Classes at The Charlotte School of Ballet
The Royal Academy of Dance
The Royal Academy of Dance is a training method beginning with children at age 3 and takes students through a graded syllabus to the professional level. The Children’s Syllabus includes classical work, free movement and character dance. The Vocational Syllabus is for the students who desires a career in ballet. It takes much dedication on the part of the dancer to achieve the required level of training to progress at this level. Both the Children’s and Vocational syllabi are examined in seventy five countries throughout the world. It is an extremely high level of training.
Cecchetti Council of America
The Cecchetti Council of America is a training method which begins with five year old students and progresses to the Diploma Level. The Cecchetti syllabus is based on the teachings of Enrico Cecchetti who taught in London, Russia and throughout Europe. As students progress they may take examinations in this syllabus as well.
Examinations
Examinations produce wonderful results. Students who work for exams excel in their training and strive to reach their personal best. Having a goal encourages students to focus in class, build strength quicker and requires correctly demonstrated technique. It prevents dancers from only learning to do tricks but makes for a more versatile dancer. Additionally, examinations are an unbiased evaluation of a student’s progress.
Solo Performance awards
SOLO Performance Awards The Royal Academy of Dance has introduced the new solo performance awards. Students who have passed Grade I – III are eligible to take the Solo Performance Award for the grade level in which they have passes. The Solo Performance Award is a performance of three solos. Two from the syllabus and third of the student and teacher’s choice. Please schedule an appointment with your instructor discuss participation in the solo performance awards if you are interested.
Classes we Offer
Pre Ballet and Tap
Pre Ballet and Tap is for children ages 3 to 5 years old. This class introduces the Royal Academy of Dance’s Pre- Primary in Dance syllabus in addition to basic tap skills. Goals include developing coordination, listening skills, musicality, and motor skills required for dance.
Primary Ballet
Primary Ballet is for students ages 6 – 7. This class follows the syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance Primary curriculum. Students work to maintain correct posture, placement and body alignment throughout movements. Additionally dancers learn to tell a story through movement and use of expression. Starting in this level students may take exams in this level.
R.A.D. Grades 1 – 8 Ballet
R.A.D. Grades 1 – 8 is for students ages 7 and above. These classes follow the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabi, which includes classical, character and free movement work. Dancers develop technical strength, placement, proper posture and artistic expression. Students who wish to take the RAD Exams must attend classes a minimum of twice a week in the level being examined. These classes also cater to students who wish to progress through the Syllabus but not enter into the exams. Examinations must be taken in sequence.
R.A.D. Vocational Classes
Levels Intermediate Foundations through Advanced 2 are designed to provide an increase in a dancer’s challenges, and represents the progression in a dancer’s achievements and commitment to dance. All levels emphasize correct postural alignment, principals of turn out, balance, control and barre and center exercises that become more complex and challenging at each level. The principles taught in each level build upon one another to create a solid foundation for technical strength and proficiency. Dancers in the levels are required to take at least three technique and two pointe classes per week.
Cecchetti Classes
Cecchetti Classes Developed by Maestro Enrico Cecchetti, the Cecchetti method of ballet breaks the technique of ballet down to a science. Precise exercises are practiced in a set order each class, each building on the next. This method builds solid foundations in technique while instilling a lovely quality of movement at the same time. When ready, students are entered for examinations and must pass each level before moving on to the next level of study. Students are eligible to begin Cecchetti 1 at age 9 and work through to level 7.
Boy’s Class
Boys dance classes focus on developing strength, flexibility, agility and coordination through movement. The discipline and focus will benefit boys with sports as well as with dance.
Pointe Classes
Students begin pointe only with permission from instructors. Pointe is for serious ballet students. In order to dance on pointe proficiently students are required to take a minimum of three technique classes a week in addition to pointe classes. Maintaining as well as improving technique is essential to progress with pointe work. The Charlotte School of Ballet only allows students to begin pointe in the summer. All students on pointe must study a minimum of three weeks during the summer. Please see the pointe policies sheet for more information.
Modern
Students in modern dance are introduced to basic techniques including contractions, oppositional energy and improvisation. Students will explore dynamics in time and space and build understanding of rhythm, gestures and shapes.
LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY
Lyrical is a style of dance that incorporates aspects from ballet, jazz, modern and other styles into one. Students will work on expression relating to music as well as it’s lyrics.
Tap
In Tap students will learn how to create sounds and shapes with their feet and the rest of their bodies at the same time. All tap classes focus on the development of a sharpened sense of rhythm, coordination, and clarity of sounds incorporating warm-up, rhythm sequences, across the floor, and routines.
Jazz
Jazz is a style that has been evolving since the late 1800s. In classes students will have the opportunity to learn the various styles of jazz throughout the years including, Broadway, Contemporary, Street, and Vintage.
HIP HOP
Hip Hop is a dance form that incorporates rhythm and style throughout the body. Students will learn foundational elements of Hip Hop such as bounce, polyrhythm, locking, and social dances.
Adult Ballet
Adult Ballet classes for ages 16+ focus on developing strength, flexibility and coordination through movement. They will also work on memorization of combinations and musicality. With both daytime and evening classes there is something for everyone.
Studio Company
