Ballet Divisions
These classes provide the basis for dance instruction. Each student is trained in flexibility, strength and coordination. As they learn to move with certain muscles and obtain power agility through exercises. Both a discipline and an art form, and is the foundation for all dance training. Ballet requires strength and patience because of its difficult technical elements.
Classical ballet emphasizes the technique of working in a turned out position, stretching and pointing the feet, proper alignment, and strengthening the muscles of the legs and torso. Ballet class is made up of three components: barrework, centre, and traveling across the floor.
Classes are divided by level, based on teacher recommendations. Each ballet level wears a different color leotard. Because it is difficult to pre-determine each student's progress, final placement will not be confirmed until after the second week of classes. Class leotards may be purchased in the appropriate color (*ballet) from various dancewear stores or from the StarFire Office to ensure proper shade of color needed. Proper training and alignment for a dancer cannot be achieved in only one hour per week; therefore all upper level classes are required to attend at least twice weekly.
Youth
Designed to stimulate the young child's natural desire to dance. Children will learn the joy of movement in a fun and imaginative environment while building strength and coordination. As students progress through the classes they develop musicality and motor skills using creative exercises. Dedication to the study over an extended period of time will increase fluidity, grace, and technique.
Our carefully planned curriculum is presented in a fun and entertaining way, that enhances coordination, musicality and creative ability. We offer a variety of classes appealing to individual personalities. Mommy & Me, and Pre-Ballet classes are specifically designed to develop the motor skills of students aged two through six years, preparing them for the traditional dance class by helping to instill proper etiquette and a love and appreciation for the art of dance.
Junior
We provide a friendly, nurturing environment where we recognize each student's creative talents and incorporate them into the disciplined art of classical ballet. Whether a student is working toward a career in dance or enjoys dancing as a rewarding extra-curricular activity, the young dancers changing body are a most fragile and important instrument which deserves only the finest and most proper instruction. As in any quality studio we strongly recommend that students seven years and older take at least two ballet classes weekly to receive maximum benefit.
Senior
In addition to the variety of classes offered for recreational dancers, our senior division is specifically designed to develop pre-professional career oriented dancers. Selected students attend daily ballet technique and Pointe classes and have the opportunity to learn and perform various classical and contemporary ballets. In addition to their comprehensive class schedules, rehearsals, performances, master classes and special events, senior division student's benefit from developing more personal relationships with their teachers, offering professional guidance towards auditions, colleges, summer programs, scholarship and career opportunities. Ballet is most well known for the technique of "Pointe" in which dancers use specially constructed shoes to dance on their toes however this is only one facet of ballet and one which requires much training before achieving.
