Class Descriptions

All students will be evaluated by the PCB School staff and assigned level placement based upon ability, age and experience.

Prepartory Division

Pre-Ballet

Pre-Ballet will introduce younger students to basic ballet vocabulary and technique in a structured yet fun setting. Simple coordination, musicality, rhythm and concentration will be emphasized. Students will learn combinations of steps, work at the ballet barre and learn ballet etiquette. Students may spend up to two years in this level depending on age, ability to focus, and abilities.(age 5+)

Ballet I

Ballet I is designed for the beginning dancer. Students may spend up to two years in this level depending on age, development, maturity and body awareness. Students will be introduced to ballet vocabulary and technique. Strength, flexibility, rhythm, musicality, memorization will be emphasized. Basics of performing and ballet history and stage positions will be introduced. Those seeking to pursue ballet more seriously will be encouraged to take Ballet 2 as a pre-professional track, at the end of the level depending on abilities.(age 7+)

Recreational Division

Ballet Recreational Track

A recreational track option is also available for students looking to learn or continue their dance education in a fun and enjoyable environment without the stress of being in a pre-professional track. No required number of classes. Three class levels available to accommodate technical ability and age.

Class Offerings:

Intermediate/Advanced (ages 11+)

Jazz

Jazz II, III, IV, & V

(Age 8+) The students will begin by exploring the fundamentals of jazz technique while introducing students to the basics in presentational communication. They will then move on to more intermediate jazz vocabulary essential to ensuring a strong and flexible core and honing the dancer’s technique. Dancers will be instructed on the art of becoming a dominant personality on stage and in the classroom. Taken to its highest limits in Jazz III, dancers will be given instruction on the most advanced steps in jazz technique, asked to explore several styles of jazz from contemporary to lyrical and will be guided in the importance of striving for excellence in all facets of performance; from clarity and timing to individuality and the expression of love of their art.

Modern

Modern/Contemporary II, III, IV, & V

(Age 8+) In these classes students will begin learning the fundamentals of movement beyond the structured ballet technique by implementing alternate uses of weight, balance, and dynamics of movement. Next, in the intermediate class, they will start honing the contemporary technique and broadening the knowledge of multiple modern styles. By Modern/Contemporary III they will be mastering advanced contemporary styles while introducing intricate musical phrasing, choreographic study and partnered movement.

Tap

Tap II, III, & IV/V

(age 8+) Students will master tap concepts, skills and technique in addition to creating some of their own steps and combinations. These classes focus on a variety of rhythms, which encourages students to listen to the beats of the music and sounds they are making with the steps, rather than just doing the steps.

Pre-Professional Division

Ballet II

Ballet II is to ensure the correct strength and alignment of the dancer and to ready them for the rigors of pointe work to ensue in the following level. Student may spend up to two years in this level if not qualified in age, development, maturity, body and feet for the demands of pointework in Ballet III A and B. Two classes per week is required in this level. (age 8+)

Ballet IIIA

Ballet IIIA demands of dancers to be ready in age, maturity, alignment, strength and responsibility of the classical ballet form in order to be successful for pointe work. Student may spend two years in Ballet IIIA for all necessary pointework development. Body conditioning, pre-pointework and classical repertoire are a part of the program offerings. Two technique classes per week are required in this level and are required to take pointe classes. (age 10+)

Ballet IIIB

Ballet IIIB dancers are developing artists and need to have strong pointework, alignment, maturity, muscle strength and an overall sense of ballet refinement to be successful in this level. Body conditioning, pointe, contemporary and repertoire classes are a part of the program offerings. Three classes per week is required in this level. Company class may be counted as one of the classes. Two technique classes are required to take pointe classes.(age 11+)

Ballet IV

Ballet IV ballet dancers are continuing the refinement process and vocabulary expansion needed to continue in their necessary training. Ideally dancers only need one year of Ballet IV to gain the expanded knowledge and repetition that will prepare them for the Ballet IV/V level ahead. Three classes per week is required in this level. Company class may be counted as one of the classes. Two technique classes are required to take pointe classes.(age 12+)

Ballet V

Ballet V dancers are continuing refinement and personal growth through more artistic and strength developing opportunities. A Ballet V dancer is now considered to be and Advanced Pre-Professional and may be awarded trainee or apprenticeships with the Professional Company PCB as well as ballet pedagogy or choreographic opportunities in the school. Three classes per week is required in this level. Company class may be counted as one of the classes. Two technique classes are required to take pointe classes.(age 15+)

Pointe

Pre-Pointe, Beginner Pointe, I, II, & III

Pre-Professional Division ONLY. These classes have a sole focus on the most virtuoso skill of a ballerina, pointe work. From beginner classes with concentration on weight placement in and on the pointe shoes, to advanced classes that take the ballet technique to its highest difficulty. Pointe work is a uniquely challenging skill that is geared to the serious ballet student. (Age 11+ unless invited by instructor)

Please Note: All levels of Pointe have minimum technique class requirements and need prior approval from the Directors and pointe instructors for enrollment.

Jazz

Jazz II, III, IV, & V

Tap

Tap II, III, & IV/V

Daytime Pre-Professional Program

Open to Ballet IIIB students and higher (through audition or invitation only) training during daytime hours of 12:30-3:30pm consisting of technique, pointe, repertoire, partnering, anatomy and body conditioning. Additional classes in the evening are allotted as a part of the program allowing the serious student to be in the studio up to 6 days per week and up to 24 hours of technical training. Performance opportunities with the Professional Company and opportunities to take classes with professional company will be allowed when applicable. Dancers must have flexible schooling to accommodate this rigorous schedule. Please contact us at school@palmettocityballet.org if interested.

Class Schedule:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12:30 – 3:30pm. Conditioning Class on Thursday from 2:30-3:30.