Classical Ballet

The Classical Ballet Program at Dance Arts Los Alamos is a progressive program that challenges dancers with the fundamentals of the Vaganova, Cecchetti, and RAD Techniques of Classical Ballet. Students are expected to master essential technique per level in order to progress to the next level up. Our instructors incorporate exercises that foster creative leadership, problem solving, teamwork, dexterity, flexibility, artistic expression, and so much more. At DALA, levels are based on ability and strength; age may be used as a guide when ability and strength are in question. The levels of our program are as follows:

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Pre-Ballet

This is the first level of Classical Ballet, in which the students begin learning basic terminology, positions and theory. Recommended 1 class per week for proper progression. (45 minutes per class)

Ballet 1

The second level of Classical Ballet reinforces the basic theories and fundamentals while adding more structure. This class also incorporates the complete Ballet Class model, which involves Barre, Center, and Grand Allegro. Recommended 1 class per week for proper progression. (1.25 hours per class)

Ballet 2

This level begins the Intermediate idea of Classical Ballet. Dancers are expected to exhibit knowledge and execution consistently in order to progress. This level is intended to begin the introduction of Pointe Technique. Recommended 2 classes per week for proper progression. (1.5 hours per class)

Ballet 3

Continuing with the Intermediate development of Classical Ballet, students are pushed to enhance their technical prowess with a consistent approach while being introduced to more difficult theories and fundamentals. Recommended 3 classes per week for proper progression. (1.5 hours per class)

Ballet 4

An introduction to the Advanced level of Classical Ballet. Students are expected to exhibit a full base of knowledge in theory, vocabulary and body control. The expectation of 90% attendance is required in order to progress and master the technique. Recommended 4 classes per week for proper progression. (1.5 hours per class)

Ballet 5

This is the final level of the program. Students in this level should be prepared for admission into a University Dance Program or perhaps a traineeship into a professional company upon completion of this level. Recommended 5 classes per week for proper progression. (1.5 hours per class)

Beginning Pointe (Ages 9-13)

This is the first level of Pointe Technique. It is intended for dancers that are working towards their first pair of pointe shoes and those that are in their first and second year of Pointe Technique. Strengthening and theory exercises will build a structured and safe foundation for higher levels of Pointe Technique. Recommended 2 classes per week for proper progression.

Pointe with Ballet 3 (Ages 11-18)

This is the second level of Pointe Technique. Students will enhance the basics they’ve learned in Pointe 2 while building consistency with new ideas and fundamentals in the technique. In order for consistent strength and structure, dancers need to avoid missing class. Recommended 2 classes per week for proper progression.

Pointe with Ballet 4/5 (Ages 14-18)

This is the highest level of Pointe Technique. Students will progress all they have learned and focus on artistry while learning todays most popular Classical Variations. Recommended 4 Classes per week for proper strength training.

Early Childhood

Creative Movement
(Ages 18 mos.-3)

Dance with Me creates joy by exploring movement through the use of music, the use of props, musical instruments and sing along songs. This is a nurturing and friendly environment for your child to explore and develop motor and coordination skills, promote creativity, stimulate imagination and self-expression. This course is constructed to include an accompanying adult.

Dance Exploration
(Ages 3-5)

The beginning of everything is discovery, and this class is exactly that. Children will be guided on a developmental journey that highlights structure, creativity, and fun.

Ballet/Tap
Jazz Theatre/ TapCombo
(Ages 5-7)

A combo class of Pre-Ballet and Tap dance or Jazz Theatre and Tap dance. Dancers will begin with Ballet/Jazz Theatre or Tap then halfway through the class switch to the other style. This class will help foster adaptivity and creative freedom. Great for increasing rhythm awareness and detail oriented concentration.

Pre-Ballet
(Ages 5-7)

The introduction of Classical Ballet Technique, this class is going to start any young dancer off on the right foot. Focusing on proper vocabulary, fundamentals of Cecchetti Technique, and the structure of a Classical Ballet Class, dancers will be prepared to progress with a solid foundation to work from.

Ballet 1
(Ages 7-9)

Ballet 1 is the primary beginning of our Classical Ballet Levels. Most students entering this level will be prepared properly from their time in our Pre-Ballet classes.

Ballet 2
(Ages 9-13)

Ballet 2 marks the final chapter of a young dancers training and the beginning of an intermediate dancer’s training. The barre is raised here, so to speak. All of the dancers interested in going en pointe at this level will be trained and examined every semester.