Advanced
The Level IV and V programs at BDT are for the serious student, ages 14 and up, who have completed the required training in previous levels. All placements in these levels are by teacher recommendation only. Students must maintain a minimum of four classes a week (determined by individual programs). Continued ballet study is essential to development and maintenance of advanced technique and skills, as well as performance quality.
Advanced students are encouraged to diversify their dance program within the school, as well as seek enrichment activities outside of the studio. Upper level students are given the opportunity to work at a pre-professional level, whether or not they plan to pursue a professional career in dance. Many students participate in area dance and theatre performances, school musicals, and summer dance intensives. Teaching internships and choreography projects are designed for interested students. Recognition is given to students who excel in areas outside of dance, including academics, music and other art forms. Assistance and direction is provided to students wishing to pursue dance on the professional level-as teachers, performers, or choreographers.
While Level III continues to build the foundation for the more advance levels ahead, Levels IV and V are considered to be our “diversification program. All Students in Levels III-V must maintain a minimum of 4 classes a week (classes are determined by age and specific program)
Ballet III/IV/V
Qualified returning students; New students must be skill tested
At BDT, we consider the study of ballet to be key to a student’s success in all disciplines. Ballet technique is the foundation for all other dance forms – it develops self-discipline, poise, and musicality, while encouraging a clear understanding of the art and science of movement. Students studying ballet share in the rich heritage passed down through generations of dancers from its origins in the royal courts of Italy and France.
- Ballet III requirements: Teacher recommendation, minimum 12 years old and successful completion of Level II.
- Ballet IV/V requirements: Teacher recommendation, minimum 14 years old and successful completion of Level III.
Jazz III/IV/V
Qualified returning students; New students must be skill tested
Created in the U.S. as a synthesis of African and European ethnic dance styles, jazz dance has become the predominant form of American musical theatre dance. Jazz allows students to express themselves using isolated movements of the body combined with jumps and turns set to contemporary music. As a student advances within our program, the necessity of ballet training increases in order to progress.
- Jazz III requirements: Teacher recommendation, minimum 12 years old and successful completion of Level II. Students must also be enrolled in two ballet classes.
- Jazz IV/V requirements: Teacher recommendation, minimum 14 years old and successful completion of Level III. Students must also be enrolled in two ballet classes.
Tap III/IV/V
Qualified returning students; New students must be skill tested
Tap is another American invention studied and performed throughout the world. While developing a strong sense of rhythm, students work toward the control of weight distribution in the foot along with a pleasing style in the arms, head and torso. Tap II increases a student’s tap vocabulary while advancing footwork and speed. Students continue working on developing clarity of sound and precise movements.
- Tap III requirements: Teacher recommendation, minimum 12 years old and successful completion of Level II.
- Tap IV/V requirements: Teacher recommendation, minimum 14 years old and successful completion of Level III.
Modern III/IV/V
Qualified returning students; New students must be skill tested
Modern dance developed as a revolt against classical ballet in the early twentieth century. It enhances a student’s dance program by encouraging the pursuit of individual creative energies and instincts through improvisation and imagery. It explores the contrasts of movement: rise-fall, expand-contact, extend-flex, while stressing the important integration of breath and movement. Students must be enrolled in a Level III or IV/V ballet class in conjunction with modern.
- Modern III requirements: Teacher recommendation, minimum 12 years old and successful completion of Level II. Students must also be enrolled in two ballet classes.
- Modern IV/V requirements: Teacher recommendation, minimum 14 years old and successful completion of Level III. Students must also be enrolled in two ballet classes.
Hip-Hop III/IV/V
Qualified returning students; New students must be skill tested
Hip-Hop III/IV is the expansion of advanced movements and vocabulary. Advanced “step” dancing and rhythmical body percussion is integrated. As always, age appropriate music and themes are selected.
