CECCHETTI SYLLABUS (10 yrs - advanced)

Cecchetti method offers class levels that progress from Grades I VII and Diploma levels.  Students will be expected to memorize terms, as well as "barre" and "centre" combinations from a syllabus book which will need to be purchased at the start of the year.  When the students are prepared, a professional examiner will be brought to South Dakota to administer a nationally certified exam.  Depending upon the dancers natural ability, students can progress through a level anywhere between one and two years.  It is important to note that the instructor will make the decision on when a dancer is prepared to take an exam.

The Dance Gallery is the only school in Sioux Falls that offers this method that encourages students to be nationally examined.  For more information on this method of ballet instruction, click on the banner below which will take you to the Cecchetti Council of America national website.

RUSSIAN BALLET METHOD (beginner to advanced)

The Russian method of ballet which is popular in the United States, advances students on a progressive basis with a curriculum  that allows freedom of movement.  Russian ballet is known for its distinct style of boldness and confidence.

SUR LE POINTE  (by invitation of the ballet instructor only)

Pointe work is available as part of the intermediate and advanced class curriculum.  The student must have several years of proper ballet training, and will be notified by the ballet instructor when ready to start pointe.  It is required that the students be enrolled in a minimum of twoballet classes per week to prevent injury. The two classes must be ballet, and not other dance forms.  It is important to note that Dance Gallery will not place students on pointe before they are fully prepared. 

BALLET BASICS  (ages 7-9) 

This class curriculum will be geared as preparation for a more intense Russian ballet program, or the Cecchetti program.  Students will begin learning the basics of ballet, terminology, and theory of ballet movement.  There will be heavy emphasis on proper posture and body alignment, feet and arm positions, and a basic understanding and love of classical music.  This is a 45 minute class held once a week.

KINDERDANCE (ages 5-6) 

This class will be conducted similar to "Ballet Basics," but geared to a younger age group.  The emphasis of this class will be on left/right understanding, body coordination, and basic ballet movements with classical music.  In the future, students enrolled in this class may enroll in the Cecchetti program, Russian program or both!  This 30 min. class is held once a week.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT  (ages 3-4) 

This 30 minute class is fun for all young children.  During class, the students will utilize props such as streamers, balls, and fabric to encourage movement.  The young dancers will learn how to function in a group setting, and how to follow directions.  This class will emphasize body awareness, rhythm, right and left identification, and interpreting the music with dance.  This class held once a week.