Class Schedule

Class Descriptions

Primary Division

Creative Movement (2 – 3 ½ yrs old)
2 - 3 ½ year old boys and girls explore the world of dance. This class is a great first stepping stone towards independence. The class encourages movement in an atmosphere of magical fairies, princesses and princes and animal friends. French ballet terminology, musicality and proper classroom etiquette is begun in a gentle loving environment. Class is 30 minutes. Emphasis is on learning to follow simple directions, taking turns, working right and left limbs and enjoying freedom of movement encouraging group interaction and teamwork.
Preballet 1 & Preballet 2 (3 ½ – 5 yrs old)
Boys and girls explore primary level ballet curriculum and terminology. Dance movement is practiced in groups, pantomime is learned, and steps are begun across the floor. Creative dance with crowns, tutus, streamers and fairy wand remain an essential part of this class. Preballet can be an excellent transition to the school classroom. Stretching exercises on the floor, skipping, hopping, and galloping steps are combined with creative dance to encourage musicality, spatial awareness and the pure joy of movement. French terminology is translated so the student knows the meanings. Group skill like following in lines and taking turns in an orderly fashion are class goals.
Class is 45 minutes
Preparatory Level 1 (5-6 yrs old)
5 - 6 year old boys and girls move from the imaginative explorations of preballet to the world of a standard ballet class. Students begin to learn basic ballet positions and exercises gaining strength and working towards proper placement, which allows for greater freedom in movement in the center of the room. Class time is increased for the kindergarten age child. Ballet primary curriculum and French terminology is presented. This class serves as a transition between the free spirit and creativity of preballet to the formally structured ballet class.
Classes are 1 hour long.

Children’s Division

Level 1 (6 - 7 yrs & older)
Students experience the beginning level of the Vaganova (Russian) curriculum with measurable milestones. Correct body placement, execution of dance material and retention of material and ability execute and participate in class. Classes emphasize development of ballet technique, vocabulary, flexibility, coordination and confidence. Students build on dance fundamentals, including body alignment and basic positions.
Classes are 1 hour long.
Teenage beginners may start at this level with a recommendation to take both level 1 classes or supplement with private or semi-private lessons to help them catch up with their age group.
Level 2 A & Level 2 B (8 - 10 yrs & older)
Children at this level begin a more structured class environment. They are introduced to more formal training of barre and center work. The focus is on building strength, technique and expression. Classes are one hour long, and students attend class twice a week, adding youth contemporary as a recommended addition.

Junior Division

Level 3 A (9 yrs & older)
Intermediate Vaganova curriculum is emphasized during barre, center and floor. Coordination, strength and development are maturing. The class continues to build on the repetition and reinforcement of new and previously learned exercises. Beginning preparation for future pointe work is begun, stressing the development of strength in the legs and feet through exercises on half-toe. Classes are 1 to 1 ½ hours. Students are encouraged to attend two 1 ½ hour technique classes and one Prepointe class each week with the recommendation to add PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) and Contemporary class.
Students must attend 3 classes per week to begin pointe work.
Level 3 B & Level 4 A (10 yrs & older)
Vaganova Curriculum continues at a higher level, and students can demonstrate good lines, strength and stamina as the complexity and difficulty of the class increases. Students may begin dancing on pointe, and they are strongly advised to attend classes a minimum of 4 classes a week to maintain and increase their speed, strength and stamina. Classes are 1 ½ hours long. Contemporary and PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) are highly recommended. (Students will be notified in writing when they are ready for pointe shoes).

Intermediate Division

Level 4 B (12 yrs & older)
More advanced Vaganova Curriculum is introduced. There is more emphasis on the classic line and performing. Pointe work is part of the weekly schedule for 1-2 hours per week. Classes are 1 ½ hours long. Class complexity and difficulty increases as students’ progress. Students remain at this level until they attain a level of proficiency necessary to pass to Advanced Division. Students should attend 5 classes a week and attend recommended Contemporary class and PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique)

Advanced Division

Level 5 (13 yrs & older)
Students continue to strengthen their ballet technique and develop a greater awareness of body movement. Pointe is integrated into class and complexity, and difficulty continues to increase. Students attend 6 ballet/pointe classes a week and have reached a high degree of technical proficiency. Classes are 1 ½ hours long. It is recommended that Contemporary and PBT are attended.
Level 6 (14 yrs & older)
Advanced Vaganova Curriculum is introduced. There is more emphasis on the classic line and performance. Pointe work is part of the weekly schedule for 1-2 hours per week. Classes are 1- 1 ½ hours long. Students remain at this level until they attain a level of proficiency necessary to pass to the next level. Private Conservatory and Pas de Deux are additionally offered at this level. All students should attend classes 5 days a week with optional Contemporary and PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique).
Level 7 (16 yrs & older)
Most advanced level for serious and pre-professional students who take at least 6 ballet classes a week and who have reached a high degree of technical proficiency. At this level, classes are 1 ½ hours long, with 2 ½ hours of pointe. Pre-professional students should attend 5 days a week and should include Contemporary and PBT. Students who have achieved the previous level goals in ballet technique and performance with good attendance are eligible for this level.

Class Descriptions

Ballet Academy Ventura

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