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Tampa Bay Ballet's syllabus combines Cecchetti, Vaganova, and American techniques with a focus on principles such as correct posture, placement and coordination. Our training curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate guidelines, consistent with child/adolescent development, sports psychology, nutrition and training. We do offer classes in other disciplines such as jazz, modern, and character. We believe these techniques will ultimately improve our students' ballet technique and performance quality.
Ballet
Ballet originated in Renaissance Italy, but developed in France. Characterized by light and graceful movement, the style requires mastering a precise set of formalized steps. We offer classical ballet for all ages three to Adult. Our classes emphasize proper technique, artistry, and musicality. A placement class is recommended to determine which level is most appropriate for each student. The syllabus we follow combines Cecchetti, Vaganova, and American techniques.
Creative Movement
Recommended for ages 3-4 years. Students learn basic movement and coordination in a fun way to develop a joy and love of movement.
Beginner Ballet
Recommended for ages 5-6 years old. Students learn how to perfect basic ballet positions while still in a fun and entertaining environment.
Ballet I
Recommended for ages 7-9 years. Students learn the basics: positions of arms and feet, body directions, and movement directions. Barre work is introduced to help prepare students for future levels.
Ballet II
For ages 9-11 years who have strong understanding of previous levels. Students expand knowledge to an intermediate level and are ready to learn more complicated steps and combinations.
Ballet III
For students ages 11-13 years who have mastered Ballet II material. With instructor's approval, students may join a pointe class and purchase pointe shoes.
Ballet IV
Intermediate-advanced level for ages 12-17 years. Students are introduced to advanced adagio and allergo steps, while still maintaining the basics.
Teen & Adult
Ages 13 and above with classes offered from Beginner to Advanced. Instructors adapt to your level and help you improve.
Trainee
By Audition Only. For advanced students ages 13 and above who are studying for a professional ballet career. Scholarships applications are available prior to the start of the fall academic season.
Pas de Deux
For Trainees and Men/Boys with approval. Pas De Deux, or partnering, is a dance duet in which two dancers, a male and a female, perform ballet steps together. This allows dancers to be able to perform steps they could not do alone.
Pointe
Pointe work was developed in the 19th century for the female dancer to look weightless and sylph-like. To master pointe, a strong basis in ballet techinque is necessary. A dancer's age, strength, and alignment are considered before being placed en pointe. Dancers en pointe must attend at least two ballet classes a week. With Instructor approval. Classes are offered from Ballet III to Adult.
Boys
Boys and Men need a class to work on techniques unlike what girls perform. Young boys will focus on learning the jumps and turns that only men perform as well as begin to gain arm strength to prepare for partnering.
Mens
With approval, this class involved perfecting jumps and turns that only men perform. Men will master these steps and build more strength for partnering.
Jazz
Jazz dance emerged as a mix of many African American and European social dances that became popular during the early 20th century. Developing at the same time as jazz music, the style is truly an American creation which has changed over time. Today it has many sub-styles from street dance to theatrical dance. Jazz can often be recognized by its use of popular music, syncopation, and isolated movements. Adds performance quality and increases strength of legs and arms to ballet dancers.
Modern
Modern technique evolved as a reaction to the strict form of ballet. While there are many styles of modern from Graham to Limon to Horton, all consider expression of the whole body, often in an unrestricted way. As with ballet, flexibility, strength, and coordination are important elements. These elements combined with spatial awareness assist the dancer to discover dynamic and expressive movement.
Contemporary
Contemporary is a style of dance marked by a blending or fusion of modern, ballet, and jazz. Often this style combines principles to create a different aesthetic experience for dancer and audience member alike. Today we think of the style as relates to choreography seen on popular television shows, but it is consistently morphing style influenced by each individual choreographer's vision.
Character
An integral part of the classical ballet repertoire, Character dance takes inspiration from traditional folk or national dances from countries such as Hungary, Russian, Poland, Italy, and Spain. The form combines ballet terminology with stylized movement and music to create a theatrical experience. Many classical ballets incorporates character dance. A good example is Swan Lake, which traditionally contains a csardas, mazurka, tarantella, and flamenco within Act III.
Tap
Tap dance can be recognized by the use of tap shoes to produce a rhythmic sound that is combined with movement. Tap shoes have a metal "tap" placed on both the toe and heel of the shoe; which, when struck on the floor create a precussive sound. Improvisation, or creating something spontanesouly, is often another aspect of tap. Though are several variations of tap dance, many recognize tap dance from Vaudeville or Broadway shows. Helps the dancer build musicality and flexibility of the ankles.
Conditioning
Conditioning for dancers is an important aspect of their training to help ensure the body is healthy, strong, and ready for the demands dance places on it. Depending on session, we offer a variety of conditioning classes including Yoga, Pilates, and Stretch & Strengthen. Each discipline helps the dancer develop a strong core, body awareness, muscle tone, and balance in the body.
Private Lessons
For all ages and abilities looking for individualized attention. Privates are considered up to two students and start at $50 per hour.
