We offer classes in ALL AGE GROUPS.
Here are some examples of our class descriptions
If the class you are interested in more information please,
email us at info@castonballet.com and we will gladly answer any questions.
SMALL CLASSES- Min. 5 Students -- Max. 12 Students
(**except Jazz and Dunham Classes**)
MOMMIE (Grammie/GG..etc& ME (all ages)
30 min of Movement Music and Dance Games
Learn fun activities to do with your children that will enhance their
minds, musicality and muscle control. This is a great opportunity to bond with
your children and lots of fun! Make new friends & teach young children how
to follow directions from a teacher, helping prepare them for school.
MOVEMENT (ages 2 1/2 - 3 1/2)
30 min of Movement and Dance
Young students have lots of fun learning the joys of body movement
learn to follow directions, move to music, counting and dance games.
Young dancers can participate with or without Mom. Gradual steps
to learning with or without mommie and preparing youngsters for school.
A great way to make new friends in a positive, fun and learning environment.
CREATIVE (ages 3-4 1/2)
45 min. of Movement, Dance and Stories
For many children this is their first introduction to a teacher/student
relationship. With small teacher/student ratios this helps young children learn to follow
instructions from a teacher and work with a group of children.
Positivity and politeness are major goals as well as physical coordination.
Dance is introduced through different types of music, games and stories.
These classes are the least structured and are geared for age appropriate enjoyment
EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES:
Pointe/Flex feet & Stretching Musicality:
Plies (bend knees) Counting, & Moving Fast and Slow
Chasse (chase ie gallops) Walking & Running on balls of feet (bourrees)
Sautes (jumps) Marching
Turning Freeze Dance Stopping/Starting with the music
High and Low Following the Leader
Floor Games Stories- See Pre-Dance
Music Selections Include Classical Ballet Swing Disney
PRE-DANCE (ages 4-5 1/2)
1 hr. of Dance, Movement & Tap
These classes are geared for age appropriate enjoyment while developing dance
concepts. Different selections of music, movement, games, stories, and props are used to
maintain interest and enjoyment for the young dancers. Kinesthetic awareness as well as
learning to use the space around them will be stressed. Rhythm, musicality and dance
counting through slow and quick tempos will be introduced as well as when and how to
use them. These classes will focus on using emotions in dance, dance mime, different
characters, group cooperation, and individual expression while following the instructors
directions.
The primary focus is to maintain the student’s love for dance.
DANCE INSTRUCTION INCLUDES:
Fast & Slow movements High & Low
Walking & running on balls of feet (bourrees)
Marching and Clapping, Skips, Gallops (chasses), Balance 1 leg
Leaps, Jumps out and in, Jumps (sautés) 2feet & 1 foot
Moving Forwards & Sideways
Different storybook character
animal character development
Emotional expression
Dance with Props
Individual dance creations
Dance Count & Musicality
Imitation
Posture & feet point and flex
Tap- making rhythms
Freeze Dance Game
Following the Leader
Courtsey at end of class
STORIES INCLUDE:
Angelina Ballerina
Nutcracker
Sleeping Beauty
MUSIC SELECTIONS INCLUDE:
Classical Ballet Lyrical Swing Disney
Dance 1 (ages 5-7)
-20 min of Pre-Ballet
-20 min Jazz
-15 min of Tap
This class is designed for young students who love to dance and move to music. The main
focus is enjoyment while developing dance concepts. Students will be introduced to
different dance styles such as pre-ballet, lyrical, and tap while learning to use their space
and dance with others. Adage and Allegro tempos will be introduced as well as when and
how to use them. This class will also focus on using emotions in dance and different
characters. This class has a pre-ballet warm up in the center of class - no barre work yet
and *Absolutely no turned out legs because of their growing bodies!! This class will focus
on self confidence, rhythm, musicality, dance counting, following directions, group
cooperation and individual expression.
STEPS INTRODUCED & VOCABULARY OF:
Right & Left, Courtsey
First, Second, 6th positions of the feet
demi plie elevers tendu
porte de bras - low and second
Chasses – front and side Skips
Sautés (jumps) –two feet and one foot
Jumps out and in
Moving Forwards & Backwards & Sideways
Introduced to spotting & chaine turns
Ballet walk - balls of feet & bourree, corru
Stretch- point/flex feet, touch toes
Introduced to 8 counts Dancing together
How to handle props Combinations/Choreography
TAP: Toe-heel & heel-toe
Shuffle Stomp
Stomp hop step Suzzie- Qs
MUSICALITY
How to count music
Individual expression Adage/allegro (slow/fast)
Freeze dance game
MUSIC SELECTIONS INCLUDE: Classical, Ballet, Swing, Musicals, and Disney
BALLET STORIES/MUSIC ACCOMPANIMENT
Angelina Ballerina Nina Ballerina Tanya Coppelia
Nutcracker Sleeping Beauty Swan Lake
DANCE 2 (Ages 7-9)
20 min of Pre-Ballet
- 20 min jazz
- 15 min Tap
This class is designed for young students who love to dance, enjoy a structured class, and
like all forms of dance. The main emphasis is on enjoyment while developing dance
concepts. Students will be introduced to dance styles such as ballet, lyrical, jazz, and
tap. Pre-Ballet includes center work no barre in this class- these students enjoy standing
on their own too much!! Kinesthetic awareness as well as learning to use the space
around them will be stressed. Rhythm, musicality and dance counting through Adage
and Allegro tempos will be introduced as well as when and how to use them. This class
will also focus on self confidence, rhythm, musicality, dance counting using, following
directions,, group cooperation and individual expression.
STEPS INTRODUCED & VOCABULARY OF:
Courtsey Correct posture Right and Left
First, Second feet positions, third, 6
Demi Plie elevers Tendu Fondu
Porte de bras – (positions of arms) low, front, high, second
How to hold hands & fingers
Skips & Chasses – front, side, back Sautes –two feet and one foot
Jettes- Hop scotch method (2 feet 1 foot)
Spotting & Chaine turns
Balance on one leg
Ballet walk - balls of feet bourree & corru
Moving Forwards, Sideways, and Backwards
Stretch- point/flex feet, touch toes, backs, splits
How to handle props
TAP:
Toe-heel & heel-toe
Shuffle Stomp Time Steps
Stomp hop step Flap rhythm
Suzzie- Qs Shuffle-off- to -Buffalo
MUSICALITY;
How to count music Choreography Combinations
Name different instruments & how they sound
Individual expression
BALLET STORIES/MUSIC ACCOMPANIMENT
I am a Dancer Disney Girls-Ballet Coppelia
Nutcracker Sleeping Beauty Swan Lake
PRE-BALLET I(ages 6-8 ) and PRE-BALLET II (7-8)
1 hr ballet
Designed for the students who want a class of all ballet!!
1 hr of Ballet
Part of the Pre-Professional Program (if student is a part of the
pre-professional program Jazz/Tap and Hip-Hop or Flamenco is also taken or
another ballet class). This class is designed for young students who love ballet and enjoy a
structured class. Students will be introduced to important concepts needed for good ballet
technique. Some parts of Cecchetti syllabus primary grade I will be introduced.
Posture, Porte de bras (arm movement), feet and leg strength, stretching will be emphasized.
Dancers have had Pre- Ballet I at Caston Ballet Academie and take at least one other dance
class per week. Turns, Jumps, choreography will be emphasized.
Some Parts from PRIMARY GRADE I SYLLABUS
STEPS INTRODUCED & VOCABULARY OF:
Ballet from Elementary I & "Dance 2" &
Barre with 2 hands & feet positions 1,2,3 6
Plies, Eleves, Tendus, Fondus, Degages
Porte de Bras - en bas, en avant, second
Legs - en avant (front), Second, Derriere (Back)
coupe, retires, piques, sautes (jumps) bourres, corrus,
spotting, chaine turns, tour en l'air
waltz, chasses, skips, jettes- hopscotch method,
Pique Turns Pirouettes Pas De Bourre Arabesque
Glissade Balance Assemble Grande Battement
Ronde De Jambe Developpes
MUSICAL SELECTIONS INCLUDE:
Classical Ballet &
Contempory - Radio Disney Disney & Swing, Musicals
BALLET STORIES: Those Listed for "Dance 2"
**ALL BALLET ABOVE LEVEL I WILL NEED
INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION**
BALLET I (ages 8 - 10)
1 hr. Ballet
This class is designed for young students who love ballet and enjoy a structured class.
Students will be introduced to important concepts needed for good ballet technique and
ballet vocabulary. Cecchetti syllabus grade I will be introduced. Kinesthetic awareness
as well as learning to use the space around them will be stressed. Rhythm, musicality
and dance counting through Adage and Allegro tempos will be introduced as well as when
and how to use them. Group cooperation and individual expression and Posture, Porte de bras
(arm movement), feet and leg strength, stretching, and turnout will be emphasized.
Some Parts from CECCHETTI GRADE I SYLLABUS
STEPS INTRODUCED & VOCABULARY OF:
Ballet from Elementary I &
Barre with 2 hands and 1 hand
Feet Positions 1,2,3,5,6 soussus
Legs en avant (front) second derriere (back)
Plies, Eleves, Tendus, Fondus, Degages, coupe, developpe
Porte de Bras - en bas, en avant, , second, 1st porte de bras
pas de bourre bourres, corrus, spotting, chaine turns,
en tournent 1st arabesque grande battement, tendu fouette
retires passes, piques, waltz, chasses, skips, polka, reverance, choreography
MUSICAL SELECTIONS INCLUDE:
Classical Ballet & Contemporary & Ballet Stories
Coppelia
Nutcracker
Disney Girls- Ballet
Sleeping Beauty
Swan Lake
CECCHETTI GRADE I (ages 8-up)
What is Cecchetti? CLICK HERE
Exams must be taken sequentially 1-7 & Diploma
To find out more about Cecchetti Student Grades 1-4 Exams CLICK HERE
Seperate Cecchetti Teacher Grade Exams
Ceccheetti Days November, February
CECCHETTI EXAMS MARCH
1hr ballet
-taken after completion of Ballet 1 or Higher Level Class
-must have other ballet class/es during the week
Part of the Pre-Professional Program. This class is preparation
for the Cecchetti Grade 1 Exam held in March. Students will be prepared
physically & mentally and use the official Cecchetti Grade 1 book, music, ballet
barre and center combination, and verbal questions by an official Certified
Cecchetti Grade 1 instructor.
These exams are given all over the world, and are a great method for ballet dancers to
assess themselves and feel a great sense of accomplishment.
CECCHETTI GRADE II (Instructor Permission) (ages 9-up)
1 hr Ballet
-have taken Cecchetti Grade 1 Exam
-taken after Ballet II and concurrently with Ballet III or Higher Level Class
-must have other ballet classes during the week
BALLET II (ages 8-up)
1 hr ballet
-Taken after PRE-BALLET I/ BALLET I or as a second ballet class
(if student is a part of the pre-professional program
Jazz/Tap and Hip-Hop is also taken or another ballet class). Students will continue from
Ballet I and focus on ballet technique. Cecchetti syllabus grade I& II will be worked on.
Posture, Porte de bras (arm movement), feet and leg strength, stretching, and turnout will be
major points of emphasis.
Some Parts of Cecchetti Grade 1 Syllabus
Ballet 1 from Prior classes and in addition:
Hold barre with one hand & 2 hands allonge croisse
Heads, Fingers, porte de bras 1st & 3rd en croix, coupe, developpes,
ronde de jambe eschappes at the barre, frappe changements, temps lie
pique turns, grande battements, jettes, saute Arabesque, temps leve
glissade, Pas de Chat, assemble balance Enchainments Choreography
MUSICAL SELECTIONS INCLUDE:
Classical Ballet & Contemporary
BALLET III (ages 9-up)
1 hr ballet
-Taken after BALLET II and/or as and extra ballet class in conjunction with higher level
(if student is a part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet II/or III ---total
of 3 days a week (Jazz/Tap and Hip-Hop is optional). Students will continue from Ballet II
and focus on ballet technique. Cecchetti syllabus grade II will be worked on..
Posture, Porte de bras (arm movement), feet and leg strength, stretching, and turnout will be
major points of emphasis.
Some Parts of Cecchetti Grade II Syllabus
Ballet II from Prior classes and in addition:
Heads, Fingers, 4th porte de bras, body positions pas de cheval pirouettes over pique turns
waltz pas de basque assemble balance petite allegro en cloche grande jette
pas de chat enchainments choreography
MUSICAL SELECTIONS INCLUDE:
Classical Ballet & Contemporary
BALLET IV (ages 12-up)
1 hr ballet
-Taken after BALLET III and in conjunction with other ballet classes during the week
(if student is a part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet III/IV
Pre-Pointe and/or Pointe 1 (Jazz/Tap and Hip-Hop is optional) Students will continue
from Ballet III and focus on ballet technique. Cecchetti syllabus grade III will be worked on.
Posture, Core Strength, Porte de bras (arm movement), feet and leg strength, stretching, and
turnout will be major points of emphasis.
Some Parts of Cecchetti Grade III Syllabus
Ballet from Prior classes and in addition:
exetension fouette turns arabesque penche arabesque chugs
emboite ballonne saute chat temps de fleche waltz en tournent
attitude battu tour jete epaulement entrechatquatre 2nd Porte de Bras
corps de ballet enchainments
MUSICAL SELECTIONS INCLUDE:
Classical Ballet & Contemporary
BALLET V (ages 14-up)
1 1/2 hr ballet
-Taken after BALLET IV and in conjunction with other ballet classes during the week
(if student is a part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet IV Pre-
Pointe and/or Pointe I/Pointe II (Jazz/Tap and Hip-Hop is optional) This class is designed
for young students who love ballet and enjoy a structured class. Students will continue
from Ballet IV and focus on ballet technique. Cecchetti syllabus grade IV will be worked on.
Posture, Core Strength, Porte de bras (arm movement), feet and leg strength, stretching, and
turnout will be major points of emphasis.
Some Parts of Cecchetti Grade IV Syllabus
Ballet from Prior classes and in addition:
winging the feet brise cabriole grande fouettes enrechatsix sissone
MUSICAL SELECTIONS INCLUDE:
Classical Ballet & Contemporary
BALLET VI (ages 16-up)
1 1/2 hr ballet
-Taken after BALLET V
and in conjunction with other ballet classes during the week
(if student is a part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet IV
Pre-Pointe and/or Pointe I/Pointe II (Jazz/Tap and Hip-Hop is optional) This class is
designed for young students who love ballet and enjoy a structured class. Students will
continue from Ballet V and focus on ballet technique. Posture, Core Strength, Porte de bras
(arm movement), feet and leg strength, stretching, and turnout will be major points of
emphasis.
Ballet from Prior classes and in addition:
winging the feet variations
MUSICAL SELECTIONS INCLUDE:
Classical Ballet & Contemporary
PRE-POINTE Instructor Permission (ages 11 and up)
30 min ballet feet/leg/core strengthening
-Taken after BALLET III
and in conjunction with other ballet classes during the week
-Must take a minimum of 3 ballet days a week
If student is a part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet I are also
taken. Students will continue from Ballet III and focus on ballet technique. Posture, Core
Strength, feet and leg strength, stretching, and turnout will be major points of emphasis.
POINTE I Instructor Permission (ages 12 and up)
30 min ballet feet/leg/core strengthening (or 45min if taken with Pointe II)
-Taken after BALLET III
and in conjunction with other ballet classes during the week
-must total minimum 3 days of ballet a week
If student is part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet IV or higher are
also taken. Students will continue from Ballet III and focus on pointe ballet technique.
Posture, Core Strength, feet and leg strength, stretching, and turnout will be major points of
emphasis.
ON and/or OFF BARRE
Relevers Elevers Soussus Echappes Piques Retires Passes Walking Bourrees
Chaines Piques Turns Pas de Bourres Balances Pirouettes
POINTE II Instructor Permission(ages 13 and up)
45 min pointe strengthening
-Taken after Ballet IV and in conjunction with the other ballet classes during the week
-Must take minimum of 4 ballet days a week
If the student is part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet V or higher
are also taken Students will continue from Ballet IV and focus on pointe ballet technique.
Posture, Core strength, feet and leg strength, stretching, and turnout will be major pointe of
emphasis.
Pointe work from Pointe I and:
fouette turns attitude turns pique arabesques emboites double pirouettes/pique turns
over pique turns, Ballonnes, "toe hops" renverse courru arabesque chugs
POINTE III Instructor Permission(ages 15 and up)
1 hr pointe strengthening
-Taken after Ballet V and in conjunction with the other ballet classes during the week
-Must take a minimum of 4 days of ballet a week
If the student is part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet V or higher
are also taken Students will continue from Ballet IV and focus on pointe ballet technique.
Posture, Core strength, feet and leg strength, stretching, and turnout will be major pointe of
emphasis.
Pointe work from Pointe II and:
Enchainments Transitions Fouette Turns Spotting Corners Traveling Fouette Turns
arabesque pirouettes Triple pirouettes/pique turns and more.... grande fouettes
turns in a circle
BALLET CORPS (ages 13 and up)
1 1/2 hr barre and center "dancing together, spacing, enchainments"
-Taken after Ballet III and in conjunction with the other ballet classes during the week
If the student is part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet IV or higher
are also taken Students will continue from Ballet IV and focus on group dancing, spacing, and
musical phrasing.
POINTE PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT (ages 14 and up)
1 hr Pointe Work (taken after Pointe I class so body is warmed up)
-Taken after Ballet IV and in conjunction with the other ballet classes during the week
If the student is part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet V or higher
are also taken Students will continue from Ballet IV and focus on smoothness, musicality,
lyricism, body expression, and transitions
VARIATIONS (ages 14 and up) Instructor Permission
1/2 hr Pointe/Slippers after Performance enhancement class so body is warm
-Taken after Ballet V and in conjunction with the other ballet classes during the week
If the student is part of the pre-professional program Character and Ballet V or higher
are also taken . Students will continue from Ballet V and focus on learning famous ballet demi
soloist/soloist/ and principal variations- classical choreography
PAS DE DEUX (ages 14 and up) Instructor Permission
1/2 hr following Int/Adv Teen Adult Ballet class with Pointe - body is warmed up
-Taken afer Ballet V and in conjunction with the other ballet classes during the week
CHARACTER I (ages 8 - up)
1 hr class
-Taken in addition to Ballet II class or higher
-must have previous ballet training
CHARACTER II (ages 11- up)
1 hr class
-Taken after Character I
-Taken in addition to Ballet IV class or higher
Traditional Folk Dances
Students taking this class must have previous ballet class experience.
Found in major ballets and separate from pointe work. Hungary, Russia, Poland,
and Spain, based on national & folkloric traditions stylized for ballet.
Being a good character dancer means to have great understanding of fine
elements of various cultures as well as having stamina and passion.
MUSICAL SELECTIONS INCLUDE:
Tarentella, Mazurka, Polka, Czardas, etc. from classical ballets
Taught by Mrs. Yulia Vladimirovna Miller from Vagonova Russian System
CLICK HERE SEE DK Superguides to Ballet Darcey Bussell & Patricia Linton
Pg 44-45 Folk and Character Dancing
FLAMENCO (Ages 10 and up):
Spanish Dance and Castenettes
Click Here to find out more
BALLET: (AGES 11 - ADULT)
Beginner & Pre-Teen Teen/Adult & (Ballet I)
Beginner/Intermediate & Teen/Adult (Ballet I-III)
Intermediate & Teen/Adult (Ballet IV-VI)
Intermediate/Advanced & Teen/Adult (Ballet V-VI)
Advanced & Adv. w Pointe & Teen/Adult (Ballet VI)
Pre-Pointe & Teen/Adult (Ballet III - VI)
Pointe I & Teen/Adult (Ballet IV-VI)
Pointe II & Teen/Adult (Ballet V-VI)
Pointe III & Teen/Adult (Ballet VI)
Pas de duex & Teen/Adult (Ballet V-VI)
Intermediate & Int/Advanced & Adv Corps Teen/Adult (Ballet IV-VI)
Boys Beg/Int & Mens
Int/Advanced w pointe & Variations (Ballet V-VI)
Character I(Ballet II -Ballet VI)
Character II (Ballet III-Ballet VI)
Ballet Club & Ballet Society
--Junior Associaties-Junior Company-
- --TRAINEES---_APPRENTICES
----------CASTON CHAMBER BALLET COMPANY------
| Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop & MODERN (ages 8 and up) A free-flowing, rhythmic, urban-style dance. Intermediate/advanced levels of choreography. Explores the realm of freestyle which leads to developing your own urban style. Beginner Jazz & Hip Hop & Tap Beg/ Int Jazz & Modern Teen/Adult Int Jazz |
| Caston Ballet Class Descriptions |
KATHERINE DUNHAM TECHNIQUE Teen/Adult (Ages 13 and up)
2 hr class
Modern Ballet Jazz Carribbean African Latin
Beyond the Dance development. Dunham legacy, history, and intellectual development of the dancer as well as the
physical dance technique, muscular strength and flexibility are taught by the Artistic Director of the Katherine
Dunham institute & Director of SIUE- East St. Louis Dance Department- Theodore Jameson.
http://katherinedunham.org/Certified.html
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/freetodance/biographies/dunham.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Dunham
2 hr class
Modern Ballet Jazz Carribbean African Latin
Beyond the Dance development. Dunham legacy, history, and intellectual development of the dancer as well as the
physical dance technique, muscular strength and flexibility are taught by the Artistic Director of the Katherine
Dunham institute & Director of SIUE- East St. Louis Dance Department- Theodore Jameson.
http://katherinedunham.org/Certified.html
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/freetodance/biographies/dunham.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Dunham