The Ballet Program serves a wide variety of needs and interests. New
students – children, teens and adults – will find introductory programs tailored
to their skill and developmental levels, to their interests and to their age
groups. Students may start on a “ballet track” that will take them from
introductory studies through advanced work on pointe. Some students study ballet
exclusively, while many students study ballet as a foundation for all other
styles of dance --- all are welcome at NBB.
Beginning Ballet: Ballet 1, 2, 3 (1 Hr) ,
4 (2-3 Hrs)
Grades 1-6,
Teens and Adults.
The beginning levels of ballet training will be focused on postural
alignment, ballet positions, basic barre and floor work, basic turns, jumps
and leaps. Students train once a week and will increase their training to
twice a week at Ballet 4 to strengthen the body for swifter progress and
prepare for pointe work. Starting at Ballet 3, students may elect to
supplement ballet training Character and Lyrical Classes.
Intermediate Ballet: Intermediate 1, 2, 3, 4 (1 ˝ Hrs)
(3-4 Hrs Recommended for Pointe Students)
Grades 4-6,
Teens and Adults.
Students in Intermediate Ballet series will increase their flexibility,
balance and strength through more advanced barre work, work on center floor,
choreography and variations. Students will improve their turns and jumps and
expand their knowledge and use of ballet terminology as they progress through
the levels. Intermediate ballet students train twice a week to strengthen the
body for increasingly difficult movements.
Beginning at the Intermediate level, and at the Ballet Mistress' discretion, students begin preparation for work on pointe
and class time is increased to accommodate both technique and pointe training.
After this level, students may elect to supplement ballet training with
Technique on Tuesdays, variations and lyrical.
Technique on Tuesdays (1 ˝ Hrs)
A ballet technique class for those who have completed the Intermediate I
level of ballet or equivalent. A perfect way to maintain ballet training for
those who do not choose to proceed on pointe, or a supplement to the
twice-a-week ballet regimen.
Advanced Ballet (2 Hrs w/ 45 minutes of pointe work)
Students who have completed training in the Intermediate series may choose
to continue their training in Advanced Ballet classes. Advanced ballet
students expand their technical proficiency, increase their musicality and
develop their artistic sensibilities. High school dance students from other
studios, college students and adults may choose advanced ballet classes as an
ideal way to “keep up” or renew previous training, to complement a fitness
regimen or to try a new teacher. It is highly recommended that students
supplement core strengthening through classic mat Pilates 2 hours per week.
Character Dance (1 Hr)
A class for student interested in cultural dances primarily used in ballet.
Students wear a full circle skirt and heels to experience Tarantella,
Polonaise, Mazurka and other styles of Dance. Musical instruments, props and
cultural history will be taught as well.
Variations 1 (45 minutes)
Students in Beginner through Intermediate II levels can learn variations from
an array of exciting ballets and choreographers used in professional ballet
companies today. Variations will be modified as needed so that the dancer will
grow in performance quality as well as experience successful in their
accomplishments.
Advanced Variations 1 (1 Hr)
Intermediate/Advanced students learn variations from an array of exciting
ballets with choreography as performed by professional principle dancers
(soloists). Pointe work will included as dancers grow in performance quality
and experience. Modification will be used as needed so that each dancer will
experience success in their accomplishments.
Lyrical (45 minutes - 1 Hr)
Beginner II through Advanced dancers will experience a new array of music,
choreography and technique as related to lyrical dance (contemporary
ballet). Uplifting contemporary music and lyrics will be used with
expressive, respectful movement to bring the lyrics to life and demonstrate
the dancer's abilities, mood, meaning and message.
Contemporary Dance & Choreography is for the Intermediate/Advances students. This class
focuses on more difficult technique and choreography. The class will expose
the dancer to more complex message, movement and moods. Growth in expressing
emotion, interpreting musical qualities and understanding levels of
intensity.
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