Classical Ballet is a beautiful and theatrical form of dance based on techniques that have been developed over centuries. Ballet helps students gain control, strength, and gracefulness necessary for other similar dance styles including lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and modern. Ballet training is also beneficial to many types of sports, and helps to develop improved balance, body placement, postural alignment, strength and flexibility. At Sahuarita Dance Center, a combination of ballet techniques is taught, including Cechetti, Russian, Balenchine, and Royal Academy Dance (RAD). Theory of body movement, alignment and terminology will be emphasized. French terminology is used in all levels. We stress proper placement of torso, hips, and legs without exceeding anatomical limitations and thus protecting the body from injury.
Our youngest dancers in Pre-Ballet and Ballet I will begin the structure of ballet class, as well as learn primary ballet positions and terminology. Training at this level is designed to establish a foundation in ballet, but the focus of the class is still on having fun as creative dance is still incorporated in daily class time. Rhythm is introduced along with the beginning fundamentals of Ballet in a creative atmosphere. Children will also demonstrate skills and combinations traveling across the floor. As students progress through the Ballet II, III, IV the classes will get progressively more structured. Body placement, flexibility, balance, alignment, strength and technique are achieved through barre and center floor work. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between music, rhythm and controlled movement with proper ballet technique. More advanced ballet students will aim to develop strength and stability in the demonstration of the pirouettes, balance, control, extension, fluidity, and in petite and grand allegro. Suppleness and smooth graceful movements are developed in these levels along with the coordination of head, arms, legs, and body. For advanced students, the curriculum also includes classes in classical technique, repertoire studies, character dance, adagio studies, music, ballet history and body conditioning, concentrating on the mastery of more complex movements and combinations. The ongoing development of performance skills is stressed in all levels of ballet class.
Pre-Ballet (4-5 year olds/pre-kindergarten), Ballet I (5-6 year olds/Kindergarten & 1st grade)
Dress Code:
Girls: Pink Leotard - Ballet Skirt Optional, Pink Tights, Pink Canvas or Leather Ballet Shoes, Hair in a Bun (preferred, ponytails allowed)
Boys: Black athletic pants or shorts, a white t-shirt, and black jazz shoes.
Ballet II (7-8 year olds); Ballet III (8-11 year olds); Ballet IV/V (Teen ages 12-20)
Dress Code:
Girls: Black Leotard – No Ballet Skirt, Pink Tights, Pink Canvas or Leather Split-Soled Ballet Shoes, Hair in a Bun
Boys: Black athletic pants or shorts, a white t-shirt, and black jazz shoes.
Pointe Class (ages 12-20/by invitation only)
This is an advanced ballet class on pointe. Due to the advanced nature of the class, attendance is by invitation only.
Dress Code:
Girls: Black Leotard – No Ballet Skirt, Pink Tights, Pink Pointe Shoes, Hair in a Bun