Embarking on a dance journey is an exciting step for young learners. At our Conservatory Of Dance, we believe in nurturing each dancer’s potential through carefully structured program levels. Our approach ensures that every child is placed in an environment where they can thrive, learn, and develop a lifelong love for dance. Understanding our program levels is key to finding the perfect class for your young dancer.
Young Dancer Program: Foundational Levels for Early Learners
Our Young Dancer Program is thoughtfully designed to align with key developmental milestones, using age and academic placement as general guides. For the 2023-24 season, children’s ages are determined as of September 1, 2023. We offer a range of introductory classes to spark joy and build foundational skills:
- Pre-Ballet for Kindergarten: Specifically for dancers entering Kindergarten in Fall 2023, this class introduces fundamental ballet concepts in a fun and engaging way.
- Pre-Ballet for Pre-K: Designed for children starting Kindergarten in Fall 2024, this level serves as a delightful first step into the world of ballet, fostering coordination and musicality.
- Dance for 3’s Independent: For children who will be 3 years old by September 1, 2023, and are ready to participate independently. This class encourages self-expression and movement exploration.
- Dance for 2s and 3s with Companion: Welcoming two-year-olds by September 1, 2023, and older three-year-olds who benefit from dancing with a caregiver. This class emphasizes joyful movement and social interaction.
- Tiny Dancers: For our youngest enthusiasts, babies who are one year old by September 1, 2023, can join this class to experience music and movement in a stimulating and supportive setting.
Levels I – V: Progressive Dance Education for Elementary and Older Students
For dancers in First Grade and above, our Levels I through V provide a structured and progressive dance education. It’s important to understand that placement is based on individual readiness and skill, not solely on age.
- Individualized Placement: Dancers progress at their own pace, and it’s common to spend 2-3 years, or sometimes more, within a specific level. This allows for thorough skill development and mastery.
- Assessment for New Students: To ensure optimal placement, new students are encouraged to participate in a trial placement class, allowing our experienced faculty to assess their abilities.
- Level I: Building a Strong Foundation: Dancers entering First through Third grade, regardless of prior experience, typically begin in Level I. This level expands on pre-ballet concepts, establishing a strong foundation for future dance disciplines.
- Regular Progress Feedback: To support student growth, progress reports are emailed at the end of the Fall semester, complementing the ongoing verbal feedback provided in class.
- Ballet as a Core Discipline: While we encourage exploration of various dance styles, ballet training is highly recommended. Dancers who study ballet often demonstrate accelerated progress across all disciplines due to its emphasis on technique and discipline. Similarly, taking multiple classes per week enhances overall advancement.
- Commitment to Consistent Training: Regular attendance and punctuality are crucial for consistent progress. Being present and prepared for each class maximizes the benefits of our dance program.
- Curriculum Evolution and Level Mastery: Our conservatory has refined its curriculum to five levels, updated from six levels before the 2021/2022 season. Each level now encompasses a broader range of material, requiring dancers to dedicate sufficient time to fully absorb and refine their skills. Each level includes introductory learning, working at the level for mastery, and advanced refinement. Rushing through levels can create gaps in training and hinder long-term development.
- Trusting Professional Guidance: We encourage parents and dancers to trust the expertise of our instructors, Executive Director, and Educational Director. Their professional judgment ensures a comprehensive and healthy dance education tailored to each student’s needs. There are no shortcuts in dance education; consistent effort and focused practice at the appropriate level are key. We advocate for self-discipline and in-depth exploration of technique within each level. Supportive encouragement at home greatly reinforces classroom learning and contributes to a dancer’s success.
Choosing the right program level at our conservatory of dance is a collaborative process focused on fostering your child’s dance journey. We are dedicated to providing expert guidance and a nurturing environment where every dancer can flourish.
