Level 1 – With this level we further the practices established in Level C, with a focus on more structured barre and center work. These would include multiple balance exercises in preparation of future application at both barre and in the center.
Level 2 – Begins an introduction of “epaulement” (body position and direction) and continues more advanced barre work and more challenging center work such as introduction of turns and lateral ballet and dancing movements.
Level 3 – This is an important transitional year while working on a complete barre and center work, traditionally this level begins Pre-Pointe at age of 10 and this traditionally occurs in the 2nd semester, and full Pointe will follow based on strength, maturity and approval of the directors and teaches. This level also has Flamenco and Contemporary added to the curriculum.
Pointe and Variations
Once a student, usually ages 10-12, has acquired the muscular strength and control of the ankles, feet and toes, classical ballet needs students to go on toe, or “sur pointe” in the French language. This gives the appearance of lightness and airiness to the movement of ballet. Female dancers will be required to turn, balance and even to jump on pointe. Normally introduced in the Level 3 classes, provided the class is ready, a student can only go on pointe only with proper body strength and alignment and this is always after approval of the teacher is given. As most ballet variations in Classical Ballet are on pointe, with pointe-work comes learning the many variations of classical ballet repertory. Usually every ballet in Classical and Contemporary choreography contains solos and many of the variations are open to modification to highlight the technique of the individual dancer. Men are also required to learn these variations to demonstrate the many leaping and turning combinations in the classical Repertory.