Valentina’s School of Ballet utilizes the Vaganova method of teaching ballet which emphasizes a systematic, progressive training in classical technique to develop strong, disciplined, and expressive dancers. It is typical for students to remain at the same level for two or more years to master specific skills before moving to the next level.
A highlight of the year for all of our students is performing in our annual production of The Nutcracker, where they get to shine on stage and experience the magic of a full-length ballet. At the end of the season, they get to perform in our Annual Spring Showcase and a Ballet in two acts. Some of the favorites include Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Doctor Doolittle, and Chipollino.
Ballet 1 and 2 (ages 3.5 – 7)
Our younger ballet students explore the joy of dance through creative movement and basic ballet technique, helping them develop coordination, musicality, and a love for performing. They learn in a fun, supportive environment designed for young dancers to thrive.
FOCUS: Movement Fundamentals & Physical Preparation
- Creative Movement
- Flexibilty and posture exercises
- Basic ballet positions: feet and arms
- Simple locomotor steps: skipping, galloping, marching
Ballet 3 and 4 (ages 6 – 10)
At this level, our ballet students are building their knowledge of ballet positions, proper alignment, and coordination/memory. Exercises become more complex, challenging the dancer’s ability to connect different movements gracefully and improving their technique.
FOCUS: Foundation and Placement
- Ballet positions and vocabulary: feet and arms
- Learning body awareness and coordination
- Port de bras (arm movement) and épaulement (shoulder use) basics
- Conditioning and stretching
Ballet 5 (ages 9 – 12)
Classes emphasize proper alignment, musicality, and discipline while encouraging focus and coordination. Students gain self-confidence and learn key ballet terminology and movements through structured barre, center, and across-the-floor exercises.
FOCUS: Building a strong foundation and musicality
- Barre exercises
- Center work
- Pre Pointe work for females and jumps/turns for males
- Coordination and musicality
Ballet 6 and 7 (ages 13 – 18)
Students are refining their technique and musicality. They are progressing beyond basic fundamentals and focusing on intermediate to advanced classical technique with increased demands on strength, coordination and artistic interpretation.
FOCUS: Refinement, stamina, and expression
- Developing intricate footwork and arm coordination
- Complex pointe technique
- Full répertoire (classical variations, pas de deux, corps de ballet roles)
- Artistic development emphasized
EXTRAS:
- Classes in Contemporary starting at Level 3 focus on fluidity, versatility, emotional expression, and personal interpretation of the dancer or choreographer.
- Classes in Conditioning/Stretch starting in Level 3 focus on developing key physical attributes like strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and coordination to improve performance and prevent injuries.
- Classes for recreational dancers and those students looking to supplement their dance training (ice skaters, gymnasts, competition dancers)