All class placements are subject to revision based on the teacher’s recommendation.  Students should expect to participate in each level a minimum of two years.  Please note that the minimum age must be met by September 1 for each school year.  Questions?  Feel free to call us or email us at info@howardcountyballet.org.

Preschool Division  Ages 2 ½-6—No prior dance training required

These classes are designed to foster a love for dance and to teach the basics of movement and fundamentals of music in a developmentally appropriate manner while stressing creativity and imagination.  

Preschool Ballet – Ages 2 1/2 -5 – No prior dance training required

Dance Basics – Ages 2 ½ -3 – No prior dance training required

Pre-Ballet- Ages 4-6, No prior dance training required

This class is designed for the kindergarten student who has had limited dance training or a pre-schooler who has completed at least one prior year of dance. This class is more structured than Dance Basics and will concentrate on learning preparatory ballet skills.  Excellent preparation for Ballet Level A.

Youth Division Ages 6-18- School uniform and traditional rules of ballet etiquette are taught and enforced as developmentally appropriate in this division.

Ballet Level A –Minimum age 6; one to two years prior dance training recommended and must be in 1^st grade or above.

This class will introduce a more formal ballet class. Emphasis is placed on learning the fundamentals of ballet training.           

Ballet Level B -Min. age 8; 2-3 years of prior dance training required

This class is designed to continue teaching a solid ballet technique while challenging the dancer with new steps. The dancer will be learning longer combinations and will be asked to apply corrections and show steady improvement.  Dancers are required to take two classes per week at this level.

Ballet Level C-Min. age 10; Approval of Instructor Required

This class is designed to train the emerging dancer. Training will concentrate on gaining strength and flexibility while continuing to learn new steps and combinations. This class will provide a challenge. Dancers may be placed “En Pointe” as strength and age allows (this is strictly enforced by approval of the

instructor).  Dancers at this level are required to take three technique classes per week and are encouraged to take more.

Ballet Level D- Min. age 12, Approval of Instructor Required

This class is designed for the serious ballet student. Training will concentrate on producing a well-rounded ballet dancer. Technique, strength, flexibility and discipline are among the elements that will be stressed. Dancers at this level are required to take three technique classes per week and are encouraged to take more.

Youth Beginning Ballet- ages 9-13

This class is designed for the beginner ballet student in the third grade or above.  It covers the same curriculum as Levels A and B but at a pace more appropriate for the older beginner. Students spend up to three years in this class and transition into the regular youth or teen/adult program as recommended by the instructor.

*** Classes specified as Youth classes with no age indicated, such as Modern/Lyrical and Jazz, are open to ages 7-13. Pre-professional classes require permission of instructor and are intended for youth dancers who have passed Level D.

Teen/Adult Division Ages 14 and up

Jazz

Emphasis is placed on learning the fundamentals of a variety of jazz styles.       

Beginner Ballet

Emphasis is placed on learning the fundamentals of ballet training.       

Intermediate Ballet

This class is designed to continue teaching a solid ballet technique while challenging the dancer with new steps and more complex combinations.

Intermediate/Advanced  Ballet-  Approval of Instructor Required

This class is designed for the serious ballet student. Development of technique, strength, flexibility, and discipline continues and artistry gains more emphasis. Students should come prepared to work with a mature attitude toward their training. Dancers at this level are required to take three technique classes per week and are encouraged to take more.

***Students approved for pointe classes must take a minimum of three ballet technique classes per week.***