Primary A

Approximate ages: 6-7; Open Enrollment following placement class

Primary A is a foundational pre-ballet class designed to meticulously prepare young dancers for the rigorous demands of future ballet training. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive body conditioning through a thoughtful integration of guided stretching and targeted strengthening exercises. This ensures the development of flexibility, core strength, and overall physical awareness, all crucial elements for a dancer's progress.

A significant introduction at this level is barre work, a cornerstone of classical ballet training. Students are guided through basic barre exercises, learning the correct posture and alignment, and developing the muscle memory necessary for more advanced techniques. This is seamlessly combined with floor work, which reinforces the fundamental concepts learned at the barre and allows for greater exploration of movement in space.

Musicality is a key focus within Primary A. Young dancers are encouraged to develop a deep connection between movement and music, learning to link steps fluidly within exercises and to understand and respond to counts in music. This cultivates a rhythmic awareness and an innate sense of timing, vital for expressive and coordinated dance.

The class also systematically introduces the core components of ballet vocabulary. Students learn the fundamental positions of the feet, understanding their importance in classical technique. They are taught the graceful and expressive movements of port de bras, the positions and movements of the arms. Alongside this, essential ballet terminology is introduced, building a solid understanding of the language of dance.

Crucially, throughout all aspects of Primary A, the TWBA philosophy of prioritizing the joy of dance remains paramount. The learning environment is nurturing and encouraging, fostering a love for movement and artistic expression. This ensures that while students are building a strong technical foundation, they are also developing a lifelong passion for ballet in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.

Primary B

Approximate ages: 8-9; Open Enrollment following placement class

Primary B is a pre-ballet class focused on dancers learning ballet fundamentals. Because dancers in this age group experience growing mind-body awareness, precise execution of foundational exercises is instilled in dancers to develop correct muscle memory. Primary B class develops ballet vocabulary, musicality, flexibility, and strength needed for ballet. Primary B dancers will practice ballet fundamentals at the barre and in their centerwork. Stretching and conditioning exercises prepare dancers for the rigors of ballet training. Ballet vocabulary is further developed.

Primary B is an engaging pre-ballet class meticulously designed to introduce young dancers to the fundamental principles of classical ballet. Tailored for an age group experiencing significant strides in mind-body awareness, this class places a strong emphasis on the precise execution of foundational exercises. This careful attention to detail is crucial for developing correct muscle memory, which is paramount for a successful and injury-free ballet journey.

Throughout Primary B, dancers will systematically build their ballet vocabulary, learning the names and proper execution of various steps and positions. Musicality is also a key component, as students are encouraged to connect their movements with the rhythm and phrasing of the music, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art form. The class also focuses on developing essential physical attributes such as flexibility and strength, which are vital for the demanding nature of ballet.

Dancers in Primary B will gain experience both at the barre and in their centerwork. Barre exercises serve as the cornerstone of ballet training, providing support and allowing dancers to concentrate on alignment, balance, and the precise shaping of their lines and feet. Centerwork builds upon these principles, encouraging dancers to apply their learned techniques without the aid of the barre, developing spatial awareness and dynamic movement.

In addition to core ballet exercises, Primary B incorporates targeted stretching and conditioning exercises. These elements are specifically designed to prepare dancers for the increasing rigors of more advanced ballet training by improving range of motion, building core strength, and enhancing overall physical resilience. As the dancers progress, their ballet vocabulary is further developed, allowing them to comprehend and execute increasingly complex combinations and movements. The ultimate goal of Primary B is to lay a strong, comprehensive foundation in ballet, nurturing a love for dance and preparing students for continued growth in their artistic development.

Primary C 

Approximate Ages: 10-13. Open Enrollment following placement class. In Primary C, we provide every student, from beginners to experienced dancers, with a solid technical foundation to help them reach their full potential.

Primary C is an essential ballet fundamentals class designed to methodically guide students through foundational technique, with a strong emphasis on developing proper alignment and safe, correct turnout. The curriculum meticulously works through a structured progression of barre and center exercises. At the barre, students focus on understanding basic positions, plies, tendus, and degagés, building the necessary strength and control in the legs and core. Center work introduces elementary adagio, port de bras, and simple locomotor steps, translating the stability gained at the barre into dynamic movement.

In Primary C, physical development is fostered through a systematic and disciplined program rooted in the Vaganova method's foundational principles. This structured approach ensures a gradual and thoughtful progression, prioritizing muscular awareness, coordination, and classical aesthetic. The class aims not only to teach steps but also to instill the discipline and anatomical understanding required for a long and healthy dance career, setting a crucial foundation for all subsequent levels of classical ballet training.