Class Descriptions
The Curriculum Track (Ballet IA, 2A, 3A, 4A) is designed for the more serious student. It methodically trains the discipline of classical ballet in 5 tiers following a progressive curriculum. Students who enroll in this track enroll for the Academy term (September – May) and are required to take a specified number of classes per week in order to achieve success in the program and fulfill the expectations of the Academy. In addition, students are encouraged to enroll in alternative dance disciplines, such as modern dance, jazz, hip-hop and musical theatre to increase versatility.
Should a student wish to pursue a career in ballet, the Curriculum Track will provide the foundation for such endeavor, but it will, in any case, develop and strengthen in the student qualities of character, discipline, motivation, manners, teamwork, leadership and the overcoming of obstacles in the achievement of goals, together with a life-long admiration for dance, great music and Western culture.
The Choice Track (Pre-Ballet 3+, 5+ and 7+, Ballet 1, 2, 3) combines the methodical ballet training of the Curriculum Track with convenience and flexibility for students who wish to pursue other activities outside Ballet Idaho Academy and who are not able to commit to a mandatory class schedule. It also includes the alternative dance disciplines described above to mix and match with the ballet classes chosen by the student. Students who enroll in this track for ballet must be leveled by Ballet Idaho Academy faculty prior to purchasing a self-determined schedule of classes in specified 6 and 7 week periods, using a class-card. Class cards can be purchased at anytime for an individual period, however, all classes must have a total of 5 students registered a week per session before classes begin or it will be canceled. See registration packet for 2009-2010 calendar of periods.
Class Levels
Ballet Idaho Academy offers opportunities that enrich and enlighten students of all ages and abilities: three years old to adult, beginning to professional. All students -- whether aspiring to a professional career or studying for enjoyment -- are equally valued by faculty members. Through focused discipline and training, Academy teachers encourage students to share their love of the art. In addition to learning sound technique, students develop life skills such as self-motivation, confidence, poise, and respect. For these reasons, students and their families are encouraged to take full advantage of the many classes, programs, and performances available – Ballet Idaho provides a complete dance experience.
The study of classical ballet technique is the foundation of a professional dance education. Ballet Idaho Academy students study in a professional environment and follow a sequential curriculum divided into Five Levels: Pre-Ballet 7+ (Choice only), Ballet 1 (Choice) and 1A (Curriculum), Ballet 2 (Choice) and 2A (Curriculum), Ballet 3 (Choice) and 3A (Curriculum), Ballet 4A (Curriculum only).
Levels are divided by age (depending on how birthdays fall in our Academic year), ability and talent.
Unlike Academic schools, Ballet Idaho Academy has a 5-tier program and assumes that not every student will advance to the next level after one year only. Our primary concern is that a student be placed in a level that is appropriate to his or her skills and physical strength. Because students grow and develop at different rates, advancement to the next level will be different for each child. For instance, a child that has a growth spurt may need additional time to gain strength and coordination necessary to execute specific dance steps appropriately. Please do not assume that “something is wrong” if your child remains in his or her current level for more than one year. A student who carefully develops his or her technique early in the curriculum will reduce their risk of injury and will actually improve their rate and likelihood of advancement in later years.
Class Placement
Class placement is solely the decision of the Academy Directors and faculty. Class levels are determined by age, previous experience and ability. Every effort is made to place each student in the appropriate level.
A student must demonstrate consistent mastery of all technical and artistic aspects of his/her present class level in order to advance to the next level. Some students will need to remain for more than one year in certain levels.
It is our goal to assist students in attaining the highest levels of mastery and achievement through our dance curriculum. Because students progress at different rates, it is likely that some within a class level may be promoted to a higher level during the school year. In the rare instance that a student is promoted to a higher level during the school year, he/she will pay any additional tuition costs of the higher level on a pro-rated basis.
Class Descriptions
Pre-Ballet Program is for children ages 3 to 7 and is designed to develop an appreciation of music and dance. Students learn basic movement skills, develop rhythm and coordination, and increase listening and communication skills. Pre-Ballet students do not need to take a placement class. Pre-Ballet 3+ and Pre-Ballet 5+ classes last for 45 minutes.
Pre-Ballet 7+ is designed to prepare students for their first exposure to Ballet Idaho’s Classical Ballet curriculum at Level 1 or 1A. The class focuses on the mechanics of ballet vocabulary such as posture, turn-out, bending and lifting of legs, brushing of feet, spinning and jumping. Classes last for one hour.
Ballet 1 establishes basic ballet vocabulary, barre and center work, spatial awareness, coordination of the arms and legs. Classes last for one hour.
Ballet 2 continues training of ballet vocabulary by establishing more complex material such as pirouettes, jumps landing on one foot, port de bras and musicality. For girls, pre-pointe training (ankle strength, alignment, endurance) is added to a number of weekly classes and classes are increased to 90 minutes.
Ballet 3 builds on Ballet 2 material by raising the level of difficulty of already established exercises and adds new vocabulary. Ballet 3 level is a crucial landmark in a students’ training as it reveals potential for further progress in this discipline. Some students with potential to advance but with technical limitations may be required to repeat this level. For girls, pointe-training is added to a number of weekly classes which will increase those classes from 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Ballet 4 rounds out the introduction of new vocabulary and focuses on challenging the students’ technical efficiency and versatility. It also emphasizes musicality, interpretative skill and the ability to learn and perform complicated combinations of steps, turns and jumps.
For girls, pointe-training is added to a number of weekly classes which will increase those classes from 90 minutes to 2 hours. It is possible some students will repeat this level. Others may be invited to join the professional company of Ballet Idaho as trainees or apprentices at the discretion of the artistic staff. Still others may wish to pursue their professional studies elsewhere.
Ballet 101 / Adult Ballet is offered to people who are curious about the art of ballet, how ballet technique works and have not been enrolled in a regular ballet curriculum. Classes emphasize a simplified syllabus to teach basic mechanics and structure of classical ballet. We also offer Adult classes in Modern Dance, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Tone and Stretch, Hip-Hop and Creative Movement. Many of these classes are scheduled to coincide with Pre-Ballet and regular curriculum classes so that parents/guardians of Ballet Idaho students can enjoy the benefits of physical activity and learning.
Ballet Idaho Youth Ensemble is a pre-professional component of Ballet Idaho’s educational outreach program. It provides education in stage craft, stage etiquette, choreography and the teamwork and dedication required of any performing group, The Ballet Idaho Youth Ensemble will perform at local school assemblies and various local community events. Acceptance is by audition only and is open to enrolled Ballet Idaho Curriculum students in Level 2A and up who take at least 4 hours of Ballet instruction per week. Peter Anastos and Alex Ossadnik will direct the Youth Ensemble and provide choreography along with members of Ballet Idaho artistic staff. Rehearsals are scheduled twice weekly, up to 2 hours in length, separately from scheduled classes and require the participants to commit to attend each scheduled rehearsals.
The Directors will strive to cast each performance program in triplicate so that no one child will miss more school than is appropriate or allowable by their Academic school district. There is a Membership/Production Fee of $600 which includes costumes, props, scenery, production staff, transportation and administration.
Zumba is a Latin Dance-Fitness that fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that will blow you away. Zumba® Fanatics achieve long term health benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exhilarating class of caloric-burning, body-energizing, awe inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life! Resistance training is combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. There is a focus on increasing your strength and flexibility in the core. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you've got Zumba®! Zumba® promises to give you a GREAT workout while having a blast and will get you hooked right away!
The is a "monthly" club item. Pay one flat-fee per month and attend unlimited Open Adult Classes every month!
Ballroom Dancing includes the waltz, foxtrot, tango, salsa, cha cha and other dances from around the world. Ballroom dancing with a partner requires good balance, a sense of rhythm and strong body awareness. Ballroom dancing is a great way to improve your fitness and flexibility, relieve stress, and for students make you more popular at school dances.
The is a "monthly" club item. Pay one flat-fee per month and attend unlimited Open Adult Classes every month!
Tone & Stretch This class has been the catalyst in forming our Choice Fit Club. When this exercise class was formed we had no idea that it would grow to be what it has. It has forced us into having the desire to grow our Adult Classes and form them into a more “fitness” related program. We want to bring dance, health and fitness together for our adults and age appropriate students to create a program that is both fun, and good for the body. Tone and Stretch brings exercises into place that will increase both strength and flexibility as well as tone your body to prepare it for that summer suit. It is a 45 minute class that is packed full of abdominal, leg, chest, and arm exercises. A SURE way to get into shape fast! Join us for this class and learn the basics on what it takes to be tone.
The is a "monthly" club item. Pay one flat-fee per month and attend unlimited Open Adult Classes every month!
Dance Advance
Each year, our Learning Through Dance program, an in-school educational outreach activity, invites students from area schools to take part in Dance Advance – an Academy program that offers dance training to many who might not otherwise have the opportunity to study dance. A full academic year of lessons, class uniform and ballet shoes are provided free of charge to students who demonstrate talent, commitment, discipline and motivation. This scholarship is good for one year only, however, students of singular ability coupled with financial need may be extended to a second scholarship year at the discretion of the Academy Directors.
Summer Programs
Ballet Idaho Academy offers Summer Intensive Training programs with nationally-known guest teachers and Ballet Idaho principal dancers and artistic staff for intermediate and advanced students age 10 and older as well as dance camps for younger children. Qualified students at the advanced level are often invited to join the Ballet Idaho professional company as trainees or apprentices. Please check our website for information about these summer programs.
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