Classical Ballet Program
HDM’s classical curriculum syllabus derives its rich organization, approach, technical standards, and stylistic ideals from four key international training systems, including:
- Kathryn Perrault Vancouver Junior Professional Division
- Marcia Dale-Weary’s Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Curriculum
- ABT’s National Training Curriculum
- Vaganova
Significant emphasis is placed throughout all levels on careful analysis of music, co-ordination, sophistication of movement quality, and identification of particular muscles involved with technique.
There are four components within the classical ballet class work:
- conditioning
- barre work
- musical ear-training
- centre work
Students progress through each class through grades, however, all students move at different rates. Some spend more than one year in one level while some may progress much faster. When the student has learned the ballet technique appropriate for each level and when the student’s body has become strong enough to accomplish those movements, then, the student is moved to the next level. Advancement is based on ability, not age.