The School of the Albany Berkshire Ballet

25 Monroe St., Suite #210, Albany, NY 12210

PreBallet 1 (3 & 4 years old)  Creative movement encompassing stretching, motor coordination, music appreciation and rhythm.

* PreBallet students must be  3 years old to start—No Exceptions

 

PreBallet 2 (5& 6 years)  A continuation of PreBallet 1 with an introduction to basic ballet steps. 

 

Introduction to Ballet (6 & 7 years)  The basics of the ballet barre are taught with development of center and diagonal floor work.  Focusing on proper alignment and strength.

 

Ballet 1 through Ballet 3 (8 years old and up)  The basics of ballet barre and center work are taught with emphasis on proper placement and body alignment. Each level builds on material learned in the previous level with more complex musicality, rhythm, and physical movements added as the student progresses.

 

* Serious dance students are encouraged to study more frequently in preparation for pointe work.

 

Ballet 4 through Ballet 6 and Intermediate and Advanced Levels—Emphasis on strengthening technique with new steps introduced at each level.  Total body awareness becoming an integral part of development.  Combination steps, speed, more advanced skills and musicality and lyricism are reinforced at these levels.

 

Adult / Teen  Beginner Ballet– These classes are designed especially for teens or the older student who is new to the art of dance or refreshing a past knowledge.  Classes will introduce the basic ballet positions and steps, while increasing flexibility, strength, stamina, and muscle tone as well as grace and musicality.

 

Adult / Teen  Intermediate Ballet– These classes are designed especially for teens or the older student who has some ballet experience and will continue to develop strength, flexibility and technique.

 

Pointe (10 years old and up with teacher approval) All pointe students are strongly encouraged to take ballet class twice a week.  Pointe work requires strength, ankle flexibility and correct alignment.  Students are recommended for pointe work on an individual basis at the discretion of the director.

 

Jazz Dance (7 years and up)  Stylized dance form based on fundamental ballet training and inspired by the pulse of today’s popular music.

 

Tap Dance (5-13 years)  Stylized American theatrical dance form using precise rhythmical foot patterns and movements and audible foot tapping.  Tap dance is popular in many musicals and Broadway shows.

 

Modern Dance (7 years and up)  Dance form based on fundamental ballet training and focusing on the modern dance techniques of Martha Graham, Jose Limon, and Lester Horton. 

 

Musical Theatre (10 years and up)  Dance class focused on Broadway style of dance.  May include jazz, lyrical, tap, and singing.  The instructor will introduce classic as well as modern-day musicals.  Preparation and direction for Broadway auditions will also be covered.

 

Pilates A method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body.  Exercises are based upon strengthening the “core” muscles of the abdomen and back while increasing flexibility in the legs, arms and smaller supporting muscle groups. These classes are appropriate for all levels of fitness and integrating breathing, flexibility, strength, precision and body awareness to lengthen, define and sculpt muscles.  Modifications can be given to those who need more of a challenge.

Class Descriptions