Class Levels
PRE-BALLET CLASSES
Pre-Ballet classes are a wonderful way to introduce your little one to dance! See our class options below to see what is best for your student!
Twirl, leap, sing, and move with your toddler! This energetic and fun class is designed for students from 18 month old, up to 3 year olds who might not yet be ready to take class without a parent or caregiver. Students get to use scarves and musical instruments, bean bags, hula hoops, and so much more. They are introduced to activity songs which help them explore moving fast vs. slow, big vs. small, etc. all in a fun, carefree environment!
In this 45 minute long combo class, students can be expressive, creative, and use their imagination while learning the basic principles of ballet and tap. In addition, your dancer will practice motor skills, how to take direction from their teacher, and will gain an understanding of spacial awareness while using music in motion. Teachers cultivate a warm, nurturing environment to inspire musicality, movement, and boost self confidence!
Students can be expressive and use their imagination while learning the basic principles of ballet and tap in this 45 minute long combo class, . Dancers will work on motor and listening skills, coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and so much more in a fun and creative manner. Teachers cultivate a warm, nurturing environment to inspire musicality, movement, and boost self confidence!
In this hour long combo class, students work on basic principles of ballet and tap while using their imagination and creativity. In addition, your dancer will learn rhythm, how to take direction, how to listen and count music and an understanding of using music in motion. Teachers cultivate a warm and nurturing environment to inspire musicality, boost self confidence, and exemplify exercise.
Students work on basic principles of ballet and tap while using their imagination and creativity in this hour long combo class. In addition, your dancer will learn rhythm, how to memorize short dance sequences, how to listen and count music, and an understanding of using music in motion. Teachers cultivate a warm and nurturing environment to inspire musicality, boost self confidence, and exemplify exercise.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL ACADEMY CLASSES
Pre-Professional Academy classes are designed for students who have a passion for dance with goals in mind. Classes are more narrow in age and technical ability than our Recreational classes and the curriculum is designed to challenge and advance dancers at a faster pace.
Elementary is the transition level from the combo class into a full hour ballet class. Students will learn the important principles of proper ballet technique and alignment with attention to detail. This creates a strong foundation for the years to follow. While there are less creative games and exercises, students continue to use imagery in steps and movement. Elementary is recommended for 6 year olds, or 7-8 year olds who are new to ballet!
Division 1 is a beginner level class which is recommended for 7 year olds students who have completed one year of Elementary, or 8-9 year olds who are new to ballet and hope to go through our pre-professional program. Division 1 students continue to work on precision in placement and alignment while slowly being introduced to more complicated steps. Though students are still at Curriculum for Division 1 Ballet is 1 day per week, though students are encouraged to take 2!
Curriculum for Division 2 students starts at 2 ballet classes per week. With a solid understanding of placement, alignment, and ballet terminology, Division 2 dancers are now moving at a more intermediate pace. Division 2 dancers start to practice more steps and begin working on combinations while still focusing on technique and the basic fundamentals. A minimum of 1 year of recent ballet technique training is a prerequisite for Division 2 students.
Consistently working at an intermediate level, Division 3 dancers start to practice more intricate combinations and learn more complex steps, while still focusing on proper technique and building strength and flexibility. In addition, Division 3 dancers will begin to focus on exercises which strengthen their bodies and prepare them for pre-pointe. Curriculum for Division 3 dancers starts at 2 ballet classes per week, and 1-2 pre-pointe classes as well. A minimum of 2 years of recent ballet technique training is a prerequisite for Division 3 students.
With a strong understanding of ballet technique, alignment, terminology, and Division 4 students are ready to take the next step in their dance journey. Steps are performed quicker and more complicated combinations are given to challenge students minds. Students who are of age and have met all strength and other requirements may be promoted to pointe in the Division 4 level. Curriculum for Division 4 starts at 3 ballet technique classes per week as well as 2 (pre) pointe classes, and a minimum of 3 years of recent ballet technique training is a prerequisite to be considered for the level.
With a strong understanding of ballet technique, Division 5 students are ready to take their dancing to the next level and focus deeper on artistry and expression in addition to learn more complicated steps and choreography. Curriculum for Division 5 starts at 3-5 ballet technique classes per week with 2-3 pointe classes, and a minimum of 4 years of recent ballet technique training is a prerequisite as well.
ÉLEVÉ PROGRAM
We are thrilled to announce the addition of our Élevé program at 4S Dance Academy. Our Élevé program is designed for our Division 5 dancers who are focused, committed, and ready to take their ballet dancing to the next level. This accelerated course will offer additional, even more personalized training in classical ballet technique for the dedicated dancer. Each month, Élevé students will be given private or demi-private lessons to evaluate growth and create personal goals. Élevé teachers will work concurrently on specific focal points including extension, turns, jumps, and artistry. Classes will give students knowledge on dance history and the different styles of ballet, and will open provide opportunities for students in pas de deux, body conditioning, improvisation, and choreography.
RECREATIONAL PROGRAM
Recreational classes are broader in their age range and technical ability than our Academy classes. They have fewer or no prerequisites and are designed for students who simply love to dance or need dance training for other athletic or artistic activities.
Our recreational Mini classes are geared for young dancers 5-7 years of age, who are new to dance or prefer to dance without a strict curriculum and schedule. Recreational Mini classes will teach the beginning fundamentals of each genre, at a beginner level in a fun and energetic classroom setting. Students will have the opportunity to perform in our Nutcracker and Spring Performance as well, though not required.
Our Recreational Youth classes are geared for young dancers 8-12 years of age, who prefer to dance for fun and without a strict curriculum and schedule. Recreational Youth students will have the option to enroll into ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, tap, and musical theater classes at their choice. Recreational Youth classes will teach the fundamentals of each genre, at a beginner to intermediate level in a fun and energetic classroom setting. Students will have the opportunity to perform in our Nutcracker and Spring Performance as well, though not required.
Our Recreational Teen classes are the perfect option for students ages 13 and up, who would like to dance for fun without the commitment which is required for our Academy classes. Recreational Teen students will have the choice to enroll in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, stretch and strengthening, and turns and leaps, musical theater, and tap classes at their choice! Classes will teach the fundamentals of each genre at a beginner to intermediate level in a fun and energetic classroom setting. Students will have the opportunity to perform in our Nutcracker and Spring Performance, though neither is required.
ADULT PROGRAM
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced dancer, adult classes at 4S Dance Academy are the perfect way to learn, exercise, and enjoy the art of dance! These classes are in an informal atmosphere where students feel at ease dancing, regardless of their previous training status. All adult classes will be held in 6-week sessions. Come have a fresh experience with a classical technique.