Youth Curriculum
Norwell Studios
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CREATIVE DANCE I
Ages 3 to 4 | One class per week.
Designed for the youngest students, this class stimulates coordination, large motor skill development, musical awareness, spatial awareness, and listening skills
CREATIVE DANCE II
Ages 4 to 5 | One class per week.
This class continues to develop large motor skills, musical awareness, and classroom etiquette, while introducing memory skills and increased coordination exercises.
Pre-Ballet I
Ages 5 to 6 | One class per week.
An early introduction to classical ballet, this class focuses on exercises to strengthen and improve coordination, flexibility, musical rhythm and counting, direction, and space use. Very basic ballet hand and foot positions are learned in conjunction with short improvisation and set dances. .
Pre- Ballet II
Ages 6 to 7 | One class per week.
This class further develops the beginning ballet movement skills with the addition of the basic ballet positions, primary steps, and movement combinations.
Level I
Ages 7 to 8 | One ballet class per week. All materials from previous levels.
Students move to the barre, working with two hands on the barre, facing the barre. They continue to build on previously acquired skills, flexibility, and learn additional steps.
Level II
Ages 8 to 10 | Two ballet classes plus one modern/jazz per week recommended. ALL students will attend this level for 2 years or longer if necessary. All materials from the previous levels.
Students accelerate in their vocabulary, and move on to one hand on the barre during the second part of the year. Close attention is paid to the positions of the arms and feet
Level III
Ages 10 to 12 | Three ballet classes, one modern/jazz per week and Student Company recommended. ALL students will attend this level for 2 years or longer if necessary.
All materials from the previous levels.
Students will emphasize the practice and understanding of etiquette necessary for a productive dance student. Students will try to achieve 90 degree leg extension, with proper body placement and alignment, at the barre and in the center. Various pirouettes, small and big jumps will be introduced.
Pointe Work
Students ages 11 and older are evaluated regularly to determine their readiness for pointe class at the Academy. Other variables that weigh in the decision are experience, basic alignment, and strength of ankles and back.
To be considered for pointe, students must have been taking classes for at least two years and be currently enrolled for a minimum of three classes per week.
Students are notified by the teacher if they are eligible to begin studying on pointe. Please contact Mrs. Marculetiu before their first pointe-shoe fitting.
Level IV
Ages 12 to 14 | Four ballet classes, one modern/jazz per week and Student Company recommended. ALL students will attend this level for 2 years or longer if necessary. All materials from the previous levels.
Students will include longer, more complicate combinations of ballet movements at the barre and in the center, with an emphasis on clear understanding of musicality. Students will become familiar with different time signatures, and will learn how to count music accordingly. Students will be encouraged to improve leg extension (above 90 degree) and turn out, placement, and alignment. Various multiple pirouettes will be taught and practiced in combination form.
Level V
Five ballet classes, one modern/jazz per week and Student Company recommended.
ALL students will attend this level for 2 years or longer if necessary. All materials from the previous levels.
Students will have combinations with varying rhythms and tempos. Students will learn vocabulary/ballet terminology to such an extent that they can execute a combination without teacher demonstration.
Level VI and VII
Six ballet classes, one modern/jazz per week and Student Company recommended. ALL students will attend this level 2 years or longer if necessary. All materials from the previous levels.
Students will learn elements from classical variations which will increase stamina, virtuosity, and technical ability.
Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, Men's Class
By instructor permission.