Gulfshore Ballet faculty will assess each incoming student to determine the correct level at which the child should be placed by offering a Placement Class held during our Season in a currently running class.
Placement classes:
$25 per class for Baby Ballerinas, Pre Ballet 1/2/3, Level 3 and 3A
$35 for Levels 4/5/6/7/8/Pre Pro, as these Level Placements will also need to take the Level appropriate Pointe Class along with the Technique Class.
Online Registration/Parent Portal
email: gsballetoffice@gmail.com
Phone: 239-590-6191
Curriculum
The curriculum at Gulfshore Ballet is designed to meet the needs of those students who are striving to achieve a professional career in Classical Ballet while also maintaining options for the dancer who wishes to study ballet to support other dance forms and for those who wish to take classes for pure enjoyment and exposure to movement. Each level of our curriculum fosters a strong technical foundation and a high level of discipline and commitment.
Our program allows for students to begin their training at a young age, setting the foundation for correct technique.
Beginning with the Pre-Ballet Division, young dancers creatively express themselves and explore movement while developing self-control, discipline and rhythmic skills.
As the student moves through the school at each level, they are given the opportunity to progress into higher levels of instruction.
At the Pre-Professional level, the student will have received a full understanding of the art of Classical Ballet, a strong technical base, a comprehensive dance vocabulary, fluidity, grace and discipline.
It is our goal for students at the Pre-Professional level to have the technical and performing skills that will enable them to audition for and study with professional dance schools, gain entrance into a professional company or to study dance at an institution of higher education.
Gulfshore Ballet’s curriculum includes a training syllabus for each level and academic year.
Class offerings include Classical Ballet, Pointe, Variations as well as Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical and Pilates.
All of our classes emphasize correct body alignment and correct Classical Ballet technique. Each student’s class level is determined by the instructor and is based on an individual assessment during the trial Placement class.
Baby Ballerinas and Pre Ballet Class placements are generally based on age and ability.
All students will receive corrective feedback throughout the year to help them develop the physical skills necessary to improve and advance.
BOYS/MALE STUDENTS
GSB offers a Male Student Program for all levels from age 4 through Pre Pro. Boys take all Technique Classes, Variations, Pas de Deux, Vaganova Floor Barre, Pilates and any other Specials in their Levels.
LEVEL PROGRESSION
Please note that progression through the various Levels is based on age, ability, experience and is at the discretion of GSB Artistic Directors and Instructors.
Age Guidelines are approximate and are not the only deciding factors for Placement and Levels.
Most Students will remain in their respective Levels for at least a year, sometimes longer if the Instructional Staff thinks that they require more time and practice to learn and execute proper technique before moving into a higher Level and especially before starting Pointe.
Students must have solid technical skills, strong feet, good placement among other things before they will be allowed on Pointe.
GSB Artistic Directors and Instructors will let Parents know when their child is ready for Pointe work.
Students that are older and have proficient experience in related dance forms or gymnastics may move up more quickly than a beginner student who does not have a similar background.
Ballet is an art form that requires regular, consistent practice in order to show improvement therefore class attendance is important.
Dancers must also show mental maturity, physical coordination, the ability to follow instructions and process corrections before being promoted.
Promotion is not a given and a certain level of determination and commitment, from both the student and family, is necessary to continue dancing at higher levels.
Age recommendations are approximate and to be used as a guide- GSB Staff will make Level Placement decisions at their discretion, based on ability and progression
Pre-Ballet Division
Creative Dance-Mommy/Daddy and Me 2-3 years old
No Placement Class required for Creative Dance
This class for our littlest dancers will emphasize expression and imagination through movement, dance, music, social interaction and props to help build motor skills and hand eye coordination. We will also explore introductory ballet terms and positions. We ask mommies (or daddies) to stay with their children while they engage in the class.
Attire: We recommend that your little one wear a leotard, leotard with tutu attached, tights and ballet slippers. Boys can wear shorts and a t shirt with socks. Parents, please wear something comfortable that you can move in.
Baby Ballerinas Beginner Ballet: 4-5 years old
Gulfshore Ballet offers a beginner ballet class on Saturdays. Designed for younger students, this class will focus on creative movement and musicality with the use of basic ballet skills and vocabulary, while practicing classroom etiquette, personal space, general space and self-control. The use of scarves, hoops, bean bags, tambourines and child-friendly music enhance the learning environment for this age group and enhances the development and improvement of motor skills, coordination, attention and listening skills. No previous ballet training is necessary. The minimum age for Baby Ballerinas is 4 years old.
Pre-Ballet 1: 5-6 years old
Pre-Ballet 1 offers an introduction to the art of dance by promoting the exploration of creativity and expression through movement. The use of scarves, hoops, bean bags, tambourines and child-friendly music enhance the learning environment for this age group and enhances the development and improvement of motor skills, coordination, attention and listening skills, providing students with the skills necessary to continue their study of ballet at the next level.
Pre-Ballet 2 & Pre-Ballet 3: 6-8 years old
Pre-Ballet 2 & 3 students will begin a more formal study of Classical Ballet. Building on the skills learned in Pre-Ballet 1, students will continue to improve their physical skills, creative abilities and rhythmic skills. Students will continue to expand ballet vocabulary to prepare them for the elementary level of instruction required for Levels 1 & 2.
Elementary Division
Level 1
Level 1 students meet two times per week, transitioning from the Pre-Ballet Division and entering into a more structured class environment. At this level, the student is introduced to an increased formal Classical Ballet training, building on vocabulary, physical skills, articulation of body parts and exercises to enhance rotation, flexibility and strength. This level continues to reinforce the relationship of movement, music and expression. Exercises and placement at the barre are introduced to prepare the student for the next level of instruction.
Level 2
Level 2 students meet two times per week, are taught fundamental ballet technique and develop the self-discipline necessary to continue the study of Classical Ballet. The skills practiced in level 1 are reinforced as students continue to build on vocabulary, physical skills, articulation of body parts and exercises to enhance rotation, flexibility and strength. Students in Level 2 will continue to learn placement and exercises at the barre, focusing more on correct alignment, posture and classical technique.
Intermediate Division
Level 3
Level 3 students meet 3 days per week, plus Saturday and will continue their training with 3 technique classes per week and receive training in Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical and Vaganova Floor Barre class. In addition to practicing and refining previously learned skills in the Elementary Division, students will begin applying these skills to ballet barre, center and floor work. Students in the Intermediate Division are introduced to a variety of dance elective classes.
Level *3A (*1 st Year Pointe Students)
Level 3 students meet 3 days per week, plus Saturday and will continue their training with 3 technique classes per week and receive training in Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical and Vaganova Floor Barre class. In addition to practicing and refining previously learned skills in the Elementary Division, students will begin applying these skills to ballet barre, center and floor work. Students in the Intermediate Division are introduced to a variety of dance elective classes.
Level 4
Level 4 students meet 4 days per week, plus Saturday and continue their training with 4 technique classes and 3 pointe classes per week, working on Pointe skills and technique. In addition, Level 4 receives training in Variations, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Pilates and Vaganova Floor Barre. These classes are designed to build core strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition. They will continue to develop and refine their classical ballet technique and develop a stronger understanding of the body’s movement, an increased awareness and appreciation of the fitness benefits associated with movement and the commitment needed to further one’s training in Classical Ballet.
Level 5
Level 5 students meet 5 days per week and will continue their training with 5 technique classes and 4 pointe classes per week. In addition to the required ballet curriculum, Pointe and variations are also integrated into the curriculum to expand upon their existing techniques and to enhance the dancer’s versatility. Upon completion students will have mastered a thorough knowledge of the classical ballet vocabulary while gaining supplemental training in Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Pilates and Vaganova Floor Barre. With the development of strong Classical Ballet Technique, students have gained valuable life skills such as commitment, discipline, motivation, confidence and self-esteem.
Upon completion of the Intermediate Division, the dancer will have developed an extensive classical ballet vocabulary and is prepared to progress into the Advanced Division
Advanced Division
Levels 6-7-8
Level 6 students meet 5 days per week and will continue their training with 5 technique classes and 5 pointe/variations classes per week
Level 7 students meet 5 days per week and will continue their training with 5 technique classes and 6 pointe/variations classes per week.
Level 8 students meet 5 days per week and will continue their training with 5 technique classes and 6 pointe/variations classes per week.
In addition, Level 6-7-8 will receive supplemental training in Contemporary, Jazz, Vaganova Floor Barre and Pilates. These classes are designed to build core strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.
Advanced level students are able to polish their skills and refine their technique with the increased number of classes per week. Upon completion of the Advanced Division, students will have mastered a thorough knowledge of classical ballet vocabulary.
With the development of strong Classical Ballet Technique, students gain valuable life skills such as commitment, discipline, motivation, confidence and self-esteem.
Pre-Professional
Level Pre-Pro
Level Pre-Pro students are expected to work in a professional environment. Pre-Pro students will continue their training with 5 technique classes, 5-6 pointe classes per week along with variations and pas de deux. In addition, Level Pre-Pro will receive training in Contemporary, Jazz, Vaganova Floor Barre and Pilates. These classes are designed to build core strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.
The Pre-Professional Division is designed for students who wish to continue to refine their technique and for those who are in pursuit of a pre-professional training experience. Students in this Division are expected to integrate a variety of elective classes into their program of study, including Jazz, Pilates, Contemporary and Lyrical. Students in the Pre-Professional Division are mentored by our professional staff in their future dance career or in higher education.
Pointe
Pointe class is for students who have developed and strengthened the muscles that are necessary to begin Pointe work. Readiness for Pointe work is generally determined by each student’s strength and physical development, not necessarily by age. The instructor will advise parents when a student has the necessary physical strength and maturity to go on Pointe. Pointe class may be taken only with the permission of the instructor.
When to start Pointe training:
Going “en pointe” is a milestone that every young ballet dancer dreams of. This fascination with beautiful pink satin pointe shoes and visions of rising up to the toes is exciting but the reality is that dancing on pointe is very difficult and can be extremely dangerous if the student is not technically or physically ready to endure the rigors of pointe work. Bone maturation (ossification) of the growth plates of the foot is not fully complete until the later teenage years and it is imperative that the student be evaluated for pointe readiness before being given permission to undertake pointe classes. Injuries to the feet, knees and spine can occur if the student is put on pointe prematurely and can result in lifelong problems. Students enrolled at Gulfshore Ballet generally start Pointe in Level 3A, which is the second year of Level 3.
It is recommended that students train for at least four years in soft ballet slippers to develop a proper demi pointe (rising to half-toe) and take a minimum of three technique classes per week for at least one year prior to going on pointe in order to develop the proper technical abilities needed.
Although most children begin pointe work between the ages of 10 and 13, chronological age should not be the only determining factor for pointe readiness. The teacher is the most familiar with the ability of the dancer and should evaluate these very essential aspects before recommending that a student go on pointe:
- Stage of physical development
- Foot and ankle strength
- Foot and ankle flexibility
- Correct placement (alignment of the upper body, hip, knee, ankle and foot)
- Core strength (quality of abdominal, trunk and pelvic control)
- Intensity of training (how many classes a student takes per week)