The King Centre's Academy Ballet Program
Vaganova and Balanchine technique from first plié to pointe
The foundation of the program is based on the Vaganova technique, which has trained numerous ballet dancers. Additionally, aspects of the Balanchine technique are an integral part of the core ballet syllabus, as several of our ballet instructors have trained and danced with the New York City Ballet. The classes and their curriculum have all been developed to create a knowledgeable and well-rounded classical dancer.
Students are carefully placed in the appropriate level based upon their technical skills, physical development, and strength. The physical and artistic well-being of the student is the consideration in determining level placement. Because of the nature of a syllabus-based program, it is not unusual to spend more than one year in the same level. The artistic faculty is constantly monitoring each student's progress. When a student achieves proficiency at each level and the faculty feels it appropriate, they advance to the next level. Advancement is based on ability, not age.
Serving dance families across Bergen and Passaic County, Mahwah, Wanaque, Ramsey, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, Wyckoff, Ridgewood, Pompton Lakes and the surrounding North Jersey communities.
Curriculum & placement
Ages 6 through pre-professional. Placement is determined by our artistic faculty.
Primary Level
The Primary Level offers a curriculum designed for comprehensive training in classical ballet. Students at the minimum age of 6 may begin in Level 1, learning basic ballet positions and ballet vocabulary, progressing through a standard ballet barre and center combinations.
Level I
This is the entry-level into the academy program. Please note that the Level I class has been combined with the Tap Lvl I class. Students here have had introductory ballet work in our kinder dance classes. Now they begin studying ballet technique for one full hour and developing the essential skills to advance in the program.
Elementary Levels
The Elementary levels continue the comprehensive syllabus in classical ballet for students who have advanced to Levels II and III. In addition to ballet technique, students begin learning classical variations and are introduced to elements of character dance. (The study of dancing en pointe is a part of the curriculum of the Level 3A, 3B, and 4 at the sole discretion of the artistic faculty.)
Level II
Ballet students in Level II continue to enrich their understanding of ballet form and technique and have the opportunity to broaden their skills. They will strengthen the basics and develop more integrated combinations of steps.
Level III
Ballet students in Level III will continue to strengthen their skills and develop their stamina and technique to complete more difficult combinations. Mastery of the work in this level is imperative for the continued study in the academy program. Students at this level take class once a week.
Intermediate: Level IIIa
The students in 3A will keep training their muscles and working their core, increasing their balance and overall strength. Continuing to enrich their knowledge and understanding of ballet form and technique, students will broaden their skills for pointe work. The curriculum for Level 3A also introduces variations that are designed to bring the stage to the classroom. At this level, students will take two ballet classes per week. Beginner Pointe class is available at this level, but only at the discretion of the artistic faculty.
Inter-Advanced: Level IIIb
Students in 3B will begin to take class en pointe, constantly developing their skills and technique, growing as a dancer. At this level, students will take 3 ballet classes per week. The Intermediate Pointe class is available at this level.
Advanced: Level IV
The work in Level 4 continues to bring aspects of ballet technique to our students while constantly pushing their artistry. Students at this level take class three to four classes per week. They work en pointe, mastering variations and developing beautiful pointe work and strong technique.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a dancer begin the Academy Ballet Program?
Students at the minimum age of 6 may begin in Level 1. Younger dancers begin in our Kinder Program.
How does a dancer advance to the next level?
Advancement is based on ability, not age. Faculty places students based on technical skills, physical development and strength, and it is not unusual to spend more than one year in the same level.
When can a dancer start pointe?
Pointe work is part of the curriculum for Levels 3A, 3B and 4 at the sole discretion of the artistic faculty.
Ready to try ballet?
Book a free trial class at our Mahwah or Wanaque, NJ studio and see why families have trusted The King Centre for fifty years.