Virginia Regional Ballet Academy:
Class Descriptions

Ballet

Pre-Ballet, Ages 5-6: An introduction to basic ballet techniques through beginning barre and center work. Foundation classes emphasizing proper posture, coordination, music awareness, and basic ballet movements.

Ballet 1 & 1A: Classes are designed to give a good foundation in proper ballet technique using more barre and center work. These classes emphasize the development of a good work attitude while promoting self-confidence.

Ballet 2-5: Classes are divided by ability and experience with an emphasis on barre technique, center, and performance. Vaganova I syllabus.

Pointe, Ages 10 & up- Prerequisite: previous ballet training and evaluation by instructor. All students taking Pointe are required to take a minimum of 2 ballet technique classes per week.

Variation/Adage/Pas de Deux: From classical ballets offered to advanced level ballet dancers who take unlimited level ballet classes. Good, strong technique is required to participate in partnering. All students must be evaluated by instructor before attending class.

Teen/Adult Ballet: This class is for those students who wish to begin or begin again at an older age. Emphasis is on basic technique development. It is a good class for those who wish to get in shape, just for fun, and not follow a more serious course of study.

Intermediate Adult Ballet: This class is for adult students who have completed two years of ballet. Class moves at a faster pace than Teen/Adult Ballet.

Character

Character is the study of Folk Dance from various countries. Character provides a foundation for classical ballet performance where elaborated folk dancing is used. Ballet 1A and up. Co-requisite: minimum of 2 ballet classes per week.

Modern

A class in which students learn to express complex emotions and abstract ideas through dance.

Tap & Jazz

Tap & Jazz 1-2: Basic level classes designed to give a good foundation in proper jazz and tap technique with emphasis on “Broadway” or theatrical styles.

Int./Adv. Tap & Jazz: Co-requisite: must attend at least one ballet class per week.  Adv. Level prepares dancers for competition, college, and/or professional career opportunities.

Teen/Adult Tap & Jazz: This is for those students who wish to begin or begin again at an older age. Emphasis is on basic technique development. It is a good class for those who wish to get in shape, just for fun, and not follow a more serious course of study.

Hip Hop

Hip Hop incorporates jazz technique with contemporary social dance movement. Movements can be construed as suggestive. *Not recommended for young dancers.

Early Childhood

Mommy & Me, Ages 18 mos –3 years: A special class for toddlers and their care givers to explore dance, gymnastics and musical rhythm through simple movement. This class teaches appreciation for sound and body coordination while promoting the child-to-adult and child-to-child bonds. Mommy & Me runs on a 12-week semester schedule.

Introduction to Dance, Ages 3-4, 4-5: An exploratory class combining tap and ballet or jazz preparing students for basic ballet, jazz and tap techniques. Designed to promote basic motor skills development while teaching coordination, confidence, and music appreciation. A great first class!