Children's Division​

​

The School of the Valley Dance Theatre offers a variety of year-round programs for boys and girls ages 2.5 - 12.  Students present a Showcase performance in the spring and are invited to audition for children's roles in the Valley Dance Theatre's annual production of The Nutcracker.  Our highly experienced and creative instructors make it fun to learn the basics of classical ballet.

​

Discover Dance (Ages 2.5 - 5) ~ Advanced by Instructor

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 express themselves through the art of dance. Class tuition

 

Pre-Ballet (Ages 4 - 6) ~ Advanced by Instructor

Children are taught basics of ballet terminology (plie, tendu, balance, chasses, etc..), body alignment, and proper ballet class behavior.  Rhythm, musicality, flexibility, and discipline are introduced. Class tuition

 

Ballet l (Beginners Ages 6 and over) ~ Advanced by Placement Class

Students move beyond the basics and begin learning more difficult ballet movements.  Proper class etiquette and attire are required.  Strength and balance are emphasized along with proper placement to prepare them for more complicated dance step combinations.  Students should have had at least 1 year of pre-ballet. Class tuition

 

Ballet ll ~ Advanced by Placement Class

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. Class tuition

​

Ballet lll (Pre-Pointe) ~ Advanced by Instructors

Pointe work will begin when students demonstrate sufficient maturity, dedication, strength, technique and proper body alignment.  The instructors will notify students when they are eligible for pointe classes.  Students in Ballet III Pre-Pointe class are required to take a minimum of two ballet classes per week on Mondays and Wednesdays.  An additional third class per week on Saturday is optional, but strongly recommended for students who aspire to move to pointe work.Class times and tuition

​

Upper Division

The Upper Division offers year-round classes focused on a dancer's development and progression toward becoming a member of the Valley Dance Theatre Company.  Instruction is offered in classical ballet and contemporary dance for ages 10 and up.   Attendance of class three times a week is strictly required when student advances to pointe work.  A fourth Upper Division class is offered at VDT and may be used as an extra class or a make-up class.​ Class tuition

​

Ballet lV / Junior Company (Pointe)  ~ Advanced by Instructors 

Pointe work begins at this level.  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 in Ballet IV level are required to take a minimum of three ballet classes per week which includes one pointe class and two technique classes. Class tuition

​​

Ballet V / Apprentices (Pointe)  ~ Advanced by Instructors

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.  Students in Ballet V Pointe class are required to take a minimum of three ballet classes per week which includes one pointe class and two technique classes. Class tuition

​​

Company (Pointe) ~ Placed by Director

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.  Students in Company Pointe class are required to take a minimum of three ballet classes per week which includes one pointe class and two technique classes. Class tuition

​

Beginning Partnering

The class is to prepare dancers, both male and female, for the classical “pas de deux” work that classical ballet is so famous for.  Beginning Partnering is for Ballet V students that have not had prior partnering experience. Teacher recommendation is necessary.  Class tuition

​

Advanced Partnering

Advanced Partnering is for Company dancers that have had at least some Beginning Partnering or pas de deux experience.  They must have a strong recommendation from either of the two directors of the Valley Dance Theatre to participate in the Advanced Partnering class. Class tuition

​

Contemporary Ballet  (Ballet IV, Ballet V, and Company levels only and adults)

Contemporary ballet uses the technique of ballet and modern dance and adds other elements of movement to give a very free, released style of dance.  Contemporary ballet is not only fun, it compliments a classical dance education to make a well-rounded, strong dancer.  Class tuition