TEXAS METROPOLITAN BALLET
2020-2021 Academy Classes
Texas Metropolitan Ballet's academy studio of dance has a curriculum which has been carefully and thoughtfully gleaned from a heritage of some of the greatest teachers whose lineage can be traced to the finest masters of their time. Using a blend of Vaganova, Bournonville, and French methods, TMB's students gain a balance in the flair of virtuoso technique and true expressive dancing. Incorporating many combinations of weight changes in barre and center exercises, students strengthen their core balance and progress more quickly in their technical skills. With a strong emphasis on performance quality throughout the classes, dancers break down the methods for many facets that take the dancer from the classroom to the stage. Through innovative teaching methods that give clear understanding of the technique, TMB brings a quality of freshness to the classes while preserving the essential elements of ballet. Focusing on the individual dancer, Texas Metropolitan Ballet draws out the best methods for that student to work within the given movement, rather than sacrificing the student for the technique.
TMB offers a comprehensive curriculum for levels ranging from Primary-Ballet (or Pre-Ballet) to Adult.
At each level, students are required to attend a set number of classes per week in order to maintain technical proficiency and to be able to advance through the rigorous program. This is especially important for those on pointe or looking to advance to pointe work and for students wishing to participate in our performances.
* Parents and students should not anticipate annual level advancements. Upper level ballet classes do not progress at the same pace as traditional academic grades. It is common for students to repeat levels of study. Because the range of the criteria for promotion is so diverse, two or more years may be required before a student is ready for advancement to the next level of study. Rather than basing advancement on age, students are assessed by abilities including strength, maturity, artistic and technical mastery. Advancement to the next level may occur anytime during the semester but generally takes place at the end of each school year. Students in B3 & B4 levels must be attending at least 3 classes per week to be considered for pointe work.
Primary Level Ballet
Through imaginative storytelling and creative dances, this introduction to ballet will teach boys and girls coordination, ballet vocabulary, and classroom etiquette These classes help your son or daughter develop the essential skills of discipline and focus.
(Students must be fully potty-trained)
Primary 1 (P1)
4 - 5 yrs
Class meets once a week for 45 minutes
(No miminum required attendance
This age-appropriate introduction to ballet will teach basic ballet positions, exercises, conditioning and movements across the floor in a form conducive to this young age group.
Class times available
Monday 4:00 - 4:45
Wednesday 4:00 - 4:45
Friday 4:00 - 4:45
Or
Or
Primary 2 (P2)
6 - 7 yrs
Class meets once a week for 45 minutes
Similar to Primary 1, but geared for the more developmentally maturing age. No prior training is required. This introduction to ballet will also teach basic ballet positions, exercises, conditioning and movements across the floor in a form conducive to this age level's development.
Class times available
Tuesday 4:15 - 5:00
Thursday 4:00 - 4:45
Friday 4:45 - 5:30
Or
Or
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY
Junior Level Ballet
Students in these levels will focus on strengthening the fundamental techniques and movements
Students will advance to the next level at the discretion of the artistic director. Progress is based on the student's technical ability, strength, and effort not by age A student might spend more than one year in each level.
Ballet 1 (B1)
8+ yrs
REQUIRED:
2 x per week required attendance.
No prior training necessary. Students will learn the elemental foundations of ballet in a more formal and rigorous structured class focused on elementary technique, simple combinations, and increased emphasis on understanding terminology.
Class times:
Tuesday 5:00 - 6:00
Wednesday 4:45 - 5:45
Ballet 2 (B2)
11+ yrs
REQUIRED:
Advancement to this level by instructor approval only.
2 x per week required attendance.
At least one year prior training necessary. Placement assessment required for new students with prior training. Please call or email for additional information or to schedule an appointment. Placement, strengthening of muscles, ankles and feet becomes more focused, especially for girls in preparation for pointe work. Students might be evaluated for beginning pointe at this level Young men's emphasis is on ballon.
Class times:
Monday 4:45 - 6:00
Wednesday 5:45 - 7:00
Thursday 4:45 - 6:00
Upper Level Ballet
Students develop greater technical strength and virtuosity with artistic expression.
Student's advancement is based on the Artistic Director's evaluation of previous training, talent and potential.
Ballet 3 (B3)
11+ yrs
REQUIRED:
Advancement to this level by instructor approval only.
Technique class: 3 x per week required
Pointe class: 1 x per week*
Class is offered 4 x each week.
Students are encouraged to attend all 4.
At least 2 years prior training. Continued development of strength, technique and introduction to pointe (after evaluation) if not placed on pointe before this. Pointe work at this level is not a guarantee and students should not assume when advancing to this level they will automatically be placed on pointe.
*Students must attend at least 3 technique classes per week to be eligible for pointe work.
Class times:
TECHNIQUE:
Monday 6:30 - 8:00
Tuesday 6:00 - 7:30
Thursday 6:00 - 7:30
Friday 5:30 - 7:00
POINTE: *
SEE BELOW
Ballet 4 (B4)
11+ yrs
REQUIRED:
Advancement to this level by instructor approval only.
Technique class: 3 x per week required
Pointe class: 1 x per week
Class is offered 4 x each week.
Students are encouraged to attend all 4.
At least 3 years prior training. Advanced ballet and pointe technique.
Pointe work at this level is not a guarantee and students should not assume when advancing to this level they will automatically be placed on pointe.
*Students must attend at least 3 technique classes per week to be eligible for pointe work.
Class times:
TECHNIQUE:
Monday 6:30 - 8:00
Tuesday 6:00 - 7:30
Thursday 6:00 - 7:30
Friday 5:30 - 7:00
POINTE: *
SEE BELOW
Adult Level Ballet
From beginning to advanced, class is focused on the mature body just starting ballet, still practicing the art, or just returning from several years off. Class promotes technique, fitness and self-confidence for women and men providing stress relief within the artistry of ballet.
Adult Ballet 1 (A1)
18+ yrs
Class meets 1 x per week.
No prior training necessary. Class is designed with the more mature body in mind. Students will learn the elemental foundations of ballet with a focus on elementary technique, simple combinations, and increased emphasis on understanding terminology.
Class times:
Wednesday 7:00 - 8:15
Adult Ballet 2 (A2)
18+ yrs
At least two years prior training necessary. At this level dancers may challenge themselves by joining the upper level Ballet 2 or 3 classes offered in our academy at the discretion of the director.
Class times available
Please see class times above for Ballet 2 or Ballet 3.
Adult Ballet 3 (A3)
18+ yrs
At least three years prior training necessary. At this level dancers may challenge themselves by joining the upper level Ballet 3 or 4 classes offered in our academy at the discretion of the director.
Class times available
Please see class times above for Ballet 2 or Ballet 3.
Pointe Classes*
Students develop greater technical strength and virtuosity with artistic expression.
Student's advancement is based on the Artistic Director's evaluation of previous training, talent and potential.
Pointe 1
11+ yrs
REQUIRED:
Advancement to this level by instructor approval only.
Students must have at least 2 years prior ballet technique training. Students must be enrolled in at least 3 x each week, including the technique class prior to the pointe class
Beginning pointe work
*Students must attend at least 3 technique classes per week to be eligible for pointe work.
Class times:
POINTE 1: *
Monday 6:00 - 6:30
Pointe 2
11+ yrs
REQUIRED:
Advancement to this level by instructor approval only.
Students must have at least 3 years prior ballet technique training and at least 1 year or more on pointe. Students must be enrolled in at least 3 x each week, including the technique class prior to the pointe class
Intermediate to Advanced pointe work
*Students must attend at least 3 technique classes per week to be eligible for pointe work.
Class times:
POINTE 2 *
Thursday 7:30 - 8:00
Homeschool Afternoon Ballet Program
TMB offers a prmiere select program with outstanding, professional training and experience for early afternoon classes to dedicated students from a variety of educational backgrounds in an elite and professional environment. Open to homeschoolers, private schoolers and early release students. Enrollment is limited.
Beginning-Intermediate Early Afternoon Ballet
9+ yrs
Class is offered 1 x each week.
At least 1 year prior training. this program is geared to help the dancer excel in ballet and is designed for those who show a proficient technical level and determined attitude. Entry to this program is by invitation and students are selected by the director. New students will be required to audition in person or by submitting a video. A smaller class will help to insure personal attention for each dancer.
Class times:
Wednesday 1:00 - 2:30
Advanced Pre-Professional Early Afternoon Ballet
11+ yrs
2 x per week required attendance
At least 3 years prior training Acceptance to the class will be determined by the director. This program is geared to help the dancer excel in ballet and is designed for those who show a proficient technical level and determined attitude. Entry to this program is by invitation after students are evaluated by the director. New students will be required to audition in person or by submitting a video. A smaller class will help to insure personal attention for each dancer. Students will be required to attend all classes.
Class times:
Not Available at this Time
Modern, Jazz, Character, International Dance Styles
The study of other dance forms can help to provide a more rounded education and aid in understanding movement. Students are encouraged to add to their training with other dance genres. This provides a well-rounded dance education and a progressive knowledge of additional dance styles.
Modern, International Dance Styles
Ballet 2, Ballet 4, Adult Ballet 2/3
At least 2 year prior training in. Adult 2 level students and above are welcome to attend this class.
Class times:
Not Available at this time
Stretch & Strengthen Class
Improving posture, increasing flexibility and range of motion, strengthening the muscles and increasing the core body strength essential for a dancer. Stretching helps to keep muscles supple, increases range of motion and helps to prevent injury.
Stretch & Strengthen
Ballet 2, 3, 4, Adult Ballet 1,2, 3
At least 2 years prior training in ballet. Focus will be given
to proper posture, increasing flexibility, and range of motion
as well as strengthening the muscles and the dancers core.
Stretch & Strength Class times:
B2/3/4, A1/2/3 - Saturday 10:30 - 11:30
Private Coaching & Lessons
Private lessons and coaching is available to students who wish to intensify their training. Private Lessons give children and adults the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with the instructor. While beneficial, they are not required in order for a student to advance or to perform solo or lead roles. Private lessons are ideal for dancers that want to improve their technique or need specific coaching on technique, choreography or audition preparation. Teachers accept students according to their own schedules and studio availability. Students interested in scheduling coaching sessions or private lessons should speak directly with their teacher for arrangements as well as receiving approval from the director. Fees are determined by the teacher with an added studio usage fee. Private lessons or coaching sessions may not take the place of required academy classes.
