Curriculum Requirements
Pre-Dance Division
3 Levels of Instruction. Ages 2 to 6. No prior dance experience required. Placement is determined by age.
Our classes are a structured, yet fun introduction to the world of classical dance.
Each level is taught with age-appropriate lessons in a caring, nurturing atmosphere in a beautiful, state of the art studio!​
-
MOMMY & ME - Ages 2 and 3 - Developmental dance class focusing on Parent/Child participation together!
-
PRE-SCHOOL - Ages 3 and 4 - Ballet and Jazz/Creative Movement Intro
-
PRE-BALLET - Ages 5 and 6 - Ballet and Tap Combination
-
PEE WEE HIP HOP - Ages 5 and 6 - Intro to Hip Hop and Jazz Technique
​
6 Levels of Instruction. Ages 7 to 12. Students advance through the levels starting with an introduction into the Vaganova Method of Classical Dance, emphasizing proper technique, correct terminology, stretching, and eventually Pointe Instruction. Placement determined by age, experience and ability.
Ballet * Pointe * Lyrical Jazz * Contemporary/Jazz * Hip Hop * Stretch & Conditioning * Musical Theatre
​
-
ELEMENTARY 1 - 1 Class per week REQUIRED; in addition, participation in one summer program is highly recommended.
-
ELEMENTARY 2 - 1 Ballet Class AND 1 Additional Genre per week REQUIRED ; in addition to the foregoing requirements, participation in one summer program OR 1 additional ballet class per week REQUIRED for “ELITE” status.*
-
ELEMENTARY 3 – 1 Ballet Class AND 1 Additional Genre per week REQUIRED; in addition to the foregoing requirements, participation in one summer program OR 1 additional ballet class per week REQUIRED for "ELITE” status.*
-
ELEMENTARY 4 - 2 Ballet Classes AND 1 Pointe Preparation class AND 1 Additional Genre REQUIRED; in addition to the foregoing requirements, participation in one summer program OR 1 additional ballet class per week REQUIRED for “ELITE” status.*
-
ELEMENTARY 5 - 2 Ballet Classes AND 2 Pointe classes AND 1 Additional Genre per week REQUIRED; in addition to the foregoing requirements, participation in one summer program OR 1 additional ballet class per week REQUIRED for “ELITE” status.*
-
ELEMENTARY 6 - 2 Ballet & Pointe classes AND 1 Additional Genre per week REQUIRED; in addition to the foregoing requirements, participation in one summer program OR 1 additional ballet class per week REQUIRED for “ELITE” status . * Note: Students will train in Elementary 6 for 2 years before advancing to the Pre-Professional Division A level. Elementary 6 level is a 2-year program.
​
*ELITE STATUS - ELIGIBILITY FOR BRANDYWINE BALLET PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES: in order for any student in the Elementary Division to be eligible for performing opportunities with the Brandywine Ballet Company, including The Nutcracker, he/she must follow and satisfy the REQUIRED class selection for their level (not just the base requirements).
**STRETCH & CONDITIONING is NOT considered an “Additional Genre”. Stretch & Conditioning class is for the serious dancer committed to excellence by working to improve their strength and flexibility which goes hand in hand with dance technique and injury prevention. This class is strongly recommended for all dancers but does NOT count as an "additional genre" to satisfy requirements.
​
​
​
4 Levels of Instruction. Placement class required. Ages 12 to 18. These students are eligible for acceptance into Brandywine Ballet Company, Brandywine Ballet Theatre, and Brandywine Contemporary by audition only.
Ballet * Pointe * Partnering * Jazz * Contemporary * Hip Hop * Stretch & Conditioning
​
Classical Ballet Enrollment and Training Requirements for Acceptance (Female Dancers):
-
A and B LEVEL - 2 Ballet/Pointe Classes per week, plus 1 Additional Genre*
-
C and D LEVEL - 3 Ballet/Pointe Classes per week, plus 1 Additional Genre*
*Stretch & Conditioning: Stretch & Conditioning Classes are for serious dancers committed to excelling in dance by working outside the dance class to improve his/her core strength and flexibility, which is an imperative element for success in dance and overall fitness. Enrollment in a Stretch & Conditioning class is recommended for dancers of all levels to supplement their dance training and is strongly recommended for all dancers in the Pre-Professional Division. However, it is not considered an Additional Genre.
​
​
FOR SCHOLARSHIP: Pre-Professional Division male dancers: 3 Ballet classes per week, Partnering Class, 1 Additional Genre, and participation in the June Student Recital required. Elementary Division Level 4,5,6 male dancers: 2 Ballet Class per week, 1 Additional Genre, and participation in the June Student Recital required. Children’s Division and Elementary Division 1, 2 and 3 male dancers: 1 Class per week required and participation in the June Student Recital required. PLEASE NOTE: All male dancers who qualify for full scholarship will pay a $75 Registration Fee as well as all fees associated with the June Student Recital.
Enrollment and Training Without Classical Ballet: Training in ballet is the basis for all other forms and genres of dance. Dancers in other disciplines are well-served and have greater technical abilities when they have a solid core foundation of ballet training. For this reason, we strongly recommend that all dancers, no matter their preference or primary interest, enroll and continue with classical ballet training in addition to other genres to promote the technical advancement and overall quality of technique for each dancer. With that said, if there are dancers who are unable or unwilling to enroll in classical ballet classes, we welcome those students to enroll in classes in the Additional Genres to suit their needs.