Class Descriptions

Creative Movement

Ages 3 & 4

Children who are ready to be in a class by themselves and are potty trained will begin to learn the basic elements of classical ballet: posture, stretching, and very beginning ballet foot and arm positions. The class will explore movement through music, stimulate students’ imagination and promote creativity.  Creative Movement will also give the student an understanding of the classroom community, improve social skills and develop gross motor skills. Each class will end with creative, fun games and imaginative exercises.

*We strongly suggest the parent or caregiver of Creative Movement students stay on the premises during the duration of the class.

Other classes available to Creative Movement students: Mini-Hip Hop

Uniform:  Pink leotard (no skirt attached), pink tights, pink ballet shoes; hair in ballet bun — No jewelry

Pre-Ballet

Ages 5 & 6 – Two classes per week strongly recommended for this level

More coordination and sequence-related exercises will be added to the elements learned in the Creative Movement class. The students will be introduced to basic ballet vocabulary and technique in a structured yet fun setting. They will do floor exercises to work on flexibility and foot strength. Floor formations that teach children to remember their “place” in the room; movement exercises that emphasize straight legs and pointed feet; and always, the posture, placement, and stretches of classical ballet will be stressed. Basic ballet concepts such as 1st and 2nd positions, plié and relevé will be introduced.

Other classes available to Pre-Ballet students:  Pre-Jazz, Pre-Hip Hop

Uniform: Pink leotard (no skirt attached), pink tights, pink ballet slippers; hair in ballet bun — No jewelry

Ballet 1

Ages 7 & up – Two classes per week required

Ballet 1 is for the beginning student who has had little to no ballet training, or whose previous experience has been in pre-ballet or creative movement classes. Placement in Ballet 1 is determined by the QBS Directors. This class will introduce students to a more formal class structure including barre work facing the barre, alignment exercises, stretching, and coordination and simple locomotion exercises. Ballet foot positions learned:1st, 2nd, & 3rd. Basic ballet arm positions are learned at this level.

At this young age progress varies based on the individual student.  Please note that it may be necessary for students to stay at this level for two years.

Other classes available to Ballet 1 students: Jazz, Hip Hop, Stretch & Strength

Uniform: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes; hair in ballet bun — No jewelry

Ballet 1A

Ages 8 & up – Two classes per week required

Ballet 1A is a more advanced level for students who have completed one year of Ballet 1 training at QBS. This level is a continuation of Ballet 1 with increased focus on the principals of placement, alignment exercises, stretching and turnout. Ballet vocabulary continues to be reinforced, along with the execution and advancing of proper technique. Fourth position for the feet will be introduced.

A Ballet Stretch and Strength class is highly recommended as a complement to the ballet class instruction.

Other classes available to Ballet 1A students: Jazz, Hip Hop

Uniform: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes; hair in ballet bun — No jewelry

Ballet 2

Three classes per week required

Students who have completed Ballet 1A and new students entering Ballet 2 from another school are expected to be familiar with the posture, placement and positions of classical ballet. Ballet 2 will still allow students to learn the fundamentals of ballet technique, but will also challenge them to learn beyond the curriculum of our Ballet 1A level. They will continue to develop the strength of the legs, feet, ankles, calves and thighs while learning to use new port de bras (arms) positions that require more coordination. This focus on leg strength at this level is to prepare students for future pointe work. Students in this level will also begin to learn the first phases of the turn technique and will study jumps on one or two legs. This level will teach the strong discipline of ballet. Students at this level will learn all ballet foot positions.

A Ballet Stretch and Strength class is highly recommended as a complement to the ballet class instruction.

Other classes available to Ballet 2 students: Jazz, Hip Hop

Uniform: Black leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slippers with ribbons; hair in ballet bun — No jewelry

Ballet 3

Three classes per week required – If student is en pointe, three pointe classes per week required

Students at the Ballet 3 level will continue to grow in ballet technique knowledge and execution and will develop a stronger understanding of the body’s movements. More advanced combinations will be introduced while learning to use all angles in the room (body positions). After three or four months in Ballet 3, students will start learning epaulement (position of the shoulders, head and neck). More difficult jumps will also be introduced at this level. Some students will start pointe work. Starting point work is strictly at the recommendation of the QBS Directors.

A Ballet Stretch and Strength class is highly recommended as a complement to the ballet class instruction.

Other classes available to Ballet 3 students: Jazz, Character Dance, Modern, Hip Hop

Uniform: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers with ribbons/pointe shoes; hair in ballet bun — No jewelry

Pre-Pointe Class – (Ballet 3)

The Pre-Pointe class at Quenedit Ballet School is dedicated to preparing dancers for the transition to pointe work by focusing on strength, alignment, and proper foot mechanics. Students engage in targeted exercises using elastic bands to build the muscles necessary for pointe readiness, while barre work emphasizes correct posture, balance, and alignment.

Special attention is given to identifying and addressing individual needs, such as correcting sickled feet or improving overall foot strength. This class provides a supportive environment where dancers can develop the foundational skills required for pointe work, ensuring they progress safely and confidently to the next stage of their training.

Ballet 4

Three classes per week required – If student is en pointe, three pointe classes per week required

Barre work becomes more challenging at this level. More coordination of arms, head, and legs is developed, as well as muscular strength for adagio, petit and grand allegro. Students will learn to execute more complex turns from different positions (i.e., fifth and fourth) and will study more difficult jumps such as battus and big jumps. They will learn to feel the rhythm and execute steps to more intricate styles of music. Variations, choreography, and pointe work is studied at this level with turns en pointe at barre and center.

A Ballet Stretch and Strength class is highly recommended as a complement to the ballet class instruction. Students at this level are also encouraged to take modern classes.

Other classes available to Ballet 4 students: Jazz, Character Dance, Modern, Hip Hop

Uniform: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers with ribbons/pointe shoes; hair in ballet bun — No jewelry

Beginner Pointe Class – (Ballet 4)

The Beginner Pointe class at Quenedit Ballet School focuses on building the strength and foundation necessary for safe and successful pointe work. Dancers primarily work at the barre to develop proper alignment, ankle strength, and foot articulation, ensuring a strong technical base.

As students progress, introductory center work is incorporated, allowing them to apply their skills in simple exercises while maintaining balance and control. This class is designed to instill confidence and discipline, preparing dancers for more advanced pointe training in the future.

Ballet 5

Four classes per week required – If student is en pointe, three pointe classes per week required

Students continue to build strength, flexibility, and coordination through more difficult barre work and more emphasis on leg extension. More complicated exercises are introduced for petit allegro as well as longer adagios to strengthen the entire body. Additionally, artistry, musicality, interpretation, performance quality, and dynamics are stressed in order to make the dancer a more complete artist. Variations, choreography, and more complex pointe work continues to be studied at this level.

All complementary classes are highly recommended at this level: Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Character, Hip Hop, Stretch & Strength

Uniform: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers with ribbons/pointe shoes; hair in ballet bun — No jewelry

Intermediate Pointe Class – (Ballet 5)

The Intermediate Pointe class at Quenedit Ballet School is tailored for dancers who are continuing to build strength and confidence en pointe. This class focuses on reinforcing proper technique, developing balance, and mastering foundational steps in preparation for more advanced work.

Students work on executing steps with precision and grace, gradually incorporating more complex movements as their skills improve. Additionally, repertoire may be introduced, allowing students to experience the artistry of classical ballet while practicing selected variations and ensemble pieces en pointe.

This class serves as a bridge between foundational pointe work and advanced training, nurturing both technical growth and artistic expression.

Ballet 6

Four classes per week required – If student is en pointe, three pointe classes per week required

At this level, students will begin to consolidate what has been learned in previous levels. Skills and combinations learned at the barre will now be perfected in center work. Students will continue to learn more complicated turns, big jumps for allegro and more complicated adagios in center. The Ballet 6 students will also continue to learn more advanced ballet technique and classical variations en pointe. It is expected that the Ballet 6 students be graceful in the upper body and be able to execute proper head and arm positions while continuing to dance fluidly without tension showing in neck, face and shoulders.

All complementary classes are highly recommended at this level: Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Character Dance, Hip Hop, Stretch & Strength

Classes available to Ballet 6 students: Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Stretch & Strength

Uniform: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers with ribbons/pointe shoes; hair in ballet bun — No jewelry

Advanced Pointe Class – (Ballet 6)

The Advanced Pointe class at Quenedit Ballet School is designed for experienced dancers committed to refining their technique and artistry en pointe. This class emphasizes the mastery of advanced steps and combinations, with a focus on strength, precision, and fluidity.

Students will explore classical variations from renowned ballets, incorporating musicality and expression into their performances. The class also includes repertoire practice, where dancers collaborate to perfect ensemble pieces and solos, preparing for professional-level performances.

Through disciplined training and expert guidance, dancers in this class enhance their technical abilities while embracing the beauty and challenges of classical ballet repertoire. This is a vital step for those aspiring to excel in professional ballet careers.

Day Program

This program is designed for homeschooled students who are at ballet levels 5 and up and is especially designed for those dancers serious about pursuing a dance scholarship for college or who would like to pursue ballet as a professional career. A typical weekly schedule for the day program includes ballet technique, pointe/variations, character dance, jazz, modern and conditioning/stretch classes. Classes are held Monday through Friday starting mid morning, with an additional ballet and pointe/variations class on Saturdays. These students may also be involved in The Quenedit Dance Theatre Pre-Professional Company.

Uniform: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers with ribbons/pointe shoes; hair in ballet bun — No jewelry

Jazz, Character Dance, Modern and Hip Hop classes are offered to complement the student’s ballet training. Because the technique is enhanced by a ballet foundation, students will benefit greatly if they take these classes in conjunction with ballet classes.

Jazz

Jazz is a combination of a variety of styles of dance: ballet, musical theater, modern, and social dances. Jazz dance has a firm technique and strength base, allowing for individualized movement. It focuses on skills in isolation, syncopation, strength, rhythm, contraction, and expansion. There is a strong emphasis on proper execution of the style while performing to contemporary music.

Jazz Uniform: Black leotard, pink tights, jazz pants or dance shorts, tan jazz shoes; hair pulled back away from face — No jewelry

Character Dance

Character dance is the stylized representation of a traditional folk or national dance, mostly from European countries, and uses movements and music which have been adapted for the theater. Classes will include barre work, center work, and steps across the floor.

Character Dance uniform: Black leotard, pink tights, character shoes approved by QBS, black character skirt; hair pulled back away from face — No jewelry

Modern

Modern dance builds on the foundation of ballet, with less emphasis placed on turn-out and verticality. Modern incorporates a variety of techniques that focus on weight transference, fall and recovery movement, on and off center, and slow and fast movement. Classes cover movement combinations, center exercises and elements of floor work, while exploring the relationship of the body to gravity and space. Students gain strength, flexibility, and coordination in these classes.

Must be enrolled in Ballet Level 3 or higher to take Modern classes.

Modern uniform: Black leotard, pink tights, half shoes; hair pulled back away from face — No jewelry

Hip Hop

Hip Hop is a fast paced and exciting class that will introduce young students to the basic vocabulary and style of hip hop movement. Hip Hop is about personal style and expression and teaches musicality and coordination while developing focus, strength and flexibility. This high energy class can be taught to anyone with a passion to move.

Hip Hop Uniform: Comfortable pants & t-shirt, black hip hop shoes or dance sneakers.

Stretch and Strength

Stretch and Strength classes help in learning the basic concepts of muscle contraction. This class proves beneficial in improving posture and balance, strengthening the muscles and increasing the core strength while improving the flexibility of the body thus enhancing the range of motion of all body parts. A regular stretch and strength exercise not only strengthens the muscles but also helps in reducing pain in joints and muscles and promotes healing of troubled muscles. Flexibility is very important in a dancer’s training as it determines the range of movement in joints and the length in muscles supported in dance technique. Specific exercises are given to improve the dancers turnout and overall body strength based on age and ability.

Uniform:  Ballet uniform or non-restrictive clothing which will allow student to stretch; socks. Students will also need a yoga mat for this class.

Adult Ballet Class

This course is for experienced adults who have had at least four years of ballet training. The class is taught at a professional level and uses the full range of classical ballet technique.

Uniform:  No specific uniform required.