THE ACADEMY
Providing the highest quality ballet instruction at Windward Oahu’s only Classical Ballet Academy
LOWER SCHOOL
BALLET I (Beginning)
Ballet I (Grade 1+): Dancers begin working on barre technique and center skills as they develop stamina and focus. Classical vocabulary and proper execution are introduced in a positive atmosphere that encourages and nurtures the joy of dance.
Ballet IA (Grade 2+): As new skills are introduced, dancers explore the challenge and fulfillment of mastering placement, technique, and more complex enchainments. Students work on memorizing combinations and executing them on their own. This class prepares dancers to enter the Ballet II level.
BALLET II* (High-Beginning)
Ballet II (completed Ballet IA): Class now consists of a full warmup at the barre, followed by center work. Dancers have learned many foundational skills in the Beginning Levels (Ballet I and IA), and they continue their journey in Ballet II by applying these skills as they learn new steps and develop strength, coordination, and flexibility.
Ballet IIA (completed Ballet II: Dancers expand their technical vocabulary, and continue to work on placement, accuracy, and proper technique. As they prepare for the transition into the Intermediate Levels, students lay the foundations for more complex steps, spatial patterns, and musicality. This class prepares dancers to enter the Ballet III level.
UPPER SCHOOL
BALLET III* (Intermediate Level 1)
Ballet III and Pre-Pointe 1 (completed Ballet IIA): In the intermediate level, dancers build on their classical foundation to increase their vocabulary, and they begin to focus on strengthening their feet and ankles for pointework. Class now follows the traditional format of barre, center practice, adage, pirouettes, petit allegro, and grand allegro.
Ballet IIIA and Pre-Pointe 2 (completed Ballet III): Dancers prepare for pointe work by strengthening their feet, ankles, legs, back, and core. Placement is essential to make the transition to pointe a successful and positive experience, so class focuses on increasing awareness and and control. This class prepares dancers to enter the Ballet IV level.
Ballet IV* (Intermediate Level 2)
Ballet IV and Pointe I (completed Ballet IIIA): More compound steps are introduced, and combinations increase in length and complexity. Pointework begins with simple exercises at the barre, gradually increasing as dancers build strength and adjust to their shoes. Dancers discover the important connections between placement and pointework as they transition from dancing in soft shoes to dancing in pointe shoes.
Ballet IVA and Pointe II (completed Ballet IV): More complex sequencing and complicated enchainments are introduced in the faster-paced higher intermediate level. Combinations increase in length and complexity as dancers build the strength and stamina required of advanced dancers. Pointework becomes an integral part of everyday class. This class prepares dancers to enter the Ballet V level.
Ballet V* (Advanced Level 1)
Ballet V and Pointe III (completed Ballet IVA): The concept of movement quality is explored in new depths; use of epaulment and focus are essential to practice performance quality and expression. The most difficult steps are introduced at this level, taught with precision and accuracy to ensure proper execution and injury prevention. Dancers in Ballet V are preparing to join the KDA Company.
KDA Company* (Advanced Level 2)
Company Level 1 (Completed Ballet V): At the pre-professional level, ballet dancers are required not only to be strong technicians, but to have strong artistic expression as well. Use of epaulment, musicality, focus, and movement intention are all tools to help one discover the individual artistry that makes ballet so unique. Dancers prepare
Company Level 1A (Completed 1 year as Company Level 1): In their second year as a company member, dancers begin to take on the role of mentor, welcoming and supporting new apprentices and serving as role models for our younger students. Dancers are expected to take initiative for their own learning, as well as helping their fellow company members, and the rehearsal process becomes a collaboration between dancers and their director(s). Dancers may be asked to step into leadership positions such as Rehearsal Assistant or Dance Captain allowing them to practice essential life skills beyond ballet class.
Senior Company (Completed 1 year in Company Level 1A): At the highest level, dancers are expected to demonstrate the highest level of technical ability and artistry, while serving as leaders for their fellow company members. Dancers lead by example, setting the highest standards for everything from classroom etiquette to applying their own stage makeup, and are expected to serve as positive role models for the entire school. Dancers may be asked to step into leadership positions such as Rehearsal Assistant or Dance Captain allowing them to practice essential life skills beyond ballet class.