Guidelines for Class Levels
Below please find a general class level break down. It is imperative that parents realize that students do not benefit from being put in a higher level. IF ANYTHING, THEY DEVELOP SOME VERY BAD HABITS IF THEY ARE NOT READY TO BE MOVED UP. Parents tend to look at their child through a “parents” eye, not a technical eye. We on the other hand, realize the importance of students being in their correct level as this is when they become solid in their technical training. If a student tells you they are” bored” in the level of class they are in, we are here to tell you, technical placement is review, review, review and sometimes can be quite mundane. However we as teachers know when they are not solid in the way they position themselves or when they are not physically or mentally able to handle the next level. We will absolutely NOT hold a child back who we feel can benefit from going into a harder class as a push class, however we will absolutely NOT put a child up to the next level just because they think they are ready…WE ARE THE PROFESSIONALS-LET US DO OUR JOB. We always have been and will always be looking out for the best interest of the student-not the egos of the parents or students, sorry! This year at Studio One, we are attempting to put every student in the levels that they should be in. Now that we have the extra studio space, we are delighted to offer more of the correct classes at convenient times. Below please find the breakdown of the class levels. Please place your child in the level according to this general guideline. If we feel a child is put in the wrong level we will switch them right away, so please look at the guideline carefully.
*Note: IMPORTANT- IF YOU HAVE NOT TRAINED OVER THE SUMMER, YOU MUST GO BACK INTO THE SAME LEVEL YOU WERE IN PRIOR TO THE SUMMER BREAK. TEACHERS WILL MOVE YOU UP AS SOON AS YOU ARE BACK TO YOUR PRIOR LEVEL.
Mommy and Me
Introducing dance through a fun and unique learning experience where “mommy” is present and interactive with child. Students are taught how their bodies work through song and dance. Pre-dance skills are acquired through games, props, and imagination. This program is a basic foundation for the 4 year pre dance/movement class.
Pre Dance and Pre movement
This is an intro level class for 4 year olds. Students in this class are having fun while they learn to coordinate memory with body movement. Musicality and body awareness play an important part of this level.
Combo (1 ½ hr)
This dance class introduces the 5-7 year old student to the three technical cores of dance: ballet, tap and jazz. 25 minutes is spent on each discipline. Emphasis is put on proper pre- placement of extremities while having a good time. Children who are not ready to do 1 hr of each discipline benefit greatly from the combo series.
Combo (1 hr)
This combo combines the half hour of ballet with a half hour of jazz. This class works great for the young student who is not quite ready for an hour of those disciplines. This class is followed by 1 full hr of beg tap for those that are a little more mature and more focused.
Level 1A
Beginning class for 7-10 yr olds. Has had very little dance training or none.
Level 1A+
Beginning class for 10-12 yr olds. Has had very little dance training or none.
Level 1B
Can execute a 3 step pattern (pas de bourrèe), pivot turn, kick ball- change, chasse, chanay turn. Can releve to half point with locked supporting leg, and hold balance. Can do a kick with their hip under most of the time and their feet strongly planted in first position. Can properly place feet and legs in splits.
Level 1B+
Has taken 1B for at least 1 year, and can do all of the above as well as attempt the beginning of a clean single/double turn, and a Grande jette with arms correctly placed. They can position their legs properly for kicks and are not inverting their hips.
Level 1-2- (low intermediate)
Can execute clean turns in releve’ WITH a clean spot, can do a clean grand jette and extend through feet; can execute a proper fan kick with proper placement; can do barrel rolls properly, can do all three splits properly; can kick in releve’ with correct hip placement. Students are beginning to execute beginning level lay outs and place extremities of hands and feet correctly-they are not sick ling their feet.
Level 2- (intermediate)
YOU WILL BE IN THIS LEVEL FOR A LONG TIME. You can not be at an intermediate level if you have only taken one ballet and one jazz class per week. Students in this level must have steadily taken 2 ballet 2 jazz class minimum in the level 1-2 for at least a year prior and been consistent... Students who come in at this level can do all of the above as well as a CLEAN DOUBLE/triple turn into a fan. They can hold their hip in a 2nd position to the side and an arabesque WITH CORRECT HIP PLACEMENT. They are correctly positioning their back and feet on layouts; they can do kicks in releve away from the bar and hold their placement. They can also do many moves in the air, including leaps fans etc.
Level 2+ (intermediate +)
Same as above, however has been in the 2 class for awhile and can do controlled layouts, variety of turns with different foot and arm placement, and starting to do scissor leaps. Strength of body is coming. The students taking this class are more focused and serious about their training and are always consistent in class. Most students are working on triple turns and turn sequencing. This is the level where “style of dance” becomes important and starts taking hold. Dances should begin to flow and students should start dancing the in between steps.
Level 3 and above (high intermediate to advanced)
If you have not had at least 2 years of intermediate point, you should not be in any class of this level. These students have trained for years in ballet and jazz, and they are strong enough to execute fouette turns PROPERLY flat and on point and should have great control over their center line. Students at this level should be able to match the “style” of the Sr. teacher. NO STUDENT will be allowed INTO THIS LEVEL OF /CLASS WITHOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF INEZ, THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR.
Adult classes
All of our adult classes teach hi-beginning students to intermediate in the same class. Adults enjoy the “adult” life of these classes and can go at there own pace with other adults as our teachers are all experienced multilevel class teachers for these adult classes. Lots of sweating, lots of fun!