WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

4-6 YEAR-OLDS

Music and Movement

• learn rhythmic patterns in music and dance
• develop motor skills and coordination
• develop basic skills such as running to music and walking to music
• learn to identify different time signatures such as 3/4, 4/4,
• learn minims, crochets and quavers
• free movement to music
• playing with your shadow, jumping to catch a ball

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7 YEAR-OLDS

• Students who have been at the Ballet Centre for the Pre-Primary and Primary levels are introduced to basic ballet training
• Begin learning positions of feet and arms
• Learn plie with feet parallel, as well as with a minimum of turnout in first and second positions
• Walking on a straight line with insteps stretched (pointed toes)
• Walking and clapping
• Skipping
• Basic Gym --
• ... discovering the muscles, i.e. flexing and stretching the toes and feet
• ... lying on the back and lifting legs up and onto the floor

   

ABOUT THE SPECIAL PROGRAMME

Students who show the potential to become exceptionally good dancers are accepted into the Special Programme, which involves "special classes" five or six days weekly. The "special classes" are different from the "open classes" that meet only one or two days each week. A student who completes the Special Programme receives a certificate indicating her/his level of accomplishment (pass, merit, or distinction). Features of the Special Programme include the following:

• At the 1st year and 2nd year levels (usually students at these levels are aged 8 to 10 years) students work to develop motor skills and coordination. They also learn about the various joints.
• At the 3rd year level (usually students at this level are aged 10 to 11 years) students work on more difficult dance combinations that require enhanced degrees of motor skills and coordination. The also continue to learn more about their bodies.
• At the 4th year and 6th year levels (usually students at these levels are aged 11 to 14 years) students focus upon developing strength, muscular control and fluidity of movement, so to refine and polish their work and strive for artistry.

SOME PARENTS SPEAK ABOUT THE PROGRAMME'S BENEFITS

Parents of students in the Special Programme have been enthusiastic about the benefits that their children have gained from exposure to the training offered by the Ballet Centre. Here are a few examples of written testimonials received:

Shelley Glaze (mother of Emily, Jessica and Annabel Glaze) has written that "the benefits gained are undeniable .. the discipline, poise and self-confidence are obvious benefits, which should be gained by all students. The Special Programme is a tremendous character building experience as the demands of this intensive regimen leave no room for ... selfish or self-serving behaviour or a chronic dependence on excuses. ... in the long term students will never lose the awareness of the physical condition of their bodies, their deportment, or standards of grooming. They will also understand that with dedication, commitment and effort, they will be able to achieve what may at first seem impossible.

Rose Stone (mother of Tricia Stone) has written that "the hallmarks of the Ballet Centre's Special Programme are striving for excellence, the attention to detail, the discipline and commitment ... the knowledge and expertise gained by students that allow for the synergy of using mind and body to execute the dance in ways that are satisfying to the performers and pleasing and beautiful to the audience. ... I believe that the benefits to Tricia from having participated in this Special Programme will be long lasting and certainly will remain with her in her adult years."

Andrea M. Cowan (mother of Kristen Cowan) has written that "The Special Programme at the Ballet Centre is ... by no means easy ... but is quite rewarding, and Kristen feels a great sense of accomplishment and pride when she is performing at the end of all the hard work."

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