PRE-PROFESSIONAL
PROGRAMS
2022-2023
Placement Audition
Recommended for new students.
Contact us for an appointment at balletblake14@gmail.com or by phone (507) 206-0745.
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Important Dates
Closed dates: 10/20-23, 11/23-27 (Thanksgiving), 12/19 - 1/2 (Winter Break),
1/16, 1/27 (Conference days), 3/31 - 4/9 (Spring Break)
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* The Nutcracker '22 will run the week of December 19th. BB classes will not be in session but dancers in the Nutcracker will be rehearsing and performing.
* Ballet Blake follows Rochester Public Schools for weather related closings.
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Pre Ballet
Saturdays
10:30 - 11:15 am
Ages 3 to 5
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This movement based class encourages early socialization and creativity, develops physical strength, coordination and spatial awareness.
Students are introduced to ballet vocabulary and class etiquette, focusing on the development of coordination, strength, flexibility and musicality.
Beginner - Ballet 1/2
Wednesdays
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Ages 6+
(Beginning Ballet)
Level 1 - This is the first level that begins class at the Barre and introduces a traditional class structure, starting with plies and tendus. Emphasis is placed on dancers developing an understanding of correct body alignment working through simple positions. Discipline of the hands, eyes and brain are a focus, along with musicality and vocabulary.
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Level 2 - At level two, dancers will begin to stand with one hand on the barre, and work more complex combinations using fifth position. About mid-way through the year, coordinated arm movements are added to exercises. With two ballet classes per week, students can focus more on the lessons taught from class to class.
Intermediate - Ballet 3 / 4
Tuesdays , Wednesdays & Thursdays
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Ages 9+
(Intermediate Ballet)
Level 3 - In level three, the class time is lengthened slightly to accommodate more center work involving jumps and the beginning of pirouettes. Combinations continue to grow in length and complexity over level two, and stretching routines are also taught. With three classes a week, these young dancers are starting to get a sense of "training".
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Level 4 - (Preparation for pointe) Level four is the gateway to dancers going en pointe. This is where all the foundational elements involving proper alignment, use of the core, and coordination of the arms must be demonstrated before advancing. Combinations continue to grow in length and complexity over level three.
Ballet 5
Mondays
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Wednesdays
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Fridays
5:30 - 7:00 pm
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Pointe
Mondays
8:00 - 9:00 pm
Fridays
7:00 - 8:00 pm
Approximately ages 12-14
(Beginning/Intermediate Pointe)
Dedicated pointe classes are added to the curriculum of Ballet five dancers. First and second year pointe students combine for technique class and then separate for their respective pointe classes. During their time in Ballet five, students can expect a significant expansion of their ballet vocabulary. These dancers will also be eligble for the corps de ballet in Ballet Blake's productions.
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Ballet 6/7
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
4:00 - 5:30 pm
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Pointe
Mondays & Tuesday
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Variation
Thursdays
5:30 - 6:30 pm
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Stretch
Fridays
5:30 - 6:30 pm
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Approximately ages 14-18+
(Advanced Ballet and Pointe)
Ballet six and seven have been combined since Ballet Blake opened. Typically the exercises are shared however, what is emphasized may be quite different from level six to seven. Advanced pointe work, jumps and turns can be expected. Variations and stretch are added to the curriculum to further the dancers knowledge of classical repertoire and to increase their extensions.