WHAT IS BALLETBARRE?

The Balletbarre graduate program will define and mold the students towards the ballerina’s and ballet dancers of tomorrow. It is here their journey to professional begins. Shaping and guiding the dancers of tomorrow through steps and movements with a focus on biomechanics, posture and alignment. This syllabus is influenced by the Boravansky method and Russian stylisation, together with safe dance and muscle conditioning ideologies in personal training and Pilates it is strong, precise, and beautiful.

As they progress each exercise, movement and step is developed to be increasingly complex with attention to longer, harder combinations and more intricate technical training, so the students become masters of their craft. From the beginning of the balletbarre graduate program to the end, the students will learn everything they need to become the professional dancers of tomorrow and even if they decide to change their course what they have learnt from this program will be with them for life. 

Each level from Pre-Primary to Grade 6 include study of theory in relation to movements, terminology, safe dance and anatomy to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all facets of ballet and basic movement of the body which has application in other sports and life situations.

In the senior professional levels Pas De Deux, Pointe, Choreography, Improvisation are additional training comments of this specialised syllabus.

The Junior Levels

  • Pre primary is the first step toward ballet foundations. Focus here is not only Introduction to technique, but linking steps together creating simple combinations. Expression and creativity through mime, dance and activities keeps the class fun but also encourages individual expression. The class is structured for the students to learn while having fun with a huge sense of achievement.

    Weekly attendance requirements

    1 x Primary Class

    1 x Repertoire Class

    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    In Class Assessments

    Recital/Performances

  • Primary introduces students to little basic ballet exercises at the barre and in the centre. These aspiring ballet dancers will enjoy a little bit of class structure with a lot of fun, creativity, musicality, mime and basic step combinations. Primary level is the transitional class from little fun ballet, to a more serious structured pathway for next levels of ballet.

    Weekly attendance requirements

    1 x Primary Class

    1 x Repertoire Class

    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    in Class Assessments

    Recital/Performances

  • This is the first technical level in the Balletbarre Professional pathway. Grade 1 is an introduction to the ballet fundamentals learning control/placement of movement and correct alignment. Grade 1 starts to work on balance, core and coordination while the students are still being creative and enjoying their classes.

    Weekly attendance requirements

    2 x Grade 1

    1 x Grade 4 (Floorbarre)

    1 x Repertoire Class

    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    Exams

    Recital/Performances

  • This is the second technical level in the Balletbarre Professional pathway. Building on the fundamentals of the previous level students will layer further complexities of movement and ballet technique learning control/placement of movement, correct alignment, strength, balance, and core development in preparation to easily transition into the next levels of technical work.

    Weekly attendance requirements

    2 x Grade 2

    1 x Grade 4 (Floorbarre)

    1 x Repertoire Class

    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    Exams

    Recital/Performances

  • Grade 3 is a more technical level. Building on previous technique, muscle conditionoing and strong ballet foundations, Grade 3 introduces students to progressive step building and allows the students to actually dance their movements.

    Weekly attendance requirements

    2 x Grade 3

    1 x Grade 4 (Floorbarre)

    1 x Repertoire Class

    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    Exams

    Recital/Performances

  • Floorbarre is an essential part of the balletbarre program. This level will give students control and placement of movemet. This carefully structured floorebarre re-aligns the posture correctly and defines all of the key muscles. As the floorbarre strengthens the core, it also teaches the students to execute exercises correctly so it relieves stress on the joints. Giving so much core control, there is much more balance. The floorbarre is also structured to give the students advanced coordination, suppleness and advanced core control which is required for upper levels.

    Weekly attendance requirements

    3 x Grade 4

    1 x Repertoire Class

    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    Exams

    Recital/Performances

The Graduate Levels

  • Extending detail to technique and the fundamentals of how the body is working to acquire the high standard required for this class. Students learn basic Pointe (girls) (boys do on demi pointe or can do pointe if they choose), Pas de Deux, Choreography skills and improvisation. Boys will also learn basic strength exercises to execute the required Pas de Deux partner work for this level.

    Weekly attendance requirements

    3 x Grade 5

    1 x Repertoire Class

    1 x Pointe Class/Pas De Daux

    1 x Grade 4 (Floorbarre)


    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    Exams

    Recital/Performances

  • The skill level in Grade 6 is more complex and the expectations of the students far greater. Dedication is also paramount from here up as students need to invest more of their time and energy to achieve the required standard. The complexity of point work, pas de dux, enchainment, adage and port de bras is greatly increased with the additional expectation the student will perform every aspect of these.

    Weekly attendance requirements

    3 x Grade 6

    1 x Repertoire Class

    1 x Pointe Class/Pas De Daux

    1 x Grade 4 (Floorbarre)


    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    Exams

    Recital/Performances

  • Intermediate focuses on the execution and extension of all of the movements. In this level, knowledge of every movement and the muscles it takes to move them is paramount. Performance and presentation of every movement is essential from barre to reverence.

    Weekly attendance requirements

    4 x Intermediate Level Classes

    1 x Repertoire Class

    1 x Pointe Class/Pas De Daux

    1 x Grade 4 (Floorbarre)


    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    Exams

    Recital/Performances

  • Advanced is the ultimate in training in all aspects for the students. Every exercise, movement or step must be executed with precise technique. All steps and combinations’ must be of a professional dancer standard with a large emphasis on presentation, flow and ability to breathe through all movements with ease and grace

    Weekly attendance requirements

    4 x Advanced Level Classes

    1 x Repertoire Class

    1 x Pointe Class/Pas De Daux

    1 x Grade 4 (Floorbarre)


    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    Exams

    Recital/Performances

  • The Oliver Seal is named after the founder and writer of the balletbarre syllabus Fiona Oliver. It is the final level of the program and requires the pre - graduates to create a performance which they choreograph, design the costume/s, lighting and sets for their own work. The performance is done in a theatre setting in front of an audience and judges. The performance aspect of the Oliver Shield gives the pre-graduates the opportunity to apply all of their knowledge and explore their creativity to the fullest...the audience and judges should see the professional dancer they have become.

    This is video/photographed and then Graduated will be assisted with the preparation of their ballet portfolio and show reel in preparation for upcoming auditions.


    Weekly attendance requirements

    4 x 2hr Advanced Classes

    1 x Repertoire Class

    1 x Pointe Class/Pas De Daux

    1 x Grade 4 (Floorbarre)

    1 x 2hr Choreography/Costume and set class


    Other Requirements

    Uniforms

    Exams

    Recital/Performances

Uniform Requirements

All students must have MDS balletbarre uniform - available from MDS only

GIRLS Ballet Foundation levels - Black MDS balletbarre leotard (Lace inserts and MDS logo), Black stretch lace skirt (with red waistband), Pink/flesh Ballet tights and Pink/flesh split sole canvas ballet shoes and red bow in hair (all available from our shop).

Senior Professional levels - Black MDS balletbarre leotard (Lace inserts and MDS logo), Black stretch lace skirt (with red waistband), black pancake tutu base (worn under skirt), Pink/flesh Ballet tights and Pink/flesh split sole canvas ballet shoes and red bow in hair (all available from our shop).

BOYS All levels - black dance pants and red MDS balletbarre razer back T-shirt and black split sole canvas ballet shoes (all available from our shop). 

Photo by baytchev/iStock / Getty Images

Hair

GIRLS hair must be in a bun at the top of the head red bow below bun and no fringes short hair gelled back with the red bow uniform head band. All stockings must have no ladders and clothing in good clean condition..

BOYS hair must be pulled back in tight low pony tail no fringe short hair neat and tidy.  

No Jewellery or nail polish is allowed the correct uniform must be worn otherwise the student cannot attend class. 

Please note examinations and performing at recitals is compulsory

EXAMINATIONS

Examination Marking System To ensure the high calibre of our graduates, the marking system for balletbarre is as below.  Each exercise is marked on its own merit. Each exercise must achieve a score of a minimum of 50% with a combined overall exam total of 70%+ to pass the exam (This means they must excel in some exercises and demonstrate fundamental ability in each exercise to pass) This ensures the exam entrants are excelling in all facets of their dance training.

Grading is as below 

Pass                           70%

Credit Pass              80%

Honours                    90%

Distinction               95%

  1.  Exam reports and certificates can take up to 6 weeks to compile. 

  2.  Students will be notified with in 2 days of pass/fail via email.  

  3. Trophies/medals will be given at recitals/award events.  

  4. Certificates/report forms will be available from the student’s teacher/dance studio if award ceremony is missed.