Overview of Programs

Overview of Programs

Children's Division

Creative Ballet 1-age 3

Creative Ballet 2 - age 4

Ballet Basics - ages 5-6 (kindergarten)

The children's division is designed for ages three to six and is an introduction to the world of ballet for the young student. Classes are designed to encourage students to explore the elements of dance with a focus towards ballet in a fun and nurturing environment while setting the stage for future training. Classes are offered by age and are carefully developed in accordance with a child’s physical and cognitive abilities. Children are placed in a safe and nurturing environment, and parents are invited to watch class two times per year.

Enrollment in the Children's Program is based on age, regardless of prior experience or ability. Students must meet the appropriate age requirements by September 1st of the current school year.

Preparatory Division

Preparatory A - age 6 (1st grade)

Preparatory B - age 7 (2nd grade)

Preparatory C - ages 8-10

Preparatory D - ages 9-11

Our Preparatory Program is designed for students ages 6-11 and is developed in accordance with a child's physical and cognitive abilities. We introduce the concept of ballet as a serious art form, which requires focus and dedication as well as enthusiasm and fun. Students are introduced to Barre and Floor Barre exercises  designed to build strength and to teach correct posture and alignment needed for their future ballet training. Students in the Preparatory Division are expected to start learning and memorizing the French classical terminology for the steps they learn. Students who have completed the Preparatory Division will develop a lifelong appreciation for dance and will have received a solid foundation and be fully prepared for entrance in the Classical Ballet Division.

Classical Ballet Division

Ages 10+

All levels in this division require a placement class

The Classical Ballet Division provides a comprehensive dance education from elementary through advanced levels. It follows a carefully designed curriculum with 8 levels of study. While it is critical to follow the sequence of the curriculum, each student progresses at his or her own rate because the training is linked to their physical development. PAB faculty works to develop students' individual abilities in a nurturing and supportive learning environment. 

Adult Program (14+)

Performing Arts Ballet offers a variety of Adult Ballet and Fitness classes for teens 14+ and adults who wish to begin or continue their ballet training or for those who simply want to exercise. Classes include Adult Beginning Ballet, Adult Intermediate Ballet, Ballet Boot Camp, Yoga, and Pilates.

Classroom Etiquette

Proper classroom etiquette is essential to the education and training of a ballet dancer. The following rules are universal and are followed by all major ballet programs and professional companies. All students enrolled at PAB, and their parents, should familiarize themselves with these rules of etiquette and observe them at all times.

·         Students should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to class time in order to be dressed and fully warmed up before class begins. Students arriving 10 minutes after their class has begun will not be permitted to take the class due to risk of injury, but should remain to observe.

·         Students should be prepared to begin class and may enter the studio to warm up quietly. If there is already a class in progress students should wait quietly/prepare outside the studio and be ready to enter the room after the previous class leaves.

·         Students may not sit down or leave class without the teacher's permission, except in an emergency. Please remind students to use the restroom before class.

·         Each exercise should begin and end in a sustained and poised position of readiness. Students should never stop in the middle of an exercise unless an injury occurs.

·         Movements other than the one being demonstrated or addressed by the instructor should not be practiced during that time.

·         Students may not talk among themselves while the instructor is speaking and giving instruction. Students are not to talk back to teacher regardless of the situation. It is improper to question the teacher's authority. If students have a question, they are to talk to the teacher after class. Loud talking and fooling around are not acceptable in or outside of the studio.

·         Leaning on or hanging on the barre, yawning, and inattention while the instructor sets a combination are not acceptable forms of behavior during class. Eyes and attention must always be on teacher.

·         A positive attitude and tone must be observed by students and parents at all times, both in the studio and at offsite activities (festivals, performances, etc.). Be appreciative of corrections and apply them. Students will progress only as fast as they can take corrections.

·         Dancers show respect for others by keeping their hands to themselves during class, being prepared for their turn, and waiting quietly for others to have a turn.

·         Be kind to your classmates. Displays of temper, rudeness, and gossip are unacceptable. Everyone is trying to do his/her best. To promote a spirit of unity, it is essential that everyone is supportive of the efforts of others.

·         At the conclusion of class (reverence), students should politely applaud and thank the teacher before leaving the studio.

·         Students may not have chewing gum, food, or drinks of any kind in the studio with the exception of water. Food and drinks are permitted in the waiting areas only. Be courteous and pick up when you have finished eating.

·         Students should be dressed in the appropriate dress code and ballet attire must be clean and in good repair for each class and performance.

·         No jewelry including necklaces, bracelets/wristwatches, or earrings (with the exception of small studs) should not be worn in class.

·         Students may not wear street shoes on the dance floors. Conversely, students are not to wear their ballet shoes outside the premises, as this brings small pebbles and other debris onto the marley, which can damage the floor.

·         Displays of gossip from parents or similar behaviors of un-kind attitudes towards another student, faculty member, or staff member at the Academy will not be tolerated. Only parents and students with positive attitudes will be permitted on the premises.