The Programs of North Dakota Ballet Academy
Our Academy is geared for youth ages 2 - Adults. Through this program our curriculum is taught based on the international training program of the Cechetti Ballet Syllabus. A variety of tracks are available based on the needs of your dancer:
Childrens Program (Ages 2-10) - Academy Programs (Ages 10+) - Intensive Program (Ages 10+) - Summer Program (Ages 3-14+) - Adult Classes -Competition Teams (Ages 10-14+)
Childrens Program (Ages 2-10)
Dance education brings many benefits to children of all ages. These benefits can include: improved coordination, creative and critical thinking skills, teamwork and leadership, and physical fitness. By learning how to think critically and move their bodies within the context of a dance studio, children are not only preparing for more intense dance training in the future; these skills can also be applied to school, music, sports, and more.
Our staff at the North Dakota Ballet Company is extremely devoted to transferring their passion for dance to their students. We believe in a safe and fun learning environment, where students also learn a strong work ethic.
The North Dakota Ballet Company & Academy recognizes that each of its dancers has different goals in their dance training. The children’s program is designed for the student who may be just beginning their educational foundations in dance training.
The North Dakota Ballet Company & Academy utilizes a formal curriculum from the Cecchetti method specific to each level and discipline. Dancers in the children’s program perform in the spring recital, and also have the opportunity to perform in our annual winter ballet. Level progressions start with Pre-Technique I and progress up through Technique II. This progression prepares dancers to continue with their dance education starting in Ballet I at the Academy level. The North Dakota Ballet Company & Academy offers a variety of dance classes to those who are interested in this track. Each student will enroll in one level that meets once per week. New students must receive instructor approval or class placement to enroll.
Pre-Technique I is offered for ages 3-4 years old and is a blend of ballet/creative movement.
Pre-Technique II is offered for ages 5-6 years old and is a blend of ballet/creative movement and tap dance.
Technique I is offered for ages 6-8 years old and is a blend of ballet/Tap and Introduction to Jazz.
Technique II is offered for ages 7-10 years old and is a blend of ballet/Tap and Jazz.
Our staff at the North Dakota Ballet Company is extremely devoted to transferring their passion for dance to their students. We believe in a safe and fun learning environment, where students also learn a strong work ethic. The Academy gives older students approximately age 10+ the opportunity to branch out into their dance interests. We offer specific classes for Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Pointe and more.
The Academy curriculum is specific to each discipline of dance, and each class gives students the opportunity to delve into these areas of focus. We offer level progressions for each style of dance, and these progressions prepare dancers to continue with their dance training at the college or professional level. Dancers in the Academy perform in the spring recital, and also have the opportunity to perform in our annual winter ballet. These students also have the opportunity to audition for our Apprentice Ensembles, which are designed for dancers who are looking for a more rigorous dance training plan. Please refer to our Apprentice Ensembles for more information.
Ballet I-IV This class offers beginning through advanced ballet technique based on the cecchetti dance curriculum. These classes are open on a per-class basis and require dance faculty placement.
Jazz I-IV This class offers beginning through advanced jazz classes based on the Dance Masters of America curriculum. Classes incorporate the styles of classic jazz, broadway jazz, and jazz funk. These classes are open on a per-class basis and require dance faculty placement.
Tap Dance I-IV This class offers beginning through advanced tap technique. These classes are open on a per-class basis and require dance faculty placement.
Intensive Program/Apprentice Ensembles:
The North Dakota Ballet Company & Academy recognizes that each of its dancers has different goals in their dance training. Some dancers would like the opportunity to excel in the performance aspect of their dance training. Apprentice Ensembles are offered for this purpose. The Apprentice Ensembles are designed for the student that is serious about their dance training. This student may be interested in training in an intensive curriculum, pursuing a career in dance, or continuing dance at the college level. The North Dakota Ballet Company & Academy offers three Apprentice Ensembles in which students may audition, and take classes at a more rigorous pace. These ensembles are placed by audition and instructor recommendation only. Other requirements include an instructor placement in Ballet I or higher.
Ensemble dancers take part in a set curriculum of required classes as well as a specific choreography class to focus on dance performance. Our Ensembles also are given the opportunity to at a much more extensive level than other academy students. The Apprentice Ensembles act as NDBC’s ambassadors to the community and their performances include: extra dances in the recital, specific roles in the winter ballet, and opportunities in the community such as performing with the Grand Forks symphony as well as other events. This rigorous performing schedule allows academy dancers to apply their technique and training on stage to a greater extent.
Please refer to the requirements by level below:
Apprentice Ensemble I 1 Ballet Class, 1 Jazz Class, 1 Choreography Class.
Apprentice Ensemble II 1 Ballet Class, 1 Pointe/Pre-Pointe Class, 1 Jazz Class, 1 Choreography Class
Apprentice Ensemble III 2 Ballet Classes, 1 Jazz Class, 1 Modern Class, 1 Choreography Class
Dance Intensive This annual week-long workshop brings in guest artists from around the region to provide a variety of classes in ballet, jazz, modern and speciality classes. More information for 2012 coming soon!Have fun and get fit in our one of our many adult dance classes offered at NDBC! Our adult classes are designed for someone with any level of experience and are offered in a comfortable and fun environment. Whether you are just looking for an interesting new way to get fit, or you want to finally fulfill your inner ballerina, we have a class for you!
Dance offers many benefits to people of all ages, including toned muscles, increased bone density, physical coordination, and improved mental and memory skills. Other benefits include improving circulation and flexibility, easing aches, lifting depression, build confidence, and more! Remember, you’re never too old to enjoy the positive benefits of dance.
Adult classes at NDBC are offered on a four-week or eight-week session basis, and they can also be taken on a drop-in basis. Classes offered include beginner ballet, hip-hop, belly-dancing, cardio barre, beginner tap, and ballroom.
Cardio Barre' This class is focused on strenghting and toning your muscles to get the lines of a ballet dancer. 8 week sessions
Adult Ballet/Hip Hop/ Jazz/Tap Classes provide an introduction to dance styles, or a fun way to get started again in dance! 8 week sessions
Adult Ballroom Dance Love dancing with the stars? Learn the basics of ballroom such as quick step, swing, and waltz! 8 week sessions
Adult Belly Dancing Learn the beauty of this ethnic dance style while toning your core! 8 week sessions
The North Dakota Ballet Company & Academy recognizes that each of its dancers has different goals in their dance training. The Competition Teams are offered to provide extra-curricular performance opportunities in a competitive atmosphere.
The Competition Teams are designed for the motivated student who is looking for more serious training as well as more performance and competition experiences than are offered to the recreational dancer. These teams are a unique opportunity available to dancers who have had previous dance experience. A formal audition, and/or instructor recommendation is required to participate in addition to the level requirements below.
Competition teams provide several unique opportunities. The competition curriculum is focused on developing a well-rounded dancer and building self-confidence within each dancer. Dancers are able to work in a team atmosphere that promotes camaraderie and respect, and will have the opportunity to perform small groups, duets or solos in addition to their team routine.
Petit Competition Team Dancers interested in competing are required to be enrolled in Technique II or Ballet I and Jazz I plus a weekly competition team choreography class.Dancers will compete in one competition annually. Additional attendance requirements and fees are detailed in the competition handbook. Ages 8 - 11 and audition based only.
Junior Competition Team Dancers interested in competing are required to be enrolled in Ballet I or II class and Jazz I or II plus a weekly competition choreography class. Dancers will compete in two competitions annually. Additional attendance requirements and fees are detailed in the competition handbook. Ages 11 -14 and audition based only.
Teen Competition Team Dancers interested in competing are required to be enrolled in Ballet II or III class and Jazz I or II plus a weekly competiton choreography class. Dancers will compete in two competitions annually. Additional attendance requirements and fees are detailed in the competition handbook. Ages 11 - 15+ and audition based only.
Senior Competition Team Dancers interested in competing are required to be enrolled in Ballet IV, Jazz IV, and Modern III/IV plus a weekly competition choreography class. Dancers will compete in three competitions annually. Additional attendance requirements and fees are detailed in the competition handbook. Ages 15+ and audition based only.
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