Ballet

Our 12-level Syllabus is written and directed by ABT Certified teachers           Sonja Staines and Liza Pollok, from the ABT National Curriculum.

Our goal is to nurture and help each student develop in dance and vision – as well as to learn to enjoy the self-discipline involved as their skills and artistry grow.

ESD Teachers are qualified, experienced and have a passion for dance and their students. They are leaders and role models, most of them are also currently professional dancers having traveled the world many times with Ballet Excelsior of Houston. They bring a wealth of knowledge to each class and understand exams thoroughly; and with care and diligence, they know how to coach students.

ESD Levels of Ballet

Children Program: Ages 3-6 in August

At ESD, with imaginative stimuli, we enjoy dance and help students discover and develop dance movement, focus, space awareness, posture, coordination, confidence and much more!  Our teachers are qualified, and experienced and have a passion for dance and their students.

3/4 Yr Ballet/Tap Combo Class: (Click the link for days/times) 3 or 4 years old in August. This 45-minute class begins with 30 minutes of dance/ballet and ends with 15 minutes of tap.

Performance: Students will perform an in-studio Christmas dance for their family, as well as perform at the end-of-year Theatrical Production.

5/6 Yr Ballet/Tap Combo Class: (Click the link for days/times) 5 or 6 years old in August. This 60-minute class begins with 45 minutes of dance/ballet and ends with 15 minutes of tap.

Performance: Students will perform an in-studio Thanksgiving dance for their family, as well as perform at the end-of-year Theatrical Production.

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Fundamental Levels:

Directors may place students in more than one level of ballet depending on age and ability.

Ballet 7+ Years – Primary:
Minimum of 7 years in August.
Sometimes new students 11-12 years of age, may take Primary for a few months in addition to their Grade 2 classes.

Choose one of the following days/times:

  • Mondays 4:30pm – 5:30pm
  • Tuesday 4:45pm – 5:45pm
  • Saturday 11:15am – 12:15pm

Students will train throughout the year for their exam at the end of April or beginning of May and then perform in the end of the year theatrical production.

Grade 1:
Pre-requisite is a successful Primary exam.  Ages 8 – 10 years old.
Meets once a week for 1-hour 15-minutes.
Minimum of 8 years in August
  • Tuesdays 4:30 – 5:45

Students will train throughout the year for their exam at the end of April or beginning of May and then perform in the end of the year theatrical production.

Grade 2:
Pre-requisite is a successful Grade 1 exam OR placement by a director. Ages 10 – 12 years old.
Meets twice a week for 1-hour. Both classes are required.
  • Tuesdays 4:45 – 5:45
  • Thursdays 5:45- 6:45

Students will train throughout the year for their exam at the end of April or beginning of May and then perform in the end of the year theatrical production.

Grade 3:
Pre-requisite is a successful Grade 2 exam OR placement by a director.
Meets twice a week for a total of 2-hour 30-minutes. Some students request and can be placed to take either Grade 2 or Grade 4 at the same time.
  • Mondays 4:30 – 5:45
  • Thursdays 4:30 – 5:45

Students will train throughout the year for their exam at the end of April or beginning of May and then perform in the end of the year theatrical production.

Grade 4:
Pre-requisite is a successful Grade 3 exam OR placement by a director.
Meets twice a week total of 3 hours of ballet.
  • Mondays 6:45 – 8:15
  • Thursdays 5:45 – 7:15

Students will train throughout the year for their exam at the end of April or beginning of May and then perform in the end of the year theatrical production.

Intermediate Levels:

Level 5 – 6 with Pointe:

Pre-requisite is a successful Grade 4 exam OR placement by a director.

  • Mondays 4:30 – 6:30
  • Thursdays 5:45 – 8:15

Meets twice a week for a total of 4 hours and 30 minutes a week. Depending on the skills of the individual dancer, this course may take two or more years to complete. A third or more ballet class per week is always an advantage.

Pointe is commenced in Level 5-6.

The Level 6 EXAM students are required to also take a Level 7 class. As well as to be involved in Summer classes the prior year to keep up strength.

Students dance in our annual Dance with a Purpose concert each October/November. They will also train throughout the year for their exam at the end of April or beginning of May and then perform in the end of the year theatrical production.

Advanced Levels:

Advanced Level 7-8 with Pointe:

Placement by director.

  • Tuesdays 5:45 – 8:30
  • Fridays 4:30 – 6:30

Level 7-8 meets twice a week, at a minimum, for a total of 4 hours 45 minutes a week. But it is recommended for students in this level to take ballet at least 3 days a week with the 3rd class being either a Level 5-6 or a Level 8 class and is according to the recommendation of our Directors.

Level 7 Exam Preparations: Students are required to take the 4 days of advanced ballet and to be involved in Summer Classes. Exam readiness is on an individual basis.

Students dance in our annual Dance with a Purpose concert each October/November. They will also train throughout the year for their exam at the end of April or beginning of May and then perform in the end of the year theatrical production.

Level 7 and Level 8 students are eligible to be part of the BET program for more ministry performance opportunities.

Advanced Level 9-8-7:

Placement by the director.

  • Mondays 6:30 – 8:30
  • Wednesdays 4:00 – 6:30
  • Fridays 12:30 – 2:30

Level 8 students need a minimum of classes three days a week for a minimum of 6 hours and 30 minutes a week.

Level 8 is for students who have passed their Level 7 exam. If the student is exam focused, it is usually a two year preparation time with ballet four days a week and summer classes.

Level 9 is for students who have passed their Level 8 exam.

Students dance in our annual Dance with a Purpose concert each October/November. They will also train throughout the year for their exam at the end of April or beginning of May and then perform in the end of the year theatrical production.