SCHOOL OF BALLET CHICAGO
The School of Ballet Chicago's curriculum is composed of four divisions: Preparatory, Student, Professional Training, and Open Study. All ballet classes are accompanied by one of Ballet Chicago's accomplished pianists.
 PREPARATORY DIVISION
Creative Movement - These classes teach rhythm, coordination and group participation through a variety of movements, games and exercises.
• Creative Movement 1: For children age 3
• Creative Movement 2: For children age 4
Pre-Ballet - These classes teach body alignment, posture and isometric muscle development. At this stage, students are introduced to the ballet vocabulary.
• Pre-Ballet: For children age 5
Introduction to Ballet - Students incorporate what they have learned in Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet and begin their formal introduction to classical ballet training.
• Introduction to Ballet: For children age 6
 STUDENT DIVISION
*New Spring Class for Boys!
YMDA- Young Mens Dance and Movement Program -An active class for boys where students concentrate on developing physical power, high energy, and movement discipline. This class brings focus to coordination, rhythm, and the basic foundations of movement.
•YMDA: Boys ages 9 to 11 years old
• Minimum attendance - 1 class per week
Ballet 1 - The student begins formal ballet training with the emphasis on barre work, focusing on the muscle development that is necessary to execute basic classical movements.
• Ballet 1: For children ages 7 and 8 years old
• Minimum attendance - 2 classes per week
Ballet 2 - These classes takes the student beyond the basic movements learned in Ballet 1. Center floor work is emphasized and accounts for one third of each class.
• Ballet 2: For children ages 8 and 9 years old
• Minimum attendance - 2 classes per week
Ballet 3 - Students at this level focus on increased center floor work, particularly in the areas of petite allegro and pirouettes. Girls begin pre-pointe exercises to strengthen their feet, ankles, and legs for future pointe work.
• Ballet 3: For ages 10 and 11 years old
• Minimum attendance - 3 classes per week
Ballet 4 - Students at this level begin the study of classical variations, pointe work for girls and basic weight training for boys.
• Ballet 4: For ages 11-13 years old
• Minimum attendance - Full curriculum/8 classes per week
 PROFESSIONAL DIVISION
The Professional Division offers a comprehensive training program for the serious student who aspires to be a professional dancer. Admittance to the program is by audition only. The students in the program train daily to master the advanced technical skill, consistency, musicality, articulation, and natural expression. To provide the performing experience that is a critical component to the student's development, the Ballet Chicago Studio Company was created in the fall of 1997. Comprised of advanced level students, the Studio Company performs professional level repertoire in theatrical venues throughout metropolitan Chicago. The company repertory is primarily the works of George Balanchine whose ballets are performed by dance companies all over the world. This unique ability to perform the ballets of Mr. Balanchine is made possible through a special arrangement with the George Balanchine Trust.
Ballet 5 - This level offers a comprehensive curriculum of classes that incorporates daily technique classes as well as classes in pointe work, variations and pas de deux. Supplemental classes in yoga, Pilates and body conditioning are periodically offered throughout the year. Special seminars in nutrition and injury prevention are also offered.
• Ballet 5: For ages 14 years and up
• Minimum attendance - Full curriculum/12-15 classes per week
Ballet 6 - Level 6 is a continuation of the Level 5 curriculum. At this level, students continue to hone their artistic and technical skills as they begin preparation for the annual audition process that professional dance companies conduct in search of new talent. Students at this level perform extensively throughout the year. Weekly class schedules will vary throughout the year to accommodate rehearsals and performances.
• Ballet 6: For ages 15 years and up
• Minimum attendance - Full curriculum/15-18 classes per week
Men's Class
This curriculum is designed to focus specifically on the physicality, strength and bravura that are hallmarks of the male dancer. In addition to the daily technique classes, classes are offered regularly in Men's technique, Men's variations, pas de deux and weight training.
OPEN DIVISION
The School of Ballet Chicago offers an open class curriculum for the public (ages 15 and older). These classes allow the ballet enthusiast the opportunity to experience the beauty and discipline of classical ballet.
• Beginning Ballet: No previous training required
• Intermediate Ballet: Previous ballet training recommended
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