Ballet Level 1 is the beginning level to the upper school, every “Prima Ballerina” starts in this level.  Students generally begin this level in the second grade. This class is taken twice per week for one hour each lesson. 

It is in this wonderful and exciting year that the children learn the proper body alignment and correct placement to dance.  The French vocabulary begins to broaden as the children not only learn the steps but also what they mean and how they relate to what they are doing.  This is also the level where the children participate in the annual “Performance Awards” held at our studio. They are also included in the full length ballet that Burbank School of the Ballet produces at the end of each season in June, complete with costumes, sets, scenery, lights and a full stage crew. It is in this level that they begin their journey that could last a life time.

Ballet Level 2 is the second of 4 beginning levels in our upper school.  Students generally begin this level when they have successfully completed ballet level 1 or have passed a placement class.  This class is taken twice per week for an hour and 15 minutes each lesson. 

During this year of dance education the children start to truly dance.  We do a lot of focus in the small connecting steps and continue to broaden our French vocabulary.  We have built a good foundation to stand on in the previous level, making it easier to advance while having fun.  Performance Awards have become an annual excitement as we advance to the next level also to look forward to is our annual show, a full length ballet that is produced at the end of each year in June.
 

Mondays  5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays  5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Instructor:  Miss Lisa

Ballet 1 & 2 dancers should wear:
Leotard: Black cap sleeve classwear leotard by Motionwear
Skirt: A black short wrap chiffon skirt by M. Stevens
Hair to be worn in a bun.
Black dance sweaters OK for cold weather, no warmers.
Boy dancers should wear black spandex pants, white t-shirt and black ballet slippers.

Mondays  6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Wednesdays  6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Instructor:  Miss Lisa

Ballet Level 3 is the third of 4 beginning levels in our upper school. Students generally begin this level when they have successfully completed ballet both level 1 and 2 or have passed a placement class.   This class is taken twice per week for an hour and 15 minutes each lesson. 

During this year of dance education the focus changes from the small connecting steps to larger movements of dance along with a large emphasis on turning. 

This is the first year that our students are introduced to “Character Dance”. A stylized type of dancing derived from folk-dance forms but based on classical ballet technique. Most of the large classic ballets such as Swan Lake or Coppelia include character dances.  All ballet students at BSB are required to character dance as part of their training.  Performance Awards have become an annual excitement as we advance to the next level, we also look forward to our annual show, a full length ballet that is produced at the end of each year in June.

Mondays  6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Wednesdays  6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Instructor:  Miss Lisa

Ballet 3 dancers should wear:
Leotard: Black Capezio seamed camisole.. 
Skirt: Black short wrap chiffon skirt by M. Stevens.
Hair to be worn in a bun
Black dance sweaters OK for cold weather, no warmers.

Ballet Level 4 is the highest level of the 4 Beginning levels at our school.  Students continue to study classical ballet twice weekly. This class meets on Monday for 1 hour and 30 minutes and Thursdays for a two hour class.  Our students in this level have made a commitment to the art form and understand the daily demands that have been placed upon our selves to become technically strong classical ballet dancers.  During this year we are preparing our feet, bodies and our minds for Pointe work.  Special exercises are introduced to condition and strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the feet.  Since the bones of the feet are still in the developing stages of ossification (bone hardening) the dancers at BSB must see their doctor to have their feet x-rayed to be sure the feet have developed enough to go on Pointe to prevent any unnecessary damage during the growth of their feet.  This class continues in their studies of character dancing at a higher level then the previous year. At BSB we encourage students at this level to participate in as many different dance forms as their schedules allow.  Students participate in both the annual Performance Awards and the year end performance.

Mondays  3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesdays  3:45 - 5:45 p.m.
Instructor:  Miss Lisa

Ballet 4 dancers should wear:
Leotard: Garnet (red) Mirella seamed camisole leotard 
Skirt: matching Mirella skirt
Hair to be worn in a bun.
Black dance sweaters OK for cold weather, no warmers.