The Center, now in its sixteenth year, hosts more than 500 students annually, and offers a wide variety of dance training to all ages. Classes are designed to promote strength, flexibility and technique for the appropriate level and age of the student. From those who dance for the exercise or for the love of dance, to those at dancing at the professional level, the Center for Ballet Arts provides a well rounded curriculum and a pleasant encouraging environment for dance training.
Class Descriptions
Kinderballet
Introduces the 3- or 4-year-old to the world of dance. This 45-minute lesson is designed to encourage a relationship to music using creative movement and some elementary ballet vocabulary. Props are used to stimulate the imagination. Kinderballet is offered in eight-week sessions.
Pre-Ballet
This class is offered for the child who is at least 4 years of age. The structure is much like that of Kinderballet, but lends more emphasis to the basics of ballet. Fifteen minutes of introductory tap is combined with 45 minutes of ballet. This class is offered at two levels.
Ballet I-V
In these levels, a structured ballet barre is given along with appropriate stretching exercises to promote technique, strength, and flexibility. Center work focuses on coordination, musicality, and performance quality. Ballet II level and above are advised to attend two classes weekly.
Pointe
Pointe work (or toe dancing) will not be offered before age 11, nor before a student has studied ballet for at least 3 years. Some exceptions may be made, but only at the discretion of the instructor. At the Ballet III level, some students may be introduced to pointe work for the last 15 minutes of class. At age of 11 or 12, pointe work is given in one 1/2 hour lesson per week, following the regular ballet class. The Intermediate and Advanced level pointe classes are 45 to 90 minutes in length. All students studying pointe are required to attend class twice weekly.
Modern
Modern dance introduces students to non-traditional dance forms, with emphasis on technique. Class is taken barefoot, using a diversity of music, and includes acting and improvisational skills. The styles of Graham, Horton, and Limon are used to prepare the dancer for the demands of the profession today.
Pilates
A specified type of body conditioning that emphasizes strengthening "the core" muscle groups. Mat classes are now available several times weekly at CBA.
Tap
Tap classes are available in levels I through V and are encouraged to develop coordination and a good sense of rhythm. Pre-Ballet students ages 5 and 6 may enjoy 15 minutes of tap following 45 minutes of ballet training.
Yoga
CBA offers classes in Hatha Yoga. Exercises in breathing and strectching are joined with relaxation techniques. A class for those looking to reduce stress and build self esteem.
Zumba
Zumba is a fusion of Latin and international music that creates a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system.
Jazz/Hip Hop
A native American dance form with emphasis on rhythm. Children may begin studying jazz at age 8, provided that they have studied ballet for at least one year. We suggest that they continue to study ballet to provide necessary form and technique. Hip Hop is incorporated into most classes.