What Level Should I Be In? :: Sebastopol Ballet School

At Sebastopol Ballet, we place students in levels by a variety of factors: age, experience, ability, and the number of classes the student is taking each week. The levels may vary by dance style. Here is a general idea of the requirements for each dance style and level.

Ballet

Ballet is a style of dance that originated in the 15th century and is the foundational technique for many other dance genres. Ballet teaches posture, technique, discipline, and grace. Students learn classical positions, terminology, and movement vocabulary essential to strong techinical development.

Kinder Ballet A: Age 3. This is the perfect class for students who have never been in a structured class before. They will learn to listen and follow along in a fun and stimulating environment. The main focus here is that dance should be fun. Children must be able to participate in class without a parent.
Kinder Ballet B: Age 4. This is a great class for kids who have already completed Kinder Ballet A, or who are in preschool. The expectations are a little higher than Kinder Ballet A, but the class is still playful and fun, while starting to learn basic technique and ballet concepts.
Kinder Ballet C: Age 5. This is a great class for kids who are in kindergarten. Students will build on their technique basics and will be expected to remember simple choreography.
Beginning Ballet: Age 6-7. This class is ideal for students in kindergarten or first grade, when they are more skilled at listening and following directions, and have the attention capacity for an hour long class. In this class, students will learn basic ballet technique, poise, concepts, and more advanced positions and steps, with the French names. Students will learn more complex choreography at this level.
Level 1: Age 7+. It is preferred that students take Beginning Ballet prior to starting Level 1, as basic ballet fundamentals are needed to thrive in this class.
Level 2: Level 2 is a two year program split into 2A and 2B. Students are encouraged to come twice a week, and for 2B it is required to come twice a week.
Level 3: Like Level 2, this is a two year program split into 3A and 3B. Students are encouraged to come 3 days a week, and for 3B it is required. Level 3B includes beginning pointe in the Fall, transitioning to Pointe 1 in the Spring. Students do not have to take class en pointe, but if they do, three ballet classes per week are required.
Level 4 and Above: If your child would like to join at Level 4 or above, we will schedule a time to meet and assess their level to make sure they are placed in the right class. These levels include at least one pointe class per week – students must take three ballet classes per week to dance en pointe.

Contemporary

Contemporary dance blends many types of dance, including ballet, modern, and jazz. Contemporary emphasizes emotional expression, fluid movement, and storytelling, and dancers may explore improvisation and floor work. We encourage Contemporary students – especially in the upper levels – to also take Ballet in order to improve their technique.

Beginning Ballet: Ages 6-12. Introduction to Contemporary dance, for students with no prior Contmporary experience.
Level 1: Age 8+. Level 1 is split into 1A and 1B. It is preferred that students take Beginning Contemporary prior to starting Level 1.
Level 2: Level 2 is split into 2A and 2B. Prior experience in Level 1 or equivalent is required.
Level 3: Like Level 2, this level is split into 3A and 3B. Prior experience in Level 2 or equivalent is required. Students at this level are encouraged to also enroll in ballet to strengthen their technique.
Level 4 & 5: If your child would like to join at Level 4 or above, we will schedule a time to meet and assess their level to make sure they are placed in the right class. Students at this level are highly encouraged to be enrolled in ballet to strengthen their technique.

Hip Hop

Hip Hop is a street-style dance genre that's energetic, expressive, and always evolving. Hip Hop encourages individuality through freestyle, grooves, and choreography influenced by urban and pop culture.

Kinder Hip Hop: Ages 4-7. Students will learn the basics of Hip Hop and will be expected to remember simple choreography.
Beginning Hip Hop: Ages 7-9. Students will learn the basics of Hip Hop and will be expected to remember simple choreography.
Hip Hop 1: Age 9-12. Level 1 is for older beginners or students who have completed Beginning Hip Hop.
Hip Hop 2: Intermediate. Prior experience in Level 1 or equivalent is required.
Hip Hop 3: Advanced. Prior experience in Level 2 or equivalent is required.