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Classes start on September 13, 2010 and end June 5, 2011
Online registration will be available in August. Please visit the Registration Forms page in the Children's Division menu.
Children's Program, Ages 2 1/2 - 6 1/2
The Children’s Department at the Joffrey Ballet School offers classes based on a syllabus designed to develop the very young dancer. It emphasizes development of body strength, coordination and the discipline necessary for the learning of classical ballet. Although we take our training seriously, we strive to create a nurturing, comfortable, and fun atmosphere in the classroom. The children’s classes are divided into 3 categories: Dance with Me and Creative Movement (2 ½ – 4 years old), & Pre-Ballet (5 – 6 years old). Please see under course description for detailed information of each classes including the schedule.
Click Here to Download Fall 2010 Children's Schedule
Click Here to Download the Fall 2010 Children's Registration Form
The Joffrey Ballet School is thrilled to be offering an expanded schedule for our youngest students, starting in the fall of 2010. Please review the age designations carefully; children will now be separated by six-month increments. The revised age limits will insure that children enrolling after the beginning of the year can be better placed in age-appropriate classes. For example, a 4 1/2yr old joining in February should join the Creative Movement 3 class since the children in Pre-Ballet 1 will be 5 or older by then. This will ensure consistency in the feel, pacing, content and instruction of the classes.
Dress: Girls will wear either a lilac or pink leotard (see below) with pink tights and pink ballet slippers. Hair must be pulled back so it is neither distracting nor disruptive; buns are not necessary. Jewelry will not be permitted, with an exception for religious items. Skirts are not permitted, including skirts that are attached to the leotard.
Boys will wear black tights, a white t-shirt, and black ballet slippers. Socks are optional.
In cold weather, a light, close-fitting sweater is acceptable for both boys and girls. Boys may wear black bike shorts.
Comportment/Behavior: We expect that all students will arrive on time for their classes, and will be prepared, to the extent possible, to be well-behaved, cooperative, and comport themselves in a manner befitting a school. Children who are disruptive to their class may be asked to leave the room until they have calmed down. If this happens repeatedly, a child may not be ready for an organized, structured activity and may be asked to withdraw from the program.
Attendance /Tardiness: In the interest of keeping the consistency and flow of the class, we ask that you make every effort to avoid absences. Learning about dedication and commitment is part of a child’s ballet training, even at a very early age. However, children do get sick, so you are welcome to make up a missed class in any other class of the appropriate age.
Children arriving more than 15 minutes late may not be admitted to their class, at the discretion of the instructor.
BOYS: All of our classes for this age group are non-gender specific, both in organization and content. Boys are warmly welcomed to this program!!
DANCE WITH ME
Specially designed for 2 1/2 –3yr olds who are not yet comfortable being in a class alone, each child is joined in the class by a parent or caregiver who will be the child’s “dancing partner”. Through movement exercises, games, stories and other activities, the very young are introduced to the joy of classical ballet in a fun, musical setting. Live piano accompaniment provides an enriching and stimulating environment. Dance With Me students must come to class with an adult who can participate in the activities.
Uniform: Lilac leotard, pink, pink ballet slippers
CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Children who are ready to be in a class by themselves will begin to learn the basic elements of classical ballet: posture, positions, stretching and comportment. Socialization skills such as turn-taking and following instructions will be emphasized, which will benefit your child immeasurably in school. In addition they will explore movement qualities, musicality, practice gross motor coordination and work on simple locomotion, enhancing the development of both their bodies and their minds! Creative and fun games, stories and imaginative exercises will send them home happy and invigorated. Live piano accompaniment provides an enriching and stimulating environment for all classes.
*We strongly suggest that the parent or caregiver who accompanies Creative Movement students to their class stay on the premises of the school during the duration of the class, in case your child needs care or attention beyond that which we can provide. If you need to leave the school for any reason, please make sure the front desk can reach you. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.
Uniform: Lilac leotard, pink, pink ballet slippers
PRE-BALLET
Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st Graders are ready to be introduced to a class format that aims to prepare them for a “real” ballet class by the time they are in 1st or 2nd grade. The elements of the Creative Movement program will be augmented by more coordination and sequence-related exercises; floor formations that teach children to remember their “place” in the room; movement exercises that emphasize straight legs and pointed feet; and always, the posture, placement, stretches and comportment of classical ballet. Basic ballet concepts such as 1st and 2nd positions, plié and relevé will be introduced. Fun, creative elements such as stories, games and other imaginative activities will keep the pace of the class lively and engaging. Live piano accompaniment provides an enriching and stimulating environment for all classes.
Uniform: Lilac leotard, pink, pink ballet slippers
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