Ballet Intensive I (ages 5-6)

This is the introductory level of the Intensive Ballet Program.  A concentration on both technique and the enjoyment of dancing are equally important at this first level. The students will learn how to achieve a correct ballet posture and how to feel comfortable executing ballet movements while keeping their correct ballet stance at all times.
They will also work on their dance coordination and refine the transitions between the different ballet movements.
The ballet barre combinations require a high level of concentration and good memory.
In the center, the dancers will build strength and work on their coordination and musicality. The Center practice will have a clearly distinguished Center Barre, Adagio and Small Allegro parts.
The class meets twice a week.
The students will be motivated to feel proud of their dance achievements by participating in Adagio Ballet’s Winter stage concert as well as in the annual Adagio Ballet recital. They will have opportunities to perform in local schools and at dance festivals.

Ballet Intensive II (ages 6-8)

The second level of the Intensive Ballet Program continues to build the students’ technique (strength, flexibility, stamina) and artistic skill. The Barre and Center combinations become more complex and require a good level of dance coordination, as well as the ability to memorize and learn at a faster pace than in Level I. Preparatory movements for Middle Allegro will be added to the Center practice. Students will work on establishing balance and poise in their dancing.
The class meets twice a week.
The students from this level participate in Adagio Ballet’s Winter stage concert as well as in the annual Adagio Ballet recital. They will have opportunities to perform in local schools, dance festivals and competitions.

Ballet Intensive III (ages 7-9) 

The students in this level will concentrate on the application of the ballet technique that they have acquired in an expressive way. They will improve on level-appropriate artistic skills, as well as on using the ballet technique in a comfortable and effortless manner. Elements from the character and historical dances will be introduced in a more formal way.
The ballet technique will be enriched by adding some movements from the Middle Allegro. The combinations become faster and more complex.
The class meets twice a week.
The students from this level participate in Adagio Ballet’s Winter stage concert as well as in the annual Adagio Ballet recital. They will have opportunities to perform in local schools, dance festivals and competitions.

Ballet Intensive IV (ages 9-12)

This level and the next one – Ballet Intensive V - are devoted to the student’s preparation for Pointe work. Strength and good foot work are the main goals at this level. The students will work on dancer’s body control while on Releve and further develop the Middle Allegro part of the technique class, as well as dance more complicated and demanding Adagio.
The class meets twice a week.
The students from this level participate in Adagio Ballet’s Winter stage concert as well as in the annual Adagio Ballet recital. They will have opportunities to perform in local schools, art festivals, dance festivals and competitions.

Ballet Intensive V (ages 10-13)

Intensive V students attend classes three times a week. They have two technique classes and one choreography/variation class each week. The technique classes will be enriched with a Grand Allegro part. Each technique class is 90 minutes long. The choreography/variations class is 75 minutes long. At the end of the level, the students will be assessed through an exam (ballet technique and an optional physical assessment) to determine whether or not they are ready to start dancing en Pointe. The parents will be given reading materials and a written teacher recommendation for a safe and successful start of Pointe work – the ultimate moment of excitement for every ballet student!
The students from this level participate in Adagio Ballet’s Winter stage concert as well as in the annual Adagio Ballet recital. They will have opportunities to perform in local schools, art festivals, dance festivals and competitions.

Ballet Intensive VI (ages 11-14)

This is the first level with Pointe work – exciting! The students will learn a proper stance, elevation, and alignment en Pointe, while continuing to work in Demi-pointe to further strengthen and develop their ballet technique. They will learn techniques on how to take care of their feet and Pointe shoes in order to have a safe, productive and rewarding first Pointe experience. A formal exam will be held at the end of the level to determine whether or not the Students are ready for the next ballet level.
Reminder – not every human body is made for dancing en Pointe. In the case of students for whom dancing on points might be unhealthy, the program offers concentration on Demi-pointe ballet technique that will enrich the student’s ballet technique with longer and complex combinations.
The class meets three times a week and each class is 90 minutes long.
The students from this level participate in Adagio Ballet’s Winter stage concert as well as in the annual Adagio Ballet recital. They will have opportunities to perform in local schools, art festivals, dance festivals and competitions. 

 Ballet Intensive VII (ages 14-16)

At this level the Students will start developing confidence in dancing en Pointe. Their Pointe work will take up to a 1/3 part of each class time. The students will be recommended for this level based on their ballet technique rather than age. The program focuses on instilling in every student graceful, confident and technically-proficient dancing.
A pre-exam will be held at the end of each session to monitor the students’ progress. A formal exam will take place at the end of the level.
The class meets three times a week and each class is 90 minutes long.
The students from this level participate in Adagio Ballet’s Winter stage concert as well as in the annual Adagio Ballet recital. They will have opportunities to perform in local schools, art festivals, dance festivals and competitions.