School of Ballet

School of Ballet

Ballet Classes for All Levels, Ages, & Aspirations

in a Pre-Professional Training Environment

Ballet is Our Expertise

Greater York Dance is an American Academy of Ballet Certified School where students receive only the finest training from faculty who have specific knowledge of our syllabus, philosophy and legacy. It is both our privilege and our responsibility to joyfully pass on the ballet traditions of classical ballet. Under the guidance of our instructors, students learn new positions and movements – repeating and refining them until each becomes part of the body’s muscle memory. Students are encouraged to take lower level classes in addition to their own level to reinforce their strength an understanding of technique and to broaden their knowledge and enhance versatility.


Student Progress All students move at different rates and unlike grades in school, some students spend more time in a level than others while the foundation of their technique develops. When the student has learned the technique appropriate to a level, the student is then moved on to the next level. Advancement is based on ability rather than by age. Those pursuing pointe need to take a minimum number of classes per week to gain strength and maintain overall fitness in order to prevent injury. Pointe is simply an extension of ballet training, and it is decided by faculty when a student is ready, never before age 10.


Ballet curriculum at GYD includes:

  • Ballet Technique
  • Pointe
  • Variations
  • Modern
  • Partnering
  • Conditioning
  • Private Coaching


Classes are offered to students of all levels, ages and aspirations from Beginner to Pre-professional. Greater York Dance includes faculty with certifications and expertise in various ballet methods. Dancers who wish to pursue a full pre-professional ballet track should consider membership into the Midstate Ballet.

Ballet Divisions


EARLY CHILDHOOD BALLET

PRE-BALLET  A Pre-Ballet class is for little dancers ages 3-5 with dancing and ballet story time. This is the first level ballet-only focused class in the School of Early Childhood. Creative and classical songs along with ballet movements will motivate children to use their imaginations and create a learning experience where the focus is fun and enjoyment of classical music.

PRIMARY BALLET  As a part of the School of Early Childhood, this class is for students ages 5-7. Inspiring a love for ballet in children is the goal of this next level Pre-ballet class. Students will grow in confidence, imagination and focus as they begin to learn the etiquette and build skills of ballet. 1-2/wk recommended.


PREPARATORY

PREP  For students ages 7+, this level begins classical ballet tech. Students learn about turnout and the elemental skills of the art. Two classes/week recommended. Dancers may audition for the Nutcracker Ballet.


TRAINEE A Ages 7+  Preparatory studies will carefully train a student’s body, teach the French vocabulary and stretch and strengthen the body in preparation for advancement. Dancers may take as many classes/week as they wish depending upon their personal schedule and dance priorities. We recommended a minimum of 2 classes/week. To perform in the June Show, add a Variations Rehearsal Class. Company Training is available for students who wish to join the Midstate Ballet. Dancers may audition for the Nutcracker & Spring Ballets.


TRAINEE B The principles of ballet technique that build vocabulary are applied consistently with emphasis placed on gaining a strong core, placement and flexibility. Pre-pointe as a preparation for pointe shoes may be added as an additional class/week. Dancers may audition for the Nutcracker & Spring Ballets.


INTERMEDIATE

APPRENTICE Level 4 dancers have learned how to concentrate and the basis of a good work ethic has been set into place. This frees the dancer for limitless progress as an Intermediate ballet student.  Dancers also begin pointe work sometime during the Intermediate levels based on individual progress. Dancers may audition for the Nutcracker & Spring Ballets.


CORPS DE BALLET Dancers in Level 5 progress as they continue to master Intermediate work. This level stresses increased strengthening of the feet, legs abdomen and back and becoming more athletic. Dancers may audition for the Nutcracker & Spring Ballets.


ADVANCED

SOLOIST  This is a challenging level as the dancer transitions from Intermediate work to Advanced. Extensions, virtuosity and all the skills expected of today's future ballerinas are incorporated. Advancing in pointe work is an important focus. Dancers may audition for the Nutcracker & Spring Ballets.


PRINCIPAL After years of practice, dancers have acquired a level of technique and expertise and are ready to develop their performance style. This level builds self-sufficiency with increased musicality, advancement on pointe and a study of composition and choreography. Emphasis is placed on performance qualities in building respectable dancers who are both athletic, graceful and ready for their next career steps. Dancers may audition for the Nutcracker & Spring Ballets.

Performance Opportunities

For the serious student, we recommend performance training with the Midstate Ballet, the South Central Pennsylvania's professional Youth Ballet Company.


Classes of the School of Ballet perform (by audition) in the 

Nutcracker Ballet & other Spring Ballets at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts.


Most classes will be in the June Show also held at the Appell Center.


A Studio Summer Showcase is held in conclusion of the Summer Ballet Intensive. The American Academy of Ballet Performance Awards are also held with a professionally trained visiting adjudicator. Each dancer is evaluated and awarded for their work.

Performances
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