Columbia Ballet School
Programs
Columbia Ballet School
Programs
Ages 3 – 6
First Turns
Dancers begin with a love of movement and music that can grow into dance. At this age, our experienced teachers are focusing on developing a child’s ability to take a group class, work together, and learn dance basics. Your child’s classes are chosen based on a combination of age and technical ability. Even at three, young dancers are capable of learning correct terminology for ballet and tap, and they respond to a combination of creative movement and specific dance technique instruction.
For specific information about classes and ages, please consult the studio handbook. Typically, students who are three and four are in Pre-ballet and Pre-tap; students who are five and six are in Primary level.
Ages 3 – 6
First Turns
Dancers begin with a love of movement and music that can grow into dance. At this age, our experienced teachers are focusing on developing a child’s ability to take a group class, work together, and learn dance basics. Your child’s classes are chosen based on a combination of age and technical ability. Even at three, young dancers are capable of learning correct terminology for ballet and tap, and they respond to a combination of creative movement and specific dance technique instruction.
For specific information about classes and ages, please consult the studio handbook. Typically, students who are three and four are in Pre-ballet and Pre-tap; students who are five and six are in Primary level.
Ages 7 – 11
Emerging Artists
Dancers this age are discovering their artistry hand in hand with their technical ability. This is a time when dancers often become more committed to taking class, and parents should not be surprised to find an awakening of a dancer’s desire to perform. This is a very important time for dancers to learn how to work correctly through careful instruction and correction. Students who are seven and eight years old will typically take one class a week in ballet and might express an interest in another dance genre, such as tap or jazz. By the time a dancer is 10, he or she will be taking two ballet classes a week and should take at least one additional type of class.
It is during this time period when dancers express a desire to go on pointe. At CBS, we assess each dancer’s readiness. Pointe work does not begin at a certain age or level, but rather when the dancer can be successful.
Ages 7 – 11
Emerging Artists
Dancers this age are discovering their artistry hand in hand with their technical ability. This is a time when dancers often become more committed to taking class, and parents should not be surprised to find an awakening of a dancer’s desire to perform. This is a very important time for dancers to learn how to work correctly through careful instruction and correction. Students who are seven and eight years old will typically take one class a week in ballet and might express an interest in another dance genre, such as tap or jazz. By the time a dancer is 10, he or she will be taking two ballet classes a week and should take at least one additional type of class.
It is during this time period when dancers express a desire to go on pointe. At CBS, we assess each dancer’s readiness. Pointe work does not begin at a certain age or level, but rather when the dancer can be successful.
Ages 12 – 20
Advanced Dancers
The advanced dancer is becoming more and more technically proficient which frees them to explore fully the artistic aspects of dance. S/he is seeking the challenge of the classics, as well as exploring other genres. They will put more and more energy into their movement and be willing to take risks with their dance, confident that they have the technical ability to be successful. They continue to rely on their teachers for correction and guidance. It is the responsibility of the teacher to continue to challenge the dancer.
Advanced dancers might begin to think of dance as a career either as a professional dance, a teacher, a choreographer – or all three. It is important that dancers talk with their teachers and parents about their goals and direction.
Dancers at this level will usually dance up to six days a week, with a daily ballet class along with tap, jazz, contemporary and other genres. They also are likely to participate in studio company classes and performances.
Ages 12 – 20
Advanced Dancers
The advanced dancer is becoming more and more technically proficient which frees them to explore fully the artistic aspects of dance. S/he is seeking the challenge of the classics, as well as exploring other genres. They will put more and more energy into their movement and be willing to take risks with their dance, confident that they have the technical ability to be successful. They continue to rely on their teachers for correction and guidance. It is the responsibility of the teacher to continue to challenge the dancer.
Advanced dancers might begin to think of dance as a career either as a professional dance, a teacher, a choreographer – or all three. It is important that dancers talk with their teachers and parents about their goals and direction.
Dancers at this level will usually dance up to six days a week, with a daily ballet class along with tap, jazz, contemporary and other genres. They also are likely to participate in studio company classes and performances.
Adult Program
No one is too young or too old to dance! We offer a variety of classes that can be taken on a drop-in basis.
Check the schedule for information.
Adult Program
No one is too young or too old to dance! We offer a variety of classes that can be taken on a drop-in basis.
Check the schedule for information.