Ballet

Pre-Primary Ballet

Pre-primary ballet is the next level after Tiny Tots. Our pre-primary program develops basic dance skills, musical awareness, expression, and creativity while providing students with the confidence to spontaneously perform in front of others. This is the first year where students start learning Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) Syllabus which encourages focus and memorization.

Age: 4-6 years old

Class Attire:

Girls: : Pale pink or white tights, bodysuit (any colour, any sleeve length), short circular skirt with elastic waistband, pink ballet slippers without strings, long hair tied up.

Boys: White t-shirt, black stretchy pants, black ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Saturdays, 9:45 AM to 10:30 AM

Greenwich (Bishop Hall) : Tuesdays, 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM

Primary Ballet

Primary ballet is the next level after pre-primary and follows the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) Syllabus. In Primary students are gradually introduced to more complex ballet steps and combinations such as walking with stretched feet, and stretching the feet and legs with correct alignment and use of turnout. Students also begin to jump a lot more with the introduction of hops, jumps, springs and leaps which are expected to be rhythmical and performed with lightness and stretch through the legs and feet. The exercises become longer and more demanding, and the floor patterns much more complex as children are expected to travel with coordination and a good understanding of the transfer of weight. The Primary sets the foundations for Grade 1 R.A.D.

Age: 5-7 years old

Class Attire:

Girls: : Pale pink or white tights, bodysuit (any colour, any sleeve length), short circular skirt with elastic waistband, pink ballet slippers without strings, long hair tied up.

Boys: White t-shirt, black stretchy pants, black ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Saturdays, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Greenwich (Bishop Hall) : Tuesdays, 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM

Gr. 1 CDTA Ballet

Grade 1 C.D.T.A. (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 1 R.A.D. (Royal Academy of Dance). An introduction to CDTA syllabus with more emphasis on barre work, centre work and across the floor exercises. This is the first level in which ballet exams are offered.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 5-7 years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Saturdays, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Greenwich (Bishop Hall) : Tuesdays, 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM

Gr. 2 CDTA Ballet

Grade 2 CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 1 CDTA. This grade introduces many new steps including the balletic polka, arabesque as well as 2 enchantments. There is an opportunity in this grade to take a ballet exam.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 7-12 years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

Greenwich (Bishop Hall) : Thursdays, 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM

Gr. 3 CDTA Ballet

Grade 3 CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 2 CDTA. This grade introduces polka step turning and introduction to pirouettes. This is also the first grade to introduce an exercise just for males or dancers wanting to do the male work. There is an opportunity in this grade to take a ballet exam.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 9-13 years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Tuesdays, 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM

Gr. 4 CDTA Ballet

The underlying philosophy of Grade 4 is to expand upon the foundations nurtured in the junior syllabus, providing students with a sequential syllabus that will promote a developmentally appropriate and sound technique for ballet, underpinning secure technique including core stability, weight placement, turn out and line, while continuing to nurture the student’s awareness of artistry musicality and dynamics. Grade 4 CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 3 CDTA. This is the first level of the CDTA senior syllabus including pre-pointe work as well as more exercises just for male dancers or dancers wanting to do the male work. Two years at this level and two classes a week are recommended. There is an opportunity in this grade to take a ballet exam.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 10+ years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Mondays, 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM

Intermediate CDTA Ballet

Intermediate CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 5 CDTA. A continuation from Grade 5 with more emphasis on allegro and center work. This grade also includes more pointework for female dancers which is optional as well as more challenging exercises for male dancers. Students who pass the intermediate ballet exam at Cadance Academy also qualify for a Personal Development high school Grade 10 credit. It is highly recommended that students take at least three classes of ballet technique a week to develop the strength and skill required to execute the work both safely and to the standard expected. Two years at this level are often required. There is an opportunity in this grade to take a ballet exam. Dancers have the option to take the ballet exam with pointework or without.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 14+ years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

If you have any questions about this course or the required attire please feel free to email info@cadanceacademy.ca

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Mondays, 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM

Advanced CDTA Ballet

Advanced CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after Intermediate CDTA. Students who pass the advanced ballet exam at Cadance Academy also qualify for a Personal Development highschool Grade 10 credit. It is highly recommended that students take at least three classes of ballet technique a week to develop the strength and skill required to execute the work both safely and to the standard expected. Two years at this level are often required. Female dancers have the option to take the ballet exam with pointework or without.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it is good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday usually at the end of March or the beginning of April. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award. At the Advanced level, students have the opportunity to take the Advanced Solo Award. Successful completion of the Advanced Level A Exam (With pointe work) is the required prerequisite for the Advanced Solo Award with pointe work. The prerequisite for the Male Advanced Solo Award the dancers must have completed the Advanced Ballet Exam with the male work. Either of these exams can be done regardless of your gender identity. The Advanced Solo Award is a shorter exam with an emphasis on performance presentation and includes the following:

Age: 14+ years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

If you have any questions about this course or the required attire please feel free to email info@cadanceacademy.ca

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Mondays, 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM

ADVANCED SOLO AWARD (with male work):

• Choreographed entrance

• Port de Bras / Adage Enchaînement (Teachers choreographed arrangement to be adapted by the teacher for the dancer)

• Turns/Coda – Teachers arrangement to incorporate travel en manege and en diaganole. Tour en l’air, double pirrouette on dehors and en dedans, grande jete en tournant en diagonale, jete elance en tournant, tours a la seconde, chaines, etc. May also include linking steps.

• Variation. Jame’s Variation from “La Sylphide” (Bournonville, 1836) OR Conrad’s Variation from “Le Corsaire” (Petipa, 1863 after Perrot, 1858) Candidates choice.

• Dance Enchaînement. Teachers arrangement to include vocabulary at this level.

• Reverence – Teachers choreographed arrangement (16 bars)

ADVANCED SOLO AWARD (with pointe work):

• Choreographed entrance

• Port de Bras / Adage Enchaînement (Teachers choreographed arrangement)

• Coda – To incorporate en manege elements and a minimum of 7 fouette turns in series

• Bluebird Variation. A recognized version of the Bluebird Variation from “Sleeping Beauty” Act 3 (choreography: Marius Petipa 1890; music: P.I Tchaikovsky)

• Dance. Set Spanish dance

• Reverence – Teachers choreographed arrangement (16 bars)

Open Ballet/ Master Class

A non-syllabus class for senior level dancers which focuses on the Vaganova inspired technique. Dancers should be at least 14 years old. There is no pointe work in this class.

Age: 13+ years old

Class Attire:

Female: Bodysuit (any color, any sleeve length), skirt, pink ballet tights and slippers without strings, long hair tied up.

Males: Students are required to wear a black or white fitted t-shirt, black tights or black leggings with black socks and black ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Tuesdays, 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM

Repertoire/Pointe Variations

This class is for senior dancers with at least 2 years previous pointe experience. The class will be part pointe work and learning choreography from various classical ballets.

Age: 13+ years old

Class Attire:

Female: Bodysuit (any color, any sleeve length), skirt, pink ballet tights and slippers without strings, long hair tied up, and pointe shoes.

Males: Students are required to wear a black or white fitted t-shirt, black tights or black leggings with black socks and black ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Tuesdays, 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM

Pre-pointe/Beginner Pointe

This class is for second year Grade 4 CDTA students preparing to go en pointe, for those that are in their first and second year of pointe work, and for those looking to increase their overall strength; specifically in their ankles and calf muscles. Half the class time will be spent working on demi-pointe doing strengthening exercises while the other half of the class will be beginner pointe work exercises. Those without pointe shoes will do these exercises on demi-pointe without the aid of the barre thus increasing strength on demi-pointe. There will be an assessment done in April for pre-pointe students to assess their readiness for pointe work.

Age: 13+ years old