Dance Magic

Dance Magic classes are offered for children ages 3-4. Our preschool dance classes are very popular programs at Triangle Academy of Dance. We offer two levels, Dance Magic for 3-4 year olds and Kinderballet for 4-5 year olds. These classes are unique among children's introductory ballet classes. Our classes are fun and make learning dance a truly creative experience that benefits the children's coordination, musicality and expressiveness. The Dance Magic classes are structured with ballet steps, games and stories. We start out in the center with the Magic Circle, an introduction to basic ballet positions and steps (some Dance Magic classes use the ballet barre also). Then we play a fun game (freeze, zoo animals, or beanbag boogie are favorites). We always take a water break half way through the class and then we get on board the Magic Bus for more steps across the floor. Finally, a story ballet is read to the students with suggestions for acting out the ballet with costumes and classical music. Dance Magic is for three-year-olds turning four. Your child needs to be a least three years old by August 31 and be fully potty-trained to enroll. The student needs a full year of Dance Magic, if they turn 4 years old during the year they still stay in Dance Magic for the entire school year. If you feel your child needs to be promoted please consult the teacher. Their teacher will evaluate and promote the student, if needed. Girls in Dance Magic wear the color Pink! Pink everything ... ballet slippers, tights and leotard are all pink. All merchandise is available at the Triangle Academy of Dance. A short, simple pink ballet skirt is allowed, however no tutus or dress costumes please! Boys wear white T-shirts, socks and ballet slippers with black shorts or black tights. Students in Dance Magic do not participate in the school's end of the year recital, as we feel their classes should be fun and tension free! We have two observation classes per year held in the studio during regular class time. Parents and family members are invited to observe, video and/or photograph their child. Dance students are awarded a Dance Medal at the end of the school year in their last Observation class. one class per week for 45 minutes * girls wear pink

Kinder Dance

Kinderballet classes are offered for children ages 4-5. Our preschool dance classes are very popular programs at Triangle Academy of Dance. We offer two levels, Dance Magic for 3-4 year olds and Kinderballet for 4-5 year olds. These classes are unique among children's introductory ballet classes. Our classes are fun and make learning dance a truly creative experience that benefits the children's coordination, musicality and expressiveness. Kinderballet is for four-year-olds turning five. Your child needs to be a least four years old by August 31 to enroll. Kinderballet continues to develop the creative dance experience from Dance Magic, but also introduces a little more structure and discipline in the young dancer. Kinderballet progresses from learning the 1st and 2nd body positions in Dance Magic, to learning all 5 body positions - the knowledge of these positions are the foundation to our Pre-Ballet program. Kinderballet students may choose from Kinderballet with Tap or Kinderballet with Jazz - the variety of styles and rhythms from these classes add extra interest and fun for the dancers. Girls in Kinderballet wear the color Pink! Pink everything ... ballet slippers, tights and leotard are all pink. All merchandise is available at the Triangle Academy of Dance. A short, simple pink ballet skirt is allowed, however no tutus or dress costumes please! Boys wear white T-shirts, socks and ballet slippers with black shorts or black tights. Students in Kinderballet do not participate in the school's end of the year recital, as we feel their classes should be fun and tension free! We have two observation classes per year held in the studio during regular class time. Parents and family members are invited to observe, video and/or photograph their child. Dance students are awarded a Dance Medal at the end of the school year in their last Observation class. one class per week for 45 minutes * girls wear pink

Pre-Ballet

Pre-Ballet is designed to help the beginning ballet student learn the essentials of ballet at a relaxed comfortable pace. Children learn the joy of movement with the emphasis of rhythm, coordination and flexibility. Basic ballet positions and terminology are introduced. Interacting with other children in a positive environment add to the child's sense of self awareness. The young student will learn correct body placement, balance, and ballet movements at the barre and continue into the center. Traveling ballet steps, leaps, and improvisation will be taught to allow freedom of movement and expression. Pre-Ballet focuses on posture, placement, alignment, and basic ballet positions & steps.  Students work on developing their ballet vocabulary and skill level.  Various combination classes are offered at this age: ballet/tap or ballet/jazz.  Students are placed in Pre-Ballet by age (5-7 years old) and ability, and have the opportunity to perform in the school's end of year recital. Pre-Ballet students wear a white leotard with pink tights and pink ballet slippers for girls and a white t-shirt and black shorts of tights for boys. one class per week * one hour (60 minutes)

Ballet Levels I-VI

Ballet I, II, and III levels will study and dance out story ballets. Graded classes in Classical Ballet will meet the needs of students at each stage of their development. Technique will be built upon learning solid placement and work habits. Students will be challenged with increased complexity as they advance through the higher levels. Students will have additional studies in the area of ballet turns, exploring complex turning combinations including diagonals and menège. The allegro studies will focus on learning how to move quickly through clean technical habits and clarity. Ballet IV and V will study ballet variations from well-known classical repertoire.

Ballet I

Ballet I introduces students to the discipline and structure that the program will offer. Emphasis remains on rhythm and musicality. Stretching exercises more specific to muscle groups are introduced. Children must be at least 6 years old to enroll in this level. Ballet technique will be taught at the barre and in the center. A progression of steps and ballet vocabulary will be taught from level to level.   Ballet I students have the opporutnity to take a combination class of ballet/tap or ballet/jazz.  Dancers are invited to perform in the school's end of year recital. Ballet I students wear a pale blue tank leotard. one class per week * one hour (60 minutes)

Ballet II
	Rhythm, musicality, flexibility, and discipline continue to be emphasized, but learning proper alignment is the primary focus in this level. Ballet II students wear lavendar leotards with spaghetti straps. one class per week * one hour (60 minutes)

Ballet III

For Ballet III, the primary focus is alignment and balance. Many new steps and positions are introduced and students begin to learn ballet terminology. Work continues on refining technique and flexibility, and developing a sense of work ethic.   Ballet III students are given an opportunity to perform in the school's end of year recital.  At the end of the year, the serious ballet student will progress to Ballet IV and then on to Ballet V.  The recreational ballet student will progress to the Children's Intermediate I & II ballet classes.   Ballet III students wear burgandy leotards by Bloch. one class per week * one hour (60 minutes)

Ballet IV

In Ballet IV, Strength and balance are emphasized. Work continues on increasing flexibility. Proper leg and arm placement and their integration with movement are developed.   Students entering the serious ballet program should be prepared for intense training.  This program is designed to prepare dancers later for pointe work, and pre-professional training. Ballet IV students wear a navy blue tank leotard by Bloch. two classes per week * one hour each (120 minutes per week)

Ballet V

Developing quality of movement begins in this level. Students begin to experience the art of dance, and learn of the commitment required to excel at this art form. Students in this level will begin pre-pointe work and must demonstrate sufficient maturity, dedication, strength, technique, and proper body alignment to advance to the next level. Ballet V students wear a periwinkle spaghetti strap leotard by Mirella. two classes per week * one hour each (120 minutes per week)

Ballet VI

A significant increase in dedication, self-discipline and time commitment is required at this stage of training. Integration of all of the aspects of ballet occurs in this level. There is continued development of dancers' strength and technique. There is a strong focus placed on both adagio work and pre-pointe work. The instructor will notify students when they are eligible for pointe classes Ballet VI students wear a royal blue spaghetti strap leotard by Mirella. two classes per week * one & one-half hour each (180 minutes per week)