Judith Svalander School of Ballet

Outline of Class Levels

CHILD’S DANCE for age 3         
Music, motion, magic and me! Dance, drama, dress up and fun. A great introduction to the studio. Students meet in the dressing area and are escorted to/from their studio by the teacher/assistant.  Dancers take one class a week. 

CREATIVE DANCE Director: Laura Bobowski
Three class levels for ages 4, 5, 6, and 7. The pre-ballet classes prepare the young dancer for a lifetime joy of movement and set the groundwork for real ballet training. Students meet in the dressing area and are escorted to/from their studio by the teacher/assistant. Dancers take one class per week.

BEGINNING BALLET
Level I for ages 7-9 years.  Classical ballet technique is begun and systematically progresses each year.  Repeating a session does not mean repeating the work. One lesson per week. 

Level II for ages 9-11 years.  Classical ballet technique continues and dancers add Character Dance to their weekly class schedule. One ballet class and one character class per week with an optional additional weekly ballet class.

BEGINNING INTERMEDIATE BALLET
Graded levels III, IV and V, for ages 10-12 (approx.).  Dancers in level III now add Character Dance to their weekly class schedule (request character sheet from office for a detailed explanation). Dancers take one ballet class and one character class per week with an optional additional weekly ballet class.

Dancers in level IV take the above and add pre pointe, an additional ballet class and an optional jazz class to their schedule.  Pre pointe is done in a special shoe and can be purchased through the studio, preparing for pointe work by strengthening feet, ankles, legs and backs in a more particular way.

 

Dancers in level V & VI are beginning serious study and add beginning pointe work to a schedule of 2 ballet and 1 character per week. Four classes minimum. Pointe is by approval of the faculty only. Dancers can begin pointe work if they are physically strong enough with good body alignment to go onto toe. Not every body-type is suitable for this work. You may continue in the program at your level and not begin pointe work until a later date. At times, doctor’s approval is necessary.

ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE BALLET
Level C, ages 12-14 (approx.). Dancers take 3 ballet classes, 2 pointe classes, one character, one modern, and one jazz class per week minimum. This is when students are expected to dedicate their efforts and demonstrate their commitment.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL BALLET
Levels A and B, ages 14-17 (approx.). Dancers take ballet or pointe class 4-5 days per week. Their schedule may include Character and Jazz class. The dancers also learn variations from the classics and choreography from guest teachers as well as the repertoire of Judith Svalander Concert Dance. Modern class is also taught, preparing the advanced dancers for improved strength and agility, falls/lifts and unique choreography.

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL/COMPANY
By invitation only. The faculty and guest artists and a select group of pre-professional students do this work.

RECREATIONAL CLASSES AVAILABLE
ADULT/TEEN BALLET
The adult/teen ballet classes are taught in a professional manner, by professionals. A graded system is used that allows for steady progress based upon how much time and effort is put forth, as well as the personal ability the individual has. The spirit and fun of such learning brings great satisfaction to the student. This is where the older student that is changing schools begins before being placed into a level.

BOYS CLASSES
The studio welcomes boys and there are males in all levels of classes in the school and, at times, classes for boys only.