Academy of Ballet Arts follows a structured sequence of training stages intended to increase student’s technical skills, stamina and discipline in accordance with their age and physical development. We work hard to emphasize correct placement in order to prevent injury. Our curriculum embraces traditional ballet principles and incorporates elements of the French, Italian and Russian training systems. Our instructors have extensive experience and have a passion for teaching and sharing their love of dance. ABA’s methods help to provide a healthy and enjoyable learning environment and allow the students to experience a feeling of mastery in each level. It is a style that readily adapts to meet the demands of any choreographer, any company, and any style of movement.
*Students will be assessed on ability and accomplishment of certain expectations before being invited to participate in a higher level of training. Most students will remain in the same class for at least 2 years. Academy of Ballet Arts levels are not always dictated by age and do not coincide with academic grade levels or other dance school programs. We try to keep our program consistent with worldwide expectations and age appropriate development.
Class Levels weekly Requirements
Pre-Ballet: one ballet class per week. Tap/jazz or Combo recommended.
Advanced Pre-Ballet: minimum one ballet class per week. Two ballet classes per week and tap/jazz recommended.
Primary Ballet: minimum one ballet class per week. Two ballet classes per week and tap/jazz recommended.
Level 1B: minimum one ballet class per week. Two ballet classes per week and tap/jazz recommended.
Level 1A: minimum two ballet classes per week. Three ballet classes per week and contemporary recommended.
Level 2B: minimum three ballet classes per week. Four ballet classes, pre-pointe, and contemporary recommended.
Level 2A: minimum three ballet classes per week. Four or more ballet classes, pointe, and contemporary recommended.
Level 3: minimum four ballet classes per week. Five or more ballet classes, pointe, variations, contemporary, and floor barre recommended.
Level 4: minimum five ballet classes per week. Six or more ballet classes, pointe, variations, contemporary, and floor barre recommended.
Level 5: minimum six ballet classes per week. Seven or more ballet classes, Variations, Floor Barre, Pas de Deux (by invitation), and Contemporary
Level 6: minimum eight ballet classes per week plus Variations, Floor Barre, Pas de Deux, and Contemporary
Pointe Requirements
- The student must be 11 years or older to ensure safety and prevent damage of the growth plates.
- The student must have at least 3 years of training.
- The student must be attending a minimum of 3 classes a week consistently (for a total of 4.5 hours weekly). NO exceptions. The strength of the small muscles in the feet and ankles must be be strong.
- The student must pay attention in class and must work well. Going en pointe is a big step and requires commitment on the part of the student.
- The student must be of normal weight.
- The student must have enough flexibility in the ankle and foot to stand on pointe.
Ballet Dress Code
Ballet Classes: Students are required to wear their assigned dress code color leotard (see guide below),vpink tights, pink ballet shoes or pointe shoes, and hair in a ballet bun. Students not following the dress code will be asked to observe class that day.
• Pre-Ballet and Advanced Pre-Ballet: Light pink leotard (light pink skirt optional)
• Primary Ballet: Lavender leotard (light pink or lavender skirt optional)
• Level 1B/1A: Light blue leotard
• Level 2B/2A: Royal blue leotard
• Level 3: Teal leotard
• Level 4: Burgundy leotard
• Level 5/6: Black leotard
• Men: Black tights, white fitted t-shirt, black ballet shoes
Class Descriptions
Pre Ballet – (Ages 5-6) An introduction to ballet with beginning development of ballet concepts including turn out, coordination, spatial awareness and a specific focus on class etiquette. Students will begin positions of the feet, and introductory movement vocabulary.
Primary – (Ages 7 and up) The goal of Ballet Level 1 is to impart the fundamentals of classical ballet. Class will focus on basic ballet technique, proper body alignment, French terminology and musicality. Students will be introduced to elementary barre and center work. This class is offered once or twice a week.
Ballet Level 1B – (Ages 8 and up) As with each level, students are invited to Ballet Level 1 after they have demonstrated full understanding of the previous level. Body alignment and muscle awareness will determine progress. This class will focus on positions of the arms, direction of the body and increased movement vocabulary. This class meets twice weekly.
With this Level, students are given the option to add Contemporary, Tap or Jazz.
Ballet Level 1A– (Ages 8 and up) In Ballet Level 1A, attention is paid to the proper extension of the legs and shape of the feet, developing movement sequences, port de bras and balance. Students will see an increase in difficulty in barre and center work. Students begin focus on repetition and retention. This class meets twice weekly.
With this Level, students are given the option to add additional classes to strengthen their core, increase flexibility and round out their movement vocabulary. Students may choose from: Beginning Contemporary, Tap, Jazz.
Ballet Level 2 – Level 2B/2A students continue to develop extension of the legs and strength of the feet as well as more advanced barre and center work and port de bras throughout. This class meets three to 5 days a week.
Depending on individual progression and development, students may be given the opportunity to take pre-pointe and pointe classes.
With this Level, students are given the option to add additional classes to strengthen their core, increase flexibility and round out their movement vocabulary. Students may choose from: Contemporary, Jazz and Tap. Junior Company is also an option in Level 2A. Junior Company is by audition only.
Ballet Level 3 – Ballet Level 3 training becomes much more serious. Classes will focus on pointe work, pirouettes, use of the head and upper body, fluidity of port de bras as well as the intricacies of small and large jumps. This class meets four days a week.
With this Level, students are given the option to add additional classes to strengthen their core, increase flexibility and round out their movement vocabulary. Students may choose from: Contemporary, Floor Barre, Variations and Pointe.
(Students dancing at this level may be suited to the Open morning Ballet classes as an addition or alternative.)
Ballet Level 4 – Ballet Level 4 training becomes much more rigorous. Classes will focus on pointe work, multiple pirouettes, fluidity of movement as well as the intricacies of small and large jumps. This class meets five days a week with the option of six.
(Students dancing at this level may be suited to the Open morning Ballet classes as an addition or alternative.)
Ballet Level 5 – Ballet Level 5 classes are for the advanced ballet student. Only those who have a strong mastery of pointe work and a desire to pursue ballet seriously should attend. This class will pay attention to fine details, use of the upper body, breath of movement and expression as well as an increasingly advanced repertory of steps. This class meets five days a week with the option of six.
(Students dancing at this level are welcome to take the Open morning classes.)
Junior Company – ABA offers younger students the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a professional dancer and received individual coaching in preparation for VIBE and YAGP. As a company member, dancers learn to work in an environment with higher expectations and a more performance based setting than the average academy program. Students engage in rigorous rehearsals with the reward of year round performance opportunities. All students in Levels 3, 4 and 5 are welcome to participate!
Happy, Healthy Dancers…
Information on nutrition, health, and training for dancers. We recommend all parents educate themselves on proper nutrition for their dancers/athletes. Please eat a healthy, balanced diet.
The following pdf contains great info on health, diet, training, psychological health, and may answer many questions that parents and dancers have about their minds and bodies. Please seek professional guidance for any health concerns, injuries, diet, or mental health issues.
(No particular diet is endorsed or recommended by ABA. This PDF is for informational purposes only.)