School of Ballet
Ballet Classes for All Levels, Ages, & Aspirations in a Pre-Professional Training Environment
Ballet is our expertise
At Dance It Forward, we are an American Academy of Ballet Certified School where students receive only the finest training from faculty who have specific knowledge of our syllabus, philosophy and legacy. It is both our privilege and our responsibility to joyfully pass on the ballet traditions of classical ballet. Under the guidance of our instructors, students learn new positions and movements – repeating and refining them until each becomes part of the body’s muscle memory. Students are encouraged to take lower level classes in addition to their own level to reinforce their strength and understanding of technique and to broaden their knowledge and enhance versatility.
Student Progress All students move at different rates and unlike grades in school, some students spend more time in a level than others while the foundation of their technique develops. When the student has learned the technique appropriate to a level, the student is then moved on to the next level. Advancement is based on ability rather than by age. Those pursuing pointe need to take a minimum number of classes per week to gain strength and maintain overall fitness in order to prevent injury. Pointe is simply an extension of ballet training, and it is decided by faculty when a student is ready, never before age 10.
Early Childhood Foundational Levels (Ages 3–7)
Our ballet training begins as early as age 3. These early childhood classes gently introduce young dancers to the beauty, discipline, and joy of ballet.
- Pre-Ballet (Ages 3–4) A playful and imaginative introduction to movement, rhythm, and basic ballet concepts
- Pre-Primary Ballet (Ages 4–6) Builds on motor skills and musicality while fostering coordination and a love for dance and classical music
Primary Dancer Program (Ages 5-7)
- Primary Ballet is the final foundational stage before formal ballet levels begin as the children gain readiness for more structured classes.
YOUNG DANCER BALLET PROGRAM (AGES 7-10)
Students typically begin Level 1A around age 7 or 8. Once the determination is made that a student has the physical capability to learn technique and the student has the needed intellectual and emotional ability to commit to the program, the dancer begins to progress through the levels. From here, dancers progress through a structured curriculum of 7 ballet levels, advancing as they increase their skills, strength, and commitment.
* Students are encouraged to gradually increase the number of classes per week as they advance.
* After moving to 1B, continued practice in lower levels is strongly recommended, even as they move up, to deepen understanding and refine technique.
* Mastery of ballet technique comes from consistent, repeated practice of the basics. More classes = faster progress:
* Ballet training is cumulative: unlike school grades, earlier levels should not be "left behind."
For dedicated dancers seeking accelerated progress, we recommend to FAST TRACK by immersing in focused ballet training with multiple weekly classes. This intensive option lays a solid foundation for advanced study and performance. The more time a dancer spends in ballet class, the more confident and capable they become.
Progression of Ballet Levels
PREPARATORY:
Level 1A, 1X: Age 7+ Preparatory level classes encompass a warm-up, barre and centre floor. They will be focusing on the fundamental ballet skills and concepts meant to provide a strong foundation on which more advanced levels of instruction will be based. Barre work is crucial at this level with emphasis on correct positions, posture, and strengthening of ankles and feet. Dancers should know right from left. We suggest adding the Variations class to the schedule in order to learn performance material and be invited to perform in Nutcracker & June Show for those who have not chosen to be members of the Greater York Youth Ballet.
Prerequisite: Dancers must have completed a year of Primary Ballet or be 7 years old. Taking the Young Dancer Program of the Summer Ballet Intensive is highly encouraged and required of company members.
Level 1B: Advanced Beginner
PRE-PRO Level 2A/2B: Intermediate
Level 3-7: Advanced level class information is available to students with previous training upon request and may be customized.
Minimum # of lessons required; Private lessons recommended; Summer Study required.
Send inquiries to Artistic Director, Lori Garling,
through CS@danceitforward.org for
personalized guidance and level placement.
Our Classes
- Ballet Technique
- Pointe
- Variations
- Partnering
- Conditioning
- Private Coaching
Classes are offered to students of all levels, ages and aspirations from Beginner to Pre-professional. Our faculty has certifications and expertise in various ballet methods. Dancers who wish to pursue a full pre-professional ballet track should consider membership into the Greater York Youth Ballet.
Dancers begin in Level 1A and change levels per director recommendation. To schedule for a more advanced level, a placement class is required. Please contact us - CS@danceitforward.org.
performance opportunities
For the serious student, we recommend performance training with the Greater York Youth Ballet, the South Central Pennsylvania's professional Youth Ballet Company.
Classes of the School of Ballet perform (by audition) in the Nutcracker Ballet & other Spring Ballets at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts.
A Studio Summer Showcase is held in conclusion of the Summer Ballet Intensive. The American Academy of Ballet Performance Awards are often held with a professionally trained visiting adjudicator. Each dancer is evaluated and awarded for their work.
Want to tour the studios?
We'd love to show you our 9000 s.f. facility and help you find your place in our dance family.
