With proper ballet technique other dance forms are more easily learned. Ballet is difficult and requires time, energy and commitment to the art form. Because of its difficulty it is NOT expected that students progress a level every year. At times a student may be asked to stay in a level two years to gain the necessary technique in order to progress to the next level. Every student progresses differently and learns at a different rate. We try to cater to each individual student and help our students reach their ballet goals. The Blue Bell School of Dance follows a Vaganova-style Syllabus.
Below are the intermediate ballet levels offered at The Blue Bell School of Dance. Children under 8 participate in beginner level ballet classes which are not listed below.
Below are the intermediate ballet levels offered at The Blue Bell School of Dance. Children under 8 participate in beginner level ballet classes which are not listed below.
Ballet I
Ballet I is for dancers who have completed Beginner level Ballet I and II. They should be familiar with some ballet terminology and the beginning barre exercises. These dancers should be able to perform plies, tendu, degage and rond de jambe at the barre. Ballet I dancers should have a good foundation of ballet technique and the beginnings of proper alignment. Ballet etiquette will be enforced and students are expected to be engaged and focused in class.
BALLET II
Building on what was learned in Ballet I, the number of steps is increased. Turns are introduced, and steps are combined to form combinations. 5th position is now used, and turn out, when appropriate, is increased. Proper alignment is taught and encouraged via combinations at the barre and in center. These dancers should be fully focused in class and aware of proper ballet etiquette.
BALLET III
Alignment is refined. Barre stretch, ballet facings/directions and big jumps are introduced. The use of correct arms and heads (epaulement) is emphasized. These dancers should be able to perform a full barre, and some center steps and intermediate across the floor work. Center jumps such as sauté, glissade, changement, pas de chat should be familiar and performed properly.
BALLET IV
Technique and proper alignment should be solid and artistry is introduced. Leg height is raised to 90° or above. Dancers should be able to maintain their turnout and have strong ankles and feet in preparation for pre-pointe and pointe work. Steps will increase in difficulty and combinations will grow in length and complexity. Adagio, multiple pirouettes, grand allegro (leaps) and petite allegro will be introduced and increase in difficulty in Ballet IV.
BALLET V
Technique and proper alignment are advanced. Students will take barre on pointe and then change into flat shoes for the remainder of the class. These dancers should be able to perform a full barre, center and across the floor. This class is designed to refine petite allegro and grand allegro technique. This class is an hour and a half in length.
BALLET VI
Technique and alignment are advanced, ballet terminology is increased and artistry is emphasized. These dancers should be able to perform a full barre, center, and across the floor with proper technique. Ballet VI dancers should be able to perform multiple, turned out pirouettes and maintain their alignment and turnout during exercises and combinations in class. This class is an hour and half in length.