The Ballet Mississippi School provides
students with a pre-professional training program focusing on classical
ballet technique. Through the development of strong technique, flexibility,
artistry and musicality, the student acquires the skills and discipline
necessary to pursue a career in dance.
Students are placed in the school by ability and age and are required
to meet their classes as set forth in the class schedule. Assessment
of a student's progress is ongoing, and evaluation of each student's
progress is made at the end of the year.
Class Levels
Ballet Mississippi Lower School provides a nuturing
environment for children who wish to learn ballet technique and discipline.
Creative Movement is a class designed for children
ages 3-4. This class teaches the elementary concepts of classical
Ballet and Tap, while incorporating coordination, rhythm, and movement
to music. Students learn to follow simple instructions as a group.
Pre-Ballet slowly introduces the more structured
and disciplined movement necessary for formal Ballet training, while
continuing training in Tap. Pre-Ballet I is designed for 5 year olds,
while Pre-Ballet II targets 6 year olds.
Ballet I begins formal ballet training
for children ages 7 and 8. The class expands and explores ballet
vocabulary. Discipline develops a stronger mental focus while the
strength and flexibility is slowly increased to properly develop
the body for classical dance.
Ballet II continues formal ballet
training by increasing strength, stamina, and technique. Barre and
center work focus on combining elements practiced in lower levels
while adding more complex movements. Ballet II is divided into two
levels. Ballet II-A is for 8 year olds and Ballet II-B is designed
for 9 year olds. At this level, the Artistic Director may place a
student according to ability rather than age.
Ballet III builds on previous ballet training by
increasing strength, stamina, and technique. Barre and center work
focus on combining elements while increasing focus and technique.
Ballet III students attend class two or more times a week.
Ballet Mississippi Upper School
The Upper School provides
strenuous training in Classical Ballet for students who possess a
gift for movement, musicality, a love for dance, and are willing
to commit to the high standards of Ballet Mississippi School. All
Upper School placement is by audition or previous class experience
and at the sole discretion of the Artistic Director.
Ballet IV builds upon the foundational
concepts learned in Ballet III. The proficiency level of the barre
and center work increases. In the center students learn more complicated
petite allegro and the grand allegro developing greater stamina and
fluidity of movement. Students at this level begin preparation for
Pointe work. Students are expected to attend class three to four
times a week.
Ballet V continues the progression
of technique, strength, and stamina. Students begin to learn variations
of the classical and neoclassical repertoire. Ballet V students are
expected to attend four or more classes a week including Pointe and
Jazz class.
Ballet VI students continue to develop
the proficiency of technique, strength, and stamina necessary to
produce the artistry in movement. Students are expected to attend
five to seven classes per week with work in pointe, variations, modern,
and jazz.
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