Dance: Ballet (DB)

First course in the progressive series of training classes for the student with some experience in ballet. Students learn correct barre work, basic center work including simple jumps and turns, musicality, and terminology.

A technique class for experienced dancers. Students study fully detailed barre work, center work including pirouettes, adagio, petit allegro, simple grand allegro, terminology, musicality, and theory. Dancers are also encouraged to enroll in (women) DB 212 and (men) DB 353.

A pointe technique class for women who are concurrently enrolled in DB 211 or DB 311. Students study specialized pointe exercises with a focus on coordination and strength. Dancers should have had at least one previous year of pointe study. Prerequisites/

A technique class for accomplished dancers who are motivated to work at a more sophisticated level. Students study a full range of ballet technique, theory, and terminology as they begin to develop musical artistry and stamina. Pointe work and men’s work are included. Guest artists frequent this class. Dancers are also encouraged to enroll in DB 353 and (women) DB 212 and (men) DB 352. 

Intermediate-advanced level contemporary ballet technique class. Students should have the ability to execute intermediate vocabulary of ballet movement with technical accuracy.  In addition, students will explore the ways in which previously learned movements can be contemporized through issues of off-centeredness, rhythmic variation, and changes in tempo. Each class will consist of barre work and center floor work that will continue the student's development of strength, flexibility, and coordination. This course is only for dancers capable of the III or IV level in Ballet and/or Modern dance.

A rigorous technique class for only the most accomplished ballet dancers who are motivated to work with consistent effort, concentration, and assimilation of details. Dancers work to develop dynamic musical phrasing and artistic expression. Advanced pointe work and men’s work are included. Guest artists frequent this class. Dancers are also encouraged to enroll in DB 311, DB 353, DB 394, and (men) DB 352. 

The study of classical ballet partnering for both men and women who work together as couples. Dancers learn skills for balance, turns, and lifts, as well as traditional classical deportment and contemporary style. Women must be capable of advanced pointe work.

Dancers move from studio to stage as they participate in the creative act of constructing or learning a new work in preparation for performance. Students work toward developing skills necessary for a successful relationship with a choreographer: nimble mind and feet, receptivity, presence, boldness, and a sense of creative adventure. 

A performance course for the most advanced ballet dancers: women on pointe, men as accomplished partners. Dancers experience the rehearsal and coaching process as they prepare an excerpt from the classical repertoire or participate in the creation of an original contemporary ballet. Guest artists frequent this class.