The American Academy of Ballet offers many classes and times for Music and Movement and Pre-Ballet classes. Days and Times are listed on the schedule sheet. We feel it is important to group children by their age as the development and coordination of a 3 year old differs greatly from a 4 year old, a 4 year old from a 5 year old. Keeping them in class with children of the same age promotes a feeling of pride and accomplishments and eliminates feelings of frustration
In these classes children become familiar with different rhythms and begin to learn basic movements (galloping, then skipping, etc) to familiar songs and develop coordination through the use of wands and parachutes. Fairy tale themes are used throughout the year. (Children must be 3 years old by October and toilet trained.)
(4 year old) These classes expand on the above class description. A short segment at the ballet barre is introduced where students begin to learn the very basic rudiments of ballet. Story telling and improvisation is a large part of the class and they are introduced to their first French terms. The theory for all of these classes is to turn young children on to the joys of movement in a non-competitive fun atmosphere and to explore and encourage their own creativity.
(5 year old) As their bodies develop and get stronger we are able to add more actual ballet steps to this class. Children spend about 10 minutes at the barre and about 10 minutes in the center actually learning formal steps. The remainder of the class is spent developing improvisational skills. Children act out little ballets, participate in "free" dancing and expand stretching skills. Children discover and learn that dance is an expression without words as they further explore their own creativity and develop self-esteem through positive reinforcement.
The benefits of these classes are building self confidence, developing coordination, learning how to be part of a structured environment, building strong bodies, and bringing out their creativity. All classes are 45 minutes long. (Just enough time to keep their interest!) Our teachers have years of experience working with the very young and are caring and loving with their students
The children in Fairy Tale Dance and Pre-Ballet 1 do not participate in the studio performance. Instead they have their own in-studio performance and reception for their family and friends. This allows them the opportunity to perform in a familiar place and eliminates the pressure of being on a big stage. Children in Pre-Ballet ii classes participate in the studio's annual performance at UB Center For The Arts at the end of May.