General Class Descriptions

2017-2018 Year

Pre-school - Kindergarten Levels

 

Dancers sing songs, play games, dress up, and pretend while they learn the fundamentals of dance.

 

Princess & Pirate  - 2 ½ to young 4 ballet and tap

Fairy tale - older 3 to 4 year old

L1 - generally young kindergarten

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Fairytale and up classes perform in all three shows

Elementary Levels

 

Elementary levels are encouraged to take a trial class before buying the uniform to ensure it is the correct level. A professional dancer is in each class as a demonstrator at this level.

 

L1 - generally Kindergarten

L2-5 generally new 8-9 year olds, experienced 6-7 year olds - this is the first level that is encouraged to start twice a week if possible and that has an hour devoted entirely to ballet

 

Notes: students in L2-5 who wish to take tap should take the last 15 minutes of L1-4 on Saturday

 

Advanced Level

 

Advanced levels are based on technical level and not age. A professional dancer is in each class as a demonstrator at all advanced levels.

Musical Theater (tap & jazz) is a separate class for all advanced levels

 

L5-8 generally 9-12 year olds, is strongly encouraged twice a week ballet - may take 3 times per week - is first level who can take contemporary or variations. May take contemporary twice per week even if only taking ballet once per week (based on child’s interest)

 

Level 9-12 year olds, is strongly encouraged two to three times per week ballet - may take 4 times per week. May take variations and contemporary. May take contemporary twice per week.

 

Apprentice - advanced ballet students. Professional dancers take class with apprentice level. Apprentice level dancers may apply to be a part of the conservatory program (a serious pre-professional program).

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All Level 7 and up ballet classes also include pre-pointe/pointe and a rehearsal period

Select Multiple day classes share a costume to be cost conscious

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Note: If you have any scheduling challenges with your child’s level, please reach out to director Elizabeth at elizabethhesterballet@gmail.com.  We strive to cater to each family’s needs.