Phase 1: Foundations (Typically Grades 6-9, Ages 11-14)

During these foundational years, dancers are exploring different styles and building a strong technical base.

• Option 1: Kickstart (Beginning Level): Introduction to various dance genres, developing basic coordination, musicality, and body awareness.

  • Recommended Course Load:

    • Dance Conditioning: 1 class/week

    • Ballet: 1 class/week (essential for foundational technique)

    • Two Additional Technique Classes (choose from Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Poms): 2 classes/week

  • Progression: After demonstrating foundational understanding and physical readiness, dancers may be recommended for placement in SOAR Ballet Level A or RISE (depending on their primary interest).

• Option 2: SOAR Ballet Level A (Placement Required): Building on previous strong ballet foundation, developing proper alignment, posture, and basic ballet vocabulary. Introduction to pre-pointe exercises.

  • Recommended Course Load:

    • Dance Conditioning: 1 class/week

    • Ballet Technique: 2 classes/week

    • Prep for Pointe OR One Additional Technique Class (Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Poms): 1 class/week

  • Progression: With consistent effort and demonstrated technical proficiency, dancers progress to SOAR Ballet Level B.

• Option 3: RISE (Placement Required): Developing proficiency in multiple dance styles, building versatility, and exploring individual artistic expression.

  • Recommended Course Load:

    • Dance Conditioning: 1 class/week

    • Technique Classes (Ballet + 2 other styles from Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop): 3 classes/week

  • Progression: Continued development in chosen styles may lead to more advanced levels within RISE or, if a strong ballet foundation is established, potential consideration for higher levels of SOAR Ballet.

Phase 2: Intermediate Development (Typically Grades 7-10, Ages 12 -16)

Dancers in this phase are refining their technique, increasing strength and flexibility, and developing artistry.

• SOAR Ballet Level B (Placement Required): Strengthening ballet technique, expanding vocabulary, developing fluidity and musicality. Introduction to Pointe 1.

  • Recommended Course Load:

    • Dance Conditioning: 1 class/week

    • Ballet Technique: 2 classes/week

    • Pointe 1 OR One Additional Technique Class (Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Poms): 1 class/week

  • Progression: With continued progress and strength development, dancers advance to SOAR Ballet Level C.

• RISE (Placement Required): Increasing technical difficulty and nuance in chosen styles, fostering independence in movement and performance quality.

  • Recommended Course Load:

    • Dance Conditioning: 1 class/week

    • Technique Classes (Ballet + 2 other styles from Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop): 3 classes/week

  • Progression: Dancers continue to refine their skills within RISE, potentially focusing on specific genres or exploring opportunities for performance.

Phase 3: Advanced Studies (Typically Grades 10-12, Ages 15-18)

In their final high school years, dancers are often focused on pre-professional training, refining artistry, and exploring future pathways in dance.

• SOAR Ballet Level C OR D (Placement Required): Advanced ballet technique, complex combinations, variations, and refining pointe work (Pointe 2). Emphasis on performance quality and artistry.

  • Recommended Course Load:

    • Dance Conditioning: 1 class/week

    • Ballet Technique: 2 classes/week

    • Pointe 2 OR One Additional Technique Class (Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Poms): 1 class/week

  • Progression: Dancers at this level may be considering college dance programs, professional dance careers, or continuing their dance education at a higher level.

• RISE (Placement Required): Mastery of chosen dance styles, complex choreography, advanced movement vocabulary, and strong performance presence.

  • Recommended Course Load:

    • Dance Conditioning: 1 class/week

    • Technique Classes (Ballet + 2 other styles from Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop): 3 classes/week (at an advanced level)

  • Progression: These dancers are often well-prepared for collegiate dance programs, dance teams, or further exploration of their chosen dance genres.

• Placement is Key: Trust the professional judgment of the instructors for placement in SOAR and RISE. This ensures dancers are challenged appropriately and set up for success.

• Individual Progress Varies: Not all dancers will progress at the same rate. Encourage your child's effort and celebrate their individual achievements.

• Communication is Important: Maintain open communication with the instructors regarding your child's progress and any questions you may have.

• Listen to Your Dancer: Consider your child's passion and interests when exploring different styles within RISE.

• Ballet as a Foundation: Ballet serves as a foundational technique that cultivates crucial elements like posture, alignment, strength, and grace, which are invaluable assets that enhance a dancer's proficiency and artistry in many other dance genres they may pursue.

• Dance Conditioning: Dance conditioning is a vital component of your child's dance education, acting as the bedrock for their technical development and overall well-being. Think of it as cross-training specifically designed for dancers. These classes focus on building the essential strength, flexibility, core stability, and stamina needed to execute dance movements safely and efficiently. Consistent conditioning helps prevent injuries, improves balance and coordination, enhances body awareness, and ultimately allows dancers to progress further in their chosen styles with greater control and confidence. It truly empowers them to reach their full potential while minimizing risks.