Levels and Class Details
What do the classes look like?
We are doing our best to make sure this is the right fit for you! Any feedback is appreciated and will be taken to improve the studio if levels don’t work well for our dancers!
5 dancers per class
5 different levels offered
Barre and center work
Each Technique class will be 75 minutes long
Each Pointe class will be 60 minutes long
Class Levels
We have five technique levels and two pointe class levels.
Beginner I Level
The Beginner I ballet class is suitable for dancers with basic ballet knowledge and vocabulary.
We've set the pace of the class to accommodate those who are still aligning their body movements with ballet terminology. We'll focus on areas like alignment, turnout engagement, safe movement, balance, leg and foot articulation, body coordination, ballet class etiquette, and learning new steps. All of this is designed to build a strong foundation for you to progress smoothly to the next level.
The class is perfect for those returning to ballet after a break as it allows a slower pace, meeting your body's current capabilities rather than past performance
Vocabulary/movement covered — All 5 positions, plié, relevé, sous-sus, soutenu, tendu, port de bras, dégagé, rond de jambe, fondu, pas de cheval, cou-de-pied, retiré, passé, attitude, developpé, grand battement, pas de bourreé, balancé, ballet walks, en croix, sauté, arabesque (1st + 2nd), adagio.
Beginner II Level
The Beginner II ballet class is suitable for dancers who already have a solid understanding of basic ballet movements and vocabulary.
The class encourages questions and maintains a slower pace to help students learn more ballet movements and increase body awareness. Techniques and execution are improved by challenging the body and mind through speed, musical awareness, pattern complexity, stamina, and other movement concepts.
The class is perfect for those returning to ballet after a long break, offering a gentle and accommodating approach that meets your body where it currently is rather than setting expectations based on past capabilities.
Vocabulary/movement (beyond Beginner I vocab) — Coupé, sur-le-cou-de-pied, frappé, allongé, enveloppé, battement tendu, en cloche, glissade, changement, waltz steps, more port de bras, a few body directions (croisé, écarté, effacé), jeté, faili, temps lié, chassé, tombé, piqué, en dedan, en dehor, en l’air, à terre, devant, derrière, chaîne, petite allegro
All Levels (Intermediate)
The All Levels class is suitable for intermediate dancers aiming to challenge their foundational skills and technique.
The class transitions more movements to the center, away from the barre, and adds a bit more complexity, all at a comfortable pace. This class is a fantastic way to boost your speed, musical awareness, and both mental and physical stamina, all with some fun patterning and repetition.
If you've been dancing for a few years, or are just getting back into the swing of things, and feel confident in your strength and knowledge, this class would be perfect for you. We always prioritize safety, providing modifications/variations to suit everyone's individual needs.
Vocabulary/movement (beyond Beginner I + II vocab) — Petite rond de jambe en l’air, circular port de bras, promenade, fouetté, penché, more body directions (a la quatrième, a la seconde, épaulé), pirouette prep, contretemps, temp levé, entrechat quatre prep, saut de chat, pas de basque, grand allegro, saut de basque, assemblé, waltz turn
Advanced I Level
The Advanced I class is designed for intermediate to advanced dancers aiming to build their confidence in ballet technique to further enhance their artistry.
This class encourages you to explore advanced vocabulary and movement at a comfortable pace. It beautifully covers multiple aspects of ballet to help you develop strength, agility, technique, and artistry, whilst encouraging you to find your unique rhythm within movement.
This class is perfect for dancers with a minimum of 5 years of experience or even those who are making a comeback and need some time to regain their strength. The class is thoughtfully designed to meet your current physical condition, with adjustments and variations available to assure your safety.
Vocabulary/movement — Echappé, pirouette (en dehor and en dedan), sissone, royale, tour en l’air, all directions of the body, arabesque positions, grand jeté, petite battement, balloné, bourreé, soubresaut, grand rond de jambe, grand rond de jambe en l’air, grand rond de jambe jeté.
Advanced II Level
Advanced II is a ballet class designed for seasoned dancers who are looking to boost their ballet techniques, artistry, and fluidity of movement.
This class is lively and fun, delving into advanced movement techniques and the fine details of body movement. It fosters a playful learning atmosphere, encouraging freedom and creativity in movement and use of space.
This class is perfect for those who have been dancing for at least 7 years, and we prioritize your safety by allowing modifications and variations to suit your individual needs.
Vocabulary/movement — Epaulement, cabriole, brisé, ballotté, circular port de bras, battu within jumps, balançoire, tour, tour jeté, etc.
Open LEvel (minimum Beg. I experience recommended)
Open Level is a wonderful choice for anyone at almost any stage of their ballet journey (Beginner I level is strongly encouraged). We'll focus on technique and details, which will be tailored to suit each level within the class.
The class has a comfortable pace and we'll make sure it strikes the right balance for everyone. With our vibrant and enjoyable instruction, we create a nurturing environment to encourage beginners and show them the possibilities ahead, while also helping advanced dancers to grow in confidence and leadership. Above all, we strive to accommodate your needs and meet your body where it is now, making any necessary adjustments to ensure your safety.
No Experience - Absolute beginner!
This is an ABSOLUTE beginner class where you are introduced to a small amount of ballet concepts, terminology, and movement to get a sense of what is involved in learning ballet. See if ballet is right for you and if you'd like to continue learning more to get those ballet basics.
Every 4th Sunday of the month (some months may have exceptions due to holidays) Join us to have a little fun and start your ballet journey!
Pre-pointe / pointe basic level
Pre-Pointe / Pointe Basic is suitable for those who have the desire to be en pointe! This is also for those who have already been approved to be en pointe and are just starting out.
The class will go slower and will go over many details to ensure people’s safety and understanding. Pointe work is a very intense and exciting time. Special attention must be paid to the very beginning basics of pointe work. Your teacher is there to help guide you through the proper technique before and after getting pointe shoes. Strengthen those feet, ankles, rotators, core, alignment, and more.
Pointe I Level
Pointe I is suitable for those who have been approved and practicing pointe for some time.
The class will still work slowly so dancers can create safe habits as they build strength in pointe shoes. Learning new steps and advancing will coincide with practicing fundamentals.
All dancers in pointe shoes will be required to have approval from a staff member of Blissfully Yours Ballet, especially if they are new to pointe.