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 roles 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. Please speak to the director of the Ballet Department (Elizabeth Parkinson) for permission to take less than the required amount of classes (this will be on a case by case basis).
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.
Ballet Class Levels
The Fineline Dance Recommendations are not requirements but guidelines. We strive to be flexible for participants with busy outside schedules or those who just want to dip their toes into dance! We also enjoy providing rigorous training for those with professional aspirations. It is possible and encouraged to participate with even just one dance class a week. Leveling is designed for all ages, abilities, and commitment levels.
Recommendations 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.
Pre Primary—Ages 3-4
Class is offered on Saturdays; students are welcome to attend the performances as our favorite audience members! *Students must be potty-trained*
Primary Level—Ages 5-6
Minimum of: 1 ballet class per week
*Winterfest & Springfest participation optional, rehearsals occur outside of class time*
Level 1A: Ages 7 and up
Minimum of: 1 ballet class per week
*Winterfest & Springfest participation optional, rehearsals occur outside of class time*
Level 1B: Ages 8 and up
Minimum of: 1 ballet classes per week, twice a week encouraged.
*Winterfest & Springfest participation optional, rehearsals occur outside of class time*
Ballet Level 2A and Level 2B (Ages 9 and up) Dancer should expect to spend two years in level 2.
Recommendations:
2 Ballet Technique Classes
Jazz 1
Contemporary 1
Tap 1
There are no additional requirements to perform in jazz, contemporary, or tap classes. Choreography is learned in class during the winter/spring sessions.
Dancer participating in one technique class will most likely spend three years in level 2.
Ballet Performance Requirement:
2 Ballet Technique Classes
Level 2 Repertory
~Or~
1 Ballet Technique Class
Jazz 1 and/or Contemporary 1
Level 2 repertory
Ballet Level 3a (Ages 10 and up) Dancers should expect to spend two to three years in Level 3.
Recommendations:
3 Ballet Technique Classes
Level 3 Repertory
Jazz 2
Contemporary 2
Tap
There are no additional requirements to perform in jazz, contemporary, or tap classes. Choreography is learned in class during the winter/spring sessions.
Dancers participating in two ballet technique classes per week will most likely spend three years in Level 3
Ballet Performance Requirements:
3 ballet technique
Level 3 repertory
~Or~
2 ballet technique classes
Contemporary 1 and/or Jazz 1
Level 3 repertory
Ballet Level 3b (Approximately ages 11 and up) Dancers should expect to spend two or three years in Level 3.
Recommendations:
3 Ballet Technique Classes
Prepointe/Pointe
Level 3 Repertory
Jazz 2
Contemporary 2
Tap
There are no additional requirements to perform in jazz, contemporary, or tap classes. Choreography is learned in class during the winter/spring sessions.
Dancers participating in two ballet technique classes per week will most likely spend three years in Level 3.
Ballet Performance Requirements:
If choosing to dance en pointe:
3 ballet technique
Prepointe/pointe class
Level 3B repertory
If choosing not to dance en pointe:
3 ballet technique
Level 3B repertory
~Or~
2 ballet technique classes
Contemporary 1 and/or Jazz 1
Level 3B repertory
Ballet Level 4A (Ages 12/13 and up) Dancer should expect to spend two to three years in Level 4.
Recommendations:
3 Ballet Technique Classes
1 pointe class (Pointe is voluntary. If choosing to dance en pointe, dancer is required to be in all three technique classes)
Jazz 2 or Jazz 3 (if 13 or older by Dec. 1)
Contemporary 2 or Contemporary 3 (if 13 or older by Dec. 1)
Tap
There are no additional requirements to perform in jazz, contemporary, or tap classes. Choreography is learned in class during the winter/spring sessions.
Dancers participating in only two ballet technique classes per week will most likely spend three years in level 4.
Ballet Performance Requirements:
If choosing to dance en pointe:
All recommended Ballet and pointe technique classes
Level 4 repertory
If choosing not to dance en pointe:
Two ballet technique classes
Level 4 repertory
Jazz 2 and/or Contemporary 2
~or~
If age 13 by Dec. 1, Jazz 3 and/or Contemporary 3
Ballet Level 4B (Ages 12/13 and up) Dancer should expect to spend two to three years in Level 4.
Recommendations:
3 Ballet Technique Classes
1 pointe class (Pointe is voluntary. If choosing to dance en pointe, dancer is required to be in all three technique classes)
Jazz 2 or Jazz 3 (if 13 or older by Dec. 1)
Contemporary 2 or Contemporary 3 (if 13 or older by Dec. 1)
Tap
There are no additional requirements to perform in jazz, contemporary, or tap classes. Choreography is learned in class during the winter/spring sessions.
Dancers participating in only two ballet technique classes per week will most likely spend three years in level 4.
Ballet Performance Requirements:
If choosing to dance en pointe:
All recommended Ballet and pointe technique classes
Level 4 repertory
If choosing not to dance en pointe:
Two ballet technique classes
Level 4 repertory
Jazz 2 and/or Contemporary 2
~or~
If age 13 by Dec. 1, Jazz 3 and/or Contemporary 3
Ballet Level 5 Ages 13 and up
Recommendations:
4 Ballet Technique
2 pointe technique
Gallagher Contemporary Repertory
Jazz 3
Contemporary 3
Tap
Level ⅚ Repertory
Ballet Performance Requirements:
3 Ballet technique classes
Gallagher Contemporary Repertory
2 pointe classes if choosing to dance en pointe
Level 5/6 repertory class
Or:
3 Ballet technique classes
2 pointe classes if choosing to dancing en pointe
Choose 1: Contemporary 3, Jazz 3, and/or Gallagher Contemporary (must attend Saturday ballet technique)
Level 5/6 repertory class
Ballet Level 6 (Ages 15/16 and up)
Recommendations:
4 Ballet Technique
2 pointe technique
Gallagher Contemporary Repertory
Jazz 3
Contemporary 3
Tap
Level ⅚ Repertory
Ballet Performance Requirements:
4 Ballet Technique
2 pointe technique
Gallagher Contemporary Repertory
Level ⅚ Repertory
Repertoire (rep. for short) will include learning Nutcracker divertissements, Spring Show pieces, classical variations and a chance to explore the creative process of choreographing for the stage. If you want to perform in our Winter and Spring Show or are interested in choreography, this is the class for you!
Dress Code
Dance and acrobatics wear can be found at:
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
or online at www.discountdance.com
DRESS CODE
Ballet
Pre-Primary
– light pink leotard with attached skirt, footed pink tights, pink technique shoes
boys: black shorts and white t-shirt, black technique shoes
Primary
– light pink leotard with attached skirt, footed pink tights, pink technique shoes
boys: black shorts and white t-shirt, black technique shoes
Level 1A/B
-light blue leotard, footed pink tights, pink technique shoes
boys: black tights, white leotard, black technique shoes
Level 2A/B
-royal blue leotard, tights that match your skin tone or pink, black tights/leggings that end at the ankle may be worn over those tights, short black ballet skirts are allowed in the center. Ballet shoes that match your choice of tights.
boys: black tights, white leotard, black technique shoes
Level 3A/B
-burgundy leotard, tights that match your skin tone or pink, black tights/leggings that end at the ankle may be worn over those tights, short black ballet skirts are allowed in the center. Ballet shoes that match your choice of tights.
boys: black tights, white leotard, dance belt, black technique shoes
Level 4A
–Black Leotard, tights that match your skin tone or pink, black tights/leggings that end at the ankle may be worn over those tights, short black ballet skirts are allowed in the center. Ballet shoes that match your choice of tights.
boys: black tights, white leotard, dance belt, black technique shoes
Level 4B
–Black Leotard, tights that match your skin tone or pink, black tights/leggings that end at the ankle may be worn over those tights, short black ballet skirts are allowed in the center. Ballet shoes that match your choice of tights.
boys: black tights, white or black leotard or t-shirt, dance belt, black technique shoes
Level 5/6
-any color leotard, tights that match your skin tone or pink, black tights/leggings that end at the ankle may be worn over those tights, short black ballet skirts are allowed in the center. Ballet shoes that match your choice of tights.
boys: black tights, white or black leotard or t-shirt, dance belt, black technique shoes
(*) optional
-form fitting t-shirts and fitness pants are permitted for warm-up
-please wear tights!!!! no yoga leggings
-hair must be worn-up or short off the face for all dancers