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.
Community Division Class Levels
The Community Dance Division
The Community Division is flexible for participants with busy outside schedules or those who just want to dip their toes into dance! 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. The Community Division comprises Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, and Ballet (Pre Primary, Primary, and 4 levels)
All leveling and classes must be approved by the director in coordination with the student, their parents, and their individual goals. 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. Dancing on pointe is not a requirement. However, if the student chooses to dance on pointe, for the purpose of physical safety, they must be in the recommended number of ballet technique classes. Dancers who choose not to dance on pointe are still welcome to perform in flat shoes. Dancers who aspire to join the Pre-Professional division at age 13 should be taking all recommended classes starting in Level 3.
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*
Level 2: Ages 9 & up
Minimum of 2 ballet technique classes per week, plus level 2 repertoire class if you wish to perform.
OR
1 ballet technique class per week
1 beginner jazz or beginner/int contemporary
Level 2 Repertoire
Level 3: Ages 10 & up
Dancers should expect to spend two or three years in Level 3. Dancers aspiring to join the Preprofessional Division should take all recommended classes.
Choosing to participate en pointe:
3 Ballet Technique Classes: 1.5 hr
1 Pre Pointe class per week: 30min
Level 3 Repertoire
Choosing not to particiapte en pointe:
2 Ballet Technique Classes: 1.5hr
Level 3 Repertoire
Level 4A: Approx. Ages 12 & up
Dancers aspiring to join the Preprofessional Division should take all recommended classes.
3 Ballet Technique: 1.5 hr each
1 pointe classes per week 1 hr (Pointe is voluntary. If choosing to dance en pointe, dancer must be in all three technique classes)
Level 4a Repertoire
Int/Adv Jazz or Int/Adv Contemporary
Level 4B: Approx. Ages 12/13 & up
Dancers aspiring to join the Preprofessional Division should take all recommended classes.
3 Ballet Technique: 1.5 hr each
2 pointe classes per week 1 hr (Pointe is voluntary. If choosing to dance en pointe, dancer must be in all three technique classes)
Level 4B Repertoire
Int/Adv Jazz
Int/Adv Contemporary
The Preprofessional Division
*The Pre Professional Division* is designed for dancers age 13 and older who are actively seeking a career in dance or wish to study dance exclusive of outside activities such as extracurricular sports. It is comparable to an athletic travel team where a full commitment to the activity is required. Students in this level receive mentoring, college guidance, career guidance, and the opportunity to perform soloist roles in the Winter and Spring Performances.
Current 2022/23 FLTA dancers in grade 9 or higher are grandfathered into the “Prepro” Division so that they stay with their peers. Please speak to the director concerning accommodations.
Auditions: Current FLTA dancers who are 13 years of age or older (must be 13 by Oct. 1 of 2023) may audition for the Pre Professional division during the FineLine Summer Intensive being held from July 30 through August 5th. Students must display physical strength, stamina, discipline, and artistic point of view. Acceptance is not based on physical body typing or perceived talent. Attainment of an intermediate/advanced skill set, hard work and community values are regarded above all else.
Performance Group:
What was known as the Performance Group will be under the umbrella of the Prepro Division. Additional Performance opportunities will be confirmed and outlined in late August.
*Prepro dancers must receive permission from the director to perform in performances not produced by Fineline. Outside production directors must be informed that FineLine Prepro dancers may not miss more than two FLTA rehearsals during a performance season (fall/spring) and Prepro dancers who are performing soloist roles in FLTA productions may not miss any rehearsals (including tech) for the two weeks prior to FLTA performances.
2023/24 Requirements:
4 Ballet Technique
Prepro Jazz/Contemporary
3 Pointe Technique (dancers who choose not to dance on pointe are not required to attend and may not be included in or considered for some repertory pieces on pointe. Example: Nutcracker Sugar Plum Fairy)
Prepro Repertory
It is highly recommended to take Tap; Tap is included in your all inclusive tuition.
*6 Week Theatre Dance & Vocal Performance also included in all inclusive tuition for Fall 2023*
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 2
-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 3
-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
PrePro
-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