Summer iNTENSIVE Curriculum and placements
Level A
Female Ages 13-14
Level A dancers are at an intermediate level for class work and a beginning pointe level. Dancers placed in this level have an accurate foundation of classical ballet technique and can execute a full range of centre exercises.
Level B
Female Ages 13-14
Level B dancers are generally age 14 and some may be age 13. These dancers are at an intermediate level for technique and pointe. Students placed in this level, have an accurate foundation of classical ballet technique and demonstrate consistency and strength in challenging technical elements.
Level C
Female Ages 15+
Level C dancers are at an advanced level for technique and pointe. Dancers placed in this level demonstrate consistently accurate ballet technique throughout class and can confidently execute classwork en pointe.
Level D
Female Ages 16+
Level D dancers are advanced dancers engaged in, or pursuing pre-professional training. Dancers in this level are involved in professional training programs, college dance programs, or trainee programs at a high level.
Level E
Female Ages 17+
Level E dancers are preparing to begin professional careers in classical ballet. Dancers placed in this level have experience in a professional training program, a trainee program, a college dance program, or an apprentice program.
Choreographic Workshop
Advanced Male and Female dancers ages 16+
The Choreographic Workshop provides an opportunity for a select group of advanced dancers in levels D and E. They will take part in classes during the first three weeks of the program, and the final two-week workshop dancers experience life as professional dancer, beginning each day with a technique class and then participating in rehearsals on a world premiere. This program concludes with a performance.
Men 1
13+
Dancers placed in Men 1 are at an intermediate to advanced level. These dancers participate in partnering classes modified depending on developmental stages.
Men 2
15+
Dancers placed in Men 2 are at an advanced level. These dancers participate in partnering classes with the advanced female dancers.
YDSI
Female and Male ages 10-13
The YDSI is designed to provide a rigorous training program that mirrors Ballet West’s Summer intensive, yet is tailored to the developmental stage of dancers in their preteen and teen years. YDSI offers training for dancers in pre-pointe, as well as those already dancing en pointe. Dancers are accepted into the program are placed in groups at the start of the program.
St. George
Female and Male Age 12+
The St. George program offers intensive training for dancers of a variety of levels A-E. This program concludes with a performance.
FAQ’s
Do all of the levels have the same program?
Every level has the same number of instructional hours throughout the course of the program. Classes are offered 6 days a week, Monday thru Saturday. All levels have a two hour technique class, a one hour additional ballet class (such as pointe, men’s technique, pas de deux, variations, or repertoire) and a one hour class of a different dance genre (jazz, modern, contemporary, character, flamenco, Irish) each day. In addition, every level has a cross training class (such as Pilates, yoga, conditioning, or a seminar) each day. Within these instructional hours the program is tailored to the needs and developmental progress of each group. For example, a dancer in Level A who is 13 and has danced en pointe for 1 or 2 years will work on a beginning variation. Whereas, a dancer who is 18, is in Level E and ready to launch to a professional career, would work on a more advanced variation. Seminars and workshops are also designed with the learning needs of each level in mind. Younger dancers may have seminars relating to care of pointe shoes, dance history or growth mindset; while upper levels may have seminars relating to career and college preparation. Every level works with a variety of the guest faculty and Ballet West’s Principal faculty.
Do dancers participate in pas de deux classes?
Yes. All levels will have an opportunity to participate in pas de deux. The two men’s levels will rotate thru the ladies levels over course of the summer, to ensure developmentally appropriate instruction. Pas de deux classes are not offered at St. George or YDSI.
Why do some age ranges overlap in the level descriptions?
Because each individual dancer develops at their own pace, many of our levels overlap in age range. Dancers are grouped by a general age range to facilitate a cohesive class, however, a balance of age and ability is always considered when creating placements.
Why do Level A and B list the same age range of 13-14?
We believe a strong foundation is important to a successful future for our dancers. Levels A and B accommodate students of a similar age, while enabling each level to progress and build strength. Dancers who are placed in Level B may have more experience dancing en pointe or may have trained intensively previously.
Why do you have a placement class on the first day of the intensive, if you already placed dancers in levels at the audition?
Summer intensive auditions may occur up to 5 months before the start of the program. Dancers can change tremendously during this time. For example, young dancers may progress from a beginning to an intermediate pointe level. Some dancers may increase the amount or intensity of training. In addition, some dancers may reduce their training due to injury or other unforeseen circumstances. For these reasons, our faculty re-evaluates all students during the first few classes of the program to ensure that every student is receiving the instruction that is appropriate for their current level. Because the program is just a few weeks long, instructors make level adjustments as early in the program as possible.
In general, the faculty tries to avoid moving students ‘down’ a level, unless there is a risk of injury. Most often students remain in the level in which they were placed during the audition process, and occasionally students are moved up a level when re-evaluated.
Is it possible for a dancer to request a switch to a different level?
The level placement is made by the faculty, not by students or parents. We appreciate when dancers can respect and understand the professional opinion of the faculty and work their hardest in the level deemed appropriate. The faculty invites parents to partner with us in encouraging students to strive to reach their individual potential, instead of comparing themselves to peers.
Why are there several groups in each level? Does this mean some groups are ‘better’ than others?
Within each level, dancers are divided into groups so that every class has an appropriate number of students for the space in which they will dance. For example, a level may be divided into groups such as A1 and A2 - so that dancers receive individualized attention in class. There is no difference in placement between these groups- all students of the same level receive training aligned with the curriculum for that level. Students follow the schedule of their group as designated by the faculty.