GLOSSARY OF DANCE                                                  

Pre-Ballet

PreBallet introduces children ages 3 - 4 to basic motor movement, rhythm, and listening skills. Utilizing the classical Ballet stories such as Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker, etc., students learn their themes, movements and characters at a level that is appropriate to their age.

I Can Dance Two

A 30 minute session of movement, rhythm and music.  Parents are welcome to participate.  A wonderful way to introduce dance to your toddler.

Confetti

Confetti Dance is a combination class where children ages 3-5 learn ballet and tap within a 45 minute session.

Kinder Hip Hop

Hip Hop is fast and funky! It borrows from street dancing and is set to current music. Kinder Hip Hop is designed for ages 4-6.

Ballet:  General

Ballet began in the European Courts in the 16th Century. It has established terminology and sets of exercises incorporated into barre and center work. Body placement, posture, balance, flexibility and coordination are stressed. Classical music is used for training.

PASG believes in making ballet the foundation of each student's training. We strongly suggest that each student study ballet in addition to other dance disciplines they might wish to study.

NOTE: The ages listed in the Ballet levels below are guidelines only.
Final placement is dependent upon teacher observation and recommendation.

Levels of Ballet at PASG:

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Open Ballet

Open Ballet is structured for all levels. It is open to adults, as well as to students who do not wish to study at a pre-professional level, but prefer a recreational level of instruction.Many students who are over the age of 10, but just beginning ballet instruction, begin their training in Open and progress to a Level where they can be placed with their own age group and continue a more intensive training.

Ballet 1

Beginning level technique class for new dancers, ages 6-9.

Ballet 2

Beginning level technique class, a progression of Level 1.

Ballet 3

Beginning level technique class, progression of Level 2, 2 technique classes per week.

Ballet 4

Intermediate level technique class, students take 2 technique classes per week.

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Ballet 5

Intermediate level technique class, students at this level are required to take 3 technique classes per week and 1 Pre-Pointe class to prepare the foot for pointe work at the advanced levels.

Ballet 6

Intermediate/Advanced level technique class, students at this level are required to take 4 technique classes per week and 2 Pointe classes.

Ballet 7

Advanced level technique class, students at this level are required to take 5 technique classes per week, 2 Pointe classes and Variations.

Ballet 8

Advanced level technique class, students at this level are required to take 5 technique classes per week, 2 Pointe classes and Variations.

Pre-Professional Ballet
(P2)

Advanced level technique class, students at this level are required to
take 5 technique classes per week, 2 Pointe, Variations, and Pas de Deux.
Upon graduation from PASG, P2 students will have the training to audition
for professional ballet companies.

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Pre-Pointe

Pre-Pointe prepares the foot and body for the demands of pointe work. It is a bridge from ballet slippers to pointe shoes, and is done in pre-pointe shoes.

Pointe

Pointe is a ballet technique done in pointe shoes. The dancer wears specifically designed shoes to support the dancer while on fully extended feet - on the toes. Students must have a minimum of two years of study, be at least eleven years of age, and have teacher's recommendation. Student's current study program must have two ballet technique classes per week in addition to Pointe class.

Variations

Variations, or Repertory, is a class designed for advanced ballet students. Intermediate students may be invited to participate at teacher's recommendation. It includes structured traditional solos or small corps pieces, done on Pointe. Repertory is essential for professional development.

Hip Hop

Hip Hop is fast and funky! It borrows from street dancing and is set to current music. Ages 7 and above.

Jazz

Jazz is a dance technique that borrows from ballet and develops stylistically. It typically uses up-beat, current music. PASG recommends that students are currently taking ballet. Ages 8 and above.

Modern

Modern is a form of dance which uses a technical and exploratory approach to discovering the incredible variety of body movement. Modern looks at movement in relationship to time, space, weight, breath, flow and rhythm. It encompasses the expression of self and/or worldly ideas.

Tap

Tap is rhythmic footwork done with special shoes designed to amplify sound. Emphasis is on rhythm, style, and clarity of sounds produced. Ages 4 and above.

Lyrical

Lyrical is a form of dance that uses a technique and emotions to convey a story through movement and song. It encompasses the expression of self and/or worldly ideas.

Pilates-based Core

Core Strengthen is an intense 30 minute session of concentrated exercise to strengthen the back and the abdominals - the core strength of the body. Open to all students ages 8 - adult.

Pilates-based
Stretch & Strengthen

Stretch & Strengthen is based on Pilates' program of exercise. It enhances all dance levels. PASG strongly recommends it for all intermediate and advanced levels, but it is also open to all students age 8 to adult.