Class Placement Policies
Placement into a particular level is at the sole discretion of the instructor and director. Star Makers has a clear set of objectives that dancers must master before moving up to new level. Dancers are assessed according to the objectives of each class. It is likely that dancers may start the year out as a beginner and move up to an intermediate level if they are able to demonstrate mastery of skills at a faster pace than classmates. Star Makers seeks to challenge their dancers, however we feel it is the best interest of the dancer’s development that emphasis is placed on teaching dancers proper technique so that dancers are built upon a sound foundation. Parents who have questions about leveling are always welcomed to speak with the studio director.
To see our class schedule and/or to register click below.
TWIRLY TWOS
Creative movement for 2 1/2 year olds. The perfect introduction to dance for both girls and boys. They will have fun while working on coordination, loco-motor skills, and creativity with use of bean bags, scarves, sticks, and much more! Students MUST be at least 2 year 6 months of age at the time of registration AND must be potty trained to participate in this class.
BABY BALLET/TAP
These are combo classes for 3 & 4 yr. olds that will introduce them to elementary ballet, elementary tap, elementary jazz. Only one form of dance will be used for the recital routine. This class level prepares the student for a more serious dance education.
TAP
Rhythmical sounds made by movement of the feet wearing shoes with metal taps, a strong builder of timing, rhythm and it develops quick alert thinking along with coordination.
BALLET
A graded level of French, Russian and Italian methods. All elements of barre, centre, adagio and allegro are taught in each class along with ballet terminology. Dancers are placed in classes according to ability levels. Placement in classes are at the sole discretion of the instructor. It is not uncommon for dancers to ‘move up’ a level in the middle of the year once the instructor feels they are ready.
PRE-BALLET
This class is designed specifically for dancers ages 5-6 who have no prior experience in a structured Ballet class setting. The correct placement of the body, positions of the arms, legs, and feet are established int his class. Stretching is emphasized with the goal of lengthening the muscles which will be used to establish proper turn out, in later years.
BALLET LEVEL 1
Level 1 students work a great deal on port-de-bras (movement of the arms), movement of the head, as well as bends of the body. Also introduced are placement of the feet in positions 1, 2, 3, 4. Small jumps are done at the barre. Center work is also introduced at this level. This level is ideal for dancers ages 6-9 with 1 to 2 years of experience in ballet.
BALLET LEVEL 2
This level introduces more sophisticated port de bras with barre and center exercises, pirouettes, grande plie, 4th positions, and higher extensions of the leg. Jumps in the this class include Jetes, assembles, and connecting steps. Pique turns, chaine turns, tombe’ pas de bouree, pas de chat, and pas de basque are among the steps moving across the floor. This level is ideal for dancers ages 7-9 with at least 2 years of experience in ballet.
BALLET LEVEL 3
This level of ballet is intended for the dancer with at least 3 to 4 years of ballet experience, typically dancers ages 10-12. Dancers in this class have a clear understanding of proper posture and placement and the use of muscles. At the barre dancers are introduced to more complex movements such as, Double frappe’, faster petit battement, and penche’ arabesque. In the center the students will complete intermediate jumps and leaps and turns. This class will prepare dancers for work en pointe. *Students who are placed into Ballet Level III are STRONGLY encouraged to take both the Thursday and the Saturday sections of this class.
BALLET LEVEL 4
Affectionately called “Blue Birds”. This is Ballet Class is our most advanced level of Ballet with dancers in this class having at least 4-5 years of ballet experience and being at least 13 years of age. Barre and center work includes movement traditionally though of as advanced technique. Dancers who are en pointe will also need to take this class. *Students in this class are STRONGLY encouraged to take both the Monday and Saturday sections of this class.
POINTE
Pointe is dancing on a specially constructed shoe, these classes are only available to qualified students with substantial ballet training. This class is offered on the recommendation of the teacher.
JAZZ
Jazz technique and dances taught to modern upbeat music. Warm-ups consisting of barre, isolation, and floor exercises, down the floor progressions and dance combinations.
LYRICAL
A field of dance that requires ballet training and jazz training. A fluid form of dance that combined ballet and jazz skills to create extension and balance and control while dancing and expressing oneself to the music.
HIP HOP
The latest in fun and funk, jazz warm-ups and funky combinations, like seen from the hottest singers and dancers. Lots of fun & dynamics.
JUMPS, TURNS, AND CONDITIONING
A great class for dancers looking to perfect the technique needed to execute jumps and turns, in addition to working on flexibility, leg lines, and the strengthening of the feet, ankles, and core. A ballet class or jazz class is recommended to be taken along side this class.
ACROBATIC ARTS PROGRAM
Acrobatic Arts program is based on safe and effective progressions with proven results in five divisions of AcroDance: Flexibility, Strength, Balancing, Limbering and Tumbling. Developed with input from professionals and experts in ballet, modern dance, jazz, contortion, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, sport acrobatics, yoga, acro yoga, pilates, physiotherapy, hand balancing and more, you will not find a more comprehensive program. Simple thoughtful progressions build students with the strength to take the beginner preschool level dancer from log rolls and summersaults to the advanced dancer tumbling safely and effortlessly across the stage!