Levels at the Dance Center clearly define the progression of mastery for each codified technique. This will include correct body alignment, positioning, execution of steps, quality of movement and musicality among many other aspects of dance. Levels will be implemented for ages 7 and older and will be consistently applied for Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap and Pointe (Pre-Pointe Level 2 and Pointe only offered for levels 3/4/5). Please take some time to review each of the levels and descriptions below.

What level is my dancer?

Level or class placement is at the discretion of the instructors. Placement for Levels 1 and 2 is based upon age, experience and overall ability to perform steps in particular levels. Typically it will take students 2-3 years to master each level and move on to the next level. In some rare circumstances there may be exceptions to this rule.

Levels 3 through 5 are not based upon age, placement in these levels depends entirely on body alignment, core strength, flexibility, experience, ability to perform and execute certain steps, maturity of dancer, consistency in dedication and attendance.

Intro to Dance / Level A and B 2-5 year

Intro to Dance Level A will introduce children to ballet positions, strengthening, flexibility, character dance, ballet centre work, creative expression, musicality and dance etiquette. In the Intro to Dance classes, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the enjoyment of the art of dance while maintaining the discipline required for any artistic endeavor. As the children age, we introduce ballet, modern, tap, hip hop and jazz technique to prepare our dancers for more rigorous technique classes as they age.

Intro to Dance Level B will introduce children to ballet positions, strengthening, flexibility, character dance, ballet barre work, ballet centre, ballet alligment, hip hop centre, tap centre, creative expression, musicality and dance etiquette. In the Intro to Dance classes, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the enjoyment of the art of dance while maintaining the discipline required for any artistic endeavor. As the children age, we introduce ballet, modern, tap, hip hop and jazz technique to prepare our dancers for more rigorous technique classes as they age. This class is taken independently with a Dance Center staff member.

Intro to Dance Classes

Monday Intro to Dance Level A 2/3 year 4:00-4:45 (parent and me optional)
Monday Intro to Dance Level B 4/5 year 4:45-5:30
Wednesday Intro to Dance Level A 3 year 5:00-5:45
Wednesday Intro to Dance Level B 4/5 year 5:45-6:30

Intro to Technique / Level C 6 year

Building upon the foundations of Intro to Dance, dancers in Intro to Technique will have a weekly rotation of Ballet Barre, Ballet Centre, Hip Hop Centre, Tap Centre, and Modern/Jazz Centre. In addition to the variety of Dance Techniques, this level will also focus on core elements of strengthening and flexibility, dance conditioning, musicality, character dance, ballet positions, proper ballet alignment, and dance etiquette delivered in a fun and inviting environment.

Intro to Technique Classes

Monday Intro to Technique Level C 6 year 5:30-6:30

Level 1 7-8 year

Level 1 ballet is an introduction to the structure, form and artistry of the art of ballet. This level will emphasize proper body alignment, stretching, strengthening, positioning, extensive barre exercises, traveling steps across the floor and understanding basic ballet terminology. Expression and musical awareness are taught through free movement , mime and storytelling. Other technique classes offered for level 1 are Hip Hop, Tap, and Modern/Jazz.

Level 1 classes

Wednesday Level 1 Hip Hop 4:00-4:45
Wednesday Level 1 Ballet 4:45-5:45
Wednesday Level 1 Modern/Jazz 5:45-6:30
Wednesday Level 1 Tap 6:30-7:15

Level 2 9-10 year

Level 2 ballet builds upon foundations learned and introduces students to the foundations of barre work in order to develop proper alignment and classical technique. Students continue to work on traveling steps with an introduction to grand allegro. At this level an emphasis is placed on turning, jumping, and linking steps. Introductory character work and free movement study provide students with an avenue for self expression and performance style. Students are expected to show awareness of basic technique appropriate timing and musicality. At this Level we offer Pre-Pointe to those dancers wanting to go on pointe when they are 11, this will be a required class if wanting to go on pointe in the next level. Other technique classes offered for level 2 are Hip Hop, Tap, and Modern/Jazz.

Level 2 Classes

Monday Level 2 Ballet/Pre Pointe 4:00-5:15 (Required for pointe at 11 years of age, also a core requisite to Ballet Level 2 on Tuesday)
Tuesday Level 2 Tap 4:15-5:00
Tuesday Level 2 Hip Hop 5:00-5:45
Tuesday Level 2 Modern/Jazz 5:50-6:35
Tuesday Level 2 Ballet 6:40-7:40

Level 3

Students at this level are given extended barre exercises with increasing demi pointe work, stretching and strengthening. Classical ballet lines should be established along with a new vocabulary for traveling steps, elevation and pirouettes. Students at this level have a strong understanding of classical vocabulary and can now adequately demonstrate use of line and musical performance. Dance conditioning and strengthening will be implemented in both the Ballet Level 3 classes on Monday’s and Thursday’s. Students in this level will have strengthening and conditioning during their technique classes.

Levels 3 placement is not based upon age, placement in these levels depends entirely on body alignment, core strength, flexibility, experience, ability to perform and execute certain steps, maturity of dancer, consistency in dedication and attendance.

Level 3 Classes

Monday Level 3 Ballet 5:15-6:45
Monday Level 3 Pointe 6:45-7:15
Monday Level 3 Modern/Jazz 7:15-8:15
Thursday Level 3 Tap 4:00-5:00
Thursday Level 3 Ballet 5:00-6:30
Thursday Level 3 Pointe 6:30-7:00
Thursday Level 3 Hip Hop 7:00-8:00

Level 4

Students continue to build their vocabulary with a new set of specific exercises at the barre and at center. At this level an emphasis is placed on detail and artistry, therefore, increasing stamina, concentration and discipline as required. Dancers at the this level have the opportunity to take Ballet Partnering, and Men’s Class. Students also have the ability to take Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Dance Conditioning, and Tap.

Levels 4 placement is not based upon age, placement in these levels depends entirely on body alignment, core strength, flexibility, experience, ability to perform and execute certain steps, maturity of dancer, consistency in dedication and attendance.

Level 4 Classes

Monday Level 4 Ballet 4:00-5:30
Monday Level 4 Pointe 5:30-6:00
Monday Level 4 Hip Hop 6:30-7:30
Tuesday Level 4 Modern 5:00-6:30
Tuesday Level 4 Jazz/Pilates 6:35-8:00
Wednesday Level 4/5 Ballet 3:30-5:00
Wednesday Level 4/5 Pointe 5:00-5:30
Wednesday Level 4/5 Ballet Partnering 5:30-6:00
Thursday Level 4 Tap 5:00-6:00
Thursday Level 4 Ballet 6:15-7:45
Thursday Level 4 Pointe 7:45-8:15

Level 5 / Pre-Professional

Students who have progressed to this preprofessional level, now have an extensive ballet vocabulary. At this level, articulate footwork and secure use of legs is crucial. Class work continues to improve the dancer’s spacial awareness and orientation of the body. Dancers continue to work on coordination of the whole body with the addition of fluidity of movement. Added steps include multiple pirouettes and beating jumps. Dancers at the this level have the opportunity to take Pilates, Ballet Partnering, and Men’s Class. At this Level students also have the ability to take Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Dance Conditioning, and Tap. This Level is invitation only and requires an in studio audition. Please contact The Dance Center to audition for Level 5 Pre-Professional program.

Levels 5 Pre Professional placement is not based upon age, placement in this level requires an in studio audition showcasing the ability for correct body alignment, core strength, flexibility, experience, ability to perform and execute certain steps, maturity of dancer, consistency in dedication and attendance.

Level 5 / Pre Professional Classes

Monday Level 5 Ballet En Pointe 6:15-8:00
Monday Level 5 Men’s Class 8:00-8:15
Tuesday Level 5 Hip Hop 4:00-5:00
Tuesday Level 5 Jazz 5:00-5:45
Tuesday Level 5 Pilates 6:00-6:40
Tuesday Level 5 Modern 6:45-8:15
Wednesday Level 4/5 Ballet 3:30-5:00
Wednesday Level 4/5 Pointe 5:00-5:30
Wednesday Level 4/5 Ballet Partnering 5:00-5:30
Thursday Level 5 Ballet 4:15-5:45
Thursday Level 5 Variations 5:45-6:15
Thursday Level 5 Men’s Class 5:45-6:15
Thursday Level 5 Tap 6:15-7:15