Emerald Ballet Academy - Curriculum
Pre-Ballet I
(preschool) A joyful introduction to movement. Basic ballet technique is inspired by beautiful music, literature, and art in a developmentally appropriate way. Flexibility, coordination, strength, and creativity increase.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger
Pre-Ballet II
(kindergarten-1st grade)
Basic ballet technique is inspired by
beautiful music and literature in a
developmentally appropriate way. Grace,
flexibility, coordination, strength, and
creativity increase. School age children thrive in
this environment.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger
Boys Class
(7-12 years old)
This class increases strength, flexibility,
coordination, and rhythmic awareness. We will
borrow from folk dance traditions around the world
that showcase the jumps, turns, and athleticism
that men are known for. Problem solving, teamwork
and creativity come alive as students help
choreograph for their own performance.
Photograph © Wade Heninger
Ballet I
(1st-2nd grade)
Proper alignment is given special attention
during this level in order to channel energy to
artistry. Dancers increase ballet vocabulary,
grace, flexibility, musicality, and strength.
Practicum time emphasizes choreography,
performance, and creativity.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger
Ballet
II
Entrance into this
class is by teacher recommendation. Emerging
dancers build on previous skills. Bar and in the
center of the studio work focuses on placement of
the body, legs, arms and head. Strength,
flexibility, feet, and turn out develop. Practicum
time emphasizes choreography, performance, and
creativity. Dancers younger than 8 are not ready
for the demands of this level.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger
Ballet
III
Entrance to this
level is by teacher recommendation. The intricate
beauty of the Russian (Vaganova) technique is
introduced. Emphasis on further development of
natural talents, stability, strength, flexibility,
and proper alignment prepare developing dancers
for pre-pointe, beginning pointe, and variations
during class and practicum time. Dancers younger
than 10 are not usually physically ready for the
demands of this level.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger
Open Ballet
Class (teens 13 years & up - adult)
This
class is for the beginning/intermediate dancer
interested in classical ballet and developing
strength, flexibility, coordination, musicality,
and ballet vocabulary.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger
Ballet
IV
Strong dancers are placed in this level by
teacher recommendation. The intricate beauty of
the Russian (Vaganova) technique is developed. The
exercises are now done in an accelerated tempo.
They begin the mastering of beats. Coordination of
movements in all parts of class continues.
Development of expressiveness is demanded. Pointe
work, variations, partnering, choreography and
performance are the focus in class and practicum
time. Dancers younger than 12 are not physically
ready for this level.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger
Ballet V –
Intermediate/Advanced
Advanced dancers
are placed in this level by teacher
recommendation. The intricate beauty of the
Russian (Vaganova) technique is perfected. Classes
review all forms of turns, master beats and small
jumps, and learn a variety of big jumps. Pointe
work, variations, partnering, choreography and
performance are the focus in class and practicum
time.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger
Professional
Division
Talented,
dedicated, advanced dancers are chosen from EBT
students to participate in professional
productions. In addition to continued study in
Ballet V classes, these dancers enjoy individual
attention as they perfect variations for
individual performance and choreography for
ensemble work. Dancers in Professional Division
classes do not pay tuition.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger
Exceptional
Dancers (early elementary)
Children with
special needs (physical or developmental) explore
movement and music in a joyful and nurturing
environment. Dancers develop spatial awareness,
increased mobility, listening skills, creative
expression, and social interaction with
peers.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger
Modern
Dance
Modern Dance is a
lyrical, expressive dance form that focuses on
central core strength to achieve arching lines and
level changes in dynamic movement sequences.
Barefoot dancers use breath rhythm to soar through
the air, fall to the ground, and rise again with
grace and control. Flexibility of the mind and
body are required to execute clear technique from
the inside out.
Photograph ©
Wade Heninger