Children's Division​

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The School of the Valley Dance Theatre offers a variety of year-round programs for boys and girls ages 2.5 - 12.  Students present a Showcase performance in the spring and are invited to audition for children's roles in the Valley Dance Theatre's annual production of The Nutcracker.  Our highly experienced and creative instructors make it fun to learn the basics of classical ballet.  

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Discover Dance 

This class is for children ages 2.5-5 years whether or not they are beginners or have taken prior ballet classes. Children are taught the basics of movement, rhythm, and motor development skills in a fun and developmentally appropriate environment.  Students are taught how to follow direction, engage in music, use their imagination, and express themselves through the art of dance.  Advancement to pre-ballet is at the recommendation of the instructor. 

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Pre-Ballet 

This class is for students ages 6-7 whether or not they are beginners or have taken prior ballet classes.   Children are taught basics of ballet terminology (plie, tendu, balance, chasses, etc..), body alignment, and proper ballet class behavior.  Rhythm, musicality, flexibility, and discipline are introduced. Advancement to Ballet I is at the recommendation of the instructor. 

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Ballet l 

This class is for beginning students ages 8 and above OR for students who may be younger than 8, but have had at least one year of Pre-Ballet and have been advanced by their Pre-Ballet instructor. Students move more quickly beyond the basics and begin learning more difficult ballet movements.  Proper class etiquette and attire are required.  Strength and balance are emphasized along with proper placement to prepare them for more complicated dance step combinations. Students recommended by their Ballet I instructor for consideration to advance to Ballet II are required to pass a Placement Class. 

 

Ballet ll  

Developing quality of movement begins.  Students begin to experience the art of dance, and learn the commitment required to excel.  Students begin to demonstrate maturity in their movement, dedication, strength, technique and proper body alignment to prepare them for pointe.  Two classes per week are recommended at this level. Students recommended by their Ballet II instructor for consideration to advance to Ballet III are required to pass a Placement Class. 

 

Modern/Contemporary - Not offered at this time

Instead of teaching the class mid-week as a surprise we are offering a Modern/Contemporary class on Fridays to help our students expand their knowledge of dance. The class is currently being offered to beginning levels and intermediate/advanced levels.

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Upper Division

The Upper Division offers year-round classes focused on a dancer's development and progression toward becoming a member of the Valley Dance Theatre Company.  Instruction is offered in classical ballet and contemporary dance for ages 10 and up.   Attendance of class three times a week is strictly required when student advances to pointe work.  A fourth Upper Division class is offered at VDT and may be used as an extra class or a make-up class.​  

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Ballet lll 

Pointe work begins at this level when students demonstrate sufficient maturity, dedication, strength, technique and proper body alignment.  The instructors will notify students when they are eligible to purchase toe shoes and begin to wear them in class (Mondays). Students in this level are required to take three classes per week  (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays). Wednesday and Saturday’s classes are taught in ballet slippers. The Ballet I for Teens and Adults class may be used as a make up class. Students at this level are notified by the Director when they are ready to move to Ballet IV. 

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Ballet lV 

Pointe work continues at this level and increases in complexity and technical difficulty. Students in Ballet IV level are required to take a minimum of three ballet classes per week which includes one pointe class and two technique classes.  The Ballet I for Teens and Adults class may be used as a make up class. Students at this level are notified by the Director when they are ready to move to Ballet V. 

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Ballet V 

Pointe work and technical development continues in preparation for advancement to the Company. This level requires a significant time commitment, as dancers at this level may perform more serious roles in Company productions. Students may be invited to join beginning Partnering class at this level.

Students in Ballet V Pointe class are required to take a minimum of three ballet classes per week which includes one pointe class and two technique classes. The Ballet I for Teens and Adults class may be used as a make up class. Students at this level are notified by the Director when they are ready to move to Company. 

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Company

Significant movement quality and understanding of proper placement and alignment are required. Technical ability, strong work ethic, self-motivation, and self-discipline are also required.  Advanced technique and pointe work continue. Performance quality and partnering skills are refined.  Students in Company Pointe class are required to take a minimum of three ballet classes per week which includes one pointe class and two technique classes.  

 

Modern/Contemporary - Not offered at this time

Instead of teaching the class mid-week as a surprise we are offering a Modern/Contemporary class on Fridays to help our students expand their knowledge of dance. The class is currently being offered to beginning levels and intermediate/advanced levels.
 

Teen and Adult Ballet - Not offered at this time

This class is for beginning male and female students ages 13 and above.   Students in this class will move quickly beyond the basics and begin learning more difficult ballet movements.  Proper class etiquette and attire are required.  Strength, stretch and balance are emphasized along with proper placement to prepare them for more complicated dance step combinations. This class may also be used by all level students ages 13 and above as a make up class. 

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