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Preballet I (Ages 4-5 years old) & Preballet II (Ages 5-6 years old)
A fun introduction to the world of ballet for the youngest student. Creative play activities set to music introduce students to the basic elements of beginner ballet, including positions of the feet and arms, and simple ballet steps such as demi plie, battement tendu, eleve, chasse, etc. Students are given semi-structured improvisation opportunities in the class, developed around well-known children’s stories and classical ballet librettos. Emphasis is placed on developing good motor skills, as well as age-appropriate social skills in a classroom setting. Fun, yet structured activities and imaginative games are utilized to learn basic ballet steps, and to further develop the child’s use of space and rhythm. The Preballet classes have a one-hour class time and a gently structured environment, gradually moving the students closer towards a formal ballet technique class.
Ballet I & Ballet I Intermediate~ Ages 7-9 years old
A formal introduction to the study of classical ballet technique. Students practice barre and center work at each class, and are introduced to the concept of ballet as a serious art form, which requires focus and dedication, as well as enthusiasm. Ballet I students take class just one day per week, while Ballet I Intermediate students are required to take class two days per week.
Ballet II~ Ages 8-10 years old
In this level, students begin to learn the methodology of Vaganova (Russian) ballet technique, with class work taken from the first and second years of the eight-year syllabus. Students in this level are expected to start learning and memorizing the French classical ballet terminology for the steps they learn, as well as the English translations for these steps. This level requires consistent attendance with a minimum of two (2) technique classes per week. Students in this level are also encouraged to enroll in Beginner/Intermediate Character Dance, Modern Dance Level I, and/or Chinese Dance.
Ballet III~ Ages 9 years old and up
Minimum of two (2) technique classes per week, with emphasis on more advanced class work taken from the second and third years of the eight-year Vaganova syllabus. This is considered the Pre-Pointe year for students at CAB. Students in this level are also encouraged to enroll in Chinese Dance, Modern Dance Level I, and/or Beginner/Intermediate Character Dance.
Ballet IV~Ages 10 years old and up
Classes are a minimum of three (3) technique classes per week, with class material taken from the third & fourth years of the Vaganova syllabus. This is the first-year Pointe class at CAB. Students in this level are also encouraged to enroll in Chinese Dance, Modern Dance Level I, and/or Beginner/Intermediate Character Dance.
Ballet V
Classes are a minimum of three (3) technique classes per week, with class material taken from the fourth & fifth years of the Vaganova syllabus. This is the intermediate-level Pointe class for students at CAB. There may be some understudy/performance opportunities with Willamette Apprentice Ballet, for select Ballet V students. Students in this level are also encouraged to enroll in Intermediate/Advanced Character Dance, Modern Dance Level II, and /or Chinese Dance.
Ballet VI
For the very dedicated dancer, this level requires advanced-level classical ballet technique, with class material taken from the 5th-8th years of the Vaganova syllabus. Technique classes are a minimum three (3) days per week, with options to take a 4th class on Thursdays or Saturdays. This is the intermediate/advanced level pointe class for CAB students. Students in this level are invited to perform with Willamette Apprentice Ballet, a non-profit, pre-professional performance group. Ballet VI dancers are encouraged to enroll in Modern Dance Level II, Chinese Dance, and/or Int/Adv Character Dance classes; select Ballet VI students may be invited to attend Partnering classes, when the class is offered.
Character Dance~ Recommended for students in Ballet II & up (8 years old & up)
Based on the Russian Character Dance Syllabus, students in both levels of character dance will study barre and center work that combines classical ballet technique with national dances from eastern and western Europe. Both levels will also learn excerpts from the Character Dance Repertoire from select 19th and 20th century ballets such as Don Quixote, Raymonda, Swan Lake, Petroushka, etc. Performance opportunities in Willamette Apprentice Ballet concerts may be available. NOTE: you do not have to be enrolled in a ballet class at CAB in order to take either level of Character Dance, although it is strongly recommended. Students who enroll in a character dance class and a ballet class will receive a tuition discount.
Chinese Dance~ Recommended for Ages 8 years old & up
This class provides an introduction to traditional Chinese dance, music, and costumes. Props such as ribbons, fans, cups, plates, etc., are frequently utilized in classroom combinations and performance choreography. Performance opportunities in Oregon State University’s China Night and/or other community events may be available. NOTE: you do not have to be enrolled in a ballet class at CAB in order to take Chinese Dance, although it is strongly recommended, and students who enroll in Chinese Dance and a ballet class receive a tuition discount.
Modern Dance (Recommended for students in Ballet II & up, or ages 8 years old & up)
The Modern Dance technique and repertoire classes are intended for intermediate/advanced-level ballet and/or modern dance students. With a class syllabus for both Level I and Level II that includes the teaching and choreographic methods of Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, and Kim Robards, students will learn and further develop their technique in fundamental elements of modern dance, including contractions, tilts, floor work, jumps and turns, partnering, improvisation, and dance composition. Performance opportunities with Willamette Apprentice Ballet may be available for select students in the Level II class.
Partnering Class (Ages 13 years old & up)
The advanced-level students who are invited to attend this class will learn the fundamentals of classical and contemporary ballet partnering, as well as how to effectively and respectfully communicate with a dance partner, to create a safe and harmonious stage partnership.
Adult Beginner & Intermediate Ballet
Adult Ballet is open to both teens and adults who have no prior experience with ballet, or who were ballet dancers in a past life and are looking to start dancing again.
These are traditionally-structured ballet classes, consisting of barre and center work, with class material mostly taken from the 1st and 2nd years(Beginner) & 3rd and 4th years (Intermediate) of the Vaganova syllabus. The dress code is informal, and the class environment is less-structured and more relaxed than our regular academy classes. Students are encouraged to ask questions, and to take their time learning and mastering new steps and concepts. This class will help teen and adult students develop and improve turnout (outward rotation of the hip joint), flexibility, balance, posture, and brain power. The Adult Ballet Classes operate on the CAB Punch Card System.
Private Lessons may be available, depending on instructor and studio availability. Please contact Director Megan Skinner for further information.