Understanding levels
and progression in Ballet
Ballet students regularly spend one to three (even four) years at the same class level before moving on as they grow. This is 100% normal, and we dance teachers do not expect dancers to spend only one year in a level.
There are numerous concepts and vocabulary steps that dancers need to master within each level and every term new concepts and progression of steps are added. No term is the same and is not simply a repeat!
Progression Tips!
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Focus on the fundamentals: Before moving on, you must first be able to execute all the steps from your current level correctly and consistently. Mastering foundational skills like proper alignment, foot and leg extension, and core strength is crucial.
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Listen to and apply corrections: Pay close attention to corrections and try to apply them immediately during your next attempt at a step. Taking notes on corrections can help you remember what to work on between classes.
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Develop technical maturity: Progressing to the next level isn't just about knowing the steps; it's about consistent, controlled execution and the ability to apply corrections with maturity, maturity develops differently in all children and does not mean if children are the same age they have same maturity level.
All are individuals.
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Be consistent and patient: Consistent attendance and dedicated practice are more important than age for progress. Understand that ballet is a long-term journey with no shortcuts! and a strong foundation is more important than rushing ahead. Strong foundations apply to pointe work one day.
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Ballet cannot be compared to academic years or sports. When we " repeat" a level at school its s seen as bad as its a repetition of same information. In ballet there are numerous step developments that hapoen from term to term and complexities. Not to mention the ballet foundation of plies, tendus stays the same from child to professional career. After 30 years a professional dancer is still perfecting a plie!
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Try not to compare other people's journeys to your own, ballet education and its journey is personal and very much follows the individual person.
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Lets not forget a recreational student only takes one ballet class per week meaning thats only 14 classes per term. To learn all the complexities, developments and technical strength, this contributes to staying in the same group longer to be able to fully develop and understand.
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Here at The International Ballet School we are always open to discuss queries and feedback into your childs development and progression.
