Mommy and Me (18months-2years old)

Mommy and Me is geared towards exercise for parents and children. Parents help to encourage movement along with their children and help to encourage discipline. During the class there is stretching and steps that encouraging discipline.

Elementary Program

Creative Movement (Ages 3 to 4)
Creative Movement is movement with expression. It focuses on listening to and following directions, spatial concepts and developing a child’s fine motor skills. The class includes stretching, traveling across the floor, spatial patterns, music development and basic ballet terminology. The class meets once a week for 45 minutes.

Pre-Ballet I (Ages 5 to 6)
The Pre-Ballet Syllabus begins to teach the fundamentals of ballet in coherence with our curriculum. Students practice exercises that develop good posture, learn accurate body positioning and increase awareness of their bodies using controlled and persistent movement. The class includes stretching, coordination movements (galloping, skipping, etc.) and also begins to build musicality. Significant emphasis is placed on dancers being creative and using their imagination.

Pre-Ballet II (Ages 6-7)
The Pre-Ballet II Syllabus is a continuation of Pre-Ballet I with a focus on the use of muscle strength to turn out, using the head and arms in coordination with the legs. Dancers begin to utilize their head and arms to a greater degree and explore jumps such as leaps. The class emphasizes individual expression, appreciation of classical music and an expanded French vocabulary. Pre-Ballet I and II provide a strong foundation for dancers advancing to the Ballet I level.

Enjoyment Dance

Ballet I, II, III
Ballet I, II, and III focus on the fundamental techniques of Ballet. These classes are for those who are continuing or wanting to learn classical ballet technique. The syllabus starts with the basic positions of ballet (i.e., first position, second position, etc.) and then moves to a basic ballet barre learning French terminology that identifies all of the steps in ballet class. Dancers then advance into beginning center work with por de bras, tendu, etc.

All placement for any of the following ballet classes is based on tability, not age. Students will progress through these levels at their own speed. Some students may spend two or more years in one level while others may spend less than a year.  Dancers will be placed in the appropriate level at the sole discretion of the Artistic Director. These classes

The School recommends each student invest a minimum amount of time to their ballet studies as follows:

• Ballet I - 1 hours per week

• Ballet II - 2 hours per week

• Ballet III - 2-3 hours per week

Dancers are strongly encouraged to commit more than the recommended minimum each week.

Hip- Hop
Students in this program will learn, gain and confidence and build upper body strength and be have more knowledge of Hip Hop Dancing.

Jazz
Dancers will learn Jazz technique focusing on turns, jumps, strength etc. This program is great for dancers wanting to learn or continue training. This program is great for dancers on dance teams or dance lines in schools.

Tap
Students will learn tap progressions, rhythms, etc. Classes are focused on rhythmic coordination for dancers.

Adult Open
Classes for adults who just want to stay fit. These classes will include yoga, ballet, jazz, modern. Great for staying in shape.

Pre-Professional Programs

International City School of Ballet has two pre-professional programs made up of: The Protégé Levels, and Pre-Pro Levels. Each program is broken into two groups "A" and "B", and each student is placed in their level according to their ability. Dancers are chosen for these programs under the discretion of the artistic director, and once chosen student's and parents must have a full understanding of the program and the "Commitment" in order to participate. Parents and students are required to sign a contract for this program so all parties are on the same agreement of what is expected of each individual.

Students ages 5 and above are chosen as part of this program and each level is tailored to a specific Syllabus for that particular group of children which will continue to build as they work to higher levels. Each dancer no matter what age is truly challenged at an intense level and expected to mature quicker than most dancers their ages.

Protégé Level

The protégé levels "A" and "B", are for ages 5-10. This is a very serious program for dancers and parents this age. Each level focuses on similar aspects and once a week each level take classes together, in order for younger dancers to be driven by older dancers and vise versa. Dancers in level "A" take 3 hours of Ballet a week and are between the ages of 5-7, and dancers in level "B" take 5 hours of Ballet a week and are between the ages of 8-10. Because of the demand on the dancers parents have to be in full agreement with the situation, and willing to make a "commitment" for their young dancers.

Pre-Professional Level

This program is not age limited but begins with a strong, dedicated, and passionate dancer. The Pre-Professional Levels "A" and "B" build on each other to create strong efficient dancers. Dancers in level "A" are required to take 10+ hours a week with some optional technique (tap, Jazz, etc.). Dancers in level "B" are required to take 15+ hours a week with optional classes and rehearsals. Dancers are committed to dancing 5-6 days a week.

At this age we expect most dancers to be able to make their own decision on how much they want to dance, and their parents to support that decision. Dancers must be truly committed to be chosen for this program.

When choosing the candidates for these levels the Artistic Director and staff evaluates the dancer as well as the parents. Parents must show a strong desire and willingness to see their child succeed and be the best they can be as a dancer. International City School of Ballet makes this program available so dancers and parents can understand at a young age the commitment and the dedication it will take to be an efficient dancers. No dancer or Parent is obligated to take a position in any of the pre-professional levels.

Pointe

Students begin training on pointe when they are technically ready at the discretion of the Artistic Director. Dancers begin very slow pointe work at the barre and progress as their feet and muscles get stronger. There is no age requirement, however dancers who are put on pointe at an early age must be extremely strong and dedicated to their craft. When put on pointe dancers must commit to a required minimum number of hours each week and are strongly encouraged to take above their minimum.

Please contact the school if you have any questions about the classes we offer.