Ballet Classes
Welcome to Howe Sound Dance Academy, where we are proud to follow the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance method in our ballet classes. Our instructors are highly skilled and trained in this prestigious syllabus, which has been the foundation for some of the world's top dancers.
Every student has the potential to achieve greatness, and we are committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where they can thrive. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or just starting, we welcome you to join our community and discover the joy and beauty of ballet.
Every great dancer starts with a strong foundation, and we ensure our students receive the support they need to succeed. At our school, we take pride in the classical ballet techniques that we teach. Our curriculum is designed to help our dancers not only master the fundamentals of classical ballet but also to explore their creativity through free movement and character development.
For those who want to showcase their skills and dedication, we offer exams and assessments that recognize their hard work. We want to give our students every opportunity to thrive, both on and off the stage.
While we provide age guidelines, we welcome dancers of all levels, ages, and backgrounds to join our dance family. Join us and discover the magic and discipline of classical ballet!
RAD: Primary Grade 2 Ballet - ages 6-9
(Grades 1-4)
Classes are 45 minutes to 1 hour in duration and students are required to attend two classes a week at their level (once a week for Primary students progressing to twice a week in the 3rd Quarter to prepare for ballet exams).
Students are introduced to the structure of a classical ballet class as well as character dance and free movement.
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RAD: Grade 3-5 Ballet - ages 9+
(Grades 4+)
Classes are one hour in duration and students are required to attend 2 classes per week at their level.
These are fundamental ballet technique classes, and each class consists of barre, centre, free movement and character work.
These classes are designed to improve students' strength, flexibility, posture, rhythm, coordination and confidence.
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RAD: Higher Grades 6-8 Ballet - ages 12+
(Grades 7+)
Classes are 1 hour in length and students are required to attend at least 2 ballet classes a week at their level.
This syllabus is based on the Romantic Era of ballet and is very stylized.
Students continue to progress with free movement and character.
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RAD Vocational Ballet Inter Foundation: Advanced 2 - ages 11+
(Grades 6+)
Classes are 1 hour in length and students are required to attend at least 2 ballet classes a week as well as the appropriate Graded level class. This is the route of the more serious students. Technique, pointe work, flexibility and strength are greatly emphasized.
Students can expect to spend one to three years at any level to allow for progress. These classes incorporate pointe work.
Typically a student is between 10 and 12 years old when she starts pointe, but this is at the discretion of the teacher.
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Ballet Competitive
(all levels)
These classes are 45 minutes in duration and students must audition for these classes.
Ballet choreography for competition is worked on only. Enrollment in Graded RAD exam class with intent to take ballet exam at the appropriate level, technique class at the appropriate level, performance or exam class in any discipline.
Advanced level will require enrollment in vocational classes.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Ballet Dance Classes
- Pre Primary & Primary: Lilac short sleeved styled leotard, white sock, pink full sole ballet slippers with elastic instep and full circle skirt. Hair in a bun with hair net and pins.
- Grade 1 & Grade 2: light blue sleeveless styled leotard, matching waist elastic, pink tights, pink full sole ballet slippers with elastic instep and canvas character shoes as required. A character skirt will also be required for those doing exams. It must be mid shin length at the time of exams. Hair in a bun with hair net and pins, bangs off of face.
- Grade 3: navy blue sleeveless leotard, navy blue waist elastic, pink tights, pink full sole ballet slippers. Canvas character shoes and a mid-shin length character skirt will also be required for those doing exams. Hair in a bun with hair net and pins, bangs off of face.
- Grade 4 & 5: dark green sleeveless styled leotard with waist elastic, pink tights, pink full sole ballet slippers with elastics. Canvas character shoes and a mid-shin length Character skirt will be require for those taking the exam. Hair in a bun with hair net and pins, bangs off of face.
- Grade 6-8: solid leotard for class. Exam colours to be assigned in class. Pink tights, pink canvas split sole ballet slippers, and canvas character shoes. A chiffon skirt, scarf and character skirt will be required for those taking the exam. The chiffon skirt will be made by a seamstress and will be yours for grades 6, 7 & 8. Hair in a bun with hair net and pins, bangs off of face.
- Vocational: black leotard, pink tights. Pointe shoes once your teacher has informed you you are ready. Hair in a bun with hair net and pins, bangs off of face.
- Competitive Classes: solid colour leotard, pink tights, pink split sole ballet slippers. Hair in a bun with hair net and pins, bangs off of face.
- Boys: please keep long hair / bangs out of your eyes. Pony tail or pinned back is acceptable. A white shirt with black or navy blue fitted shorts or pants. White socks and white ballet slippers.
- Adult ballet: Pink ballet tights and bodysuit with yoga shorts, yoga leggings and fitted tank top and ballet slippers are all permitted. Hair in clean bun or hair off face with headband if short.