Preparatory Tier

First Tier of Full-Time Training at Adage Ballet Academy

The Preparatory Tier marks a dancer’s first step into full-time ballet training at Adage Ballet Academy. Designed for students approximately 8–10 years old, this tier welcomes young dancers who are ready to take ballet seriously. While age provides a general framework, placement is always determined by a dancer’s physical, technical, and artistic readiness—not by age alone. Previous experience in ballet is not required, though completion of a creative movement or pre-ballet program is highly beneficial.

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This program is carefully crafted to prepare students for future pointe work by building a strong technical foundation and deepening their understanding of ballet as both an art and a discipline. Dancers begin learning fundamental ballet mechanics and the 7 essential qualities of movement, while also exploring their artistic voice from the very beginning. With a nurturing yet structured approach, students develop coordination, control, and confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment.

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The Preparatory curriculum includes Ballet Technique, Pre-Pointe, Yin Yoga, Physical Conditioning, Cardio, and Ballet Theory. Dancers receive 8.5 hours of instruction per week over three training days, with 3 additional optional hours available at no extra cost:

• Hatha Yoga (90 min) – optional

• Modern Dance (90 min) – optional, but becomes required if a student opts in

Classes emphasize ballet vocabulary, terminology, and body awareness. Dancers learn the structure of a standard ballet barre, study repertoire, and begin working in the center to develop balance, rhythm, and spatial awareness. Foundational concepts include positions, pathways, ports de bras, transfers, transitions, and timing—all essential tools in the dancer’s expressive and technical toolkit.

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Beyond technique, the Preparatory Tier encourages dancers to discover the joy of performance. Students participate in two major productions each year: Winter Tales in December and the Spring Showcase in May. Many dancers are cast in multiple roles, and all students are taught pantomime and character development to begin expressing themselves theatrically onstage. Performances are included in tuition, with no additional fees for costumes, rehearsals, or participation.

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Each class is capped at 8 dancers to ensure personalized instruction and feedback. We uphold an inclusive and respectful environment, welcoming all genders, backgrounds, and body types. The only prerequisites are a love for ballet, motivation to learn, and commitment to training.

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Students are expected to maintain at least 80% attendance to be eligible for performance opportunities. Rehearsals are held outside of regular technique classes to protect training time and ensure consistent progress.

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Placement into the Preparatory Tier is by audition only. Dancers may be promoted to a higher tier at any point in the year based on individual readiness. Our open-door policy encourages parents to observe class at any time, and we host six official observation days aligned with our six-week session structure to share progress with families. Each dancer also participates in a beginning-of-season photo shoot, receiving an updated headshot and two action shots for their portfolio or future auditions.

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