Children Division
Pre-Professional Division
Jazz Division

Children's Division

The Children's Division offers introductory classes to students ages 5-7. This division is a prelude to formal dance instruction. It introduces children to the basic steps and terminology, music, rhythm and movement, while promoting creativity and group interaction. Auditions are not required for the Children's Division.

To register a child in the Children's Division, please call (305) 929-7007. A copy of each child's birth certificate is needed upon registration.

The Children's Division:

Mommy and Me Music and Movement Class
For four-year-olds and their mommies and daddies.

Creative Movement
For kindergarteners (ages 5 and up) -- Please note: Students must be 5 years old by September 1st of the new school year.
Meets once a week for one hour

Ballet Preparatory I
For first graders (ages 6 and up)
Meets once a week for one hour

Ballet Preparatory II
For second graders (ages 7 and up)
Meets once a week for one hour
Emphasis on basic ballet technique

Pre-Professional Division

The goal of this division is to prepare students for professional dance careers. Admission is by audition only and students must meet specific requirements. Applicants need to be young enough to derive the maximum benefits from their training. They must also have a body type suited for the demands of classical dance: a well-proportioned, flexible, coordinated body; legs that easily assume the turned-out condition; and a high instep. Students must be at least eight years old. There are age limits for classes in this division.

The faculty assesses the progress of all students on an on-going basis, and re-evaluates students as they advance from one level to the next. Enrollment is not automatically renewed from year to year. Many factors enter into this decision, including: attendance, individual progress in acquiring technique and strength, a maturing body type, and a positive attitude toward ballet instruction.

Curriculum

An intensive course of study in the technique of classical ballet is fundamental to the preparation of a professional dancer. Students in this division are placed in levels according to age, experience, and ability. This structured training sequence is designed to increase the students' technical skills in accordance with their age and physical development.

Younger students take two to three technique classes a week. As students develop, they take up to three classes a day. Advanced students take separate male and female classes in Technique and Variations. Pointe for girls and Partnering classes round out the curriculum, although sometimes, corresponding courses in Character and Jazz will be offered.

All classes are to live piano accompaniment, a critical element in developing a student's understanding of the relationship between music and movement.


Jazz Division

The dance world is evolving and Jazz is now an important and crucial element in professional dance companies. This program is made up of a mixture of both classical ballet and jazz training. It prepares students for the professional dance companies of today, as well as gives them a sense of achievement and discipline, should they decide not to continue to dance professionally. The Jazz program is based on a system of different levels, similar to the Ballet program. Students who work hard and master the classes will advance to the next level at the end of the year.