Our teaching syllabus is based in the Russian Method and provides the basis for each of our levels to progress consistently from year to year.  As detailed below, each tier provides a solid framework that builds from our youth in Primary Levels, to a more academic approach in Beginner Levels, and then up to our Upper training, which gears the students towards the pre-professional level.

PRIMARY LEVELS (Creative Dance & Pre-Ballet, ages 3-6)

BEGINNER LEVELS (Beginner I-III, ages 7 +)

UPPER LEVELS (Intermediate I-III, Advanced)

Teen/Adult Ballet

PRIMARY LEVELS (ages 3-6)

These young children have wonderful imaginations and boundless energy and it is our intent to channel these natural tendencies in a constructive way, while preserving their innocence. The classes focus on developing large-motor skills, rhythm, and self-control, according to age-appropriate expectations. Gentle discipline and adherence to classroom behavior are promoted within a predictable structure of warm-up exercises, follow along dances and creative movement.

Both classical ballet music and children’s Christian praise music are used. Classes start with a short prayer and may include a Bible story and/or character trait lesson.

All levels will be performing in our year-end performance, ‘Presentation Day’, at Brighton Center for the Performing Arts at Brighton High School. Along with progressing in their regular classwork, children will learn and rehearse their short dance within the allotted class time through Semester II.

Parents are always welcome and encouraged to stay and watch their children during class. Our comfortable viewing room has reflective privacy glass window that the children can not easily see into, which helps them not feel distracted.

*Primary classes are not cumulative. They may be taken without the class of the previous year, with age as the only prerequisite.

Creative Dance for 3 & 4 yr. olds

(Must be 3 or 4  year old by 9/1/24 and potty trained)

Girls–  BLOCH: Girls Essential Short Sleeve Leotard style #CL5602

Color:  3 year olds:    White

Color:  4 year olds;    Candy Pink

‘Ballet Pink’ tights, pink ballet slippers. Hair must be pulled back into a bun. No Bangs, No jewelry.

Boys – Plain white t-shirt, black ballet shoes, and black shorts, jazz pants, or tights.

Pre-Ballet Ⅰ

(Must be 5 yrs. old by 9/1/24)

Pre-Ballet Ⅱ

(Must be 6 yrs. old by 9/1/24)

BEGINNER LEVELS

Beginner level classes are the beginning of the true study of classical ballet. A strong foundation is laid with emphasis on the basic elements necessary for any worthwhile study of dance: posture, stretched legs, pointed feet, etc. Beginner levels must be taken in succession with each year progresses to include more technique and combinations within the class structure of barre, center, and across-the-floor movement. Students are expected to listen, concentrate, and follow good classroom behavior. Most beginner students show remarkable progress in the development of skill, musicality, and self-discipline, while learning over time the satisfaction of putting forth effort toward a goal. French terminology is introduced and tested cumulatively each year.

Occasionally time is allotted at the end of class for creative dancing to nurture their love of dance and self-expression.

Classical ballet class music is primarily used along with occasional praise music. Classes start with a short prayer.

All Beginner levels perform in our year-end performance, ‘Presentation Day’, at the theater. Along with progressing in their regular classwork, children will learn and rehearse their short dance within the allotted class time midway through Semester II.

Parents are always welcome and encouraged to stay and watch their children during class to see their progress. Our comfortable viewing room has reflective privacy glass window that the students can not easily see into, which helps them not feel distracted. Younger siblings must be supervised at all times and in order to nurture a calm and focused classroom atmosphere for our dancers.

Beginner I Ballet

(1 hr. 15 min. class, 1x/per week)

Beginner II Ballet

(1 hr. 15 min. class, 2x/week)

Beginner III Ballet

1.5 hr. class, 2x/week

UPPER LEVELS

Upper Level training is cumulative and progression to the next levels is not automatic. At this stage, the criteria for advancement transitions to proficiency of technique and readiness, which is at the discretion of the teachers and director. It is very common that students remain in a class for more than one year until they have developed the necessary strength, skill, and control to be challenged by the next class level.

Through this level, classes are more focused on correct body placement and alignment, which leads to more strength and control as they progress. Combinations become increasingly more complex, as we work on refining transitions between steps, creating more fluidity and artistry in their movement.

Our upper ballet levels primarily use classical ballet music specifically suited for the class framework with occasional contemporary Christian music during stretch time or while learning new choreography.

Classes may begin with a short prayer or devotional.

Intermediate I Dress Code

Intermediate III Dress Code

Advanced Ballet

Teen/Adult

Classes may start with a short prayer and/or a brief devotional, and continue with a classical ballet barre, center floor, and across-the-floor movement. Also included in the class are stretching & strengthening exercises, with opportunities throughout the semester to explore different styles of dance movement like interpretive dance, as well as learn choreography to group dance. There may be the option, but not the requirement to present a piece at the end of the year performance, ‘Presentation Day’. Placement is determined by the teacher, due to various backgrounds in training.

Teen-Adult Ballet (Beginner – Intermediate)

(1 hour class / 1x per week)

This level is for teen/adults with little to no previous ballet training up to a lower intermediate level.

Teen-Adult Ballet  (Intermediate – Advanced)

(1 hour 15 min. class/ offered 2x per week)

Adult Ballet is for those who have had previous high level training and have sufficient technique to move into more complicated combination center floor.  BSB alum should plan to take this level after gradutation.