This yearlong introductory class offers students a strong foundation in classical ballet technique, musicality, and expressive movement. Designed for dancers with little to no formal ballet training, the course emphasizes correct alignment, posture, and vocabulary while encouraging discipline, grace, and confidence.

Each week, students participate in traditional barre and center exercises that build strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. As they progress, students learn to connect steps with smooth transitions, dance with musical sensitivity, and perform with poise and presence. Creative exercises and age-appropriate phrasework help students explore the artistry of ballet while developing ensemble awareness and personal expression.

The course is structured in three progressive units:
Unit 1: Ballet Technique & Alignment Fundamentals
Unit 2: Musicality, Movement Quality & Barre to Center Progression
Unit 3: Performance Presence & Classical Expression

Students will have two special opportunities to share their progress with family during our informal “Family Night: Inside the Studio” events, held at the end of each semester (December and May). These evenings are designed to let families step into the studio and see firsthand what their student has been learning and experiencing each week, and to provide a celebratory atmosphere for students to showcase their growth and skills.

Class Objectives:

1. Demonstrate proper ballet posture, alignment, and turnout in foundational positions
2. Identify and perform core ballet vocabulary including plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe, and relevé
3. Transition between barre and center work with balance and control
4. Dance with musical sensitivity, phrasing, and clear movement pathways
5. Apply ballet etiquette, discipline, and focus in a structured class setting
6. Work collaboratively in ensemble movement with spacing, timing, and shared energy
7. Perform a short ballet combination with grace, expression, and attention to detail

Instructional Tone: Supportive, structured, and artistically engaging—fostering confidence and clarity while introducing classical form
Activities: Barre and center technique, across-the-floor progressions, musicality drills, movement phrases, group choreography, observation exercises
Skills Focus: Ballet vocabulary, alignment, coordination, expression, musical phrasing, ensemble awareness
Performance Readiness: Comfortable performing a short, choreographed ballet piece in an informal setting with emphasis on growth and presentation

Aligned National Core Arts Standards (Dance):
Creating:
DA:Cr1.1 — Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work (movement phrasing, expression)
DA:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop artistic ideas and work (learning ballet vocabulary and combinations)
Performing:
DA:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation (posture, alignment, control)
DA:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work (musical sensitivity, grace)
Responding:
DA:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze artistic work (ensemble timing, spacing)
DA:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work (attention to detail, expression)
Connecting:
DA:Cn10.1 — Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art (ballet discipline and etiquette)