Classes at The Belmont School of Ballet

The Royal Academy of Dance

The Royal Academy of Dance is a training method beginning with children at age 3 and takes students through a graded syllabus to the professional level. The Children’s Syllabus includes classical work, free movement and character dance. The Vocational Syllabus is for the students who desires a career in ballet. It takes much dedication on the part of the dancer to achieve the required level of training to progress at this level. Both the Children’s and Vocational syllabi are examined in seventy five countries throughout the world. It is an extremely high level of training.

Cecchetti Council of America

The Cecchetti Council of America is a technical training method which begins with nine year old students and progresses to the Diploma Level. The Cecchetti syllabus is based on the teachings of Enrico Cecchetti who taught in London, Russia and throughout Europe. As students progress they may take examinations in this syllabus as well. The instructors who teach Cecchetti classes have taken and passed rigorous exams that allow them to teach best practices and techniques. Belmont Ballet strives to provide the highest quality ballet and dance.

Examinations

Examinations produce wonderful results. Students who opt to work for exams excel in their training and strive to reach their personal best. Having a goal encourages students to focus in class, build strength quicker and requires correctly demonstrated technique. It prevents dancers from only learning to do tricks but makes for a more versatile dancer. Additionally, examinations are an unbiased evaluation of a student’s progress. Please request a conference with your student’s instructor for more information about ballet exams.

Solo Performance awards

SOLO Performance Awards – The Royal Academy of Dance has introduced the new solo performance awards. Students who have passed Grade I – III are eligible to take the Solo Performance Award for the grade level in which they have passed. The Solo Performance Award is a performance of three solos. Two from the syllabus and third of the student and teacher’s choice. Please schedule an appointment with your instructor discuss participation in the solo performance awards if you are interested.

Class Placement

Each level is developmentally appropriate and builds upon what has been taught before, much the same as an academic grade level. Our class offerings have been designed to provide a complete program from pre-ballet through the advanced levels. Classes are divided by level based on teacher recommendations. It is important that students master each level before they proceed to the next so that they fully understand the movement and the quality that it utilizes. In keeping with the tradition of classical ballet, each class level will be assigned a specific color and style of leotard.

The advancement of a dancer happens through the correct repetition of steps and the development of physical strength until both mental and physical comprehension is achieved. Every student is different and reaches this comprehension at different times. It is essential that students can successfully demonstrate and fully understand the movement before moving on to the next, more challenging level.

Our instructors are trained to evaluate the students and understand each student’s physical development. Instructors will advise the parents of a different placement if adjustments need to be made.

Classes we Offer

Pre Ballet and Tap

Pre Ballet and Tap is for 3 and 4 year old children. This class introduces children to the joy of movement and creative expression through music and use of imagination. Students will learn basic ballet positions and steps in additional to developing coordination, listening skills and rhythm.

Pre-Primary Ballet and Tap

Pre- Primary Ballet and Tap is for students 4-5 years of age. This class introduces the Royal Academy of Dance’s Pre- Primary syllabus in additonal to basic tap skills. Goals include developing coordination, listening skills, and motor skills required dance. Students will participate in exercises to increase flexibility and strength.

Primary Ballet

Primary Ballet is for students ages 5 – 7. This class follows the syllabus of the the Royal Academy of Dance Primary curriculum as well as the Cecchetti Primary work. Students work to maintain correct posture, placement and body alignment throughout movements. Additionally dancers learn to tell a story through movement and use of expression. Students may take exams in this level.

R.A.D. Grades 1 – 8 Ballet

R.A.D. Grades 1 – 8 Ballet is for students age 7 and above. These classes follow the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabi, which includes classical, character and free movement work. Dancers develop technical strength, placement, proper posture and artistic expression. Students who wish to take the RAD Exams must attend classes a minimum of twice a week in the level being examined. There may be extra rehearsals in preparation for the exam. Examination fees will be required of those students desire to take the exams. These classes also cater to students who wish to progress through the Syllabus but not enter into the exams. Examinations must be taken in sequence.

R.A.D. Vocational and Cecchetti Professional Exams

These examinations are for the serious ballet student as they are rigorous and thorough. Students must take at least six hours of ballet and pointe classes per week to be successful in these levels of examination. Occasionally, it is not possible to offer every level each year. If the level your student is working toward is not currently offered please speak with the office to make arrangements to be coached.

Cecchetti Classes

Cecchetti Classes, developed by Maestro Enrico Cecchetti, are a method of ballet that breaks the technique of ballet down to a science. Precise exercises are practiced in a set order each class, each building on the next. This method builds solid foundations in technique while instilling a lovely quality of movement at the same time. When ready, students are encouraged to prepare and take examinations and must pass each level before moving on to the next level of study. Students are eligible to begin Cecchetti Grade 1 at age 9 and work through to Grade 7.

Intermediate and Advanced Classes

Dancers who have technically attained the level required are permitted to enroll in these classes. These levels are designed to provide an increase in a dancer’s challenges, and represents the progression in a dancer’s achievements and commitment to dance. All levels emphasize correct postural alignment, principals of turn out, balance, control and barre and center exercises that become more complex and challenging at each level. The principles taught in each level build upon one another to create a solid foundation for technical strength and proficiency. Dancers in these upper levels are required to take at least three technique and two pointe classes per week.

Pointe Classes

Students begin pointe only with permission from instructors. Pointe is for serious ballet students, In order to dance on pointe proficiently students are required to take a minimum of three technique classes a week in addition to pointe classes. Maintaining as well as improving technique is essential to progress with pointe work. The Belmont School of Ballet only allows students to begin pointe work in the summer. All students en pointe must study a minimum of three weeks during the summer and not train at any other studio other than Belmont or Charlotte Schools of Ballet for pointe work. Dancing en pointe with any other studio is prohibited on the grounds of possibly learning incorrect technique and therefore likely causing injury to the student. Please see the pointe policies in the Handbook for more information.

Jazz

All Jazz classes combine traditional classical and Broadway jazz with the ever changing styles of today. These classes are full of energy and fun and at the same time challenging. Always age appropriate in style, music and, if applicable costumes.

Modern

Students of modern dance are introduced to basic contemporary techniques including contractions, oppositional energy and improvisation. Students will explore dynamics in time and space and build understanding of rhythm, gestures and shapes.

Tap

Our beginning tap class focuses on the developing a sharpened sense of rhythm, coordination, and clarity of sounds. They will incorporate warm-up, rhythm sequences, across the floor, combinations and routines.

ADULT CLASSES

Whatever your age, if you are looking for a sustainable way to keep fit, stay flexible and active, then our adult ballet classes will put a spring in your step! Whether you’ve never danced before or want to get back into the swing of dancing your heart out, our classes have something for everyone. Come join our adult class on Mondays 12pm-1pm or Tuesday evenings 7:30pm-8:30pm. Childcare is not provided.

Modern

HIP HOP

Hip Hop is a dance form that incorporates rhythm and style throughout the body. Students will learn foundational elements of Hip Hop such as bounce, polyrhythm, locking, and social dances all of which contribute to enhancing other forms of dance including ballet.

LYRICAL

Lyrical is a style of dance that incorporates aspects from ballet, jazz, modern and other styles into one. Students will work on expression relating to music as well as it’s lyrics. Lyrical is an excellent compliment to any ballet class!

Private Lessons

Private Lessons can be arranged as requested. All private lessons must be set up through the business office. There is a studio fee as well as an instructor fee. We kindly ask for 24 hour advance notice of any cancellations.