Level Guide (Revised as of May 1, 2024)

Beginning Ballet Course (6 week course offered 3 times per year)
Have you always wanted to learn ballet, but felt too intimidated? Have you ever been to a Beginning Adult Ballet Class only to come out lost and confused? Chances are you didn’t have the right teacher. It’s never too late to learn one of the most wonderful forms of dance in the world… from the very BEGINNING.

In my 6 week Beginning Ballet Course offered four times per year through the Pasadena City College Extension Program, you will acquire all of the entry level fundamentals needed to walk into any “Beginner” ballet class. As a teacher of all levels, and former professional dancer, I have come to understand that fundamentals in ballet are achievable regardless of age.

The Beginning Ballet Course is for those who have never danced a step of ballet or who had some ballet when they were little, but it didn’t stick. This is a six-week course that makes you stick with it to learn all the ballet basics, and will enable you to master placement and coordination. Once you have had the course, you are ready to take Advanced Beginning I – Technique ongoing classes.

REMEMBER, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE! Come join us in what will be a fun and rewarding experience!

Advanced Beginning Level One Technique Course (8 week course offered 3 times per year)
Prerequisite: Beginning Ballet Course or with teacher approval
The Advanced Beginning I – Technique is for those who have taken the Beginning Ballet Course, or who have a good grasp of ballet basics. You will develop coordination and strength and expand upon those basics to prepare for turning (Pirouettes), combinations in basic jumping (Petit Allegro), balancing on one leg (Sur Le Cou-de-Pied & Retire’), and adding more movement of arms (Port de Bras) to combinations.

Advanced Beginning Level Two Technique Course (8 week course offered 3 times per year)
Prerequisite: Advanced Beginning Level One Technique Course or with teacher approval.
The Advanced Beginning II – Technique class is for those who have a strong grasp of ballet basics. This level introduces Epaulement, adds combinations that involve faster tempos in music, quicker distribution of weight from one leg to another, full integration of turning (Pirouettes) & jumping (Petit Allegro), and an introduction into bigger jumps (Grande Allegro). This level adds more attention to phrasing, technical proficiency and musicality.

Intermediate Level One Technique Ongoing Classes (4 month syllabus – 3 times per year)
Prerequisite: Advanced Beginning Level Two Technique Course or with teacher approval.
The Intermediate Level Technique class is for those who are proficient in ballet basics. This level adds complex & faster tempo combinations that involve more arm movement (Port de Bras), more complicated turning (Pirouettes – En Dehors & En Dedans, Attitude, Arabesque, etc.), and jumping (Petit Allegro & Grande Allegro). This level enhances the coordination and fluidity within each combination of movements.

Intermediate/Advanced Level Technique (4 month syllabus – 3 times per year)
Prerequisite: Intermediate Level One Technique Classes (1 year or longer)
The Intermediate Level Technique class is for those who are proficient in ballet basics. This level adds complex & faster tempo combinations that involve more arm movement (Port de Bras), more complicated turning (Pirouettes – En Dehors & En Dedans, Attitude, Arabesque, etc.), and jumping (Petit Allegro & Grande Allegro). This level enhances the coordination and fluidity within each combination of movements.

Beginning Pointe Course (Only offered intermittently and must have teacher approval)
The Beginning Pointe Course is for those who have had two years of solid and consistent intermediate level ballet technique. The course will take you from the purchasing and sewing of shoes, strengthening of the ankles, feet, and toes, to all the basics needed to perform simple pointe work (releves, balances, piques, turns, etc.).

Advanced Beginning Pointe (4 month syllabus – 3 times per year)
Advanced Beginning Pointe Class expands upon all steps in the Beginning Pointe Course, with more work being done away from the barre.  Participation is for those who have already had Beginning Pointe basics, and will be by Intermediate Technique Class placement only.

Intermediate Pointe/Variations (4 month syllabus – 3 times per year)
Intermediate Pointe Class expands upon all steps in the Advanced Beginning I Pointe Class, with an increased focus on more complicated combinations, technical fluidity, and faster tempos in music.  Participation is for those who have been taking consistent Intermediate Level Technique Class and who have been able to consistently execute all syllabus work from Advanced Beginning I Pointe Class.