Children Programs

Dance Programs for the 2011 – 2012 Academic Year

Recreational Ballet

The Recreational ballet program is designed for 3 to 5 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. 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. You can obtain more information at the school’s office. CLASS SCHEDULE : 1. 3-4 year-olds. Saturdays at 9 am (45 min.)

2. 4-5 year-olds. Wednesdays at 5 pm (60 min.)or join our Kindergarten ballet program Tuesday through Friday 4 pm (45 min.)

3. 4-6 year-olds. Saturdays at 11 am (60 min.)

4. 4-7 year-olds.Saturdays at 12 pm (60 min.)

5. 5-7 year-olds.Wednesdays at 7 pm (60 min.)

In most cases, children begin dance classes as an activity chosen by their parents. However, after only one year children are ready to continue their training in a more advanced program. Every January parents are invited to observe their child’s progress during an open class.

On May 30, 2011, the students of the Recreational Program will participate in the school’s Gala Concert . They are not really ready yet to perform, but performances greatly contribute to their artistic education and willingness to learn their dances. By having all groups perform on stage, we are encouraging 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 series for children. Our Summer camp is available for children aged 4 to 7.

Beginner Ballet

The Beginner Ballet program is more advanced than the Recreational program, as it requires at least two hours of training each 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. No levels are assigned for these groups. 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. You can get more information at the school’s office.

CLASS SCHEDULE:

1. 4-5 year-olds. Tuesdays and Fridays 5 pm (60 min.)

2. 4-5 year-olds: Wednesdays 5 pm and Saturdays at 9 am (60 min.)

3. 5-6 year-olds: Wednesdays at 6 pm and Saturdays at 10 am (60 min.)

4. 5-8 year-olds: Tuesdays and Fridays 6 pm (60 min.)

Every year in the month of June, our students take a ballet exam in order to obtain a Certificate of Accomplishment. On May 30, 2011 our students will participate in the school’s Gala Concert. Victoria Ballet Academy also offers summer, winter and spring vacation series for children. Summer camp is available for children aged 4 to 7.

Intermediate Ballet

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 the Academy 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 contemporary dance. The only prerequisite for students wishing to enter Intemediate level 1 is to be at least 6 years old. Students take a ballet exam every year on 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 consists of 4 levels assigned according to the sudent’s training experience and skills. Students progress as they meet the expectations of the program and at least 120 hours of training per level.

Intermediate Level 1, for children aged 6 to 8 and older beginners Mondays and Thursdays at 5 pm (ballet 60 min. and stretching 45 min. or character dance 60 min.)

Intermediate Level 2, for children aged 6 to 8 and older beginners

Saturdays at 10 am (ballet 60 min. and contemporary dance 60 min.) and Wednesdays at 6 pm (stretching 45 min. and ballet 60 min.)

Intermediate Level 3, for children aged 7 to 8 and older beginners

Mondays and Thursdays at 5 pm (ballet 60 min. and stretching 45 min. or character dance 60 min.)

Intermediate Level 4, for children aged 8 to 10 and older beginners

Tuesdays and Fridays at 6 pm (stretching 45 min. or character dance 60 min. and ballet 60 min.)

More Activities: On December 15-18, 2011 the students of the school’s Intermediate, Pre-professional and Professional programs will perform in The Nutcracker. In the month of January parents are invited to observe their child’s progress during an open class, and on May 30, 2011 students will participate in the school’s Gala Concert. 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. Victoria Ballet Academy offers a Summer Intensive Program for children aged 8 and older. Summer camp is available for children aged 4 to 7.

Pre-professional Ballet

Our Pre-professional Ballet program is designed for children 8-15 years of age. Students are required to attend classes 3 days per week for at least 6 hours of class. Children aged 8 and older can join the Pre-professional ballet program on meeting the Intermediate level 2 expectations and having at least 240 hours of ballet training. Students take a ballet exam each June in order to be promoted to a higher level or to a more advanced program and to receive a Certificate of Accomplishment. Children progress through the 4 levels of the Pre-professional ballet program as they meet the program expectations and at least 180 hours of training per level. They can advance to the Professional Program after completing two levels of the Pre-Professional program.

Pre-professional Levels 1 – 2, for 7-8 year olds

Mondays from 5 to 7 pm (ballet 60 min. and stretching 45 min.), Thursdays from 5 to 7 (ballet 60 min. and character dance 60 min.) and Sundays from 11 to 1 pm (contemporary dance 60 min. and ballet 60 min.)

Pre-professional Levels 3 -4, for 9-13 year olds

Mondays from 6 to 8 pm (stretching 45 min. and ballet 60 min.), Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm (character dance 60 min. and ballet 60 min.) and Sundays from 11 to 1 pm (contemporary dance 60 min. and ballet 60 min.)

Pre-professional Levels 5, for 12-16 year olds

Tuesdays from 6 to 8 pm (stretching 45 min. and ballet 60 min.), Fridays from 6 to 8 pm (character dance 60 min. and ballet 60 min.), and Sundays from 11 to 1 pm (contemporary dance 60 min. and ballet 60 min.)

On December 15-18, 2011, the students of the school’s Intermediate, Pre-professional, and Professional programs will perform in the Nutcracker.

In January, parents are invited to observe their child’s progress during an open lesson. On May 30, 2011, the students will participate in the school’s Gala Concert.

Victoria Ballet Academy also offers an excellent summer intensive program for children 8 and older, the Intermediate through Professional levels.

Professional Ballet

Our Professional after-school Ballet program is designed for students who are at least 8 years old, who would like to acquire the skills that professional ballet companies require from a ballet dancer. To enter the Professional ballet level 1 program, a student must have met Pre-professional Level 1 expectations and must have at least 480 hours of ballet training. Additionally, a satisfactory audition at our school is required in order to enter this program.

Level 1, 8-12 year olds, Mon and Thu from 6 to 8 pm, and Tue and Fri from 5 to 7 pm (ballet 60 min, stretching 45 min. or character dance 60 min), Sun. from 11 to 1pm (Contemporary dance 60 min. and ballet 60 min.)

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.

Students of the Professional ballet program usually get leading roles in the school’s ballet performances, such as The Nutcracker, and in the recitals on May 30, 2011.

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.

Classes for Adults

Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays 8 to 9 pm, Saturdays 12 to 1 pm, additional stretching 1 to 2 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. You can choose the pay-per-class option paying for each attended class ($17 per class) or a 3-month session ($10-15 per class). 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 to 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

Lesons are scheduled on an individual basis.

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 ballets such as “Cinderella “. “Sleeping Beauty”, 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.

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