About Our Program
Ashley Ballet Arts Academy’s program is designed for dancers of all abilities, from ages 3 through adult. Dancers choose classes à la carte from our class schedule. Dancers must adhere to individual class requirements (e.g. in order to promote proper technique and strength, dancers must enroll in a ballet class in order to enroll in jazz), but can otherwise craft their own schedule with a commitment level that they are comfortable with. Dancers who wish to train more seriously and receive more performance opportunities may audition for Ashley Ballet Arts Academy's Ballet Arts Youth Ensemble.
Below, watch clips of our classes in action, and hear ABAA Director Ashley Burkland explain the ABAA philosophy, class structure, and opportunities our students may experience. Thank you to Miles Heille for the production of these videos.
Pre-Ballet Division
Ages 3-6
This division gives children an introduction to ballet and an exploration of dance and artistic movement. The program is designed to help develop a knowledge of ballet terminology, motor skills, musicality, creativity, and social skills through engaging lesson plans. We stress the beauty and etiquette of ballet in a fun and supportive way that will leave your child smiling at the end of class.
Please note that Pre-Ballet dancers are required to be fully potty trained.
Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements.
About
Students are introduced to basic ballet vocabulary and socialization skills, focusing on the development of coordination, imagination, memory, musicality and motor skills. The teachers help each child in a fun and encouraging way.
Requirements
- Students ages 3-4
- Students must be fully potty trained
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
A progression from Pre-Ballet 3-4. Students learn ballet vocabulary and socialization skills, focusing on the development of coordination, imagination, memory, musicality and motor skills. The teachers help each child in a fun and encouraging way.
Requirements
- Students ages 5-6
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
Junior Division
Ages 6-11
Here we lay a strong technical foundation and teach our students a wide breadth of classical terminology. Each level has a comprehensive syllabus which all of our teachers follow to ensure consistent instruction and appropriate material for each developmental stage. We stress the unique discipline and etiquette that ballet requires, in a warm and encouraging way. We believe taking the time to perfect placement is the best way to set our students up for success as they advance. We don't just teach the steps, we educate our dancers on how to execute them correctly, with strength and artistry. Dancers will increase coordination, muscular development, flexibility and musicality, in a structured yet fun environment.
Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements.
About
A richly informative strengthening technique for all who study classical ballet. Developed by Marie Wahlton Mahon (ARAD RAD RTS), whose nearly four decades as an instructor have fueled her wish to see students training in a healthy and intelligent way. The program aims to boost students’ “use of muscle memory to improve [their] understanding of core stability, weight placement, and alignment.” For centuries, students of ballet have often found it challenging to ensure that the correct muscles are firing and initiating healthy alignment, so PBT’s use of stability tools like fit balls “giv[e] the students a proprioception for their posture and weight placement whilst feeling each correct muscle group”. Similar to Pilates and GYROTONIC in some respects, this technique provides a sharper focus on strength and muscle memory as it pertains specifically to ballet training.
Requirements
- By instructor permission.
- Concurrent enrollment required in ballet class.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Pilates classes are open to the general public, no experience required. Through low impact exercise with emphasis on proper form, each workout provides the information and guidance to master the skills of coordination, strength, endurance, balance, and integration, and the opportunity to try new challenges every time. Pilates is useful for any age or occupation, and this class allows participants to connect with and strengthen their own bodily knowledge and to cultivate healthy, happy, and whole selves. Classes are taught by certified Pilates instructors.
Requirements
- By instructor permission.
- Must be at least 12 years old.
- Concurrent enrollment highly recommended in Senior division ballet class.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Basic concepts of modern dance movement will be introduced, including but not limited to: pointing vs. flexing; turn-in vs. turn-out; straight and curved lines; and high and low movement through space. The class format will start with a warm-up that stresses technique, freedom of movement, and full expression, then progressing to adagio, and ending with movement across the floor. Dancers are introduced to the different schools of modern dance and work on technique while exploring musicality.
Requirements
- At least 6 years old.
- Concurrent enrollment required in: Junior Ballet 1 or 2.
- Concurrent enrollment recommended in: Junior Jazz 1/2; conditioning classes.
About
Continuing to build upon the foundation laid in Junior Modern 1/2, students will address more intricate technical and musical aspects of modern dance.
Requirements
- At least 10 years old.
- Students moving up from Junior Modern 1/2.
- Concurrent enrollment required in: Junior Ballet 3 or 4.
- Concurrent enrollment recommended in: Junior Jazz 3/4; conditioning.
About
Students will be introduced to jazz movement in a wholesome and nurturing environment, learning classical jazz technique based on the work of Luigi and Giordano. The class will focus on learning foundational jazz movement, employing correct technique, alignment, and exploring musicality.
Uniform
Girls: Solid color leotard worn over black or pink tights. Black leggings, shorts, or jazz pants optional. Hair away from the face. Black jazz shoes.
Boys: Solid color shirt with black pants, tights, or shorts. Hair away from the face. Black jazz shoes.
Requirements
- At least 6 years old.
- Concurrent enrollment required in: Junior Ballet 1 or 2.
- Concurrent enrollment highly recommended in: Junior Modern 1/2, conditioning classes.
About
Students will continue learning jazz technique, building upon the foundation laid in Junior Jazz 1/2. Emphasis will be placed on correct technique and the unique musicality of jazz dance, and students will be given opportunities to learn repertoire and movement from musical theatre as well as classical and contemporary jazz.
Uniform
Girls: Solid color leotard worn over black or pink tights. Black leggings, shorts, or jazz pants optional. Hair away from the face. Black jazz shoes.
Boys: Solid color shirt with black pants, tights, or shorts. Hair away from the face. Black jazz shoes.
Requirements
- At least 9 years old.
- Concurrent enrollment required in: Junior Ballet 3 or 4.
- Concurrent enrollment highly recommended in: Junior Modern 3/4, conditioning classes.
About
Junior Ballet 1 introduces a structured ballet class implementing the study of classical ballet vocabulary. Instruction involves focus on correct body alignment, along with development of attention span, discipline and the beginning of musical concepts. Although the teachers encourage the students to be focused during class, they do so in a fun and positive way.
Requirements for Junior Ballet 1
- Students ages 6-8
- Includes students moving out of our Pre-Dance Division, but no previous experience necessary.
- 2 classes per week recommended.
- Concurrent enrollment in Junior Modern 1/2 and Junior Jazz 1/2 recommended.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements.
About
Junior Ballet 2 gives a structured ballet class, continuing the study of classical ballet vocabulary. Instruction involves strong concentration on correct body alignment, along with development of attention span, discipline and the beginning of musical concepts. Although the teachers encourage the students to be focused during class, they do so in a fun and positive way.
Requirements for Junior Ballet 2
- Students moving up from Junior Ballet 1.
- Minimum 1 year of study in classical ballet.
- 2 classes per week strongly recommended.
- Concurrent enrollment recommended in Junior Modern 1/2 and Junior Jazz 1/2.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Junior Ballet 3 Students will continue training in the fundamental concepts of ballet technique, vocabulary, and studio etiquette. This level builds on the development of technical skills, coordination, discipline, and musicality. Students will be introduced to more complex combinations and rhythms of movement, and teachers will encourage their students’ ability to retain material and corrections from class to class.
Requirements for Junior Ballet 3
- Students moving up from Junior Ballet 2.
- Minimum of 2 years of study in classical ballet.
- 2 ballet classes per week required; 3 classes per week recommended.
- Concurrent enrollment is recommended in: Junior Modern 3/4, Junior Jazz 3/4, and Pre-Pointe classes.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Students in Junior Ballet 4 will study a more advanced level ballet vocabulary, focusing on the development of the legs and feet with the introduction of pre-pointe work. They will continue to work on more complex combinations and rhythms of movement and the teachers will encourage their ability to retain material and corrections from class to class.
Requirements for Junior Ballet 4
- By instructor permission only.
- Students moving up from Junior Ballet 3.
- Minimum of 3 years of study in classical ballet.
- 2 ballet classes per week required; 3 classes per week strongly recommended.
- Concurrent enrollment is recommended in: Junior Modern 3/4, Junior Jazz 3/4.
- Concurrent enrollment is strongly recommended in: Pre-Pointe.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Students in this level will further their understanding of the Junior Division ballet vocabulary, building on the development of the legs and feet with introductory pre-pointe work. They will continue to work on more complex combinations and rhythms of movement in preparation for a Pre-Professional track in the Senior program. The teachers will continue to encourage their ability to retain material and corrections from class to class.
Requirements
- By instructor permission only.
- Students moving up from Junior Ballet 4.
- Minimum of 4 years of study in classical ballet.
- 2 ballet classes per week required; 3 classes per week strongly recommended.
- Concurrent enrollment is recommended in: Junior Modern 5; Junior Jazz 5.
- Concurrent enrollment is strongly recommended in: Pre-Pointe; conditioning classes.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
This class is an extension of Junior Ballet 5 for students who have begun or will soon begin to work en pointe. Students in this level will complete their understanding of the Junior Division ballet vocabulary, continuing to build the development of the legs and feet with more advanced pointe preparation work. (This includes but is not limited to petite allegro work of a higher intensity and intricacy, and turns with more speed and precision). They will be challenged with more complex combinations and rhythms of movement in preparation for a Pre-Professional track in the Senior program. The teachers will continue to guide and grow their ability to retain material and corrections from class to class.
Requirements
- By instructor permission only.
- Students moving up from Junior Ballet 5.
- Minimum of 5 years of study in classical ballet.
- 3 ballet classes per week required; 4 classes per week strongly recommended.
- Concurrent enrollment is recommended in: Junior Modern 6; Intermediate Jazz.
- Concurrent enrollment is strongly recommended in: Pointe Prep/Pointe 1; conditioning classes.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
This class is specially designed for the male ballet dancer. To wit, this class will devote special attention to building proper technique and strength in the arms, core, and legs to support movements often asked of male dancers such as leaps, turns, lifts, and jumps.
Requirements
- Students ages 8 and up.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
This class is for the serious dancer with the goal of going en pointe. Students will be introduced to core, leg and foot strengthening exercises, and will work on overall balance and control. Geared toward female students working toward pointework, but male students are encouraged to enroll in Pre-Pointe as an additional conditioning class.
Requirements for Pre-Pointe
- By instructor approval only.
- Concurrent enrollment in Junior Ballet 3 or higher.
- 2 classes per week required.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform & materials requirements.
About
This class is for the serious dancer who has been assessed to be ready to go en pointe. Students will continue core and feet strengthening exercises as well as work on overall balance and control. Based on class readiness and maturity, the students will get their first pair of pointe shoes during the year and learn how to sew and care for their pointe shoes and feet. When ready, they will learn beginning pointe exercises at the barre.
Requirements for Pointe Prep
- By instructor approval only.
- Concurrent enrollment in Junior Ballet 5 or higher.
- 2 classes per week required.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform & materials requirements.
Requirements for Pointe 1
- By instructor approval only.
- Concurrent enrollment in Junior Ballet 6 or higher.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform & materials requirements.
Senior Division
Ages 12-18
Our goal is to educate our Senior level students in the art and athleticism of dance, helping dancers of this level to achieve their full potential in a challenging and supportive environment. Excelling in dance takes discipline and hard work, which we strive to instill in our students. In our Senior division, students are given the tools for a successful future, whether it be a career in professional dance or in a different field.
Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements.
About
A richly informative strengthening technique for all who study classical ballet. Developed by Marie Wahlton Mahon (ARAD RAD RTS), whose nearly four decades as an instructor have fueled her wish to see students training in a healthy and intelligent way. The program aims to boost students’ “use of muscle memory to improve [their] understanding of core stability, weight placement, and alignment.” For centuries, students of ballet have often found it challenging to ensure that the correct muscles are firing and initiating healthy alignment, so PBT’s use of stability tools like fit balls “giv[e] the students a proprioception for their posture and weight placement whilst feeling each correct muscle group”. Similar to Pilates and GYROTONIC in some respects, this technique provides a sharper focus on strength and muscle memory as it pertains specifically to ballet training.
Requirements
- By instructor permission.
- Concurrent enrollment required in ballet class.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Pilates classes are open to the general public, no experience required. Through low impact exercise with emphasis on proper form, each workout provides the information and guidance to master the skills of coordination, strength, endurance, balance, and integration, and the opportunity to try new challenges every time. Pilates is useful for any age or occupation, and this class allows participants to connect with and strengthen their own bodily knowledge and to cultivate healthy, happy, and whole selves. Classes are taught by certified Pilates instructors.
Requirements
- By instructor permission.
- Must be at least 12 years old.
- Concurrent enrollment highly recommended in Senior division ballet class.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Senior Modern 1 serves as an introduction for the brand-new dancer aged 12 and older. Students will explore the fundamentals of modern dance technique from several methods, while simultaneously addressing musicality.
Requirements
- At least 12 years old, but no prior experience required.
- Concurrent enrollment required in Senior Ballet 1.
- Concurrent enrollment recommended in: Senior Jazz 1; PBT or Pilates.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Building on the material covered in the Junior modern syllabi, this class sharpens dancers’ focus on proper body mechanics and technique while exploring the intricacies of more complex melodic and rhythmic musical elements. Dancers delve deeper into different schools of modern dance and their origins.
Requirements
- At least 12 years old.
- Students moving up from the Junior Modern program.
- Concurrent enrollment required in: Senior Ballet 2 or higher.
- Concurrent enrollment recommended in: Senior Intermediate Jazz; PBT or Pilates.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Dancers continue to expand their depth and breadth of modern dance knowledge introduced in Senior Modern 2/3. This class places a strong emphasis on musicality, introduces concepts of choreographic structure, and introduces postmodern dance.
Requirements
- At least 14 years old.
- Students moving up from Senior Modern 2/3.
- Concurrent enrollment required in: Senior Ballet 4 or higher.
- Concurrent enrollment recommended in: Senior Advanced Jazz; PBT or Pilates.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Advanced Modern students will study specific schools of modern dance and develop a nuanced understanding of the techniques. A continuation of previous years, this class consists of an eclectic mix of modern and postmodern dance styles. Classic pieces of the modern repertoire will occasionally be taught in class. Students also explore improvisation and choreographic structure.
Requirements
- At least 15 years old.
- Students moving up from Senior Modern 4, or at least 3 years of modern dance experience.
- Concurrent enrollment required in: Senior Advanced Ballet.
- Concurrent enrollment recommended in: Senior Advanced Jazz; PBT or Pilates.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Senior Jazz 1 serves as an introduction for the brand-new dancer aged 12 and older. Students will explore the fundamentals of jazz dance technique from several methods, while simultaneously addressing musicality.
Requirements
- At least 12 years old.
- Concurrent enrollment required in: Senior Ballet 1.
- Concurrent enrollment highly recommended in: Senior Modern 1; PBT or Pilates.
About
Building on the material covered in Senior Jazz 1 and/or the Junior division, this class sharpens dancers’ focus on proper body mechanics and technique while exploring the intricacies of more complex melodic and rhythmic musical elements.
Requirements
- At least 12 years old.
- Concurrent enrollment required in: Senior Ballet 2 or 3.
- Concurrent enrollment highly recommended in: Senior Modern 2/3; PBT or Pilates.
About
Advanced Jazz will build strength and power of movement and develop students’ understanding of performance quality and artistry in jazz dance. Students will be given opportunities to learn more complex repertoire and movement from musical theatre as well as classical and contemporary jazz.
Requirements
- At least 15 years old.
- Concurrent enrollment required in: Senior Ballet 4 or Advanced.
- Concurrent enrollment highly recommended in: Senior Modern 4 or Advanced; PBT or Pilates.
About
This class is designed for older students with little or no ballet experience. Here we introduce ballet vocabulary as well as musicality, discipline and class structure. We will challenge the students while inspiring a new love for dancing.
Requirements for Senior Ballet 1
- For beginner students ages 12+.
- No previous experience, or little previous experience with a break in study.
- Concurrent enrollment is recommended in: Senior Modern 1; Senior Jazz 1.
- Concurrent enrollment is strongly recommended in: Pilates and/or PBT.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Students in this level will continue building upon the vocabulary learned in the Junior Division or Senior Ballet 1, and will develop their technique focusing on the development of the legs and feet with the introduction of pre-pointe and pointe work. Teachers will refine the execution of steps while encouraging the development of more mature musicality, quality of movement and artistry than in Junior Division classes.
Requirements for Senior Ballet 2
- Dancers moving up from the Junior Division or Senior Ballet 1.
- Minimum of 2 years of study in classical ballet.
- 2 ballet classes per week required.
- Concurrent enrollment is recommended in: Senior Modern 2; Senior Intermediate Jazz; Pilates or PBT; and a Pointe class (Pre-Pointe, Pointe-Prep, Pointe 1).
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Students in this level will continue building upon earlier vocabulary and will develop their technique focusing on the development of the legs and feet with the introduction of pre-pointe and pointe work. Classes will increase in complexity and emphasize the development of line, movement quality, musicality and artistry.
Requirements for Senior Ballet 3
- By instructor permission only.
- Minimum of 4 years of study in classical ballet.
- 2 ballet classes per week required.
- Concurrent enrollment in appropriate pointe level required.
- Concurrent enrollment is recommended in: Senior Modern 3; Senior Intermediate Jazz; Pilates or PBT.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Students will aim to complete their understanding of ballet vocabulary and continue to strengthen their pointe work. Senior Ballet 4 will present students with challenging technique work, emphasizing advanced pointe work and repertoire. Students will be challenged to add performance and artistry to every aspect of their training.
Requirements for Senior Ballet 4
- By instructor permission only.
- Minimum of 5 years of study in classical ballet.
- 3 ballet classes per week required.
- Concurrent enrollment in appropriate pointe level required.
- Concurrent enrollment is recommended in: Senior Advanced Modern; Senior Advanced Jazz; Pilates or PBT.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
This is the most intense level of training in the Senior Division, aimed at preparing dancers for a professional career. Students will solidify their understanding of advanced ballet vocabulary, relating technique to performance and artistry at every point in class. Advanced Ballet aims to challenge students with complicated nuances of technique, repertoire, and performance. Adults and professionals are welcome in the Senior Advanced Ballet class.
Requirements for Senior Ballet 4
- By instructor permission only.
- Minimum of 5 years of study in classical ballet.
- 3 ballet classes per week required. 4 ballet classes per week strongly recommended.
- Concurrent enrollment in appropriate pointe level required.
- Concurrent enrollment is recommended in: Senior Advanced Modern; Senior Advanced Jazz; Pilates or PBT.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
This class is specially designed for the male ballet dancer. To wit, this class will devote special attention to building proper technique and strength in the arms, core, and legs to support movements often asked of male dancers such as leaps, turns, lifts, and jumps.
Requirements
- Students ages 8 and up.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform requirements
About
Contemporary ballet is a form of dance which incorporates elements of both classical ballet and modern dance. It takes its technique and use of pointe-work from classical ballet, although it permits a greater range of movement that may not adhere to the strict body lines set forth by schools of ballet technique. Many of its concepts come from the ideas and innovations of 20th century modern dance, including floor work, balletic movements, and turn-in of the legs.Requirements for Contemporary Ballet
- Concurrent enrollment in Senior Ballet 4 or Senior Advanced Ballet
About
This class is for the serious dancer who has been assessed to be ready to go en pointe. Students will continue core and feet strengthening exercises as well as work on overall balance and control. Based on class readiness and maturity, the students will get their first pair of pointe shoes during the year and learn how to sew and care for their pointe shoes and feet. When ready, they will learn beginning pointe exercises at the barre.
Requirements for Pointe Prep
- By instructor approval only.
- Concurrent enrollment in Junior Ballet 5 or higher.
- 2 classes per week required.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform & materials requirements.
Requirements for Pointe 1
- By instructor approval only.
- Concurrent enrollment in Junior Ballet 6 or higher.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform & materials requirements.
About
Beginning and intermediate pointe work is progressed through this class.
Requirements for Pointe 2
- By instructor approval only.
- Concurrent enrollment in Senior Ballet 2 or higher.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform & materials requirements.
About
Intermediate pointe work is developed in this class, building on the foundations of Pointe 2.
Requirements for Pointe 3
- By instructor approval only.
- Concurrent enrollment in Senior Ballet 2 or higher.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform & materials requirements.
About
Intermediate to advanced pointe work occurs in this class, utilizing the strength and technique established in Pointe 3 and promoting musicality.
Requirements for Pointe 4
- By instructor approval only.
- Concurrent enrollment in Senior Ballet 3 or higher.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform & materials requirements.
About
Advanced level pointe work is progressed through this class, as well as classical variations from various ballets.
Requirements for Pointe 4
- By instructor approval only.
- Concurrent enrollment in Senior Advanced Ballet or higher.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform & materials requirements.
About
Dancers supplement their technical growth with artistic growth by learning variations from renowned ballet works.
Requirements for Variations
- By instructor approval only.
- Concurrent enrollment in a Pointe technique class.
- Please see our Dress Code for uniform & materials requirements.