Ballet Multi-Track Program

 
 
 

Ballet Multi-Track Program Description

For the past several months, a team of Peak Staff has been meeting to design a new structure for the Ballet Program. We have combined the Classical and Contemporary Programs at the lower levels, added additional classes, and embedded critical skills from Pre-School up to our most advanced dancers. These changes will facilitate better use of our resources, create clearer and more concise building blocks for our foundational levels, and give dancers more opportunities for diversification.

Foundational Ballet Program Description: The Foundational Ballet Program focuses on basic movement skills necessary for stage-quality dance. Each level has a scaffolded approach to skill development and the levels build off of each other. Before proceeding to the next level student skills will be assessed to ensure readiness for the educational challenges of the next level.

  • Exploratory Classes: The Pre-School and 5-7 Combo Exploratory Classes have a built-in Ballet Component. Their curriculums have been updated to support a continuous progression of ballet-based skills, naturally leading students into Pre-Ballet. Dress Code: Please see Exploratory Program Information.

  • Pre-Ballet: This level is dedicated to students ages 6-9. It is a two-year curriculum that focuses on building foundational skills needed for Ballet Level 1. It is one hour weekly.  

  • Ballet Level 1:  This level is dedicated to students ages 8 and up. It is a three-year curriculum that focuses on the introduction and mastery of the Ballet Level 1 skills. It is one hour weekly, however; students are invited to register for more than one class per week.  

  • Introduction to Ballet: This level is dedicated to students ages 10-15. It is an ongoing curriculum that focuses on introducing older students to the foundational skills of Ballet. It is 1 class weekly for an hour and a half. Students may move into level appropriate Classical, Contemporary, or Adult Classes at the mastery of foundational skills.
    Note: Upon completion of the Level 1 Curriculum, families and students are encouraged to choose the continuing Ballet Track that supports their needs.

Official Dress Code for Foundational Ballet Classes, Pre-Ballet & Ballet 1
Female: For the Pre-Ballet and Ballet 1 classes, we will measure and order students a black cap-sleeved leotard and black mock skirt. For Introduction to Ballet, we will measure and order students a black tank leotard and black wrap skirts. Students are required to have Ballet-Pink full-footed or convertible tights and Ballet-Pink shoes. At Level 1 and Introduction to Ballet, students are required to have a Pink Hip-Alignment Belt. This uniform will be worn during each week of class and during the Winter Recital. Pink or Black Ballet Sweaters and leg warmers may be purchased and worn in class, during the colder months, at the teacher’s discretion.
Male: For these classes, we will measure and order students a white short-sleeved T-shirt and black dance pants. Students must also have Black ballet slippers, thin white cotton socks, and brief undershorts for younger ages, or a dancer’s belt starting at age 10.

  • Hair: All female Ballet students MUST have hair neatly pinned and secured up off their necks and faces in an acceptable Ballet bun. Bun kits can be purchased in the pro shop. All male Ballet students with hair below their chin must have their hair secured back in a ponytail. No jewelry of any type.

Contemporary Ballet Track: The Contemporary Ballet track allows students so to explore the fundamentals of Ballet in a relaxed and open setting. Both Contemporary and Classical music will be used in these classes. Our Contemporary classes may also contain elements of Pilates and Yoga to help students gain an understanding of body alignment and safe movement. Each year, Contemporary Ballet students have the opportunity to participate in a special Ballet Production, either through Peak or through MADC. Students may enter Contemporary Ballet Level 2 after completing Pre-Ballet and Ballet 1 or students from Introduction to Ballet may enter the Contemporary Track upon mastery of skills necessary for the appropriate level. This path does not lead to Pointe.

  • Contemporary Ballet 2: This level is dedicated to students ages 10 and up. It is a two-year curriculum that focuses on the introduction and mastery of Ballet Level 2 skills. It is one and a half hours weekly, however; students are invited to register for Classical Ballet 2 for additional training.

  • Contemporary Ballet 3: This level is dedicated to students ages 12 and up. It is a two-year curriculum that focuses on the introduction and mastery of Ballet Level 3 skills. It is one and a half hours weekly, however; students are invited to register for Classical Ballet 2 for additional training.

  • Contemporary Ballet 4/5: This level is dedicated to students ages 14 and up. It is an ongoing curriculum that focuses on the development of dance artistry through the introduction and mastery of higher-level Ballet skills and technique refinement. It is one and a half hours weekly. Additionally, at this level, students are required to take the one hour Dancer Health Class each week.

  • Adult Ballet: This class is for students ages 16 and up. It has an ongoing curriculum. Students meet for one hour or one and a half hours each week for the class. Adult students can expect to learn the basics of ballet movement in the beginning class with the introduction of center work and simple combinations. The intermediate level will have a full barre and center. The class will be based on the Vaganova syllabus. 

Official Dress Code for Contemporary Ballet Classes
Female: For these classes, we will measure and order students a black tank leotard and black wrap skirt. Students are required to have Ballet-Pink full-footed or convertible tights and Ballet-Pink shoes. At Contemporary Level 2 and up, students are required to have a Pink Hip-Alignment Belt. This uniform will be worn during each week of class and during the Winter Recital. Pink or Black Ballet Sweaters and leg warmers may be purchased and worn in class, during the colder months, at the teacher’s discretion.
Male: For these classes, we will measure and order students a white short-sleeved T-Shirt and black dance pants. Students must also have Black Ballets Slippers, thin, short, white cotton socks, brief undershorts for younger ages, or a dancer’s belt starting at age 10.

  • Hair: All female Ballet students MUST have hair neatly pinned and secured up off their necks and faces in an acceptable Ballet bun. Bun kits can be purchased in the pro shop. All male Ballet students with hair below their chin must have their hair secured back in a ponytail. No jewelry of any type.

Classical Ballet Track: The Classical Ballet track allows students to immerse themselves in the study of Classical Ballet, including technique, historical dance forms, Classical Music, Classical Repertoire, and Ballet Traditions. The Vaganova-based instruction taught at Peak has been modified for a diversity of student body types and access to turn out. Our Classical Ballet staff believe that all students can achieve technical mastery within the context of their own body type. Each year, Classical Ballet Students have the opportunity to participate in a special Ballet Production, either through Peak or through MADC. This performance opportunity enhances their Classical Ballet training with exposure to Classical Repertoire, character development, stage etiquette, collaborative artistry and gives advanced students the opportunity to take on sizable roles. Students may enter Classical Ballet Levels 2 and up by either completing the proceeding levels or by audition with Peak Staff. This path leads to Pointe.

  • Classical Ballet 2: This level is dedicated to students ages 10 and up. It is a three-year curriculum that focuses on the introduction and mastery of Ballet Level 2 Skills. It is two and a half hours weekly, however; students are invited to take an additional half an hour of Contemporary Ballet Choreography as a continuation of their second weekly technique class. Performance pieces for this class will be structured and modified around Classical Repertoire.

  • Classical Ballet 3: This level is dedicated to students ages 12 and up. It is a three-year curriculum that focuses on the introduction and mastery of Ballet Level 3 Skills. Students are required to take Classical Ballet 2-3 times weekly for a total of four to five and a half hours of instruction, including preparation for Pointe Work. Students may begin Pointe Work after an assessment. Eligibility for Pointe Work is determined by staff assessment of the students strength, overall technique and work ethic. Depending on student readiness, Peak Staff may choose to incorporate Classical Repertoire focusing on corps work from Ballets such as: Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Additionally, at this level, students are required to take the one hour Dancer Health Class each week.

  • Classical Ballet 4/5: This level is dedicated to students ages 14 and up. It is a four-year curriculum that focuses on the development of dance artistry through the introduction and mastery of higher-level Ballet Skills and Technique Refinement. Students are required to take Classical Ballet 2-3 times weekly for a total of four to five and a half hours of instruction, including Pointe Work. Eligibility for Pointe Work is determined in Classical Ballet 3 or by staff assessment of the students strength, overall technique and work ethic. Peak Staff incorporate Classical Repertoire focusing on corps work and variations from Ballets such as: Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Paquita, Don Quixote, La Bayadere and Sleeping Beauty. Additionally, at this level, students are required to take the one hour Dancer Health Class each week.


Official Dress Code for Classical Ballet Classes
During cold weather, dancers may wear legwarmers and Ballet Sweaters at the teacher’s discretion. No jewelry or watches may be worn during class, with the exception of stud earrings. Each class has very specific attire requirements, please check below.
Hair: All female Ballet Students MUST have hair neatly pinned and secured up off their necks in an acceptable Ballet Bun, Braid or Twist. Bun-kits can be purchased in the pro shop ($00). All male Ballet students with hair below their chin must have their hair secured back in a ponytail. 
Please order leotards through the Pro Shop at Peak to ensure styles are correct.  Class uniforms will be worn weekly and for Winter Recital.
(All class uniforms are sized and ordered in early fall.)

Girls Ballet:

  • Female Classical Ballet 2: For these classes, we will measure and order students a black tank leotard and black wrap skirt. Students are required to have Ballet-Pink full-footed or convertible tights and Ballet-Pink shoes. At Classical Level 2, students are required to have a Pink Hip-Alignment Belt. This uniform will be worn during each week of class and during the Winter Recital. Pink or Black Ballet Sweaters and leg warmers may be purchased and worn in class, during the colder months, at the teacher’s discretion.
    Male Classical Ballet 2: For these classes, we will measure and order students a white short-sleeved shirt and black dance pants. Students must also have Black Ballets Slippers, thin, short, white cotton socks, and a dancer’s belt starting at age 10.

  • Female Classical Ballet 3-5: For these classes, we will measure and order students a solid colored camisole leotard and matching wrap skirt. Students are required to have Ballet-Pink full-footed or convertible tights and Ballet-Pink shoes and Pointe Shoes. Students who are en pointe will only be allowed to use Pointe Shoes in class if they have been properly fitted, approved by Peak Staff and have properly affixed ribbons and elastics to support the students feet. At Classical Level 3, students are required to have a Pink Hip-Alignment Belt.
    Ballet Level 3 will be in a ? colored leotard and wrap skirt.
    Ballet Level 4 will be in a Aubergine Camisole Leotard and wrap skirt.
    Ballet Level 5 will be in a Evergreen Camisole Leotard and wrap skirt.
    These will be ordered through the Peak Pro-Shop and must be worn during Pointe and Variations. These uniform will be worn during each week of class and during the Winter Recital. Pink or Black Ballet Sweaters and leg warmers may be purchased and worn in class, during the colder months, at the teacher’s discretion.
    Male Classical Ballet 3-5: For these classes, we will measure and order students a white short-sleeved shirt and black Men’s footed tights. Students must also have Black Ballets Slippers, and a dancer’s belt.