Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles. Ballet builds grace, poise, strength, flexibility, balance, and discipline. It appears effortless on stage yet the trained dancer trains and practices with no less vigor than any professional athlete. Dancers who become proficient in ballet technique first will find every dance style learned thereafter easier and more attainable.
Creative Division: This imaginative class of creative ballet combines classic fairytales, a compiled symphony of music, fine costumes and wonderful movement. Dancers will explore fundamental ballet terminology and dance in an engaging and enriching environment. This 45 minute class includes a new ballet story each week where your little one can become the character of their dreams!
(seasonal)
Primary/Elementary Levels: Primary and Elementary students begin at the barre with technical exercises, then move on to center work, and steps on the diagonal. Once Upon a Ballet’s teaching style for these Primary and Elementary levels is modeled after Royal Academy of Dance or RAD methodology. This British method develops ballerinas as their technique improves from natural movement. The structure of the class flows seamlessly from one section to the next and prepares the dancer by building strength and grace during each class.
(seasonal)
Upper Division: With three studios, we are able to offer many options for dancer ages 8 and above. Ballet classes at this level are taught in the Chechetti method and are leveled from Ballet I through Pre-Pointe. Classical Jazz/Tap is offered for ages 7 and up. Modern and Hip Hop are offered for ages 11 and up. Proper uniforms and fastened hair are required for all dance offerings. A placement class is required to enter this division.
(seasonal)
Advanced Study: Pointe, Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Tap are offered at advanced levels to those students ready for further study. A minimum of 4 dance classes must be maintained per week to study at the advanced level.
(seasonal)
Ballet began in the 15th century in the Italian Renaissance courts as a form of entertainment for royalty. Produced by the aristocrats of that age, it would be some time before ballet would be performed in a theater. In the late 17th century, Louix XIV created the first formal school, the Paris Opera Ballet who performed ballets in the theater setting. It is art, it is refined movement, it is theatrical. It has been studied and designed throughout the world ever since it began and continues to draw in children to study with its beauty and grace to this day.