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!