Divisions & Levels
About Our Program
Ashley Ballet Arts Academy’s program is designed for dancers of all abilities, from ages 3 through adult. Dancers choose classes à la carte from our class schedule. Dancers must adhere to individual class requirements (e.g. in order to promote proper technique and strength, dancers must enroll in a ballet class in order to enroll in jazz), but can otherwise craft their own schedule with a commitment level that they are comfortable with. Dancers who wish to train more seriously and receive more performance opportunities may audition for Ashley Ballet Arts Academy's Ballet Arts Youth Ensemble.
Below, watch clips of our classes in action, and hear ABAA Director Ashley Burkland explain the ABAA philosophy, class structure, and opportunities our students may experience. Thank you to Miles Heille for the production of these videos.
Pre-Ballet Division
Ages 3-6
This division gives children an introduction to ballet and an exploration of dance and artistic movement. The program is designed to help develop a knowledge of ballet terminology, motor skills, musicality, creativity, and social skills through engaging lesson plans. We stress the beauty and etiquette of ballet in a fun and supportive way that will leave your child smiling at the end of class.
Please note that Pre-Ballet dancers are required to be fully potty trained.
Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements.
About
Students are introduced to basic ballet vocabulary and socialization skills, focusing on the development of coordination, imagination, memory, musicality and motor skills. The teachers help each child in a fun and encouraging way.
Requirements
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Students ages 3-4
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Students must be fully potty trained
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Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
Junior
Division
Ages 6-11
Here we lay a strong technical foundation and teach our students a wide breadth of classical terminology. Each level has a comprehensive syllabus which all of our teachers follow to ensure consistent instruction and appropriate material for each developmental stage. We stress the unique discipline and etiquette that ballet requires, in a warm and encouraging way. We believe taking the time to perfect placement is the best way to set our students up for success as they advance. We don't just teach the steps, we educate our dancers on how to execute them correctly, with strength and artistry. Dancers will increase coordination, muscular development, flexibility and musicality, in a structured yet fun environment.
Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements.
About
Junior Ballet 1 introduces a structured ballet class implementing the study of classical ballet vocabulary. Instruction involves focus on correct body alignment, along with development of attention span, discipline and the beginning of musical concepts. Although the teachers encourage the students to be focused during class, they do so in a fun and positive way.
Requirements
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Students ages 6-8
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Includes students moving out of our Pre-Dance Division, but no previous experience necessary.
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2 classes per week recommended.
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Concurrent enrollment in Junior Modern 1/2 and Junior Jazz 1/2 recommended.
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Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
This class is for the serious dancer with the goal of going en pointe. Students will be introduced to core, leg and foot strengthening exercises, and will work on overall balance and control. Geared toward female students working toward pointework, but male students are encouraged to enroll in Pre-Pointe as an additional conditioning class.
Requirements
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By instructor approval only.
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Concurrent enrollment in Junior Ballet 3 or higher.
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2 classes per week required.
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Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Basic concepts of modern dance movement will be introduced, including but not limited to: pointing vs. flexing; turn-in vs. turn-out; straight and curved lines; and high and low movement through space. The class format will start with a warm-up that stresses technique, freedom of movement, and full expression, then progressing to adagio, and ending with movement across the floor. Dancers are introduced to the different schools of modern dance and work on technique while exploring musicality.
Requirements
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At least 6 years old.
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Concurrent enrollment required in: Junior Ballet 1 or 2.
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Concurrent enrollment recommended in: Junior Jazz 1/2; conditioning classes.
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Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Students will be introduced to jazz movement in a wholesome and nurturing environment, learning classical jazz technique based on the work of Luigi and Giordano. The class will focus on learning foundational jazz movement, employing correct technique, alignment, and exploring musicality.
Requirements
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At least 6 years old.
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Concurrent enrollment required in: Junior Ballet 1 or 2.
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Concurrent enrollment highly recommended in: Junior Modern 1/2, conditioning classes.
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Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
A richly informative strengthening technique for all who study classical ballet. Developed by Marie Wahlton Mahon (ARAD RAD RTS), whose nearly four decades as an instructor have fueled her wish to see students training in a healthy and intelligent way. The program aims to boost students’ “use of muscle memory to improve [their] understanding of core stability, weight placement, and alignment.” For centuries, students of ballet have often found it challenging to ensure that the correct muscles are firing and initiating healthy alignment, so PBT’s use of stability tools like fit balls “giv[e] the students a proprioception for their posture and weight placement whilst feeling each correct muscle group”. Similar to Pilates and GYROTONIC in some respects, this technique provides a sharper focus on strength and muscle memory as it pertains specifically to ballet training.
Requirements
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By instructor permission.
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Concurrent enrollment required in ballet class.
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Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements and required materials.
Senior
Division
Ages 12-18
Our goal is to educate our Senior level students in the art and athleticism of dance, helping dancers of this level to achieve their full potential in a challenging and supportive environment. Excelling in dance takes discipline and hard work, which we strive to instill in our students. In our Senior division, students are given the tools for a successful future, whether it be a career in professional dance or in a different field.
Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements.
About
This class is designed for older students with little or no ballet experience. Here we introduce ballet vocabulary as well as musicality, discipline and class structure. We will challenge the students while inspiring a new love for dancing.
Requirements
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For beginner students ages 12+.
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No previous experience, or little previous experience with a break in study.
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Concurrent enrollment is recommended in: Senior Modern 1; Senior Jazz 1.
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Concurrent enrollment is strongly recommended in: Pilates and/or PBT.
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Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements.
About
This class is for the serious dancer who has been assessed to be ready to go en pointe. Students will continue core and feet strengthening exercises as well as work on overall balance and control. Based on class readiness and maturity, the students will get their first pair of pointe shoes during the year and learn how to sew and care for their pointe shoes and feet. When ready, they will learn beginning pointe exercises at the barre.
Requirements
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By instructor approval only.
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Concurrent enrollment in Junior Ballet 5 or higher.
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2 classes per week required.
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Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Senior Modern 1 serves as an introduction for the brand-new dancer aged 12 and older. Students will explore the fundamentals of modern dance technique from several methods, while simultaneously addressing musicality.
Requirements
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At least 12 years old, but no prior experience required.
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Concurrent enrollment required in Senior Ballet 1.
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Concurrent enrollment recommended in: Senior Jazz 1; PBT or Pilates.
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Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements.
About
Senior Jazz 1 serves as an introduction for the brand-new dancer aged 12 and older. Students will explore the fundamentals of jazz dance technique from several methods, while simultaneously addressing musicality.
Requirements
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At least 12 years old.
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Concurrent enrollment required in: Senior Ballet 1.
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Concurrent enrollment highly recommended in: Senior Modern 1; PBT or Pilates.
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Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
A richly informative strengthening technique for all who study classical ballet. Developed by Marie Wahlton Mahon (ARAD RAD RTS), whose nearly four decades as an instructor have fueled her wish to see students training in a healthy and intelligent way. The program aims to boost students’ “use of muscle memory to improve [their] understanding of core stability, weight placement, and alignment.” For centuries, students of ballet have often found it challenging to ensure that the correct muscles are firing and initiating healthy alignment, so PBT’s use of stability tools like fit balls “giv[e] the students a proprioception for their posture and weight placement whilst feeling each correct muscle group”. Similar to Pilates and GYROTONIC in some respects, this technique provides a sharper focus on strength and muscle memory as it pertains specifically to ballet training.
Requirements
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By instructor permission.
-
Concurrent enrollment required in ballet class.
-
Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements and required materials.