DALA’s robust classical ballet program is structured into five levels designed to progress students from technique fundamentals through pre-professional performance level, while engendering lifelong love of this time-honored art form. The curriculum is based primarily in Cecchetti technique and the American Ballet Theatre – National Training Curriculum with certified, qualified instructors leading each class. We also over conditioning classes based in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). Once in level 2, dancers may elect to be evaluated for pointe readiness through a comprehensive exam which assesses alignment, strength, vocabulary and theory to ensure dancers begin pointework safely. Alongside technique classes, dancers in level 3 and above may enroll in Variations to learn classical ballet repertoire, and Pas de Deux classes to gain skills in classical partnering. We strive to prepare our Classical Ballet students for the professional ballet world through pre-professional training programs and opportunities including our Winter Performance, invitation-only ADC-IBC or YAGP opportunity, full length Spring Ballet and more.
As a guideline, DALA recommends taking the number of technique classes per week equivalent to the number of the level you have been placed in; for example, a dancer in Ballet 3 is advised to take at least three ballet technique classes per week. Dancers who are en pointe are required to take a minimum of two ballet technique classes and two pointe technique classes per week to build consistent strength and avoid injury.
DALA students who have progressed through the ballet program have earned numerous acceptances to national summer intensives and year-round pre-professional training programs, top placements at YAGP, and continued on to dance for professional companies. Ballet teaches discipline, perseverance, work ethic, and imagination at all levels – skills that translate to many areas of life and career paths!
Students who demonstrate exceptional commitment and growth in the Classical Ballet Program may be invited to participate in ballet competitions including Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) or American Dance Competition – International Ballet Competition (ADC-IBC). Dancers who are interested in being considered for invitations are encouraged to express their interest to program directors and enroll in a robust schedule of level-prescribed classes for the preceding year to hone their skills and stamina.
What is Cecchetti Ballet?
The Cecchetti method is one of many ballet techniques that DALA teaches. The Cecchetti Method was developed by Enrico Cecchetti (1850–1928), an Italian ballet master, dancer, and teacher. He trained and performed during the height of classical ballet in Europe and later became one of the most influential teachers of the early 20th century. Cecchetti formalized his teaching into a codified system of daily exercises, structured progressively by level. His method was designed to build dancers logically, scientifically, progressively, and intelligently so that artistry grows from technical mastery. Today, the method is overseen by organizations such as The Cecchetti Council of America (CCA) and The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD – UK). It is used worldwide as a structured syllabus-based training system.
Who is eligible for DALA’s Cecchetti classes?
DALA Dancers placed in Ballet Level 1/2, Level 2, Level 2/3, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 are eligible to take either (or both) Cecchetti Grade 1 or Cecchetti Grade 2. DALA Adult Dancers are eligible to take Adult Cecchetti Ballet.
Class content
Classes are 60-90 minutes long and will include the Cecchetti method for the listed Grade.
Tuition, Registration, Dress Code, Performance
Regular Class Tuition, Regular Class Registration, Regular Class Dress Code. DALA Cecchetti classes will NOT be performing as they are technique based classes.
What to bring
It is encouraged that the parents purchase the following resources to support their dancers:
Level Booklets – Detailed description of each exercise
Class Music – Complete music set for all exercises
Details for procuring the above resources will be provided by their Instructor.
Additional Opportunities and Fees
Once students have mastered the curriculum and technique for each Grade, the instructor will invite students to be presented for a practice exam or a formal exam. The formal exam is an opportunity for serious dancers to receive feedback from examiners that travel across the nation to evaluate the country’s best Cecchetti dancers. Passing or being presented for a Cecchetti exam is not a requirement to take the next level of Cecchetti classes at DALA.
There are additional costs associated with the practice exam and the formal exam. These will be communicated to families prior to the event.