Ballet, Pointe & Lyrical
Class Information and Policies

September 2006 - June 2007

Class Description:
     Our ballet classes are classical in nature, based on a combination of Russian and Cecchetti techniques. Overall emphasis is placed on technique and control while naturally fostering grace and expression. Ballet develops coordination, rhythm, strength, and flexibility and encourages an appreciation of classical music. Lyrical is a blend of classical ballet, modern dance, and jazz and requires an advanced level of technique, musical understanding, and expression.

Age Requirements:
     Ballet - We do not allow students younger than the age of six to take ballet classes. Developmentally, pre-school age children generally do not have the the strength, coordination, or rhythmic expectations required for ballet. Pre-schoolers are encouraged to take Creative Movement to prepare them for any style of dance they wish to pursue once they reach school age.
     Pointe - Placement on pointe is determined by the teacher based on overall body strength and control, and an understanding of technique and movement. Most ballet dancers can expect to take five or more years of technical ballet before pursuing pointe.
     Lyrical - Students age 12 and older may choose to pursue lyrical study after at least three years of technical ballet. At younger ages, students developmentally lack the expression and focus required for lyrical or modern dance.

Commitment Level:
     Ballet, Pointe, and Lyrical classes are offered for 45 minutes or one hour, one time per week. No other time commitment is expected until the recital in June at which time there will be a dress rehearsal and performance. Students will be expected to buy appropriate dance attire for their weekly class (see next) and a recital costume in the spring.

Class Attire:
     For safety reasons, we will not allow students to participate if they arrive to class without proper attire.
     Ballet - black leotard, pink ballet tights, leather split-sole ballet shoes, hair in a bun.
     Pointe - Same as for ballet with the addition of pointe shoes. Point shoe fit and accessories must be approved by your teacher. Pointe students must bring their technique shoes to each pointe class.
     Lyrical - Same as for ballet with the addition of lyrical half-sole shoes.

Reasons for Attire Requirements:
     Dance, like other fine and performing arts, is a varying combination of tradition and structure with individuality and creativity. The expressions of individuality and creativity should come from the dance itself, not from wild colors or funky hairstyles. (An orchestra dresses alike partly because it looks nice, but also because they don’t want to distract the audience form “feeling” and “seeing” the music). Proper attire also promotes a sense of discipline among the students and places a special importance on the activity. Also, from a teacher’s point of view, it is much easier to see, and therefore correct or compliment, body positions, steps, expressions, etc. if the movements are more obvious than the clothing.

Reasons for Hair Requirements:
     It is very difficult and frustrating to learn proper body positioning and control if you cannot see or have to keep brushing hair out of your eyes. All dance students are required to have their hair pulled back away from the face and up off the neck. For safety reasons, we will not allow students to participate if they arrive to class without their hair secured.