Ballet Levels

The age range for all classes is a guideline. Students advance to the next level when they show understanding and strength in their dance technique in the current level and maturity in the class structure. Students generally stay in the same level for more than one year. Students with inconsistent class attendance may not progress with their peers.

Level 1

Ages 4-7

Ballet 1 focuses on proper body alignment, concentration and general class focus. Dancers are introduced to barre work and basic ballet terminology. They do, however, still participate in creative movement. Students participate in the end of year performance.

Level 2

Ages 6-9

This class meets 2 hours per week.
Ballet 2 students participate in a more structured ballet class. They divide their time equally between barre and center work. Because this class meets twice per week, they are able to build a solid foundation on their classical ballet technique and will progress to more involved steps. Students will participate in the end of year performance and have the opportunity to perform in the Holiday performance.

Ballet 3

Ages 8-11

This class meets 3 hours per week.
An extension of Ballet 2, dancers expand on their barre and center work. Students will increase their ballet terminology and continue to develop strength as steps become more complex. Students will participate in the end of year performance and have the opportunity to perform in the Holiday performance.

Ballet 4

Ages 9 and up

This class meets 5 hours per week with 30 minutes of pre-pointe/pointe per week. Ballet 4 builds and reinforces the foundational technique that is set in the lower levels. Students begin to refine their technique and expand on their ballet training.  Students in this level are eligible for pointe on an invitation only basis. Students will participate in the end of year performance and have the opportunity to perform in the Holiday performance.

Level 5

Ages 11 and up

Ballet 5 is considered the pre-professional level and continues to build and reinforce the dancers technique, expand their knowledge of terminology and progress to more complex movements. Students who have progressed to this level are expected to be able to adhere to the high level of commitment necessary for consistent growth. Students in this level are eligible for pointe on an invitation only basis. Students will participate in the end of year performance and have the opportunity to perform in the Holiday performance.

The Youth Ensemble 

Invitation Only

The FDC Youth Ensemble is an invitation only performance group. Dancers are chosen based on their technical ability, artistry, conduct and overall dedication. YE dancers participate in a wide range of events throughout the season including community outreach performances, competitions/conventions, educational trips and master classes. Select dancers have the opportunity to choreograph in FDC’s annual performance fundraiser. This process allows the young dancer to step into a leadership role and learn to appreciate the craft of teaching, directing and choreographing.

YE dancers are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA and participate in a rigorous training program that includes classes in ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary and weekly rehearsals. Dancers who accept the invitation into the Youth Ensemble have the desire to truly pursue excellence in their training and elevate their performance quality and understand the amount of time and dedication required for success.