SUPPLEMENTARY CLASSES

To build onto our core syllabus, we encourage students to take additional classes to supplement their training. Supplementary classes are specifically designed to increase basic strength, deepen the student’s understanding of the ballet vocabulary, and broaden the scope of her/his training. In the Lower School (up to Level 2) students may take additional classes at their syllabus level as supplementary classes. Beginning in the Upper School, the following supplementary classes are offered. See below for more detailed descriptions.

Modern 1 /2

Ballet Level
3-6
Thursday 5:15 - 6:15 pm (Utz)

Modern 3

Ballet Level
Level 7+, or by invitation
Thursday 4:00 - 5:15 pm (Utz)

Modern 4* NEW

Modern is an important way to supplement and enhance a dancer’s ballet training. These classes introduce and refine the grounded technique of modern dance. Classes begin with a thorough warm-up and proceed with combinations in center and across the floor. Modern 1/2 and 3 are accompanied with live music. 

Junior Repertory

Students study the great classical variations in depth. Variations classes help students improve performance presence and obtain a deeper understanding of ballet history and performance. Students learn and perfect 3-4 variations and participate Variations Performance at the end of each semester.  

In Junior Repertory students will learn some of the classic ballet group variations, with appropriate modifications for age and technique. This class will perform in the Variations Performance at the end of each semester.

Pilates is a great tool to help dancers' improve their core strength. Dancers will learn how to execute classical ballet exercises on the floor with correct anatomical alignment using the proper muscles and will strengthen, lengthen, and fine-tune their movements for ballet class.

Ballet Conditioning is a great way for students to strengthen core, perfect alignment, and increase endurance, all to help improve technique and performance.

Supplementary Pointe

Supplementary Pointe is a way for students to improve strength and alignment as it relates to pointe work. Each student receives instruction appropriate to her current technique level.

Choreography class offers students an opportunity to learn the basic principles and tools for creating dances, casting and managing dancers, selecting music, and organizing and leading rehearsals. Students will create work to be presented at the Variations Performance at the end of each semester.

This Improvisation class is inspired by the physical theater work of Stephen Wangh and Jerzy Grotowski. This class will be a great introduction to improvisational skills that students study in college dance major programs as well as simply being creative, exploratory, and fun. Many choreographers rely on their dancers ability to improvise as well, so this is another technique to add to your dance experience. Learn to act on your impulse to move!

Ballet Level 6+
Tuesday 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Utz), Thursday 7:30 - 9:00 pm (Utz)

Open Contemporary is available to students in Levels 6 and up as a supplementary class. Students may take Tuesday OR Thursday OR both classes. Students who take only one class will be eligible to perform in the Spring Performance. To read more about the Contemporary Ballet syllabus, click here.

Level 8/9/10
Wednesday 8:00 - 9:00 pm (DuPaul)

Repertory 8/9/10 is a class for students in Level 8, 9 or 10 to learn repertory in the classical, neo-classical, and contemporary styles. Students will learn works by world-class contemporary choreographers, as well repertory by Mr. Jefferies and will perform excerpts from the class in the variations performance at the end of each semester. 

Boy's Class

In Boy's Class student's will be introduced to the fundamentals of ballet technique as it specifically relates to the male dancer. Male students will also learn strengthening and conditioning exercises to benefit their dancing in a safe and healthy way. This class is by invitation only. For new students, please contact us to learn more.