Classes

Instructional Overview

Dance classes

The Heartland Conservatory of Dance has a strong focus on classical training to continue the development and inspiration for future generations.

The Pre-Primary & Primary Division – Focuses on musicality, coordination, artistry and technique in the areas of ballet and tap. All Classes are kept small to provide individual attention, self-confidence, flexibility, the foundation to continue with more advanced training and to encourage expressiveness all in a nurturing environment.

Learn motor, cognitive, & social skills
Foster musical awareness & self awareness
Develop imagination & creative expression
A positive environment for learning elementary positions & movement of ballet

The Elementary Division – Includes the beginning levels for learning ballet technique. The standard is all students begin in level 1. Here they will learn the basic ballet positions, then progression of a ballet barre and the French vocabulary of which all ballet steps are defined.

Foundations laid for correct posture, balance, stamina, rhythm, & mindset
Learn the progression of a ballet barre
Learn the French ballet vocabulary
Provides social encounters where cooperation & empathy are learned
Teaches visualization skills & focus
Builds a healthy self esteem

The Intermediate Division – Bridges the gaps between the Elementary & Pre-Professional Divisions

In this level a foundation of ballet knowledge technical skill should already be in place.
Students in this class will continue to work on increasing their dance vocabulary and technique.
Advancement to the Advanced Division is based on ability, not age.
Students develop a sense of commitment, & the ability to accept constructive criticism.

The Advanced & Pre-Professional Division – Designed to provide intense training in ballet and other forms of dance to motivate students in the pursuit of their desired goals. The program allows for aspiring dancers to be challenged with advanced training in movement and performance. The dancers attend multiple classes a week in Ballet and Pointe. Classes in Variations, Contemporary, Jazz, and Tap are offered to round out their vocabulary of movement.

In this level a foundation of ballet knowledge technical skill should already be in place.
Students in this class will continue to work on increasing their dance vocabulary and technique.
Prepares students for the option of pursuing a professional dance career or collegiate degree in dance.
Peak performance training continues.
Promotes healthy life long habits that increase positive mood & healthy body image.
Enhances emotional maturity & respect.
Instills collaboration, accountability, time management, grit & critical thinking skills needed for a success in life & career.

For success

Your Commitment

It is recommended that students invest the following amount of time per week in ballet:

Level I – III is based on a two-year curriculum. Level IV & above are at the Instructor’s discretion.

Level I: 2 hours (Up to two days per week)
Level II: 3 hours (Two days per week)
Level II Second Year: 3-4 hours (Two or three days per week)
Level III: 4 - 6.5 hours (Three days per week)
Level III Pointe: Minimum age 11, 3-5 hours of ballet class per week, Instructor recommendation required
Level IV: 5-11 hours (Three or more days per week)
Level V & VI: 7+ hours, Progression to these levels are at the discretion of Instructors

Pre-Primary & Primary:

Pre-Primary: Imagination, experimentation & discovery of movement are the fundamentals of this introduction to ballet.

Primary: Building on the student’s love of dance, this class will encompass the basic concepts of spatial awareness, floor work & ballet center exercises.

Elementary Division: Level I - III

With a focus on the student’s health, health & child development, these levels are designed to enhance the student’s ballet technique. Through an age-appropriate, outcome-based curriculum provided by American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum.

Intermediate Division: Level IV

This level bridges the gap between the Elementary & Pre-Professional Divisions.

Pre-Professional division: level v & vi

The Pre-Professional Division is designed to provide intense ballet training in pursuit of each student’s desired goals. In addition to their daily ballet & pointe classes, these students take weekly jazz, character & Pilates classes. These students are also members of the Heartland Youth Ballet & attend The Ballet Alliance, an association of pre-professional ballet companies, festival each year.