Classes & Programs
The Student Division consists of Levels I through VI, for ages 8 through 18. Classes in this division are carefully graded by age, physical strength and development. Students are introduced to progressive levels of ballet technique following the school syllabus for each age-appropriate level. Advancement from level to level is based on annual faculty evaluations of the individual student’s technical ability, physical aptitude, strength, classroom effort and attendance. Entrance to the Student Division is by audition only.
|
Level |
Days Per Week |
Hours Per Week |
Tuition |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
$1,470 |
|
2 |
3 |
4.5 |
$1,890 |
|
3 |
4 |
7.5 |
$2,625 |
|
4 |
5 |
9.5 |
$3,325 |
|
5 |
6 |
15 |
$4,725 |
|
6 |
6 |
15 |
$4,725 |
Student Evaluation and Level Placement
Each student’s development, work habits and progress through the curriculum will be evaluated each year to assure appropriate level placement for the subsequent year of study. Student progress is also evaluated on an ongoing basis and level adjustments will be made throughout the year when warranted. Students wishing to take on additional hours of study in lower level classes may do so, space permitting and with approval of the School Director, for an additional fee.
Pointe Work and Curriculum Content
In general, mindful of the fact that each student develops at their own pace, pointe classes will begin in Level 3. Partnering classes will begin at Level 5. Upper division men (Levels 5 and 6) will have men’s classes and all upper division students will study modern dance, partnering, variations and have pilates classes. Level 6 students will also be allowed to take daily company class with our second company, Pennsylvania Ballet II on weekday mornings.
Performance Opportunities
As performance is an important aspect of the training of a professional dancer, all students of the School of Pennsylvania Ballet will be afforded the opportunity to audition for appropriate roles in Pennsylvania Ballet’s annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker and any other production in the Company’s repertoire with roles consistent with their level of training and development, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream in March of 2013.
Competitions
Although students may choose to pursue competition opportunities on their own, preparation for competitions will NOT be a part of the curriculum of the School of Pennsylvania Ballet. Participation in competitions should not interfere with a student’s class schedule or their training at the School of Pennsylvania Ballet.
Pre-ballet classes are designed to encourage creative movement, self-expression and group interaction while introducing basic ballet movement and music concepts. These classes are a prelude to formal ballet instruction and introduce children to music and movement through a structured progression of lessons and activities. At the end of Pre-ballet children will have been introduced to ballet steps and terminology and the basics of dance. No auditions are required. Classes are for ages 6-7 and are one hour long.
For the fall semester, weekday Pre-ballet classes will be held at the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School on South Broad Street. Saturday classes will be held in East Falls. Beginning in January 2013, all classes will be held at the new home of Pennsylvania Ballet, the Louise Reed Center for Dance, on N. Broad Street, just above Vine.
Schedule
| Monday: | 5 to 6 pm |
| Saturday: | 9 to 10 am |
Tuition
35 weeks. September 17 through June 14
| One class per Week | $800 per year |
| Two classes per Week | $1400 per year |
| Three classes per Week | $2000 per year |
Registration
No audition is required to register. Classes will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Your completed registration form, indicating specific classes and class times and accompanied by a $25 Registration Fee and 25% Tuition Deposit, should be sent to:
Phil Juska
Pennsylvania Ballet
Suite 210
1819 JFK Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Adult ballet classes are designed to accommodate a range of ability and experience levels. Classes are generally structured the same as classes for younger dancers, beginning at the barre for warming up and stretching , and important component of class for dancers of all ages, then progressing to the center for larger movements. Technique and turnout will be addressed, but the focus of the class will on developing proper form, with an emphasis on strengthening and toning the body. Taking part in an adult ballet class is good for your body as well as your mind. Besides promoting cardiovascular fitness and good posture, ballet is an enjoyable activity for people of all ages.
Schedule
Adult classes begin February 4 and run through June 15.
Adult Ballet
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30pm.
Faculty: John Sherman
Adult Pilates
Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30.
Faculty: June Hines
Tuition & Fees
Adult students may attend either one or two ballet classes per week. The School of Pennsylvania Ballet Class Card may be used for Ballet or Pilates classes.
| Individual classes (Ballet or Pilates): | $18 per class |
| Five Class Pre-Paid Card: | $80 ($16 per class) |
| Ten Class Pre-Paid Card: | $150 ($15 per class) |
What to Wear
If you feel uncomfortable wearing tights and a leotard, simply wear a T-shirt and sweatpants. Make sure you wear something that allows you to move freely. Before you buy ballet slippers, ask your teacher which type he prefers. Ballet slippers are typically made of either canvas or leather. Depending on the studio floor, one material may be preferable over the other.
Registration
All adult students must be pre-registered. Please fill out the form below and send to the Registrar, Joanne Smith at jsmith@paballet.org, to pre-register and to purchase SPB Class Cards.
Adult Class Registration Form
