For 3-4 year olds who love music and movement but would prefer to take class with Mom or Dad. Each 45-minute class focuses on connecting movement with music, allowing children to freely express joy through movement and share first impressions of classical ballet music with their parent.

This 45 minute class meets once a week. Students begin to learn the concepts of dance through the simple class structure, stretching, and expression through music in movement - all while having lots of fun. These students will participate in an open house demonstration at the end of each term.

Level 1 Students

This 45 minute class meets once a week. Students will learn many of the basic ballet positions, including some stretching, barre work, and centre. They begin to learn the French terms for ballet movements and positions. Pre-Ballet is a fun and imaginative way to begin a child's ballet training.

Meeting once a week, these classes begin age-appropriate but rigorous syllabus training in ballet.

This class meets twice a week. Here, students begin learning more advanced steps. Barre work is more concentrated, emphasizing position and body placement.

This class meets twice a week. This level emphasizes the strengthening and preparatory exercises necessary for pointe for girls and jumping for boys.

These classes meet twice a week; for girls, they consist of one ballet technique and one pointe class emphasizing strengthening the feet and legs. Barre and centre pointe work are introduced as students become physically and technically ready. Additional classes are recommended for strengthening and advancement. Boys learn more advanced steps and specifically male technique.

Usually a two-year program, Level 6 classes meet three times a week. One class is (non-pointe) technique, and the remaining two are divided between technique and pointe at the instructor's discression. Boys continue with more advanced steps and specifically male technique.

This is a high intermediate level class that meets 3 times a week, stressing refinement of technique and placement, as well as strength on pointe or jumping. Level 7 students complete their introduction to the canon of classical ballet steps. Modern dance class is also recommended at this level.

These students attend 5 or more classes per week, including Modern Dance. This is considered an advanced level class, not only by the complexity of material that is given, but also by the commitment and dedication expected from each student. Dancers in this level are required to take a minimum of 4 ballet classes and one Modern Dance class per week. These dancers are expected to continue their training throughout the summer. Dancers are chosen for Commonwealth Ballet from this and higher levels.

This pre-professional class concentrates on refinement of technique and performance of the classical repertory. Guest teachers will bring new perspective throughout the year. Students attend 5 or more classes per week.

This class is for teens and adults new to ballet or dancers who wish to prepare for entry into the syllabus program. Meeting twice a week, the class concentrates on fundamentals of placement, foot and leg development, and carriage of the upper body and arms.

For students working at an intermediate level who are not on pointe but wish to continue rigorous technique training two days per week. Students may enter this class after Level 4 or 5. Students in Levels 4, 5 and 6 may also take one or both classes of this level as a supplementary class.

For students working at a high intermediate or advanced level but who do not wish to make the time commitment of Levels 7, 8 or 9. Meeting two days per week, classes include optional pointe work. One or both classes may also be used by students in Level 6a and above as a supplementary class.

This popular class features concentrated work on the variations of the classical ballet repertory, emphasizing performance presence, endurance and pointe technique. Dancers also may study variations in technique shoes (not on pointe).

New to ASB in 2007, this class will introduce students to the craft of choreography. Featuring a combination of reading, discussion and studio work, students will study choreographic theory, use of music, structure and step-making. Students will have the opportunity to show their work in a studio performance at the end of the term.

New to ASB in 2008, this class offers an opportunity for the developing dancer to work on expression, pantomime and stage presence through individual exercises, improvisation and collaborative scene work. The class meets nce a week.

Tara Wells & JJ Stapleton

This class provides an introduction to the energy and dynamic of jazz technique. Students are introduced to parallel positions and begin to explore the direct, decisive, and sharp facet of jazz technique and its various rhythms to contemporary music. Students also work on fundamental techniques including flexibility, jumps and turns.

A continuation of Jazz 1 for students with a sound dance background, emphasizing continuing development of technique, jazz style, and performance. This class also serves as an open class for experienced adult students.

This class provides an introduction to Modern Dance. Students develop grounded technique based on modern dance vocabulary, with all work being done "in centre" or as part of combinations.

This class continues to develop the Modern Dance vocabulary from Modern 1, emphasizing more sophisticated combinations and breadth of expression.

Clara Orbe, Modern 3
2003 Spring performance

The third class of Modern Dance assumes substantial modern dance training and is generally attended by upper level ballet syllabus students.

Office Hours