Classical Ballet (Vaganova & Cecchetti Methods) will be the foundation for all students at Sussex Dance Academy. Class placement will be done by Mrs. Walker. The ages listed below are guidelines only. Students will repeat each level until prepared for the next level.

Pre-Ballet I (Ages 3-4)
This class is designed with the very young dancer in mind. It stresses natural dance movement, including stretching, music appreciation and dance.

Pre-Ballet II (Ages 5-7)
A continuation of Pre Ballet I with special attention on body alignment and increased exercises for strength and coordination.

Ballet 1 (Ages 7-10)
An introduction to the art of classical ballet including barre, centre and stretch exercises. The proper use of turnout and body alignment are enforced.

Ballet 2 (Ages 9-12)
A continuation of Ballet I with increased exercises at the barre and centre floor. This class will be repeated until placed by instructor.

Ballet 3 (Ages 11+)
Barre and centre exercises are stressed with special attention to proper body alignment, turn-out, balance, and use of port de bras and the head. Students are expected to be able to learn and demonstrate more complex combinations. Four or more years of previous ballet training required or by placement.

Class meets twice per week. Pre-pointe testing is done on serious students (over the age of 12) taking a minimum of 2 ballet classes per week. No child will be put on Pointe until the criteria to do so is met.

Ballet 4 & 5/Pointe (Ages 12+)
A repetition of exercises learned in a greater quantity and at a faster tempo. The development of the legs and the insteps by means of alternating movements on the whole foot and on demi-pointe. The study of movements en tournant as well as tours and beats are introduced. Five or more years of previous ballet training required or by placement.

Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in two or more ballet classes per week. Pointe: An emphasis on barre and centre work concentrating on developing a smooth quality of movement and strength. Students will work at individual levels.

Lyrical 4/5 (Ages 12+)
This is an advanced class including classical ballet barre and centre exercises with contemporary/lyrical combinations and choreography.

Prerequisite: Must be a level 4 or 5 student or by placement class.

Modern 3/4/5 (Ages 11+)
Prerequisite: Must be a level 3, 4, or 5 student. Based mainly on Graham technique, this class introduces the intermediate & advanced dance student to the principles of contract & release, fall & recovery, and spiral. This class aims to expand the dancer's consciousness of him/herself, allowing the possibility to move freely and unobstructively.

Jazz 1/2 (Ages 7+)
Prerequisite: 1 or more year of prior ballet or Jazz training. American Jazz dance methods will be utilized including the Giordano technique. Class consists of stretching, conditioning, isolations, simple turns & leaps, centre floor progressions, and combinations. Emphasis is on clean technique and repetitions. Students will repeat this class until prepared for the next level.

Jazz 3/4 (Ages 11+)
Prerequisite: Three or more years of dance training and at the discretion of instructor. A continuation of Jazz 2 with increased complexity of stretches, turns, leaps and centre progressions. The further development of technique and style is emphasized. Various American Jazz dance styles are utilized including Giordano technique. Theatre dance as well as current dance trends (Hip-Hop) will be incorporated in choreography.

Jazz Senior (Ages 13+)
Prerequisite: By placement only. Same concepts as Jazz 3/4 at a more advanced level.

Tap 1 (Ages 6-9) Instuctor: Terri Lingo
Beginning tap dance technique is introduced in barre and centre floor exercises making single & double tap sounds with the feet. Emphasis is on balance and correct weight placement, posture, and proper use of the ankle and foot. Basic music theory is introduced to the students so that they understand the counting and accent of the tap sounds. This class may be repeated.

Tap 2 (Ages 8+) Instuctor: Terri Lingo
Prerequisite: By placement. Adding on to what was previously learned in Tap 1 with an emphasis on increased difficulty and speed, clarity of sounds and shifting of weight. Progressive moves will be done across the floor. This class may be repeated.

Tap Jr. 3/4 & Tap Sr. Instuctor: Flossie Vogel
Prerequisite: By placement only.New Intermediate/Advanced level tap exercises and steps will be learned with an emphasis on the transfer of weight from alternating feet, and the clarity of sounds. Turns and combinations become more complex.