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Our Curriculum
School Curriculum
At New York State Ballet Training Academy, we blend the "old" with the "new" by drawing upon the traditional elements of classical ballet and fusing them with the modern artistry of today. The result is a dynamic and clean classical technique with special attention paid to musicality, impeccable body alignment and coordination. The training system at New York State Ballet Training Academy includes a unique blend of elements developed from The Royal Ballet School and the Vaganova System.Ballet Prestige has four distinct programs/divisions developed to cater to dancers of every age and dance experience:
CHILDREN'S DIVISION
In a positive and nurturing environment, each child will be exposed to the exploration of movement and learn ballet basics such as posture, musicality and body consciousness.
Pre-Ballet
The ideal way to introduce children to the arts of music and dance, this class is designed to develop each child’s basic body awareness, expressiveness, independence and coordination.
LEVEL 1
Level 1A/1B Ballet
This fundamental ballet class provides an encouraging and structured atmosphere to teach students the basic skills required for classical ballet including balance, posture, flexibility, strength, and discipline.
LEVEL 2
Level 2 dancers are encouraged to attend class twice per week.
Level 2 Jazz (Level 1/2 Ballet is pre-requisite)
Students will develop strength, flexibility, correct alignment and coordination, followed by progressions across the floor and beginner dance combinations. The class will explore movement in a range of styles in both lyrical and percussive disciplines with a focus on jazz elements such as isolations, swing, and rhythm.
Level 2 Ballet
This class builds on the fundamentals of classical ballet technique, focusing on proper posture, body positions, and alignment while also building on ballet terminology. Class structure is emphasized, and musicality and creativity are explored.
CLASSICAL BALLET PROGRAM
The Youth Ballet program was developed for young dancers with some dance experience who are ready to learn the fundamentals of ballet and expand on them as they gain experience and technique.
LEVEL 3/4/5
Level 3/4/5 dancers are required to attend class at least 2- 3 times per week. Level 3 and up are required to take Jazz.
Level 3/4/5 Ballet
Students will build on classical ballet techniques and learn more advanced ballet terminology. Students will continue to develop extension of the legs and strength of the feet as well as more advanced barre and center work, focusing on self-expression.
Level 3/4/5 Pointe
An advanced step in ballet training, this class focuses on pointe work and requires an advanced level of strength, technique and confidence. Students wishing to take pointe must take at least two ballet technique classes a week and be granted permission by the Artistic Director.
Level 3 Jazz
Students will develop strength, flexibility, correct alignment and coordination, followed by progressions across the floor and beginner dance combinations. The class will explore movement in a range of styles in both lyrical and percussive disciplines with a focus on jazz elements such as isolations, swing, and rhythm.
Level 4/5 Contemporary
(Level 3/4/5 Ballet is pre-requisite)
Pulling from elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet, this Contemporary class will help dancers connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements with a focus on versatility and improvisation. Dancers will learn floorwork infused with unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM (PTP)
The Professional Training Program is for committed dancers who wish to pursue a career as a professional dancer. Successful students are highly motivated, demonstrate an ability to maintain focus and consistently attend class and rehearsals. Enrollment in the Professional Training Program is by invitation only from the Artistic Director. The AD, Katherine Johnson, in conjunction with input from her faculty, will evaluate current students for this opportunity, and auditions can be set up by appointment for new students.
The Professional Training Program features an enhanced curriculum which encompasses the following; core strength, stretch, classical ballet, variations, pas de deux and contemporary. Dancers in this program will have the opportunity to perform with the New York State Ballet Company dancers.
While the highest standards of technical training will always be pursued in Professional Training Program, equally important is the inner development of the student. The learning environment is carefully created to foster a strong self-esteem, intrinsic motivation,being a good community member and contributing to a positive environment of growth. Those interpersonal skills are paramount to success as a professional dancer, as well as valuable life skills.
Artistic Director Katherine Johnson, and her faculty, are passionate about the growth and well being of their students, believing in taking care of and building up their students rather than tearing them down. Extra care is taken to prevent injury, overuse is avoided, and any injury is assessed and cared for. Dancers are encouraged to stay well fed with nutritious foods and there is a constant reminder to keep group dynamics rooted in positivity and support of each other. In this program, perseverance, hard work, diligent attention to detail and a constant seeking of growth are the factors that lead to success.
Ballet
This ballet class will expand upon the foundations of Beginning Ballet, and challenge the student with more complex combinations at the barre and in the center. Classes will help to further develop the strength and flexibility needed to excel in ballet, and to draw out each student’s unique gift and ability as an artist. Students will also learn repertoire and variations from full-length ballets.
Pointe
An advanced step in ballet training, this class focuses on pointe work and requires an advanced level of strength, technique and confidence. Students wishing to take pointe must take at least three ballet technique classes a week and be granted permission by the Artistic Director.
Contemporary
Pulling from elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet, this Contemporary class will help dancers connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements with a focus on versatility and improvisation. Dancers will learn floorwork infused with unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction.
Stretch & Strength
In this class combining pilates, yoga and resistance training, students will learn active-isolated stretching techniques to help prevent injury,enhance flexibility and improve muscle strength for dance class.
ADULT DANCE PROGRAM
Adult Ballet concentrates on toning, strengthening, and building the appropriate strength and flexibility needed to successfully fulfill the physical requirements of the art form, while also working on musicality.
Ballet
Whether the student’s goal is to fulfill a lifelong dream of learning to dance or to continue prior dance training, this class offers the perfect balance of structured training tailored to every skill level.
mind and the body through fluid dance movements with a focus on versatility and improvisation. Dancers will learn floorwork infused with unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction.