ABOUT

The Ballet Taos Academy provides quality dance training that implements the most current methods and standards to dancers ages 4 years through adult. We offer novice through professional instruction in several forms of movement. The primary focus of the ballet program at Ballet Taos Academy is to train young talented dancers for a professional or college career in dance. Our curriculum is designed to develop strength and flexibility through pure classical technique. Ballet Taos offers an eight-year syllabus derived from the Vaganova system of training which provides a complete movement vocabulary directed in a balanced manner. The academy’s Russian based syllabus is taught in a nurturing environment with an emphasis on injury prevention, overall health, and self-esteem which instills a life-long love of dance. Our training method has proven to create dancers who are technically precise, rhythmically sound, and artistic in movement.

Our training program is the first of its kind to be offered in Northern New Mexico. The faculty of Ballet Taos provides many hours of private coaching to ready students for auditions, elite ballet competitions and to create challenging work to be performed alongside professional dancers who join productions throughout the year.

BALLET I (Ages 4-5)

At this introductory level dancers explore basic movement vocabulary and expression through stories, music, and rhythmical patterns. Dancers develop spatial awareness, coordination, flexibility, musicality and learn how to dance with others through fun games that teach proper class etiquette. Basic ballet concepts, like the positions of the feet and arms, are introduced to ground the foundation for future study of classical ballet technique. Level 1 progresses to explore proper body alignment, total body coordination, strength and flexibility, ballet terminology, and musicality.

BALLET II (Ages 6-7)

Once a dancer has fully mastered the elements of Level 1, they will be invited to advance to the next level. At Level 2, dancers continue to study the fundamentals of ballet such as placement and alignment. We introduce the positions and directions of the body as well as more complex patterns and terminology.

BALLET III (Ages 8-9)

Level 3 focuses on strengthening the legs and feet, proper placement in extensions, and preparation for beginning pointe work. Port de bras, balance, and more complex movement combinations are emphasized. Pirouettes and grade allegro are introduced. Modern dance, strength and conditioning, and pre-pointe classes are added to the program. Rehearsal for upcoming performances and additional supplemental classes are offered to strengthen and ready dancers’ bodies for daily practice.

BALLET IV (Ages 10-11) Pre-Professional Program

Level 4 dancers continue to refine, develop, and strengthen extension in the legs and feet. More advanced barre and centre work are studied to increase movement vocabulary and total body coordination. Pointe technique is required a minimum of three times a week once dancers are deemed ready to begin pointe work. conditioning classes are offered to strengthen the dancers core muscles and enhance flexibility. This level is required to participate in the full program.

BALLET V/VI (Ages 12-19)

Levels 5 & 6 are for the advanced ballet dancer. Dancers will focus on multiple pirouettes, petite and grande allegro, complex movement sequences, classical and contemporary variations/repertoire, and partnering. There is an emphasis on the use of head and upper body, refined port de bras, and artistry. This class meets three to four days a week in addition to rehearsal and preparation for performance, scholarship competitions, such as YAGP, and auditions.