Class descriptions

Huntington
Dance Theatre

Class Levels and Descriptions:
All are based on ballet technique with additional curriculum included
(Jazz/Hip Hop/Modern/Lyrical)
This is a generalization and age groups may overlap so that students are placed in the most
personally suited classes as each student progresses differently. In some instances students
have the opportunity to take part in more advanced classes with permission of HDT’s
director and instructors.   By allowing students to progress naturally, HDT fosters a
positive atmosphere where students are more likely to see consistent progress. This helps
students avoid unhealthy pursuits and protects them from injury. Although students may
not progress to a new level each year, their classes progress in content and depth each year
regardless of the title of each class.

Creative Movement: Ages 3-5
Students will learn the basic body movement and locomotive movements. Basic pre-ballet instruction in
the basic foot and arm positions is also accomplished. Students explore tempo change, space usage, and
creativity with props and group work, teaching students enjoyment of dance and fosters a love of the
art form.
Creative Movement students perform in our Spring Concert only.

Beginner Ballet: Ages 6-8
Students begin more focused work with classical ballet, learning basic barre work including: plie, tendu,
degage, releve, and sauté. They also learn basic centre work including: chaines turns, pas de bourree,
bourree, jete, sauté arabesque. Additional progression is dependant on the group of students. Ballet
concentration in addition to other course work.
Beginner Ballet students perform in both Nutcracker and our Spring Concert.

Dance Fundamentals: Ages 7-9
Students graduate into two ballet classes per week in addition to other course work. Students build upon
their work in Beginner Ballet with more complicated barre and centre work with the addition of
battements and pirouettes, changement, and traveling turns.
Students perform in both Nutcracker and our Spring Concert.

Intermediate I: Ages 8-10
Students have two 1.5 hour ballet classes per week in addition to other course work.   Focus is on
control and precision in barre work, adding frappe, ronds de jambe, petite battement, developpe and
fondu. Centre work includes focus on the body directions            (croise, en face, efface, ecarte) and
learning petite allegro, adagio, grand allegro and traveling turns. Students have the opportunity to have
role models and be the role models—this encourages connections between students as they begin
performing together and allows for further learning experiences. Students are also invited to take open
ballet classes upon permission of the instructor.
Students perform in both Nutcracker and Spring Concert.

Intermediate II: Ages 11-15
Students prepare for pointe work and/or receiving their first pair of pointe shoes. They have the
opportunity to take Company class and are invited to participate in Open Ballet classes in addition to
other course work.
These students perform in both Nutcracker and Spring Concert.

Apprentices: Ages 12-17
Students focus on beginner level pointe work and are becoming integrated in the performing company.
Apprentices are expected to take as many classes as possible.
Primary focus on ballet technique, in addition to other course work.
Students perform in both Nutcracker and Spring Concert.

Jr. Company: Ages 13-18
Jr. Company members perform with the Sr. Company and are included in most corps choreography.
They should be able to execute intermediate to advanced pointe work (including traveling turns,
eschappes (SP), relevels, piques, bourree) with confidence.
Jr. Company members are encouraged to attend pointe class AND wear pointe shoes with permission
from Company class instructors. Jr. Company members are also expected to attend a minimum of 2-3
weekly technique classes and the majority of all Company rehearsals, unless otherwise informed.
Additional course work added in addition to ballet.
Students perform in both Nutcracker and Spring Concert.

Sr. Company: Ages 14 – adult
Sr. Company members attend a minimum of 2-3 weekly technique classes weekly in addition to warm-
up classes on Sunday and Sunday rehearsals. Company members are encouraged to explore
choreography and teaching.
Sr. Company members perform in all HDT shows.

Adult Dance:
This class is for adults who have danced in the past and/or are interested in exercise with a focus on
stretching and basic ballet.

Pointe Technique:
A specific class focusing on classical pointe work. Participation in this class is at full discretion of HDT
instructors. Many factors, not simply age, are considered before a student achieves the opportunity to
dance en pointe.

Stretch & Strength:
This class focuses on increasing flexibility and strength. Students will use therabands to specifically
strengthen feet and hips. Core strength is also a focus, learning to engage abdominals and back muscles.

Hip Hop/Jazz:
Combination class with a fusion of traditional jazz technique combined with current hip hop trends.