Classical Repertory Levels IV and V
Students will learn excerpts and choreography from classical ballets such as Paquita, La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. This is to enrich their knowledge of dance and expand their vocabulary. Video materials will also be used to introduce new forms and styles of dance. Students taking Repertory are required to obtain and bring to class a copy of the "Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet" by Gail Grant. This book will be used in class to teach vocabulary and terminology and is available new or used online. A small notebook will also be required to take notes and write down corrections. A practice tutu may be required for this class. Your instructor will notify you if necessary.
Workshop Level V
Workshop is an excellent opportunity to expose our advanced dancers to new disciplines and ways of moving. Classes will be given in differing genres on a rotating basis. Having a well-rounded education is crucial in today's dance world and this class aims to expand the dancer's experience. Examples of techniques taught are: classical character dance, music, modern , jazz, pilates, and yoga.
Pre-pointe/Pointe Levels III-V
Our Pointe curriculum begins with a half hour class per week of Pre-pointe. Pre-pointe shoes are designed to help transition the dancer from soft slippers to pointe shoes. They have ribbons like pointe shoes and a slightly stiffer sole but are not designed to support the weight of the dancer on her toes. In pre-pointe class, students work specifically on strengthening the feet and ankles for pointe work.
Pointe Shoe Policy
Dancers wishing to go on pointe should understand the seriousness and dedication that are required to advance to this level of technique. The Saratoga City Ballet School believes in a conservative approach when it comes to pointe work and we will not put any student on pointe, no matter how great the desire, if she is not ready.
Generally, students will start pre-pointe lessons at the age of 9 or 10. Pre-pointe shoes are soft satin slippers with ribbons similar to pointe shoes. They are NOT designed to support a dancer on her toes and should never be used as such. Students must be enrolled in at least two technique classes at SCBS to begin pre-pointe. Students must show their commitment to pre-pointe work before they will be considered candidates for pointe shoes.
Dancers who have studied seriously for at least four years in our Main Division are considered candidates for pointe work at the age of 11 with their instructors' recommendation. Age is not the sole factor governing when a student will get her pointe shoes, and no student should feel they "deserve" pointe shoes simply because they meet the minimum age requirement. It is never too late to put a dancer on pointe, but doing so too early can have detrimental affects on her progress as well as her physical development. Placement on pointe is based on technical ability, anatomical development, strength and maturity. We ask that parents not purchase pointe shoes until directed by the faculty to do so. We highly recommend getting fitted for shoes at Saratoga Dance, Etc. You must
call ahead for an appointment.
Dancers must take a minimum of three ballet technique classes per week at SCBS for consideration to start pointe work. Instructors reserve the right to take any student off pointe. Such cases might include insufficient number of technique classes per week, excessive absences, physical limitations, or lack of motivation. We recommend that parents with children aspiring to pointe read "The Pointe Shoe Book: Shoes, Training & Technique", by Sarah Schlesinger and Janice Barringer, available through online bookstores.
Please feel free to schedule a conference with the faculty if you have questions or concerns about your pre-pointe or pointe student.