School of the Valley Dance Theatre Class Descriptions

The School offers classes in ballet, modern dance and movement for dancers of all ages.  The Children's Division offers classes for ages 3-12, the Upper Division offers classes for ages 12 and up.

Children's Division

Discover Dance (Ages 3-4) Children are taught the basics of movement, rhythm and motor development skills in a fun and developmentally appropriate environment.  Students are taught how to follow direction, engage in music, use their imagination and creativity. Through use of props such as hula-hoops, balance ropes, maracas and bells, children learn how to express themselves through the art of dance.  Dancers will emphasize the exploration of space and improvisational movement.

Ballet A (Ages 5 & 6 with no previous experience; Age 4 with teacher approval) Children start to learn the basics of ballet and body alignment in a fun and proper environment for their age group.  Children learn how to follow direction, engage with music and are inspired to be creative.

Ballet B (Ages 6 & 7 with no previous experience; Age 5 with teacher approval) Children are taught basics of ballet and body alignment, and proper ballet class behavior becomes stricter at this level in order to start preparing for Ballet 1.  Ballet vocabulary is more intense, as well as movement and steps.

Ballet C (previous completion of Ballet B required, or teacher approval) Children begin taking a classical ballet class in order to prepare them for Ballet 1.  Before beginning this class, children should know and perform proper body alignment and basic ballet movement (plie, tendu, balance, chasse, etc).  Before moving from Ballet C to Ballet 1, children will be required to demonstrate they are ready at the annual class placement test.

Boys’ Classical Ballet (Ages 5 to 10)  Beginning level ballet class which introduces boys to the fundamentals of ballet.  This class emphasizes proper foot and body alignment, barre and center warm up and performing combinations and choreography geared towards the young male dancer.

Ballet I  Strength and balance are emphasized along with proper placement to prepare dancers for more center combinations.  Students should have at least 1 year of pre-ballet.

Ballet II (as placed by VDT)
Developing quality of movement begins.  Students begin to experience the art of dance and learn the commitment required to excel.  Students begin to demonstrate maturity in their movement, dedication, strength, technique and proper body alignment to prepare them for pointe.  Students should have at least 2 years of ballet as a prerequisite.  Two classes per week are recommended at this level.

Beginning Modern Dance (Ages 8-12)
 A class in modern dance for students who have taken or are currently taking Ballet I and II.  This class in fundamentals of modern dance for younger dancers will emphasize the exploration of space and improvisational movement. 

Upper and Adult Divisions

Ballet III/Junior Company - Pointe and Pre-Pointe (as placed by VDT)
Pointe work will begin when students demonstrate sufficient maturity, dedication, strength, technique and proper body alignment.  The instructor will notify students when they are eligible for pointe classes.  Students on pointe MUST take class 2 times per week; 3 classes per week is highly recommended.

Ballet IV/Apprentices and Junior Company (as placed by VDT)
Pointe work and technical development continues in preparation for advancement to the Company.  This level requires a significant time commitment, as many of the dancers may perform in Company productions.

Company (as placed by VDT)
Significant movement quality and understanding of proper placement and alignment are required.  Technical ability, strong work ethic, self-motivation and self-discipline are also required.  Advanced technique and pointe work continue.  Performance quality is refined.

Partnering (Available to Company members with Director Approval)                                                Students learn techniques for classical ballet pas de deux partnering, including turns, jumps and lifts.

Men's Ballet (Ages 10 and up)
The men's ballet class teaches the fundamentals of ballet, proper alignment and dance movement most frequently used in choreography for male dancers, including jumps, leaps and turns.

Modern Dance (Ages 10 and up)
Dancers will build a strong, limber body while exploring all levels of space with movement.  Many of these dance movements originate from ballet, but modern dance encourages more freedom of expression.

Stretch & Condition (Available to VDT students with Director approval)
Exercises to improve flexibility and core strength, for developing dancers to Company members, will be taught and performed in class.

Adult Ballet (Beginning and Intermediate)
Allows teens and adults to enjoy and learn dance for fitness and recreation while developing strength, balance and flexibility.