Classical Ballet

Classical Ballet Program

Ages 7-18+

Program Structure

The heart of the Academy is, of course, Ballet.

Students are divided into five levels, starting at age seven. Each successive year, the number of technique classes increases as the skill and ability of the student progresses. Pointe work begins upon individual student readiness, no earlier than Level 3.

For Upper Division students, two tracks are available – Academy and Ballet Yuma.

Academy track meets three to four times per week for ballet technique, pointe and contemporary dance. The Ballet Yuma track is an intensive program for the serious young dancer, typically ages twelve and up. Study is required five or six days a week and stage training and performing opportunities are provided by Ballet Yuma.

Lower Division

Beginning Ballet

new First and Second graders

• class meets once per week for one hour

Junior Ballet
First graders with Pre-ballet/ECD experience and new second graders

• class meets once per week for one hour

Level 1

by placement only beginning at age 8

dancers typically spend 1 year in Level 1

• Level 1 is the first level at the Academy where dancers can enroll in an optional supplemental class

Required: Level 1 Ballet class once per week for one hour

Supplemental: Conditioning + Jazz Flex for Level 1

Level 2

by placement only- experienced dancers who have completed Level 1 or older beginners

dancers typically spend 2 years in Level 2 (2B, 2A)

skill level- beginner

• Level 2 is the first level at the Academy where dancers attend classes twice per week

Required: Level 2 Ballet class twice per week for one hour and 15 min each class

Supplemental: Jazz Flex + Intro to Contemporary for Level 2

During their second year of Level 2 (2A), dancers begin take ballet class three times per week and start to incorporate preparatory work for pre-pointe training.

Upper Division

Level 3

by placement only- experienced dancers who have completed Level 2

dancers typically spend 3 years in Level 3 (3C, 3B, 3A)

skill level- intermediate

• Level 3 dancers attend classes 3-4 days per week and are eligible to participate in Ballet Yuma's Workshop Dancer program

Required: Level 3 Ballet class three per week for one hour and 30 min each class

Supplemental:

• Jazz Flex + Contemporary C

• Conditioning

Dancers in Level 3 begin pre and beginning pointe training upon teacher approval and dancer ability.

Level 4

by placement only- experienced dancers who have completed Level 3

dancers can stay in Level 4 throughout the remainder of their training at the Academy

skill level- high intermediate

• Level 4 dancers attend classes 4-6 days per week and are eligible to participate in Ballet Yuma's Workshop Dancer program or may be asked to audition to be a Company Member Dancer of Ballet Yuma's pre-professional company

Required:

• Ballet class 4-6 per week for one hour and 30 min each class

• Pointe 1-2 days per week for 45 min - 1 hr each

Supplemental:

• Jazz Flex + Contemporary B or A (by placement)

• Conditioning

Full program required for Ballet Yuma Company Dancers

Level 5

by placement only- experienced dancers who have shown pre-professional potential

skill level- advanced

• Level 5 dancers attend classes 6 days per week and are eligible to audition to be a Company Member Dancer of Ballet Yuma's pre-professional company

Required:

• Ballet class 6 per week for one hour and 30-45 min each class

• Pointe 1-2 days per week for 45 min - 1 hr each

• Jazz Flex + Contemporary A

• Conditioning

Full program required for Ballet Yuma Company Dancers

August - May