Ballet
Our ballet program is based on the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum developed by Franco De Vita and Raymond Lukens along with the Artistic & Medical Advisory Boards for the American Ballet Theatre. This curriculum is rooted in movement fundamentals and incorporates the French, Italian, Danish, and Russian schools of training. We focus on balance, alignment, coordination, and musicality to give students a strong ballet foundation, which can be useful in all styles of dance.
Our ballet classes uphold a “task-involving climate” in which teachers encourage collaborative learning, effort, and positive self-talk ; we view mistakes as part of the learning process. Our teachers strive to be good role models, set effective goals, and focus on helpful corrections. We feel dance education, specifically ballet, can encompass math, science, art, creative thinking, physical exercise, and A LOT of fun!
Each level has a required amount of classes that each student must take to further their advancement. If you wish to perform in our Winter and Spring Performances you must participate in repertoire class. Additional rehearsals will NOT take place.
*Please note: If you have scheduling conflicts you may fill class requirements with any level below the one you are assigned.
Requirements are based on safe practices for physical health, proper development, and a well rounded dance curriculum. Age, physical development, and strength are key factors in leveling.
Recommendations are not requirements, but instead are suggestions made to support growth across all dance styles and help to build a more versatile performer.
Our studio is equipped to provide rigorous training for those with professional aspirations, while remaining flexible to those with goals outside the professional realm. Students with busy outside schedules, or students who want to try dance for the first time, can and are encouraged to participate with even just one dance class a week!
We have designed our leveling for all ages, abilities, and commitment levels.
Ballet Class Levels and Dress Code
| Ballet Level (Age) | Requirements to Perform | Recommendations for Additional Classes/Styles | Dress Code |
| Pre-Primary
(Ages 3 – 5) |
1 Ballet/Tap (combined) class per week | Ballet leotard with or without skirt, tights, ballet shoes, and tap shoes. Hair pulled back in a bun. | |
| Primary
(Ages 5 – 7) |
1 Ballet class per week and Saturday Rehearsals (Schedule TBD) | Primary Tap and/or Acro 1 | Ballet leotard with or without skirt, tights, and ballet shoes. Hair pulled back in a bun. |
| Level 1 A/B
(Ages 7+) |
1 Ballet class per week and Saturday Rehearsals (Schedule TBD) | Tap 1, Jazz 1, Contemporary 1 | Light Blue Leotard with tights and ballet shoes. Hair pulled back in a bun. |
| Level 2 A/B
(Ages 9+) |
2 Ballet classes per week and Level 2 Repertory class
Or 1 Ballet class and 1 other style dance class per week and Level 2 Repertory |
Tap 1, Jazz 1, Contemporary 1 | Royal Blue Leotard with tights and ballet shoes.
Short Black ballet skirts are allowed. |
| Level 3 A/B
(Ages 11+) |
3 Ballet classes per week and Level 3 Repertory class
Or 2 Ballet classes and 1 other style dance class per week and Level 3 Repertory |
Tap 2, Jazz 2, Contemporary 2 | Burgundy Leotard with tights and ballet shoes. Short Black ballet skirts are allowed. Hair pulled back in a bun. |
| Level 4 A/B
(Ages 12+) |
3 Ballet classes per week and Level 4 Repertory class
Or 2 Ballet classes and 1 other style dance class per week and Level 4 Repertory |
Tap 2, Jazz 2, Contemporary 2 | Black Leotard with tights and ballet shoes. Short Black ballet skirts are allowed. Hair pulled back in a bun. |
| Level 5/6
(Ages 14+) |
4 Ballet classes per week, Level 5/6 Repertory class, and Contemporary Repertory
Or 3 Ballet classes and 1 other style dance class per week, Level 5/6 Repertory, and Contemporary Repertory |
Tap 3/4, Jazz 3, Contemporary 3 | Any color leotard with tights and ballet shoes. Short ballet skirts are allowed. Hair pulled back in a bun. |
Pointe Class Levels and Dress Code
Dancers who choose not to dance on pointe are still welcome to perform in flat shoes and can always take pointe/pre-pointe classes on flat to help gain strength.
NOTE: Dress code is the same for Pointe Class as is required for Ballet Class.
| Pointe Level (Age) | Requirements for Pointe Class | Additional Requirements for Performance |
| Level 3A
(Ages 10+) *Pre-Pointe |
2 Ballet Technique Classes per week and 1 Pre-Pointe Class | Level 3 Repertory and 1 Additional Style of Dance |
| Level 3B
(Ages 11+) |
2 Ballet Technique Classes per week and 1 Pointe Class | Level 3 Repertory and 1 Additional Style of Dance |
| Level 4 A/B
(Ages 12+) |
3 Ballet Technique Classes per week and 1 Pointe Classes | Level 4 Repertory and 1 Additional Style of Dance |
| Level 5/6
(Ages 14+) |
3 Ballet Technique Classes per week and 2 Pointe Classes | Level 5/6 Repertory and 1 Additional Style of Dance |
Repertoire (“Rep” for short) is our built-in rehearsal time for Ballet Levels 2 and up. Additional rehearsal times will not be needed as students will learn their pieces for Winter and Spring Shows during this time.
If you are in Ballet Level 2 or above, and are not in Rep, then you will not be in the Ballet pieces in either the Winter or Spring Performances.
Please refer to your Ballet Level for Repertoire Requirements. Dress codes for Repertoire are the same as the respective Ballet Levels.
Tights can either be pink, black, or match your skin tone. Black leggings (must be form fitting) may be worn over tights during Ballet technique classes.
Adult Footed Tights – LINK
Child Footed Tights – LINK
Adult Transition (Convertible) Tights – LINK
Child Transition (Convertible) Tights – LINK
Boys Tights – LINK
Mens Tights – LINK
Warm ups (i.e. sweatpants, cardigans, other additional attire) may be worn for the beginning exercises of class but should be removed once warmed up.
- For any level lower than 4, recommend that students have full length sole leather ballet flats pictured below:
- Level 4+ can choose to have split sole shoes, either leather or canvas depending on the student’s preference.
For first time pointe shoe buyers, we recommend going to a local dance store to try on various styles. We recommend supporting the following local dance stores:
La Luna Dancewear
(they have a list of our ballet dress code and do pointe shoe fittings!)
33 Bullet Hill Rd
Suite 307
Southbury CT 06488
(203) 262-1829
https://www.lalunadancewear.com
La Luna Dancewear
33 Bullet Hill Rd
Suite 307
Southbury CT 06488
(203) 262-1829
https://www.lalunadancewear.com