Pre-Professional Division
Ballet Levels I through VI and Pointe
Beginning with Level I, students learn classical ballet technique with an awareness of alignment and discipline, enabling them to progress to higher levels. Mastery of skills is assessed by the instructor and determines class placement for future years. Please see below for age guidelines and class requirements–the number of classes your student takes will have a significant impact on the speed of their progression, and will affect how long they spend in a given level.
Modern I through IV
Modern I through IV correspond to the student’s ballet level placement. In these classes, students will learn to use gravity and momentum as movement tools, develop their use of the spine and head, explore how to use the floor to ground themselves, and practice transitioning to and from the floor smoothly. Many students enjoy the relative freedom of modern classes, which supplement ballet training in a wonderful way.
Jazz I through IV
Jazz I through IV corresponds to the student’s ballet level placement. In these classes, students develop musicality and different movement dynamics while continuing to strengthen their technique. Older levels will learn various jazz styles, and incorporate more contemporary movement. Many students enjoy the high energy movement and music of jazz classes, which supplement ballet training in a wonderful way.
Strength & Conditioning
Strength & Conditioning has incredible benefits for young dancers, both for health reasons and for the tremendous impact it can have on their dancing. This class is designed to improve alignment and posture, develop their sense of coordination and stability, and increase power for the dynamic and explosive movements of dance. Participants will learn about proper technique and will build strength to protect their bodies through a full range of mobility. When paired with other dance classes, Strength & Conditioning helps dancers move with confidence, grace, and a full sense of artistry.
Youth Ensemble
By audition only, Youth Ensemble aims to provide our intermediate and advanced students with performance and choreographic opportunities in a professional atmosphere. Students may get a chance to dance alongside professionals in select Mareck Dance performances, as well as in events such as National Dance Week St. Louis, which brings together professional and pre-professional companies from around the state. They will have the opportunity to learn existing repertory, and have new pieces created for them by professional dancers and by their peers. Every year, our Youth Ensemble students attend ballet competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix and Étoile Dance Competition.
Level Requirements
While not enforced for enrollment, the requirements below are designed for students to have the proper amount of training for advancement that is comparable to students their age around the country. Not meeting these requirements can slow their improvement and consequently lead them to spend more time in a level before advancing.
Ballet I
Required: 2 classes–either 2 Ballet I classes, or 1 Ballet I class and 1 Jazz or Modern I/II
Students typically spend 1-2 years at this level depending on age and number of classes
Ballet II
Required: 2 Ballet II classes
Recommended: Jazz II, Modern I/II
Students typically spend 1-2 years at this level depending on age and number of classes
Ballet III
Required: 2 Ballet III classes + at least 1 additional class (Jazz II, Jazz III/IV, Modern I/II, or Modern III/IV)
Recommended: PrePointe, Strength & Conditioning
Students typically spend 2-3 years at this level depending on age and number of classes
Ballet IV
Required: 2 Ballet classes + at least 1 additional class (Jazz III/IV or Modern III/IV)
Recommended: 3 Ballet classes, Jazz III/IV, Modern III/IV, Pointe, and Strength & Conditioning
Students typically spend 2-3 years at this level depending on age and number of classes
Ballet V/VI
Required: 2 Ballet classes + at least 1 additional class (Jazz III/IV or Modern III/IV)
Recommended: 3 Ballet classes, Jazz III/IV, Modern III/IV, Pointe, and Strength & Conditioning
Youth Ensemble
Required: 2 Ballet classes, 2 Pointe classes (if applicable), Jazz III/IV or Modern III/IV, and Strength & Conditioning
Recommended: 3 Ballet classes, Jazz III/IV, Modern III/IV
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