Children Programs
Dance Programs for the 2012 – 2013 Academic Year
The training according to the Vaganova Syllabus consists of eight professional levels, one Master level, and these preparatory levels: 1) Beginner, 2) Intermediate, 3) Pre-professional. The Recreational program is not part of these levels.
Uniform policy. We believe that our uniform policy helps children develop a sense of pride and belonging to a particular group. It is also a part of the discipline necessary in life and specifically in the art of ballet. The uniform colour code and style are strictly enforced: all dancewear including leotard, ballet slippers, pointe shoes, skirt, tights, hair style and accessories can be purchased for a discounted price at our school store. The uniform and accessories can be purchased at other stores too.
Recreational Ballet
The Recreational ballet program is designed for 3 to 4 year-old children, and for 6 to 7 year-olds who do not wish to participate in more advanced programs, such as Beginner, and Intermediate. Students attend ballet classes once a week; and no levels are assigned for these groups. Uniform colour: PINK.
THE CURRICULUM focuses on the physical development of the child’s body through stretching exercises, jumping skills, balance, and also on following group forms, listening to the music and learning some of the basic ballet positions and movements.
CLASS SCHEDULE :
1. 3-4 year-old. Sat. 10 am
2. 4-5 year-old. Wed. 5 pm
3. 5-6 year-old. Sat. at 12 pm
4. 6-7 year-old. Saturdays at 11 am
Depending on enrollment, we may open more groups.
Every year in the month of June, our students take a ballet exam in order to obtain a Certificate of Accomplishment. In May or June, the students of the Recreational Program participate in the school’s Gala Concert. Performing on stage greatly contributes to the children’s artistic education and willingness to learn more. We encourage them to use their vivid imagination and dream of someday becoming ballet dancers or ballerinas. Victoria Ballet Academy also offers summer, winter and spring vacation camps. Our Summer camp is available for children aged 4 to 8.
Beginner Ballet
The Beginner Ballet program is more intensive than the Recreational program, as it requires at least two hours of training per week. It is designed for 4-5 year-old children, and 6-8 year-olds who do not wish to participate in more advanced programs, such as Intermediate and Pre-Professional programs. Beginner programs have levels consisting of at least 60 hours of training. The levels count towards the Intermediate program levels. Uniform colour: PINK.
THE CURRICULUM focuses on the physical development of the child’s body through stretching and physical exercises, and learning more advanced ballet positions and movements. The lesson consists of exercises at the barre and in the centre of the studio. Students learn manners, basic etiquette and simple dances.
Student of Victoria Ballet Academy
CLASS SCHEDULE:
1. 4-5 year-old: Wed. 5 pm and Sat. 12 pm
2. 5-7 year-old: Tue. and Fri. 5 pm
3. 6-8 year-old: Wed. 6 pm and Sat. 12 pm
4. 6-8 year-old: Tue. and Fri. 6 pm
Every year in the month of June, our students take a ballet exam in order to obtain a Certificate of Accomplishment. In May or June, 2012 our students participate in the school’s Gala Concert. Performing on stage is a requirement of the program. Victoria Ballet Academy also offers summer, winter and spring vacation camps. Summer camp is available for children aged 4 to 8.
Intermediate Ballet
A class of Intermediate Program students
The Intermediate ballet program is designed mainly for children from 6 to 10 years of age, however in some cases older beginners can join too. Students attend classes at least twice a week, for two different lessons each day, for example, a lesson of ballet and a lesson of stretching or ballet and character dance. Uniform colour: BURGUNDY. Intermediate ballet program requires previous ballet training.
THE CURRICULUM focuses on the physical development of the child’s body through stretching and physical exercises, physical and mental endurance, learning ballet techniques and basic theory, character and contemporary dances and stretching. Students take a ballet exam every year in June in order to be promoted to a higher level or to a more advanced program and to receive a Certificate of Accomplishment. Intermediate ballet training counts towards Pre-Professional Ballet Level. Students progress as they meet the expectations of the program and at least 120 hours of training per level.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
1. 6-8 year-old: Wed. 6 to 8 pm and Sat. 10 – 12 pm (each day classes of ballet and stretching or character dance)
2. 7-9 year old: Mon. and Thu. 5 to 7 pm
3. 8-10 year old: Mon. and Thu. 5 to 7 pm
4. 11-17 year old: Tue. and Fri. 6 to 8 pm
More Activities: In December, students of the school’s Intermediate program may perform in The Nutcracker staged by Victoria Ballet Company at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. In May or June, students participate in the school’s Gala Concert. Performing on stage is a requirement of this program. Students take a ballet exam every year in June in order to be promoted to a higher level or to a more advanced program and to receive their Certificate of Accomplishment. Victoria Ballet Academy offers a Summer Intensive Program for children aged 9 and older. Summer camp is available for children aged 4 to 8.
Pre-professional Ballet
Our Pre-professional Ballet program is designed for children aged 8 and older. Students are required to attend classes 3 days per week for at least 6 hours of classes. The program requires two years of previous Intermediate training and at least 180 hours of ballet training a year. This program is a prerequisite to register to our Professional Program. Uniform colour: NAVY BLUE.
THE CURRICULUM focuses on learning advanced ballet techniques and ballet theory, character and contemporary dances and stretching. Students take a ballet exam each June in order to be promoted to a higher level and to receive a Certificate of Accomplishment. Students can advance to the Professional Program after completing one year of the Pre-Professional program.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Each class consists of ballet and stretching or character or contemporary dance.
Ms. Victoria Mironova with Pre-Professional program students
1. 8-11 year old: Tue. and Fri. 6 to 8 pm and Sun. 11 am to 1 pm.
2. 9-12 year old: Mon. and Thu. 6 to 8 pm and Sun. 11 am to 1 pm.
3. 10-13 year old: Mon. and Thu. 6 to 8 pm and Sun. 11 am to 1 pm.
4. 11-17 year old: Tue. and Fri. 6 to 8 pm and Sun. 12 to 2 pm.
In December, the students of the Pre-professional program perform in the Nutcracker of the Victoria Ballet Company.
In May or June, the students participate in the school’s Gala Concert. Stage performance is a requirement of this program.
Victoria Ballet Academy also offers an excellent summer intensive program for children 9 and older.
Professional Ballet
Ms. Victoria Mironova with a professional program student
Our Professional after-school Ballet program is designed for students who are at least 9 years old, who would like to acquire the skills that professional ballet companies expect from a ballet dancer. To enter the Professional ballet level 1 program, a student must have met Pre-professional expectations and must have at least 540 hours of previous ballet training in Beginner, Intermediate and Pre-Professional programs. Additionally, a positive audition at our school is required in order to enter this program. The Professional Program requires a minimum of 400 hours of ballet training per year. Uniform colour: BLACK. Our teachers can recommend students who meet the described expectations to join the professional choreography program at our day-time school: Arts and Science Academy of Canada.
THE CURRICULUM
Professional Level 1, 9-13 year olds: classes are arranged according to students’ needs, usually from 6 to 8 pm, or on weekends from 12 to 2 pm, with possible additional rehearsals. The program includes ballet, ballet theory, character dance, stretching, contemporary dances, repertoire and basic teaching skills.
Students of the Professional ballet program usually get leading roles in the school’s ballet performances, such as The Nutcracker, and end-of-year recitals.
In June of each year the students take their ballet exam in order to advance to the next level, and a certificate of achievement is issued. Successful graduates of this program receive a Professional Ballet Dancer Diploma.
Victoria Ballet Academy also offers an excellent summer intensive program.
Hip-Hop and Contemporary Classes for Boys only:
Schedule: Sundays 10 am.
Teacher: DMITRY SYCHYKAU
Dmitry Sychykau is a professional contemporary dancer and teacher. He became a professional Hip-Hop dancer after graduating from a worldwide famous dance school “TODES”. He found himself immersed in a very interesting career not only as a dancer but also as a choreographer. He has worked for television, on stage, and on competitive dance circuits. He has danced in multiple events including the Eurovision Song Contest, Star Factory, New Wave, etc. Currently he works as a teacher and choreographer at Victoria Ballet Academy. His classes are offered for both boys and girls. Bring all the boys in your family to participate in this energetic boy’s only class!
Classes for Adults
Schedule: Mon. and Thu. 8 to 9 pm, Wed. 7-8 and Sat. 11 to 12 pm. Summer time (July – August): Mondays and Thursdays 7 to 8 pm.
The classes for BEGINNERS and CONTINUING students are ongoing, and anyone can join them at any time of the year. Remedial classes are offered for beginners. This program is designed for adults without ballet experience as well as for those who would like to improve their level of personal fitness. The program includes stretching, basic exercises at the barre, in the centre, muscle work-out and simple dance routines. It is designed not only to teach ballet but also to help preserve health, fitness and overall beauty. This program is also designed for former professional dancers who would like to regain their personal dancing ability. For more information on other programs for adults, wisit the Programs for Adults page.
Private and Master Classes |
Lessons are scheduled on an individual basis.
 Private class: Victoria Ballet Academy |
Private and Master Classes are scheduled individually and provided throughout the calendar year. Master Classes are designed for professional dancers and performers who wish to refresh or upgrade their dancing skills. It is an excellent tool for dancers preparing for careers in professional dance. The classes provide a supportive transition from completion of training to full-time professional practice. Classes include Ballet, Pas de Deux, Character and Historic Dances, teaching methods and repertoire. Students of Private and Master Classes can participate in theatre performances throughout the year (in December, the students traditionally perform in the Nutcracker) and in the school recital in May or June). The fees for private and master classes start at $50 for half an hour. |  |
TESTIMONIALS:
Thank you for your excellent instruction and of course to the undoubtedly the most competent and talented teacher of my daughter!!! Even though my child was there for a short time, your instruction, and methodology has had a enormous effect on her. Her improvement was immense and that is credited to your teaching system and to the teacher herself, who was able to transmit so much to my child. After each class, she felt that she did better and better and longed to come back next class and work even harder. At home, the teacher was frequently and affectionately talked about by my child, who makes at home productions, and does her stretches on a daily basis… Thank you for giving her your all. You have effected this little girl in ways that you can not imagine. So thank you for all you have done! Eniko Hegedus
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