BALLET company
Performance Training for the progressive & pre-professional student
COMPANY
The
Greater York Youth Ballet
was created for students who aspire to perform concert works by emerging and professional choreographers in a pre-professional dance setting. We believe that performing is an essential part of the growth and development of aspiring dancers. Company members have the opportunity of working with both in house and visiting professionals. to perform throughout the year in a range of different venues and styles. Performances range from classical ballet to modern and jazz, and from full length works to emerging choreography. Joining the company comes with a a level of necessary time and commitment from both the dancer and their family.
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.
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.
PLACES WE PERFORM
Interested in dancing with us?
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Let's talk soon or stop in and try as many classes as you like for free.
