Pre Pointe
age 10+, 30 minutes
Dancers learn the beginning pointe patterns and work on strengthening their feet. In December, dancers who are 11 or older will be evaluated to see if they are ready for pointe shoes. When ready, the class goes for a pointe shoe fitting together (dancers and parents). This is followed by a pointe workshop, where dancers learn how to prepare their shoes for dancing.
Most of this class is done at the barre, with center patterns introduced on an individual basis as dancers are ready.
This class does not perform in the spring recital.
Dancers learn the beginning pointe patterns and work on strengthening their feet. In December, dancers who are 11 or older will be evaluated to see if they are ready for pointe shoes. When ready, the class goes for a pointe shoe fitting together (dancers and parents). This is followed by a pointe workshop, where dancers learn how to prepare their shoes for dancing.
Most of this class is done at the barre, with center patterns introduced on an individual basis as dancers are ready.
This class does not perform in the spring recital.
Pointe 1
age 11+, 30 minutes
Dancers continue to practice the patterns and exercises learned in Pre Pointe, as well as adding in two-footed center work and some one-footed barre work.
Performance in the Spring Recital for this class is based on each individual dancer's progress and ability level at the end of December.
Dancers continue to practice the patterns and exercises learned in Pre Pointe, as well as adding in two-footed center work and some one-footed barre work.
Performance in the Spring Recital for this class is based on each individual dancer's progress and ability level at the end of December.
Pointe 2
age 13+, 30 - 45 minutes
Dancers continue building their strength and technique, including one-footed pointe work. This class is tailored to the enrolled dancers, and there are often different patterns available so dancers may work at their own level. When possible, this class begins basic partnering.
All dancers in this class perform in the annual Spring Recital.
Dancers continue building their strength and technique, including one-footed pointe work. This class is tailored to the enrolled dancers, and there are often different patterns available so dancers may work at their own level. When possible, this class begins basic partnering.
All dancers in this class perform in the annual Spring Recital.
Pointe 3
age 14+, 45
Dancers continue to build on previously learned skills while adding increasingly harder steps to their pointe vocabulary. This class has a large focus on one-footed pointe work, balancing and turns. When possible, this class also includes partnering work.
All dancers in Pointe 3 participate in the annual Spring Recital.
Dancers continue to build on previously learned skills while adding increasingly harder steps to their pointe vocabulary. This class has a large focus on one-footed pointe work, balancing and turns. When possible, this class also includes partnering work.
All dancers in Pointe 3 participate in the annual Spring Recital.
Professional Pointe Preparation
age 16+
Students at this level take one of the Ballet 3 or Ballet 4 technique classes as a pointe class.
Since professional ballet dancers wear pointe shoes for the majority of their choreography, it is important for dancers to learn how to properly use their feet for steps that do not go up on pointe as well as for typical pointe work. Taking a technique class in pointe shoes gives the dancer the opportunity to develop those off pointe skills while still keeping up on their general pointe work. The class taken as Professional Pointe Preparation should be one level below their normal technique class level.
Dancers at this level should also register for Pointe 3 and participate in the Pointe 3 recital dance.
Dancers at this level also have the option of scheduling weekly private lessons to learn and perform a ballet solo or duo, based on traditional choreography, in the recital.
Students at this level take one of the Ballet 3 or Ballet 4 technique classes as a pointe class.
Since professional ballet dancers wear pointe shoes for the majority of their choreography, it is important for dancers to learn how to properly use their feet for steps that do not go up on pointe as well as for typical pointe work. Taking a technique class in pointe shoes gives the dancer the opportunity to develop those off pointe skills while still keeping up on their general pointe work. The class taken as Professional Pointe Preparation should be one level below their normal technique class level.
Dancers at this level should also register for Pointe 3 and participate in the Pointe 3 recital dance.
Dancers at this level also have the option of scheduling weekly private lessons to learn and perform a ballet solo or duo, based on traditional choreography, in the recital.