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.

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.

Level 1 Students

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 and emphasize 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.

This is a high intermediate level class that meets 3 times a week. Refinement of technique and placement, as well as strength (on pointe or jumping) are stressed at this level. Modern 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. The class concentrates on fundamentals of placement, foot and leg development, and carriage of the upper body.

Meeting two times per week, Advanced Ballet is 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. Classes will include optional pointe work. This class may also be used by students in 2nd year Level 6 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.

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.

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