Pre-Ballet: This hour long class is an introduction to classical ballet for students ages 4-5. Basic positions, steps, French terminology, classical music, basic alignment, and the structure of a ballet class will be introduced. Time will be spent adopting basic class courtesies such as taking turns, raising hands, respecting personal space and listening. There will be an introduction to the art of the story ballet, and some time for some creative movement exercises as well. Story ballets and their corresponding classical music to be introduced include The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, and Swan Lake. 

 

Ballet I: This class for ages 6-8 begins the formal classical training of the ballet dancer, introducing more positions, French terminology, music theory, and the basic structure of the classical ballet class. Barre work, and center work including petite allegro, basic turning, and grand allegro will all be introduced at a level appropriate for their development. It is common to spend 2 years at this level, as more steps will be introduced in the second year, as well as a continuance of perfecting steps and technique from the year prior.

 

Ballet II: This class for ages 8-10 continues to expound on the skills acquired in Ballet I. Dancers will be introduced to all 8 formal classical Cecchetti positions in the center, and an increased focus on epaulement, longer combinations, adagio, pirouettes, and grand allegro jumps will be introduced. Dancers at this level should expect to increase their number of classes per week to two by age 10, to develop the strength necessary to continue on to the pre-pointe level. It is common to spend two years at this level or to go on to Ballet II/III after the first year which would increase difficulty as well as length of class.

 

Ballet II/III: This class is for ages 10+, and is 1 1/4 hours in length. Dancers at this level will continue working on developing their technique, and more difficult steps will be introduced to further prepare them for the next level. At this point in their development dancers should be taking two classes per week. They may take this class and a level II if they are at the young end of the spectrum, and the following year this level and Ballet III once a week. 

 

Ballet III/Pre-Pointe: This class will increase in length to 1 1/2 hours, and is for the dancer age 11+ who aspires to dance en pointe. Training will continue to advance as combinations requiring more strength, speed, and stamina are introduced, and time will be devoted to special exercises to increase strength and articulation of the foot and ankle. Dancers at this level should have at least 2 years previous ballet training, and should increase classes per week to at least 2 times per week.

 

Ballet IV: This more advanced level class is for the dancer who has already begun pointe work, and is 1 1/2 hour in length. At this level dancers should be taking a minimum of 2 classes per week, although 3 (or more) is highly recommended.  At this level dancers are expected to have a solid understanding of advanced steps, terminology, detailed alignment, and focus will continue on developing artistry through expression and musicality.

 

Ballet V: This is an advanced level class for dancers proficient at level IV, to continue to perfect their technique and build the strength and stamina necessary to execute and perform with aplomb, choreography at the most demanding level classical repetoire has to offer. Dancers at this level are strongly encourage to train daily.

 

Pointe: Pointe work in Ballet IV and in separate pointe classes is by invitation only. This class is an extension of the ballet dancers technique class, and is devoted to the art of dancing en pointe. Dancers must have proper alignment, strength, foot articulation, maturity, core strength, have 2-3 years solid classical ballet training, and be taking a minimum of 2 classical ballet classes per week. 3 classes a week is preferred.

 

Variations: Variations is open to all students level II/III and higher taking a minimum of two technique classes per week. The warm up will consist of pre-pointe and beginning pointe barre, and classical repetoire will be taught with students learning variations on flat or en pointe, depending upon level.  Classical repertoire from important ballets will be taught, focusing primarily on the works of Petipa and Fokine. 

 

Conditioning for Dancers: This class is a blend of stretching and strengthening exercises designed with the dancer's body in mind. It will incorporate elements of yoga, pilates, floor barre, and Progressing Ballet Technique, to help release tension in target areas, improve flexibility, and strengthen core muscles. Dancers will need to bring a yoga mat, a theraband, and Franklin or lacrosse balls. 

 

Contemporary: This class consists of a warm up of isolations and progressions across the floor, and will focus on learning contemporary lyrical choreography. Students must be taking at least one ballet technique class per week and have 2 years previous classical ballet training to participate in this class. 

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Modern: This class consists of warm-ups, progressions across the floor and class combinations and choreography. Emphasis is in Lester Horton technique.

 

Elan Ballet Theatre: Students taking at least two classes per week, with one class in at least a level III are encouraged to audition for Elan Ballet Theatre. Members of Elan Ballet Theatre meet Saturdays from 2pm-5pm, and may be asked to attend special extra rehearsals in the period leading up to a performance. Dancers will learn multiple roles in all Elan productions, winter and spring, and may be invited to perform in other events throughout the year. Elan Ballet Theatre is a wonderful way for aspiring professionals to experience what it is like to dance with a company, from learning the importance of dancing in the corps de ballet, to developing a soloist or principal role. Dedicated attendance is essential.

 

Elan Dance Theatre: This is a new offering January 2017-June 2017, for students who wish to expand their capablities in performing in aditional disciplines of dance such as contemporary, jazz, and neo-classical ballet. Students must be taking either Modern or Contemporary plus one other technique class (ballet, modern, or contemporary) to particpiate in this program.

 

Class Attire

 

All Elan Academy of Classical Ballet students must arrive to class promptly, wearing a leotard, pink footed tights, and pink ballet slippers. Hair must be pulled back from the face, preferably in a secured bun. Leotard color is student choice. Dancers may wear form fitting warm ups, such as leg warmers or ballet sweaters, but are discouraged from wearing any baggy clothing. If the instructor can not check alignment dancers may be asked to remove their warm ups. Please refrain from wearing any large jewelry or necklaces, or any hair accoutrements that might come free and cause a hazard or distraction for other dancers.

 

Dancers may be fitted for shoes locally at Lines for the Body in Williston, http://www.linesforthebody.com

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