At Southern Arc Dance, ballet is the foundation of all movement. Our ballet program emphasizes proper alignment, strength, musicality, and discipline while nurturing artistry and individual expression. Students are guided to master classical technique as a pathway to confidence, freedom of movement, and creative choice.
Ballet training at Southern Arc Dance supports dancers at every level, from beginners to advanced students, in a structured and encouraging environment. Through consistent practice and thoughtful instruction, dancers develop not only technical skill, but focus, grace, and a deep appreciation for the art of ballet.
Introduction to Dance: This class is designed to introduce children ages 3 – 4 to classical ballet, tap and jazz movements. This hour long class will introduce not only the movements but terminology of dance. This class encourages the child to explore the joy of movement through dance in a positive and age appropriate atmosphere. It also assists with balance and coordination and builds a positive foundation for self-expression.
Pre-Ballet: This class is designed to introduce children ages 5 – 6 to an hour long discipline of classical ballet movement. The student will continue to learn not only the proper movement for ballet, but also the proper terminology. This class continues with the positive platform that was established in the Introduction to Dance class.
Beginning Ballet introduces young dancers to the foundations of classical ballet in a positive and encouraging environment. During this hour-long class, students develop proper technique, posture, coordination, musicality, and an understanding of ballet terminology. As dancers progress, they are challenged with new vocabulary, placement, and movement combinations that build confidence, discipline, and artistic expression.
These classes are designed for the more experienced dancer ages 10 and up. Students interested in these 1.5 hour disciplines will need to be evaluated for placement in the proper level to ensure they stay healthy but also challenged. Students will be taught in the Vaganova based style.
Intermediate Ballet/Pre-pointe: This class is designed for an experienced ballet dancer who needs to focus on strengthening so they may begin the hour long Pointe discipline. Placement in this class is determined by the artistic staff. At least two ballet classes are mandatory in order to begin Pre-pointe.
Pointe 1: This discipline of classical pointe technique is designed for the intermediate level student. Placement in this class is determined by the staff. At least two ballet classes are mandatory in order to take this class.
These classes are designed for the more experienced dancer, ages 10 and up. Students interested in these 2-hour disciplines will need to be evaluated for placement in the proper level to ensure they stay healthy, but also challenged. Students will be taught in the Vaganova-based style. This level required 3 Ballet and 2 Pointe classes per week.
This discipline of classical pointe technique is designed for the advanced-level student. Students also have the opportunity to train in classical variations and choreography at this level. The staff determines placement in this class. At least two ballet classes are mandatory in order to take this class.
This class is designed for boys to train and work on strength and technique as they become confident, well-versed dancers. This hour-long discipline continues with the classical ballet movement and proper terminology and technique for turns, jumps, and partnering. The class also begins to challenge the student with vocabulary and placement.