Designed for both the serious and recreational dancer, the Curriculum Ballet Program is for anyone who wishes to pursue studies in Classical Ballet. The successive curriculum begins with Ballet I, which is usually started at age 8, and progresses to Ballet V with intermediary levels placed as needed to help the success of the child. With partial or full completion of the Curriculum Ballet Program at American Ballet Academy you can feel confident that your child receives thorough, proper ballet instruction. For the most talented, serious, and driven dancer the Curriculum Ballet Program is designed to give the necessary foundational training to have a successful ballet career.
Ballet I: Age 7-11. Ballet I is the first class completely in the traditional ballet format. The class emphasizes further mastering ballet positions, learning fundamental steps and technique, finding proper body placement as well as continuing development of rhythm, coordination, flexibility, style, and discipline in a fun, supportive environment. The one-hour class is required once per week; two classes per week are highly encouraged. Ballet I times include Tuesday at 5:15pm, Wednesday at 3:15pm, Friday at 4pm, and Saturday at 9:30am. Tuition is $69 a month for 1 class a week: $107 a month for two days a week.
Ballet IIA: Age 8-12. Ballet IIA is a bridge class between Ballet I and II. This class will help smooth the transition between levels. It should be taken in conjunction with either Ballet I or II, as advised by the instructor. Class meets Tuesday at 6:15pm or Wednesday at 3:30pm. Monthly tuition is $100 a month for 2 classes a week: $139 a month for 3 classes a week.
Ballet II: Age 8-13. Ballet II builds upon the movements, steps, and positions taught in Ballet I while continuing to develop strength for proper body alignment and positioning. Further emphasis is put on coordination, strength, and flexibility, while still realizing the need for enjoyment. Ballet II requires two days a week for performance involvement; three days a week combined with either IIA or IIIA as advised by the instructor is highly recommended for quicker advancement. Class times are Monday at 5:45pm, Tuesday at 3:45pm, Thursday at 3:30pm, and Thursday at 6:30pm. Tuition is $107 for two days a week; $139 a month for three days a week.
Ballet IIIA: Age 9-14. Ballet IIIA is a bridge class between Ballet II and III. This class will help smooth the transition between levels. It should be taken in conjunction with either Ballet II or III, as advised by the instructor. Class meets Monday at 3:45pm or 5:45pm. Monthly tuition is $139 a month for 3 classes a week.
Ballet III: Age 10-15. Ballet III adds more complex body alignment, traveling patterns, musical rhythms, and artistic development. Students continue to work toward perfected body alignment, strength, and flexibility in a fun, supportive environment. Ballet III requires three days a week: 2-3 Ballet III classes plus either IIIA or IVA. To gain desired strength and technique to advance four classes is recommended, especially for IVA students; please discuss with the instructor what class is most appropriate. Student may begin pre-pointe/pointe work as advised by the instructor. Class times are Wednesday and Thursday at 4:30pm or Wednesday and Thursday at 6:15pm Please sign up either afternoon or evening times along with IIIA, IV, pre-pointe and pointe as directed. Monthly tuition for three days a week is $139, $174 for four classes a week. Frequent absences without sufficient make-ups are not safe for the dancers and will affect progression.
Ballet IVA: Age 11+. Ballet IVA is a bridge class between Ballet III and IV. This class will help smooth the transition between levels. It should be taken in conjunction with either Ballet III or IV, as advised by the instructor. Class meets Tuesday at 7:15pm. Monthly tuition is $139 a month for 3 classes a week or $174 for 4 classes a week. Frequent absences without sufficient make-ups are not safe for the dancers and will affect progression.
Pre-Pointe: Age 10+. Pre-Pointe is to help strengthen and stretch feet and ankles and continue to work proper body alignment and strength to prepare for pointe. Class meets for 30 minutes on Wednesday at 5:45pm. Monthly tuition is $30. Requires a thera-band.
Pointe I: Age 11+. Beginning Pointe will slowly introduce students to the highlighted goal of most ballerinas, pointe. Much of the work will be completed at the barre, with the goal of strengthening dancers’ feet, legs, and body, and helping them find their center of balance. When the students are ready, they will be allowed to do simple movements in the center. Pointe I meets for 30 minutes Thursdays at 5:45pm. Monthly tuition is $30. Students are required to attend a minimum of 3 additional technique classes to be considered for pointe. Frequent absences without sufficient make-ups may require a student to not partake in Pointe I for the student’s safety.
Ballet IV: Age 12+. Ballet IV continues to strive toward perfection of more complicated ballet steps and positions while expanding on movement knowledge. Class emphasizes strength, placement, coordination, flexibility and style in a fun, supportive environment. Class meets Monday at 7:30, Tuesday at 5:45pm, Wednesday at 7:30pm (rehearsal night), Thursday at 7:30pm (Pointe II), and Saturday at 10:30am (periodic rehearsals). Students should also take one Ballet IVA or one Ballet V class as directed by the instructor. 5 classes a week is strongly recommended to keep up with the demands of class; a minimum of 4 classes is required for the safety of the dancer. Additional classes may be added, including Dance Condition, Modern, or additional technique classes! Monthly tuition is $205 for five classes a week. Frequent absences without sufficient make-ups are not safe for the dancers.
Ballet V: Age 14+. Ballet V requires an understanding of ballet principles and technique. It continues to strive towards perfection of movement and positions with personal style and interpretation as well as further develops strength, flexibility, and coordination. Much focus is put on more advanced, detailed pointe work. Class meets Monday at 7:30pm, Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday at 5pm, Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 5:00 and Saturday at 12:45pm. Rehearsals follow Friday and Saturday classes. 6 classes a week is recommended to keep up with the demands of the class; a minimum of 5 classes is required for the safety of the dancer. Monthly tuition is $205 for 5 days per week, $225 for 6 days a week. Frequent absences without sufficient make-ups are not safe for the dancers.
Pas de Deux: Age 14+. In partnering, students will be asked to use the foundational technique they have learned and apply it when being supported by another dancer. They will also be asked to pay special attention to dancing with each other in a manner the compliments both dancers. Whereas there will be boys in the class, girls will sometimes be required to partner each other – this will help them better understand the role of a male dancer and will ultimately make them a better partner. This class is for students enrolled in Ballet V taking 5 ballet technique classes a week. Class meets Thursdays at 8:45pm for 45 minutes. Tuition is $32 a month.
Advanced Pointe: Age 14+. Advanced pointe will help Ballet V dancers gain further strength and control with their pointe work, giving their technique the desired sense of ease ballet requires. Class meets after regular technique class Tuesdays at 8:15 for 45 minutes. Tuition is $32 a month.
Dance Conditioning: Age 14+. Class meets Monday at 6:45pm for 45 minutes. This class will build strength and placement and fine tune body awareness, all of which every dancer needs for advancement and injury prevention, but that can be difficult to obtain without cross training. It is for students enrolled in Ballet IVA, Ballet IV, or Ballet V. Tuition is $32 a month.