INTERNATIONAL BALLET ACADEMY
Upper Division
Ballet 3A, Ballet 3B, Ballet 4, Ballet 5, Variations & Contemporary
Placement in the upper division is based on many factors, including age, ability, experience, strength, and mental preparedness. Students often spend several years in each level as they progress and develop their skills. Additionally, students must be able to meet pointe and variations standards to progress to the next level.
Ballet 3A
Beginning level pointe-work is introduced and developed in this level as a part of their technique class. Students are required to take twice a week, with opportunity to take 3 times a week (students choose one demo class).
CLASS COLOR: ROYAL BLUE (MATCHING SKIRTS ALLOWED)
CLASS: 1.5 - 2 HOURS, TWICE A WEEK
ELIGIBLE FOR: STUDIO PERFORMANCE GROUP (SPG), NUTCRACKER AUDITIONS & CONTEMPORARY 3A
Ballet 3B
Students at this level have demonstrated strength and sufficient improvement, particularly in their pointe-work to progress to more challenging technical elements. Ballet 3B students must take 2 times a week, and are encouraged to take 3 times a week. Ballet 3B students are also eligible for and encouraged to take Pointe 3, Variations 3, and Contemporary 3.
CLASS COLOR: ROYAL BLUE (MATCHING SKIRTS ALLOWED)
CLASS: 1.5 - 2 HOURS, 2 - 3 TIMES A WEEK
ELIGIBLE FOR: STUDIO PERFORMANCE GROUP (SPG), NUTCRACKER & PRE-PROFESSIONAL COMPANY AUDITIONS, POINTE 3B, VARIATIONS 3B & CONTEMPORARY 3B
Ballet 4
Students at this level are considered Intermediate-Advanced and take 3 times a week or more. Ballet 4 are eligible for and encouraged to take Pointe 4, Variations 4, and Contemporary 4.
CLASS COLOR: BURGUNDY/GARNET (SKIRTS ALLOWED)
CLASS: 1.5 - 2 HOURS, 3 - 4 TIMES A WEEK
ELIGIBLE FOR: NUTCRACKER & PRE-PROFESSIONAL COMPANY AUDITIONS, POINTE 4, VARIATIONS 4, & CONTEMPORARY 4
Ballet 5
Students at this level are considered Advanced and take 4 times a week or more. Ballet 5 students are eligible for and encouraged to take Pointe 5, Variations 5, and Contemporary 5. Students at this level are strongly encouraged to audition for International Ballet’s Youth Company to gain additional performance experience.
CLASS COLOR: BLACK/SOLID COLOR (SKIRTS ALLOWED)
CLASS: 1.5 - 2 HOURS, 5 - 6 TIMES A WEEK
ELIGIBLE FOR: NUTCRACKER & PRE-PROFESSIONAL COMPANY AUDITIONS, POINTE 5, VARIATIONS 5, & CONTEMPORARY 5
*Ballet 4B will be combined with Ballet 5 for the 22-23 school year. 4B follows the Ballet 4 dress code.
Contemporary
Students with an established ballet foundation learn modern-influenced movement in contemporary class, focusing on a grounded approach, floor work, barefoot articulation, expanded upper body and torso movement with improvisational/partner-work concepts when appropriate. Emphasis on musicality, fluidity, coordination and rhythm with a wide variety of music/movement influence.