KEIKI BALLET PROGRAM
Introducing young children to the music, discipline, and coordination required of Classical Ballet using age-appropriate class content
KEIKI BALLET (Age 3 - Grade 1)
Keiki Ballet I (age 3-4) Students explore the basics of ballet in a creative, supportive, and age appropriate environment with an emphasis on developing social skills, musicality, and fundamental locomotor skills. Students must be 3 by August 1 to qualify for this class.
Keiki Ballet IA (age 4-5) Young dancers continue to explore music and movement in an age-appropriate class that builds on skills learned in Keiki Ballet I. Students must be upcoming Kindergarteners to qualify for this class.
Keiki Ballet II (Grade K-1) Students learn the foundations of ballet technique while continuing to explore musicality, coordination, and creative expression. Elements of dance are incorporated into ballet enchainments and creative movement exercises.
CHILDREN’S CLASSICAL BALLET PROGRAM
Providing the highest quality ballet instruction at Windward Oahu’s only Classical Ballet Academy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
*New incoming students must submit a video audition for placement into our High Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced levels. Dancers en pointe should include pointework.
DANCE ENRICHMENT
Building confidence, character, and coordination through dance and the performing arts.
AFTERNOON CLASSES
Discover Dance (Gr 1-5) This is the class for new dancers who want to try it all! With the opportunity to explore the three major techniques of concert dance (jazz, tap, and ballet), this is the perfect place to discover new dance forms and explore all that dance has to offer!
Jazz (Grade 2-5) The basics of jazz are introduced in a fun, upbeat class. True to KDA’s teaching philosophy, students are encouraged to find the joy in movement and music, as well as the satisfaction of mastering new skills.
Tap (grade 2-5) Tap is back at KDA! Dancers explore movement and music through KDA’s tap class. A truly unique dance form, tap focuses on rhythms, patterns, and coordination as dancers transform their feet into a percussive instrument.
Beginning Ballet (age 11+): It’s never too late to start! This is an introductory ballet class designed for beginning tweens and young teens interested in learning the fundamentals of ballet in an age-appropriate class.
Contemporary (age 12+): A blend of the three pillars of concert dance (ballet, jazz, and modern), contemporary dance offers a bit of everything: structure, technique, tricks, musicality, and personal expression. Dancers explore different themes within contemporary dance, from flowing lyrical to turns and floor work. Previous dance or gymnastics experience is required for this class.
KDA HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM: DAYTIME CLASSES
Dance with Me (age 2-4): Explore music and movement together in our new child-caregiver class! Open to children as young as 2 years old, keiki and their caretakers can discover the joy of dance through creative movement, music, and dance. Please note: This is a non-performing class
Keiki Dance (age 5-10): Discover the joy of movement and music in Kailua Dance Academy’s newest offering, Keiki Dance. Our gender-neutral and age-appropriate curriculum introduces elements of dance, music, and art while incorporating math and social skills through activities, games, and creative movement. Please note: This is a non-performing class
Homeschool Ballet (age 7-12): Delve into the wonderful world of classical ballet with Ms Jenny! This introductory class is the perfect place for homeschooling families to discover all that ballet has to offer: Musicality, strength, flexibility, and so much more! Please note: This is a non-performing class
ADULT DANCE
The Adult Dance Program is separate from the KDA Children’s Program. Please click for more information regarding Adult Dance Classes.