Class Descriptions & Requirements

Surrendered School of Dance follows the guidelines for advancement to different levels of training based upon the American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum®. This progression for classes takes into account both the knowledge and skills that students acquire in each level along with their physical and cognitive development. We want students to progress at the appropriate rate for their life stage and become the best dancer that they can be. The goal is not to rush through the levels but to mature as artists at an appropriate, safe, and healthful pace. The curriculum in these classes are designed to take students from no experience as a toddler to professional dancer.

The following classes are for minor students. Adult classes are listed at the bottom of this list.

Classes

Pre-Primary Ballet • Ages 3 – 5*

Pre-Primary Ballet students are immersed in the joy of dance! This class is an important level for students as they learn basic ballet etiquette, explore rhythm, develop coordination and dynamic movements, and are introduced to ballet terminology. Pre-Primary Ballet classes are designed to be a fun and inviting introductory experience for students as they learn to express themselves through movement.

Suggested Additional Classes to Take:
- Students may enroll in as many Pre-Primary Ballet classes as they would like to take per week.

*Please note that students must be “potty trained” before enrolling in this class.
Students will not progress to Primary Ballet until they are 5 years of age. If a student is 4-years of age at the start of the current school year, they will remain in this level until the next school year.

Primary Ballet • Ages 5 – 7

In Primary Ballet students learn how to use their bodies to connect their heart, mind, and spirit in motion. Students will learn basic ballet etiquette, terminology and principles of ballet technique. Classes focus on building flexibility, strength, coordination, balance, grace and musicality.

Suggested Additional Classes to Take:
- Students may enroll in as many Primary Ballet classes as they would like to take per week.

Students will not progress to Ballet Foundations until they are 8 years of age. If a student is 7-years of age at the start of the current school year, they will remain in this level until the next school year.

Ballet Foundations • Ages 8+

In Ballet Foundations dancers will develop a strong foundation in classical ballet training emphasizing proper technique. Careful attention will be paid to correct body placement, range of motion, and key concepts. Dancers will work on building discipline, strength, flexibility, grace and musicality. Classes focus on ballet technique, alignment, theory, and terminology.

Suggested Additional Classes to Take:
Students may enroll in as many Ballet Foundations classes as they would like to take per week.

Advancement to Intermediate Ballet A is at the discretion of the instructor based upon the students demonstrated mastery of the skills and concepts presented in Ballet Foundations.
This level may take 2 or more years to complete.

Intermediate Ballet A • Teacher Placement

In Intermediate Ballet A students are introduced to elements of the best of classical Russian, French, Italian, and English techniques. Dancers continue to develop increased strength, flexibility, balance, and musicality.

Enrollment is by Teacher Placement only.
- If you are new to Surrendered School of Dance, please contact us about taking a free placement class

Advancement to Intermediate Ballet B is at the discretion of the instructor based upon the students demonstrated mastery of the skills and concepts presented in Intermediate Ballet A.
This level may take 2 or more years to complete.

Intermediate Ballet B • Teacher Placement

Intermediate Ballet B students will be introduced to increasingly more complex movements and begin to develop artistry in their dancing. Careful attention to each student’s individual physique will develop increased strength, flexibility, balance, and musicality.

Enrollment is by Teacher Placement only.
- If you are new to Surrendered School of Dance, please contact us about taking a free placement class

Advancement to Intermediate Ballet C is at the discretion of the instructor based upon the students demonstrated mastery of the skills and concepts presented in Intermediate Ballet B.
This level may take 2 or more years to complete.

Intermediate Ballet C • Teacher Placement

Intermediate Ballet C students continue to grow as dancers by expanding their knowledge of classical ballet technique, increasing artistry in their movement, and increasing stamina. Students in Intermediate Ballet C should also be enrolled in pointe classes.

Enrollment is by Teacher Placement only.
- If you are new to Surrendered School of Dance, please contact us about taking a free placement class

Advancement to Advanced Ballet A is at the discretion of the instructor based upon the students demonstrated mastery of the skills and concepts presented in Intermediate Ballet C.
This level may take 2 or more years to complete.

Advanced Ballet A, B, & C • Artistic Director Placement

Enrollment is by invitation from the Artistic Director only.
Pointe work is integrated into classes

Pointe Classes

Pre-Pointe • Intermediate Ballet B

This class is strongly recommended for dancers enrolled in Intermediate Ballet B who want to pursue pointe. The class includes Pre-Pointe strengthening to help students to develop their core, flexibility, and strength needed to take pointe classes. For male students these exercises will also help them in their development as a strong dancer.
This class is not to be taken in place of the Intermediate B classes that meet on Tuesday and Thursday. Students must also be enrolled and attend the Tuesday and Thursday Intermediate B classes.
Enrollment is by teacher placement and is only open to students in Intermediate Ballet B and above

Pointe 1 • Teacher Placement

Students are evaluated on an individual basis for strength and alignment before being considered for pointe work. Safety is of utmost importance to us and we do not want a student to go on en pointe before they have developed enough strength to do so in a safe manner. In this course students will continue strengthening their feet, ankles and core. Dancers will learn the fundamentals of dancing en pointe and will start developing strength in their shoes while at the barre.
Enrollment is by teacher placement and is only open to students in Intermediate Ballet C and above
Students must be enrolled in ballet classes a minimum of 3-days per week.
This class does not perform in the Spring Showcase.
This course may take 2 or more years to complete.

Pointe 2 • Teacher Placement

Students will continue to develop strength and technique while dancing en Pointe.
Enrollment is by teacher placement and is only open to students in Intermediate Ballet C and above
Students must be enrolled in ballet classes a minimum of 3-days per week.
This class does perform in the Spring Showcase
This course may take 2 or more years to complete.

Teen / Adult Classes

Ballet Foundations – Beginning Teen Adult Ballet • Ages 12+

This class is intended for students ages 12 through adult who have had little to no ballet training but have always wanted to take a ballet class. This class introduces basic ballet technique safely with an emphasis on correct placement and alignment. Students will enjoy moving and experiencing the freedom, grace and joy of taking a ballet class.
- Students may join this class at any time during the school year; however, please be advised that the class is designed to progress from introductory concepts to students taking a full ballet class. If you join after the first couple of months in the school year, we suggest taking a few private lessons to pick up on the introductory terminology and techniques that have already been introduced in the class.
Tuition is charged monthly for this class and it is not offered on a drop-in basis.
This class is to be taken on flat, not en pointe.
This class WILL NOT participate in performances.

Intermediate / Advanced Teen Adult Ballet • Ages 13+

This class is open to teen and adult dancers with an intermediate to advanced level of ballet training. This ballet technique class is for dancers who have already mastered core classical ballet technique concepts. This is a great maintenance class where dancers can continue to refine their technique and artistry.
Participants should have a minimum of 5-years of ballet training to participate in this class.
Tuition is charged monthly for this class and it is not offered on a drop-in basis.
This class is intended to be taken on flat, not en pointe.
This class WILL NOT participate in performances.