Teaching methods and student progression
Our foundation is rooted in Classical Ballet, the best foundation to build regardless of what type of dance your child gravitates toward.
Classical Ballet creates beautiful dancers of all genres, and it gives one all of the necessary tools for success in many areas, not only in dance, but in every day life.
Our approach to student training is based primarily on the codified Cecchetti Method (Italian) of classical ballet. In classical ballet training, there is a slated pro-gression that is followed to help to ensure success as a student of classical ballet. In order to progress through the age and skill appropriate levels of train-ing, there are specific expectations of commitment to advance to each next level of the codified system of training.
The levels of the Cecchetti Training Method are listed with class(es) expectations weekly below. Typically, two years are spent at each of the levels of study.
Generally, students are placed into levels by age, but skill is also evaluated in level placement. This helps to ensure that each student is placed at a level to pro-mote individual success.
The Cecchetti Council of America (CCA) is an organization dedicated to maintaining the standards and method of ballet training established by Cav. Enrico Cecchetti, revered teacher of Anna Pavlova, Nijinsky, and dancers of the Imperial Theater of St. Petersburg. The CCA uses Cecchetti’s teachings and writings in a sequence of grades which are carefully measured as to degree of difficulty and physical development.
The Cecchetti Method offers a completely balanced and analyzed system of theory and execution for the development of the student from the first lesson to solo status. In addition to “set” exercises based on the syllabi of the Cecchetti Society Branch of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in London, England, the Cecchetti teacher includes “unseen” steps in each lesson so that a student will learn to adapt quickly and easily to any pattern of steps or rhythm. There are eight grades, consisting of four children’s grades and four professional grades (Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, and Diploma).
The CCA also provides a system of accredited examinations to test the student’s proficiency within these grades. These exams are valuable for students because they promote the development of technique, artistry, and quality of movement.
The classes provide the discipline and repetition needed to acquire the technical requirements for each grade level. The examining process encourages self-motivation as each student works toward the goal of passing the exam. Achieving this goal greatly increases the student’s self-esteem and confidence.
Students are also welcome to pursue a non-exam track for their ballet classes. These students will still enjoy the benefits of studying the Cecchetti Method as they develop good posture, poise, balance, and strength.
For more information about the Cecchetti Method, visit the CCA’s website.
Requirements per level
1 Class/Week | Ages 2-3
1 Class/Week | Ages 3-6
1 Class/Week | Ages 6-7
1 Class/Week | Ages 7-9
1-2 Class/Week | Ages 9-11
2 Classes/Week | Ages 11-12
2-3 Class/Week | Ages 12-13
3 Classes/Week | Ages 13-15
3-4 Classes/Week | Ages 14-16
4+ Classes/Week | Ages 15+
**Students generally spend 2 years at each level**
Jazz and Contemporary/Modern and additional genres are available in addition to Ballet (age/experience based), once their ballet class expectations are met. At Centre Ballet, ballet study is the priority in order to ensure smooth and beautiful transitions to other genres.
**Private lessons may occasionally be suggested to help to fill necessary gaps in a student’s training