is recommended that dancers at this level take 2 pointe classes per week.
POINTE 2
Ages 13+
This class is for those dancers who have had at least 2-3 years of pointe and requires recommendation and approval from a CCB instructor. Dancers should have a safe and solid pointe foundation with a high level of control and consistently strong technique. Dancers will perform exercises at the barre and in center, learning more advanced steps en pointe. The goal for this level is for dancers to become comfortable and stable while working en pointe in center. It is recommended that dancers at this level take 2-3 pointe classes per week.
POINTE 3
Ages 14+
This class is for dancers who have a high level of comfort, control, and stability while working en pointe in center and requires recommendation and approval from a CCB instructor. The goal for this level is for dancers to become as comfortable dancing en pointe as they are en flat and to create a seamless transition between them. Dancers will be expected to perform en pointe and should have the strength and endurance to do so. It is recommended that dancers at this level take 3 pointe classes per week.
VARIATIONS STUDIES & STRETCH
Ages 10+
(Ballet 3 and up)
This class is open to dancers Ballet 3 through adult (no pointe required). Though advanced dancers are welcome, this class will be slower than your typical Variations class as this class is a first step into the ballet variations world. Students will study a variation over a period of a few weeks. They will learn the story and history of the ballet, will learn the variation, and will practice and develop artistry within the variation. Each class will begin with a short ballet warm up. This class may not replace any required ballet technique classes and should be added as a supplemental class. At the teacher’s discretion, this class may also serve as a Stretch Class, to be scheduled by the instructor as the year progresses.
BEG/INT BALLET
Ages 14 - adult
This is a beginner/intermediate level ballet class open to all dancers ages 14 through adult. This class is perfect for adults or teenagers who are new to ballet as well as those who have been dancing for years but are looking for a slower paced class or are looking to work on the fundamental basics of ballet.
INT/ADV BALLET
Ballet 5 - adult
The goal of this class is two-fold: first, to provide mature adult dancers with an artistic outlet for class, and second, to give dancers level Ballet 5 through post-college a chance to participate in a more mature practice of the art form. Dancers at this level have a strong base and work to refine technique in more advanced movements. Stress is placed on well-rounded technique, including correct placement, proper use of turn out, flexibility/extension, and use of port de bras and arms, as well as strong performance skills, like musicality, projection, style, and artistic expression.
CONDITIONING/CROSS-TRAINING
Ages 12-adult
(Ballet 4 and up)
This class focuses on exercises designed to strengthen the weaknesses that dancers often have. The goal is to create overall strength and endurance and to maximize control through movement. It is intended for intermediate/advanced dancers who have a thorough understanding of movement and their bodies and who are seeking to supplement their ballet training. This class will help increase athleticism while strengthening and honing the muscles used for ballet.
TAP 1
Ages 4-8
(Pre-Ballet &
Ballet 1)
This beginner hoofing style tap class teaches basic tap skills and combinations and helps build the necessary strength and endurance for more advanced tapping. Students also develop focus, patience, and endurance. Previous tap experience is not required.
TAP 2
Ages 7-11
(Ballet 1 & Ballet 2)
This hoofing style tap class teaches basic tap skills and combinations and helps build the necessary strength and endurance for more advanced tapping. Students also develop focus, patience, and endurance. Dancers must be recommended for this level by a CCB instructor.
TAP 3
Ages 10+
(Ballet 2 & up)
This hoofing style tap class teaches intermediate level tap skills and combinations and helps build the necessary strength and endurance for more advanced tapping. Students also develop focus, patience, and endurance. Dancers must be recommended for this level by a CCB instructor.
OPEN LEVEL TAP
Ages 14-adult
All ages 14+ are welcome (though the class is mostly comprised of adult students.) This hoofing style tap class teaches basic tap skills and combinations and helps build the necessary strength and endurance for more advanced tapping. Dancers also develop focus, patience, and endurance. This class encompasses a wide range of levels, so previous tap experience is not required.
JAZZ 1
Ages 7-13
(Ballet 1 & Ballet 2)
This is a beginner level jazz class, intended for Ballet 1 & 2 level dancers, whose goal is to build non-ballet skills that will give dancers a more well-rounded and diverse performance quality, as well as build strength, endurance, and basic conditioning.
JAZZ 2
Ages 12 - adult
(Ballet 3 - adult)
This is an “open” level jazz class, intended for dancers in Ballet 3 through adult, whose goal is to build non-ballet skills that will give dancers a more well-rounded and diverse performance quality, as well as build strength, endurance, and basic conditioning.
PRIVATE LESSONS/COACHING
Ages 8+
(Ballet 1 and up)
Private lessons and coaching are available by appointment. This can be for private or semi-private technique, audition prep, or performance coaching. Please email the school at charmcityballet@gmail.com for scheduling, pricing, and studio availability. At least 24 hours’ notice of cancellation must be given or the student will be charged for the full rate of the lesson.