Class Descriptions 2023-2024
Monmouth Academy of Ballet offers beginner, intermediate and advanced dancers a complete curriculum of professional instruction from September through June of each year. Our curriculum incorporates the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus which is the most comprehensive and purest of the classical syllabi currently available to ballet teachers. Registration is open throughout the year, so it is never to late to come dance with us. 
Learning ballet is an incremental process involving many stages of development. Students will progress through various levels at a pace appropriate for them. Each class level sets higher expectations and becomes more demanding both physically and intellectually. All levels aim to inspire students and help them experience the pleasure, pride and satisfaction of performing ballet. Classes are held weekly from September 18, 2023 to June 8, 2024 with the exception of holiday breaks shown on our School Calendar
Thrilling Thursdays & Splendid Saturdays
(Dance to Your Own Tune) – 3 & 4 yr. olds
These classes will be a learning and developmental opportunity for 3 & 4 year olds. They will discover the joy of music and movement, learning to express themselves creatively. With the use of props and stories, your child will gain confidence, fine motor skills, coordination, musicality, and learn basic ballet terminology.
RAD Pre-Primary
This class is for the continued development of movement skills, expression, and musicality in the young dancer. Choreographic sequences are introduced, which continue the advancement of spatial awareness. At this stage, the dancer is eligible to participate in the Royal Academy of Dance examinations.
RAD Primary
This class is for the continued development of movement skills, expression, and musicality in the young dancer. More advanced choreographic sequences are introduced.
Plié
At the plié level, dancers begin their barre work and are introduced to more complex character technique and musical rhythms. At this level, the Grade 1 Royal Academy of Dance curriculum guides their progression.
Chassé
This class is pivotal in the young dancer’s education. It is an exciting age to master more technically demanding aspects of ballet. Bodies are now neurologically capable of mastering more complex progressions of the ballet technique. Pre-pointe work is incorporated at this level as well.
Retiré Level
This class is for the ballet enthusiast ages 10 to 14 years who desires a once-a-week ballet class. This class is a great way to supplement your existing training from another dance school or just to enjoy the sheer pleasure of ballet!
Passé, Changement
This class introduces dancers to performance skills and involve increasingly demanding levels of physical development and technique. The student’s repertoire of movement, timing and complexity become more integrated offering the potential to advance into solo performance and pointe work. Classes are focused on technique, pre-pointe, pointe work and solo performance with attention to mastering the essential connection of mind and body. Complementary exercises will increase flexibility, joint mobility and muscle strength to enable students to safely manage increasing physical demands on their body.
Adult Ballet
The fundamentals of posture, core development, flexibility and fluidity are reinforced as students progress through a full, classical ballet barre and gracefully move to the center floor to challenge their balance and coordination with center practice exercises. The class culminates with a series of more challenging petite enchainments to further stimulate strength, stamina, ease of movement, memory and confidence.
Silver Swans®
Miss Ellen’s continued commitment to offering world class ballet to all students has led to her achieving Silver Swans licensed status. Silver Swans is designed by the Royal Academy of Dance to serve mature dancers where each will receive modifications in class according to their ability and physical limitations if necessary. For both novice and experienced dancers, these classes have no upper or lower age limit and no strict regime. This class delivers internal, emotional, and a physical workout where dancers sculpt their bodies, increase confidence, and physical stability and agility in a positive, like-minded atmosphere.
Swans
A continuation of the Silver Swans® program for more experienced dancers.
Progressing Ballet Technique
Miss Ellen has recently completed PBT certification for Level I. This technique is a phenomenal compliment to any ballet class you are currently taking. It is quite accessible to the adult student who has always wanted to try ballet but may be intimidated. This class is laying the foundation for ballet technique with its terminology and positions. This could be used as a spring board into a ballet class or just a great way to strengthen and stretch! View Certification »