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Video by Ernesto Galan

Boston Ballet School Curriculum

 

Clarifying the Student Journey

Over the past few years, our faculty has implemented subtle curriculum adjustments specifically tailored to enhance the support provided to students ages 7-9 during their transition between the Children’s and Classical Ballet Program.
To ensure clear communication of these enhancements and to illuminate the entirety of the student journey, we are pleased to announce the official update of our program names, along with the introduction of a comprehensive three-year training bridge designed for students ages 7-9.
These updates will be implemented for non-residential Summer 2025 programming and the 2025/2026 school year.

New Program Structure

Photo by Brooke Trisolini

Preparatory (16 months-age 6)

Introduces young students to the art of dance and teaches the fundamentals of ballet utilizing imagination, storytelling, and expression through movement. The syllabus is designed to support childhood development through joyful age-appropriate activities.

Photo by Broooke Trisolini

Foundations (ages 7-9)

Offers a sequential three-year syllabus designed to support cognitive and social development for students ages 7-9. This critical pillar of training solidifies students’ understanding of the foundations of ballet, ensuring an optimal experience throughout their continuing dance education.

Photo by Brooke Trisolini

Classical Ballet (ages 10-18)

Includes 8 levels of comprehensive instruction emphasizing ballet pedagogy alongside other movement forms including modern, contemporary, and character. This high-level training develops strong, consistent technique and nurtures each student’s individuality, creativity, and health and wellness.

Key Takeaways:

  • Enhanced Support: The curriculum adjustments enhance the support provided to students, particularly during their transition from the Children’s to the Classical Ballet Program. We have also added optional boys classes starting at age 6.
  • Clear Communication: The new program names provide clearer communication of each stage of the student journey.
  • Three-Year Training Bridge: A comprehensive three-year training bridge has been introduced for students ages 7-9 to ensure a smooth progression and strong foundation.

While the names of the program levels have changed, the philosophy and overall mission of Boston Ballet School remain the same. These updates reflect our commitment to Boston Ballet’s “Always in Motion” core value, constantly evolving and innovating to provide the best possible dance education. We are confident that these changes will greatly benefit our students and enhance their overall experience at Boston Ballet School.

TOWN HALL ZOOM RECORDINGS

OCTOBER 30, 2024 at 6:30 PM
NOVEMBER 12, 2024 at 6:30PM

 

Please choose your child’s current level (24/25 school year) below to determine which program you will register for in the spring for the 25/26 school year.

Please note: Level placement at faculty discretion beginning age 7+

Hand in Hand 2

Hand in Hand 2 students and their active caregivers explore dancing with instruction designed to improve body awareness and movement in space. Through the utilization of observing, listening, and imitation, students become more familiar with their bodies, a structured learning environment and following directions, as needed throughout the progression of the Preparatory Training curriculum. Early childhood education theories support that this age level responds to exploration of the mind, lively music, exciting stories, and positive reinforcement. These insights are applied frequently in our curriculum to prepare our students to grow as learners inside and outside of the studios.

Preparatory 3

Preparatory 3 offers a welcoming environment for students to develop independence and confidence in the classroom without a caregiver. This class introduces students to body, spacial, and musical awareness through dance activities to help develop their motor skills. The innate faculty of “imagination” is greatly introduced in this level. Make-believe games in the classroom enable children to use images, see events in their mind, and imitate sounds, voices, and movements, while also distinguishing what is fantasy and what is reality.

Preparatory 4

Preparatory 4 heavily explores relationships, such as, how dance is organized through patterns and storytelling, music’s connection to movement and how it supports dance, our connections with ourselves, our classmates, and teachers. Students are encouraged to learn each other’s names, dance with everyone, follow a leader, and take turns. A great activity and differentiation of the Preparatory 4 level is the portion of the class in which they learn French, to prepare for the use of fundamental ballet terminology. Students learn basic words, counting to eight, body parts, and dances using French songs.

Preparatory 5

In Preparatory 5, students are introduced to proper foundational ballet steps while continuing to work on spatial awareness, especially laterality (right versus left). As students become acquainted with the ballet classroom and dancing in front of a mirror, live music and a musician/music teacher are introduced to all classes. Live music is a critical aspect of our curriculum as it transforms the classroom into a world where children can explore movement within an aesthetic framework. Music also has the power to evoke physical and emotional responses from children. Preparatory 5 students follow the music’s beat, understand the difference between rhythm and beat, and the music’s phrase. Utilizing live music is an excellent way to enhance vocabulary, spatial awareness, the use of different levels, force, and weight.

Preparatory 6

In Preparatory 6, students continue to expand upon the French terminology introduced in Preparatory 5 through center work and the learning and utilization of the twelve basic ballet words and positioning: port-de-bras, demi-pointe, en dehors, en dedan, relevé, elevé, passé, battement tendu, battement dégagé, grand battement, coupé, plié.

Students are asked to execute these ballet steps in a more sophisticated manner. With that, students consider what body parts initiate movement and why they must move in a specific direction in ballet. Faculty also introduce the idea of self-expression and creativity through improvisation.

Foundations 1

In Foundations 1 students understand and can safely execute foundational ballet technique. The idea of critical thinking and etiquette is strongly introduced at this age. Faculty greatly emphasize the specific “why” of ballet direction (i.e. why must students work with pointed feet in ballet? How do students properly point their feet?). Now that students have learned and memorized basic ballet vocabulary, they are asked to perform foundational steps in a more articulate and dynamic manner while applying their newfound critical thinking skills.

Engaging activities in the studio continue the safe development of rotation of the legs, pointed feet, and alignment. These specific elements and the platform to find joy in the dance studio provide the foundation for a continued study of ballet in Classical Ballet Training.

Foundations 2

In a formal classroom environment, Foundations 2 students learn the structure of a traditional ballet class. Students have an increased time commitment of two days per week, moving at a pace which facilitates age-appropriate discipline and the understanding of technique and safety. Students have the benefit of a deep connection with the Boston Ballet Company including exclusive opportunities to audition for Company productions such as Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and other School performance opportunities throughout the school year.

At this level, weekly boys classes are offered to cultivate a sense of community and student evaluations are sent to caregivers.

Foundations 3

In Foundations 3, students will develop their posture and movement articulation. The curriculum gradually introduces students to more center work, integrating critical elements of ballet like allegro and travelling steps. Foundation 3 students start exploring some of the steps that will be taught in the next phase in training during Classical Ballet 1.

Classical Ballet 1

Created and implemented by expert faculty, Classical Ballet Training (ages 10-18, level determined based on experience) is a comprehensive intensive 8 -level curriculum committed to an emphasis on ballet pedagogy alongside other movement forms such as modern, contemporary, and character. Classical Ballet students learn and grow in a professional environment surrounded by world-class faculty and artists and are expected to commit to a high level of training. Our innovative curriculum not only nurtures strong, consistent technique, but also the individuality, creativity, and health of each student.

Throughout the school year our faculty work diligently to foster trust in the studios, build positive relationships with students and parents, and develop appropriate wellness routines for students. Opportunities include Community Time, parent/faculty conferences, evaluations, career preparation, year-end performances, and wellness events. Learn more here.

The BBS faculty believe safety is the greatest priority, so the individual physical development of each student is considered amongst the progression of our programming. It is essential students possess physical strength and maturity to manage the rigorous demands and physical endeavor of ballet training before continuing into the upper Classical Ballet levels.

Students have the benefit of a deep connection with the Boston Ballet Company including exclusive opportunities to audition for Company productions throughout the school year, such as Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker. School year performances include our December Celebrations Concert (levels 5-8) and Spring Showcase (all Classical Ballet students).

Classical Ballet 2

Created and implemented by expert faculty, Classical Ballet Training (ages 10-18, level determined based on experience) is a comprehensive intensive 8 -level curriculum committed to an emphasis on ballet pedagogy alongside other movement forms such as modern, contemporary, and character. Classical Ballet students learn and grow in a professional environment surrounded by world-class faculty and artists and are expected to commit to a high level of training. Our innovative curriculum not only nurtures strong, consistent technique, but also the individuality, creativity, and health of each student.

Throughout the school year our faculty work diligently to foster trust in the studios, build positive relationships with students and parents, and develop appropriate wellness routines for students. Opportunities include Community Time, parent/faculty conferences, evaluations, career preparation, year-end performances, and wellness events. Learn more here.

The BBS faculty believe safety is the greatest priority, so the individual physical development of each student is considered amongst the progression of our programming. It is essential students possess physical strength and maturity to manage the rigorous demands and physical endeavor of ballet training before continuing into the upper Classical Ballet levels.

Students have the benefit of a deep connection with the Boston Ballet Company including exclusive opportunities to audition for Company productions throughout the school year, such as Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker. School year performances include our December Celebrations Concert (levels 5-8) and Spring Showcase (all Classical Ballet students).

Classical Ballet 3

Created and implemented by expert faculty, Classical Ballet Training (ages 10-18, level determined based on experience) is a comprehensive intensive 8 -level curriculum committed to an emphasis on ballet pedagogy alongside other movement forms such as modern, contemporary, and character. Classical Ballet students learn and grow in a professional environment surrounded by world-class faculty and artists and are expected to commit to a high level of training. Our innovative curriculum not only nurtures strong, consistent technique, but also the individuality, creativity, and health of each student.

Throughout the school year our faculty work diligently to foster trust in the studios, build positive relationships with students and parents, and develop appropriate wellness routines for students. Opportunities include Community Time, parent/faculty conferences, evaluations, career preparation, year-end performances, and wellness events. Learn more here.

The BBS faculty believe safety is the greatest priority, so the individual physical development of each student is considered amongst the progression of our programming. It is essential students possess physical strength and maturity to manage the rigorous demands and physical endeavor of ballet training before continuing into the upper Classical Ballet levels.

Students have the benefit of a deep connection with the Boston Ballet Company including exclusive opportunities to audition for Company productions throughout the school year, such as Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker. School year performances include our December Celebrations Concert (levels 5-8) and Spring Showcase (all Classical Ballet students).

Classical Ballet 4

Classical Ballet 4-6 students continue to expand upon the foundation of ballet knowledge gained during Classical Ballet 1-3, meeting four to five times per week.

Classical Ballet 4 is a critical transitional year for students, where they continue to develop their vocabulary and technique as they prepare for rigorous advanced instruction. Modern/contemporary classes are added to strengthen the understanding of diverse dance styles and whole-body coordination.

Classical Ballet 5 and 6 students continue to progress in material focusing on technique, coordination, and musicality. Students engage in petit, medium, and grand allegro, and develop their pointe work and pirouettes. Classical variations are introduced at these levels alongside more opportunities to perform throughout the school year.

Progression within Classical Ballet 4-6 depends on the student’s ability and their commitment to further training. Completion of these levels equips students with a thorough knowledge of classical ballet vocabulary to support promotion to the final levels of study.

Students have the benefit of a deep connection with the Boston Ballet Company including exclusive opportunities to audition for Company productions such as Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and other School performance opportunities through the school year.

Upon moving into the next levels of Classical Ballet Training, students understand a repertoire of ballet technique and have grown into focused and empowered humans, developing skills such as critical and creative thinking, discipline, and time management.

Classical Ballet 5

Classical Ballet 4-6 students continue to expand upon the foundation of ballet knowledge gained during Classical Ballet 1-3, meeting four to five times per week.

Classical Ballet 4 is a critical transitional year for students, where they continue to develop their vocabulary and technique as they prepare for rigorous advanced instruction. Modern/contemporary classes are added to strengthen the understanding of diverse dance styles and whole-body coordination.

Classical Ballet 5 and 6 students continue to progress in material focusing on technique, coordination, and musicality. Students engage in petit, medium, and grand allegro, and develop their pointe work and pirouettes. Classical variations are introduced at these levels alongside more opportunities to perform throughout the school year.

Progression within Classical Ballet 4-6 depends on the student’s ability and their commitment to further training. Completion of these levels equips students with a thorough knowledge of classical ballet vocabulary to support promotion to the final levels of study.

Students have the benefit of a deep connection with the Boston Ballet Company including exclusive opportunities to audition for Company productions such as Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and other School performance opportunities through the school year.

Upon moving into the next levels of Classical Ballet Training, students understand a repertoire of ballet technique and have grown into focused and empowered humans, developing skills such as critical and creative thinking, discipline, and time management.

Classical Ballet 6

Classical Ballet 4-6 students continue to expand upon the foundation of ballet knowledge gained during Classical Ballet 1-3, meeting four to five times per week.

Classical Ballet 4 is a critical transitional year for students, where they continue to develop their vocabulary and technique as they prepare for rigorous advanced instruction. Modern/contemporary classes are added to strengthen the understanding of diverse dance styles and whole-body coordination.

Classical Ballet 5 and 6 students continue to progress in material focusing on technique, coordination, and musicality. Students engage in petit, medium, and grand allegro, and develop their pointe work and pirouettes. Classical variations are introduced at these levels alongside more opportunities to perform throughout the school year.

Progression within Classical Ballet 4-6 depends on the student’s ability and their commitment to further training. Completion of these levels equips students with a thorough knowledge of classical ballet vocabulary to support promotion to the final levels of study.

Students have the benefit of a deep connection with the Boston Ballet Company including exclusive opportunities to audition for Company productions such as Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and other School performance opportunities through the school year.

Upon moving into the next levels of Classical Ballet Training, students understand a repertoire of ballet technique and have grown into focused and empowered humans, developing skills such as critical and creative thinking, discipline, and time management.

Classical Ballet 7

Classical Ballet 7 and 8 students have committed to serious ballet training and hone their technique by training five to six days per week. As the peak of our expansive ballet curriculum, these levels equip students with the strength and technical skill to execute complex combinations and encourage students to draw from diverse movement forms. Dance enrichment opportunities including character, modern, pointe classes and variations inform the artistic growth of our students.

Students have the benefit of a connection with the Boston Ballet Company including exclusive opportunities to audition for Company productions such as Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and other School performance opportunities throughout the school year.

Upon graduating from Classical Ballet 7 and 8, students not only understand a professional repertoire of ballet technique but also have grown into focused and empowered human beings, developing skills such as critical and creative thinking, discipline, and time management.

Classical Ballet 8

Classical Ballet 7 and 8 students have committed to serious ballet training and hone their technique by training five to six days per week. As the peak of our expansive ballet curriculum, these levels equip students with the strength and technical skill to execute complex combinations and encourage students to draw from diverse movement forms. Dance enrichment opportunities including character, modern, pointe classes and variations inform the artistic growth of our students.

Students have the benefit of a connection with the Boston Ballet Company including exclusive opportunities to audition for Company productions such as Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and other School performance opportunities throughout the school year.

Upon graduating from Classical Ballet 7 and 8, students not only understand a professional repertoire of ballet technique but also have grown into focused and empowered human beings, developing skills such as critical and creative thinking, discipline, and time management.

Congratulations on completing your training!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do these updates mean for my child?
The curriculum adjustments and new program names are designed to enhance the support provided to students, particularly during their transition from the Children’s to the Classical Ballet Program. This ensures a smoother progression and a more comprehensive dance education.

When will these changes be implemented?
The new program names and Foundations training pillar will be implemented for Summer 2025 programming. Boys’ classes will be introduced for the 25/26 School Year when registration opens in Spring 2025.

Why are you changing the names of the programs?
We are updating the program names to better reflect the student journey and the curriculum enhancements we have implemented. This change aims to provide clearer communication and a more structured pathway for our students.

What are the new names of the programs?
The programs are now named:

  • Preparatory (16 months-age 6) – formerly Children’s Program
  • Foundations (ages 7-9) – formerly Primary, Elementary 1, and Elementary 2
  • Classical Ballet (ages 10-18) – formerly Elementary 3-Advanced 4

How will the new Foundations pillar differ from the previous program?
Foundation levels are specifically designed to support students ages 7-9, providing a three-year sequential syllabus that emphasizes cognitive and social development. While the curriculum has been subtly refined over recent years, the new name more clearly represents the purpose and focus of this critical stage of training.

Will the current curriculum be changed?
No. While the program names have been updated, the quality of ballet training and overall educational approach remain consistent. The core curriculum and teaching methods remain the same, with ongoing refinements that have already been in place. The changes primarily involve how we present and communicate the student journey to ensure clarity and better alignment with each stage of development.

Will the updated programs impact class schedules, tuition, or fees?
No. The process for confirming class schedules, tuition, and fees will remain consistent with previous years.

Will my child have to start over in the new program structure?
No, your child will not need to start over. The program changes are designed to enhance their current training and support their continued progress. Students will transition smoothly into the new program names without disruption to their learning.

How will these changes impact my child’s progression through the levels?
The changes will not alter your child’s progression. The goal is to provide clearer communication and more targeted support during each stage of their journey, ensuring they are fully prepared for each subsequent level.

Will these changes affect the schedule or class times?
The updates to the program names do not affect class schedules or times. Your child’s classes will continue as scheduled, with the same instructors and curriculum structure.

What levels are eligible to audition for The Nutcracker?
Foundations 2 & up. This is the same as it is now / not changing.

What levels will be participating in an end of year performance?
Each pillar of training will have an end of year celebration demonstrating school year progression.

How does this change reflect Boston Ballet’s values?
These updates are in line with Boston Ballet’s “Always in Motion” core value. We are committed to evolving and innovating to provide the best possible dance education for our students.

When do boys classes begin?
Boys’ classes are new. Boys’ classes will begin quarterly at the Preparatory 6 and Foundations 1 levels and year-round starting at Foundations 2.

How does Preparatory training support young children’s development?
Preparatory training introduces children to ballet through imaginative play, storytelling, and creative movement. It is designed to nurture a love for dance while supporting overall childhood development with activities tailored to the needs of young learners.

If your question is not answered above, please reach out to us at school@bostonballet.org. Please note that most emails are answered within 1-2 business days.