Ballet Curriculum
Safety is our top priority. Our dedicated use of the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum is your assurance of safety and dependability.
The AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum is a breakthrough 8 level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels. The Academy's ABT® Certified Teachers: Marla Hirokawa, Mandy Chan, Sonia Jones, Nanako Kitagawa, Kristin Licata, Brenda R. Neville and Stephen Campanella.
About the Ballet Exams & Mid-term Evaluations
WHY BALLET EXAMINATIONS?
It helps students understand the significance of the classroom work for their development as dancers. Also better objectivity and feedback is achieved when several faculty members, some who may have never met the students, administer the exams and determine advancement.
2019 BALLET EXAMS: JUNE 3-8, 2019
WHY MID-TERM EXAMINATIONS?
Communication between the Academy and its families is vital for the well-being and peace of mind of all involved. Thus mid-year, student and parent(s) meet with instructors privately to review progress and help students prepare for exams.
2019 MID-TERM EVALUATIONS: APRIL-MAY 2019
WHAT WOULD BE THE REASONS FOR A STUDENT TO NOT PASS THE EXAMS?
There is only one reason for keeping a student from progressing to the next level: some students just need more TIME to strengthen physical weaknesses which unattended can lead to bad habits and injury. The reasons behind the weaknesses are numerous:
1) A students’ lack of focus and willingness to exert themselves in class
2) Lack of attendance, whether it is because the student only attends one-a-week (which makes progress slower) or inconsistent attendance.
3) And, finally, the uniqueness of the student’s body and physicality that may need more time to develop
Yes, to become a professional ballet dancer requires very particular body types, HOWEVER, the Academy's inclusive training philosophy maintains that everyone is capable of learning ballet and can derive numerous benefits from the process. Therefore, the “body type” does not impact our decisions for progress, but rather the weaknesses in the body that prevent the individual from moving correctly.
