BALLET
Ballet is a time-honoured classical performance art, and a dream to dance for many of our students. We generally have 4 different leveled classes of Ballet to choose from at Dance Alive, due to the large amount of interest in this style! All Ballet classes at DAS have a unique syllabus created by Caelia to suit the needs of adult dancers, which is based on technique & progressions from the Royal Academy of Dance. Our Ballet classes begin with a short full body warm-up, followed by set exercises at the barre, and finish with centre exercises covering areas of Port de Bras, Turns, Adage, and Allegro. Exercises are repeated from week to week, but a review is always given to catch everyone up to speed. Many different options are given for each step and exercise so that everyone can enjoy this beautiful art form at the level they’re comfortable with!
TAKE A CLASS
We have 5 different levels of Ballet at the studio – check out more details below!
*PLEASE NOTE*
Sometimes class levels are combined (ie. Beginner/Novice, Novice/Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced) due to schedule constraints or low enrollment. Please use the level descriptions below to see which level feels the best for you to start and we’ll help you with the rest!
| BEGINNER BALLET (0-1 Years Experience) |
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| Designed for Absolute Beginners to dance – NO EXPERIENCE required! |
| Students receive a strong foundation of posture, terminology, and the basic steps needed for your introduction to Ballet |
| Students are given lots of support in the form of Class Demonstrators, slow review of exercises, and lots of repetition Students are give small opportunities to start developing the skill of quick memorization on very simple exercises All exercises will be amply reviewed each class – there is no expectation of memorizing classwork week-to-week |
| *No dance experience, level of fitness, strength or flexibility required! |
| NOVICE BALLET (1-3 Years Experience) |
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| Designed for Beginning Dancers who have some experience but still require instruction on basic technique & elements and need more support arranging steps into combinations |
| Students reinforce all the basics learned in Beginner Ballet, while learning more difficult steps & complicated combinations to progress in technique & memory skills |
| Students are given fair amount of support in the form of Class Demonstrators, review of exercises, and lots of repetition Students are expected to start developing the skill of memorization in order to perform some exercises without demonstration (“off-book”) All exercises are carefully reviewed each class – there is no expectation of memorizing classwork week-to-week |
| *Advised for dancers with some experience who are returning after a very long break |
| *A moderate level of fitness & strength is required for safe practice at this level |
| *No specific level of flexibility required |
| INTERMEDIATE BALLET (3-5 Years Experience) |
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| Designed for more Experienced Dancers who have a good understanding of the basic technique and steps and are able to put together combinations independently |
| Students receive a mix of in-depth instruction & fast-paced exercises to strengthen technique and develop in fitness, flexibility, and artistry |
| Students are given less support in the form of Class Demonstrators, review of exercises, and repetition Students are expected to have the skill of quick memorization in order to perform most exercises without demonstration (“off-book”) All exercises will be quickly reviewed each class – there is no expectation of memorizing classwork week-to-week, but students should develop familiarity with exercises over the Term |
| *Advised for dancers who practised intensively when they were younger and have come back from a break |
| *A moderate level of fitness, strength, and flexibility is required for safe practice at this level |
| ADVANCED BALLET (5+ Years Experience) |
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| Designed for very Experienced Dancers who have mastered the basics, have a good understanding of complex steps, and are able to put together complicated combinations with ease |
| Students receive a mix of in-depth instruction & fast-paced exercises to strengthen technique and develop in fitness, flexibility, and artistry |
| Students are given no support in the form of Class Demonstrator, but will receive a review of exercises each class and adequate repetition needed for progress Students are expected to have the skill of quick memorization in order to perform all exercises without demonstration (“off-book”) with minimal teaching All exercises will be quickly reviewed each class – there is no expectation of memorizing classwork week-to-week, but students should develop familiarity with exercises over the Term |
| *Advised for continuing dancers, or those who practised intensively with a minimal break |
| *A high level of fitness & strength is required for safe practice at this level – dancers are welcome to modify movements & exercises as needed to accommodate their own needs and are expected to do so independently with limited guidance from a teacher |
| *A moderate level of flexibility is encouraged at this level, though focus is on fitness & strength for adult classes |
| SILVER LININGS BALLET |
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| Designed for people ages 50+ with some experience in Ballet |
| Beginners are still encouraged to apply, but may benefit from training in Beginner Ballet (see above) to get a strong foundation in the basics |
| Students receive regular exercises at a Novice/Intermediate level with accommodations made for older bodies (no grand pliรฉs, no jumping, slower turns, etc.) |
| *Advised for dancers with some experience who are older or desire a gentler approach to Ballet training while still progressing in technique & artistry |
| *A moderate level of fitness & strength is recommended for safe practice but modifications can be given for specific movements and exercises |
| *An average level of normal human flexibility is recommended, but there are no specific requirements for Ballet moves |
| OTHER BALLET OPTIONS |
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| For fitness conditioning & flexibility training, check out Bunions & Balance or Body Break |
| Join our Pointe classes on demi-pointe for extra Ballet practice! |
| Dive deeper into the world of intensive dance training with our Dance Mastery Program |
| Create your very own choreographical piece with our Path to Performance Program |
| Customize your experience with our Private Lessons! |
PREPARE FOR CLASS
The Basics
- No large hanging jewelry
- No chewing gum
- Avoid strong fragrances
- No food or drink in the studio, other than water (in the lounge is fine)
- Bring a water bottle!
First Time?
Don’t go out and buy anything yet! All styles of dance can very easily be done in comfortable work-out clothes and socks or bare feet. Once you’ve decided you want to commit to the class, you can purchase the relevant dancewear (see below).
Where to Buy
Dance Street is the only dancewear distributor in Saskatoon, but they have two locations – one east side, and one downtown. We strongly recommend you visit the eastside location, off of 8th Street, as they have the best selection. Check out their website for more details. If you’re unsure about what to buy, they will help you! Just show them the lists laid out below, and they will get you exactly what you need.
*Dance Alive Studios is slowly building our own store of dance attire that is size-inclusive, accessible, and comfortable (some products available online, some in-studio). Feel free to contact us with specific requests to see what we have in store, and visit our DAS Store for products we’re currently selling.
*REGARDING GENDER*
Attire in the dance world, specifically Ballet, can be inherently gendered. The attire listed for each style is given in terms of “feminine” and “masculine” suggestions when appropriate. Students are welcome to choose whatever combination of attire they feel comfortable in.
Feminine Ballet Attire
HAIR
Anything that is strictly out of the face and doesn’t come undone when whipping the head around in turns, preferably a bun, French twist, or tight braid
BODYSUIT
Any colour, any style, typically black ($50 – $100)
Tara with Lia Vaall Costumes produces locally handmade, high-quality, size-inclusive Ballet Bodysuits for every body. We have some sizing sets in the studio if you’re interested, or you can contact Tara directly at tara@liavaall.com. Find her on Facebook or Instagram as well!
DANCE TIGHTS
Any colour, any brand (~$25)
DAS recommends Capezio Ultrasoft Transition Tights in Light Pink, Porcelain, or Black for Ballet. We carry select stock in studio, and make regular orders monthly. Order tights from DAS and we’ll get you all set up!
BALLET SHOES
Canvas or leather pink ballet slippers, any brand ($30)
SKIRT/SHORTS: (Optional) Some people just feel more comfortable with a little extra coverage! We recommend ballet skirts (see image) over shorts because they still allow the tops of the thighs to fit together with the least amount of material in the way. Skirts & shorts can be purchased from Dance Street, or any other retail centre that sells them.
Tara with Lia Vaall Costumes also makes beautiful, comfortable, and affordable Ballet Skirts. Contact Tara directly at tara@liavaall.com to learn more, or find her on Facebook or Instagram!
LEG WARMERS: (Optional) These are a great idea for sore spots, or to prevent cramping. They’re also fun and add to your ballet style! All forms are welcome, provided they stay in place and do not prohibit movement.
Masculine Ballet Attire
HAIR
Anything that is strictly out of the face and doesn’t come undone when whipping the head around in turns, preferably a bun, French twist, or tight braid
TOP
Tight t-shirt or tank top, white bodysuit is also acceptable though less common
BOTTOMS
Leggings or tights, shorts are acceptable, fitted is prefereable
Masculine Ballet attire is notoriously difficult to shop for, as there is a much smaller selection, even less so for adults. If you want help building your Masculine Ballet wardrobe, contact us for recommendations!
BALLET SHOES
Canvas or leather black or white ballet slippers, any brand ($30)