The Academy Program continues the training of the Elementary Program and includes a structured Classical Ballet Program as well as Interdisciplinary Classes designed to prepare students for professional careers. Training at this level can be individualized to include extra training and performance opportunities through the SLC Ballet Company Program, SLC Ballet Competition Program, private lessons, coaching, and career development opportunities.
Placement
Students entering 3rd or 4th Grade with at least 1 year of ballet experience may register for Academy 1. All other levels are by placement. Continuing students are evaluated each year for placement. New students may schedule a placement class.
Placement is at the sole discretion of SLC Ballet, and depends on a variety of factors including artistry, technique, attendance, ability to apply corrections, maturity and attitude.
Academy 1 – 3rd/4th Grade
Students in Academy 1 will continue to expand their Classical Ballet vocabulary and technique at the barre and in center. Simple allegro work will be introduced and students will begin to learn locomotive movements across the floor.
Classes are two days per week. Most rehearsals for Nutcracker and Spring Gala are on Saturdays. Rehearsals for Summer Gala are during regular class times.
Academy 2 – By Placement
Students in Academy 2 will continue to expand their Classical Ballet vocabulary and technique from previous levels. Variations to steps are introduced at the barre while center and allegro work becomes longer to build strength. Students in this level work on the correct execution of steps, retaining and applying corrections, and attention and focus during class.
Classes are two days per week. Summer programs include our Pre-Intensive, offered several weeks during the summer.
Academy 3 – By Placement
Students in Academy 3 begin preparation to enter the upper school. Students begin to understand the commitment and consistency required to achieve the understanding and ability to perform classical ballet. Classwork increases in length and difficulty as female students prepare for pointe work and male dancers prepare for men’s technique. Students will spend about 2 years in this level as they prepare for pointe work.
The Academy 3 Core Program is three days per week. Students are also eligible to participate in the Academy Workshop on one additional day, where they will learn Character Dance, Jazz, Contemporary, and additional interdisciplinary dance forms. Students wishing to participate in our Company Program will attend 4 days per week.
Academy 4-5 – Placement
Students entering the Upper School (Academy Levels 4-6) will demonstrate an understanding of and ability to perform the basic principles of classical ballet. Female students will have adequate strength, knowledge, and ability to perform basic pointe work. Male dancers will be able to demonstrate the beginning levels of men’s technique. Students in these levels show increasing interest and focus as the intensity of training increases. In addition to ballet technique, students will study other forms of dance to become well-rounded, versatile dancers.
Our Core Program is three days per week, and includes Ballet Technique, Men’s Class or Pointe, and PBT. Additionally, students are encouraged to take the Academy Workshop for additional training in other dance forms. Students in the Company Program will attend classes 4 days per week.
