VOCATIONAL GRADED BALLET CLASSES
IDEAL AGES: 8 - 14
Grade 1 is an exceptional opportunity for dancers to build and solidify their ballet technique. It is, however, a big jump from Primary Ballet. Test 1 is therefore offered as an incredible syllabus bridging the gap between Primary Ballet Classes and Grade 1. It has been included here as part of the Graded Ballet Classes as it is like an introductory syllabus to Grade 1. Dancers always enjoy Test 1 and this is also where barre work is usually introduced for the first time. Previous ballet training is not a requirement for the lower graded levels.
Grades 1 to 5 offer dancers beautiful syllabi to build their technique and extend their understanding of dance. This is where the magic happens! Training dancers with the Cecchetti Grade syllabi is guaranteed to provide dancers with the best foundations possible. These ballet classes are suitable for beginners and dancers with previous training. Ballet lessons at all levels equip dancers with the strength, technique, artistry, and love for dance to be able to continue their training further.
Often the Test 5 syllabus is also incorporated and completed between Grades 4 and 5 as this assists in preparing dancers for Grade 5, which is an essential level before the major work in Intermediate. We also start pointework around the end of Grade 4 / beginning of Test 5 level in order to comfortably introduce dancers to this new and exciting aspect of ballet.
As each dancer is assessed individually to determine the appropriate level for them, ages for each level may vary slightly. In addition, it is helpful to be aware that ballet grades do not mirror grades at school. As an example, a dancer may be in Grade 3 at school, but working on Grade 1 ballet (in the Cecchetti Method).
Although we encourage dancers to start with at least the Primary level, many dancers have only started with Test 1, Grade 1, or even Grade 2 and have done tremendously well. Several professional dancers have even started ballet as late as age 12, with no previous training at all, and continued to become the professional dancers they are. It's never too late to start!
