Preparatory-Ballet I and II (beginning at 4 years old)
Pre-ballet is separated into two levels but spans over the ages of between 4 and 8 years old and is divided into two different age groups (4-6 years, 7-8 years).

These classes are tailored to a broad range of students who vary in both ability and experience even at the young ages of 4 to 8 years. The curriculum of study that is adhered to and followed is geared to teaching children various forms of experimental dance and movement exercises which prepare the children for the more technically demanding and challenging exercises of classical ballet and character dance including but not limited to: mastering the fundamentals of classical ballet, technical proficiency in basic exercises at the barre, adagio, petit allegro, epaulement, stretching, movement improvisation, the learning of syncopation with a variety of music and simple choreography, jumps, turns, pantomime, and play acting.


Ballet Level One (beginning at 9 years old)
Students begin learning elementary (Level 1) Vaganova Training Systems, Ltd exercises at the barre which will enable them to master the placement and coordination of the body including the use of the legs, arms, head, and torso.

During the first semester students are given exercises mostly facing the barre until total stability and aplomb are understood and mastered. Then the students are instructed to place one hand on the barre while executing the basic exercises and then during centre practice the students face the mirror. Students study basic port de bras with all the barre and centre exercises in order to develop coordination, artistry, musicality and strength.

The study of adagio is begun introducing simple combinations that challenge the mind as well as the body. The technique of turns is begun introducing half turns at the barre and later these turns are studied in the centre.

The students begin the study of basic petit allegro and the students learn the technique of the utilization of plie a quart and demi plie and when to use which form and which depth of plie. The basics of grand allegro are begun with special attention to musicality, phrasing and technical proficiency. In addition, all students learn the application of practical musical interpretation with all of the ballet exercises. The study of variations is available for levels one through three and these classes are conducted on pointe.

In addition, the instructor makes sure that the variations are suitable and correspondent to each individual student are taught immediately following the technique classes. The variation class concentrates on repertoire from the classical and contemporary canon and each student learns variations that enhance their artistry and technical level.


Ballet Level Two (beginning at 13 years old)
During this period of study, students learn to repeat the Level I exercises which are increased in number, difficulty and speed which enhances coordination and fluidity between the movements.
Students are introduced to exercises on demi pointe and pointe work and further attention is given to the arms and the head in order to emphasize the importance of the development of epaulement. Students are further instructed on personal artistry and they may have the opportunity of being included in scheduled practical exams and may be offered additional performing opportunities.

The study of demi pointe and basic turns begins in the center of the studio, as does the study of simple directional center exercises, which may include a variety of different jumps. The students continue to develop technical proficiency of the steps included at this level in the curriculum and they also develop a personal sense of artistry thereby preparing them for future performing opportunities.


Ballet Level Three (beginning at 16 years old)
At this level a number of sequential training methods are taught including exercises to increase flexibility, aplomb and stability. Students at this level study all movements at the barre on demi pointe after rond de jambe parterre and in addition basic turns are introduced at the barre. The students study more complex forms of adagio in the centre mastering all the directions of the body and incorporating epaulement in all the enchainesments. The study of turns is intensified and all exercises are executed on demi pointe. The enchainesments for petit allegro and for grand allegro is more complex involving transference of weight at greater speeds.

The pointe work section of the lesson is increased in technical difficulty enabling the students to progress in their individual mastery of the classical ballet canon and consequently opening them to working on repertoire variations.


Ballet Professional Level
The students enter this class by invitation only as the class corresponds to Vaganova level 9 which is the highest level taught in the Vaganova curriculum. In addition, the students learn variations from the classical ballet repertoire in order that they begin to incorporate individual interpretation. The variation study is executed all on pointe and each student begins this section of their studies by learning variations that most suit their body type and individual abilities.

In some cases, depending upon the age and level of ballet/dance experience an adult may be invited to join the professional class if they have obtained prior training before attending our programs. An adult may need to participate in the lower levels in order to catch up with the other dancers who have already been trained in the Vaganova technique for several years and who have amassed a level of technical proficiency whereby the dancers do not hinder the speed or content of the class. Very often, adults are recommended by the staff to supplement their regular training with the addition of private instruction.

This is especially the case for the aspiring dance student who is attending a university based dance program.

VARIATION STUDY
The majority of the girls Variation classes are instructed personally by Nadezhda Kalmanovskaya who has performed all the variations professionally and who has studied the classicalrepertoire/variations for over more than 40 years under the careful attention of legendary ballet coaches: Natalya Dudinskaya, Ninella Kurgapkina, Svetlana Beriosva, Elena Evteyeva, Dame Beryl Grey, Alexis Rassine, Pieter van der Sloot, Leonid Kozlov, Gennadi Selyutsky and many other leading ballet coaches.

Men’ variation classes are instructed by Golden Koscuik, and from time to time guest instructors may be invited to assist in the variation learning process. As concerns original choreography (neo classical, jazz, and or other forms of contemporary dance) to be completed by students at competitions, Artistic Director, Golden Koskuik is assigned to set these choreographies.

In general, students learn the corresponding variations (depending upon age and level) from the classical ballets as a group and the students attend repertoire classes three or more times per week for approximately ten weeks in order to prepare for inclusion in resident performances.

For the most serious ballet students, preparation for annual, national and international ballet competitions requires a time commitment from each student of approximately one year or more in preparation for certain competitions, not including additional expenses related to dance clothing, performance costumes, pointe shoes, and travel/hotel, etc.

Outline for Variations, Levels One-Three
Students learn the exact choreography from, but not limited to, one or more of the following classical ballets, depending upon the prerequisites as set by the individual competitions themselves: “Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, La Bayadere, Le Corsair, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, and Coppelia”.

UNIFORM CODE
Listed colors are for female participants per level; boys' requirements listed below.
Preparatory-Ballet I
Beginning 4 years old:
Pink Tights, Pink Leotards, Pink Ballet Shoes

Preparatory-Ballet II
Beginning 6 years old:
Pink Tights, Royal Blue Leotards, Pink Ballet Shoes

Level One
Beginning 9 years old:
Pink Tights, White Leotards, Pink Ballet Shoes

Level Two
Beginning 13 years old:
Pink Tights, Navy Blue Leotards, Pink Ballet Shoes

Level Three
Beginning 16 years old
Pink Tights, Black Leotards, Pink Ballet Shoes

Boys of all ages:
Black Tights, Support Belt, White Tee Shirt, Ballet Shoes, White Socks

Girls of all ages:
Hair up in bun, no dangling earrings, no shirts, no shorts, no sweats, no skirts, Pointe shoes use is at the discretion of the directors

Girls and Boys:
Only clean uniforms will be allowed in class

Adults:
Appropriate attire required to enter any dance class