As directors and instructors of our program, we are committed to the technical and artistic growth of our students. We strive to bring each student to the peak of their potential thru the enjoyment of dance at all levels. Dance is an art form that requires time for the student to absorb and attain competency.
Physical development and emotional maturity vary from child to child. Age is
only used as a guide in placement and advancement in ballet classes. Students should master the skills of their level before advancing to the next. Most students should participate in their level for 2 or more years before advancement takes place. This does not mean that the student will repeat the same lessons. The experienced Ballet 1 student will be encouraged to begin a more intensive study while in a class that may contain beginners - this is one of the benefits of a class with two instructors. A review is always appropriate in the Fall when classes begin.
Our Ballet 2/prepointe class is designed for the older student with the physical strength and mental maturity necessary for a class of this type of study. Our enrollment changes from year to year. We are honored to have been able to advance some of our students to this level last year and in previous years. Sometimes we have many students who we feel are ready for this type of class as was the case in the past few years - we are proud to say that these students have gone on to middle school with many opportunities and new challenges. We will be looking forward to next year to advance some of our serious returning ballet students to this special class.
It is essential that the body is in proper alignment and the muscles well strengthened before more complex exercises are undertaken. To force younger or weaker students to advance to quickly would result in serious injury - which we wish to avoid. Proper placement, turnout and advanced skills require many years of study. To fulfill the wishes of hopeful students and their parents by advancing those who are not ready would only invite physical injury and future pain. As mothers, dance educators, and just plain human beings, this is something we strongly feel we must not do.
Sydney Carpenter & Courtenay Wise
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