PLACEMENT/LEVELS

Placement of students is governed by individual potential and technical proficiency, not entirely by age or the amount of previous training.  All students are carefully placed in the class that is fitting to their technique. The placement is always decided with a childs best interest and advancement in mind. During the year if a student shows exceptional progress, she may be promoted to a higher level. This promotion will be at the discretion of the director.

Ballet I-IV are elementary classes for ages 5-10.  Children at this level learn basic ballet, classroom etiquette and are encouraged to develop musicality and the joy of dance.

Ballet V and Level A are intermediate levels for ages 10-13.  More difficult steps are taught at this level to develop coordination and strength. Selected students will begin pointe when they are capable of maintaining perfect posture and have developed sufficient strength in their legs and feet. 

Level B is an intermediate/advanced level for ages 13 and up. The focus is on strengthening, stability, balance and aplomb of the dancer by introducing more complicated allegro and adagio.  Pointe classes are included.

Level C for ages 14 and up is a pre-professional level of selected students.  These are students who are committed to the study of ballet with a desire to pursue ballet at the professional or university level. Students study variations from the classical repertoire.  The Gayle Corkery School of Ballet has presented excerpts from such ballets as: Giselle, Swan Lake, Coppelia, Paquita, Les Sylphides, Pas de Quatre and Sleeping Beauty. Also, students at this level have the opportunity to study with master class instructors.