WVDT also offers a 30 and 60 minute Ballet Technique class for dancers age 11+.
Ballet
Wabash Valley Dance Theater offers several ballet classes tailored by age and skill. Emphasis is placed on technique, including proper body alignment and posture. Class will also include center floor work and across the floor combination to strengthen the feet and ankles.
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Class Eligibility: 1st grade - 12th grade. New ballet students will be placed in Ballet A. Dancers move up levels at the discretion of their instructors and the director. As there is not a level for each school grade level, it is normal to be placed in a level for more than one year.
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Ballet Level A - Beginning Level
Ballet Level B - Must have mastered Level A
Ballet Level C - Must have mastered Level B
Ballet Level D - Must have mastered Level C
Ballet Level E- Must have mastered Level D
Ballet Level F- Must have mastered Level E and Pointe Foundations
Adult - 18+ - Non-performing and performing options
Our Classes
Pointe
Pointe is designed for students with previous ballet training. Students will utilize ballet technique while working first in ballet shoes, and then, in pointe shoes at the discretion of the instructor. Each class includes barre exercises, center floor work, and across the floor combinations to strengthen the feet and ankles and ensure proper alignment to be able to go on pointe safely and prevent injury.
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Pointe Foundations: Must have mastered Ballet D and be enrolled simultaneously in a ballet class.
Pointe: Must have mastered Pointe Foundations and be enrolled simultaneously in a ballet class.
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Tap
Tap classes are designed to develop rhythm, style and sound. Exercises focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement. The class emphasis is on developing proper tap technique, producing clear tap sounds, and having fun. As students progress through the levels, the curriculum will become increasingly complex and intricate.
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Class Eligibility:
Tap A - Beginning Level (must be in 3rd grade or have completed Combo B)
Tap B- Must be proficient in skills learned in Tap A
Tap C - Must be proficient in skills learned in Tap B
Tap D - Must be proficient in skills learned in Tap C
Lyrical
In lyrical, students will explore partnering and weight sharing exercises combined with basic techniques and skills from ballet, jazz and modern. It emphasizes interpretation of music lyrics while telling a story with movement that can be fluid or abstract.
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Class Eligibility:
Lyrical A: Must have completed Ballet C and be enrolled in Ballet D or E
Lyrical B: Must have completed Lyrical A and be enrolled in Ballet E, F, or Junior Company
Lyrical C: Must have completed Lyrical B and be enrolled in Ballet E, F, or Senior Company
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*Students must have taken at least 2 years of ballet prior to taking lyrical and be simultaneously enrolled in a ballet or ballet technique class.
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Jazz
Jazz class will focus on learning proper dance technique such as isolations of the body and developing complex rhythms and patterns. Class curriculum is based on ballet technique layered with traditional jazz movement and includes a proper warm-up, stretches, across-the-floor progressions, and combinations.
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Class Eligibility:
Jazz A - Must be in 3rd grade or have completed Combo B
Jazz B - Must be proficient in skills learned in Jazz A (typically Grades 5-7)
Jazz C - Must be proficient in skills learned in Jazz B (typically grades 8-12)
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*Students are encouraged to have ballet experience to advance in their Jazz Level.
Combo Tap/Jazz
The creative tap and jazz combination class is an introduction to tap and jazz for 1st and 2nd graders. Dancers will learn tap and jazz terminology, technique, and movements.
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Class Eligibility:
Combo A: Must be in 1st grade
Combo B: Must have completed Combo A
Modern & Contemporary
Intro to Modern incorporates many of the foundations of modern dance technique, including suspension and release, fall and recovery, the use of momentum and connecting breath with movement. Dancers will explore new ways of moving in combinations, floor work and partnering.
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Class Eligibility:
Intro to Modern: Must be 11 and be enrolled simultanesouly in a ballet class.
Contemporary: Grades 9+
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Hip Hop
Hip hop is a high-energy class that encourages students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements. Class includes upper and lower body conditioning to help build stamina and prepare students for more intense movements.
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Class Eligibility:
Hip Hop A: Grades 3-5
Hip Hop B: Grades 5-8
Hip Hop C: Grades 8-12
Senior Company
Senior Company dancers have years of experience in classical ballet, pointe, and jazz or lyrical. These are dancers who show extra commitment and dedication to dance and spend several hours each week in the studio taking ballet, pointe, and jazz. Dancers must audition to be in the Senior Company and must be in the Junior Company to audition.
Senior Company dancers must have taken at least 5 years of ballet, 2-3 years of pointe, and 3 years of jazz, lyrical, or modern.
Junior Company
Junior Company ballet and pointe is by invitation only and is for dancers who intend to audition for Senior Company later in their dance careers. ​
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To be in Junior Company ballet and/or pointe, dancers must have taken at least 4 years of ballet, 1-2 years of Pointe, and 2 years of jazz, lyrical, or modern. It is expected for dancers invited to Junior Company, to be concurrently enrolled in a jazz or lyrical class should they wish to audition for Senior Company. Dancers must have been in Jr. Company ballet, Jr. Company pointe, and a jazz or lyrical class prior to the season in which they decide to audition for Sr. Company.
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My Grown Up & Me
My Grown up & Me is a 30 minute class for your 2 and 3 year olds who love to dance. This class is an excellent introduction to dance and creative movement. Dads, Grandparents and/or caregivers are welcome to do the class with the toddler. One parent/caregiver per toddler.
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Class Age Range: Ages 2-3
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Creative
Creative A and B are 35 minute ballet and tap classes for your pre-K and Kindergarteners who are ready to take their dancing skills to the next level without depending on their caregivers. This class will be a fun introduction to basic tap skills and fun props will be used.
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Class Eligibility: Preschool & Kindergarten
Creative A: Must be in preschool or completed Mommy & Me
Creative B: Must have taken Creative A
Adult Tap
WVDT offers 2, 60-minute tap classes for beginners/ intermediate, and advanced tappers. The classes emphasize developing proper tap technique and producing clear tap sounds, and exercises will focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement.
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Class Age Range: 18+
Adult Ballet
Dance is for every age and skill! We offer a performing ballet class and a ballet technique class (technique is open to students ages 11-18 as well). Adult ballet is similar to other ballet classes with its emphasis on technique, including proper body alignment and posture. Class will also include center floor work and across the floor combination to strengthen the feet and ankles.
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Class Age Range: 18+
