débuter

to start, to begin

Program Description

débuter is a ballet based program for ages 8-9 years. This program will supply young dancers with coordination, musicality, terminology, and stretching; the building blocks of a strong ballet base as well as an introduction to modern dance. Dancers will learn that the fun in dance comes from growth in themselves and the reward of new skills that come from consistent work and commitment to specific training. No previous dance training is necessary to enroll in this level, however we do require a meeting/”audition” with parent, dancer and director to make sure développé will be a good fit for everyone. débuter consists of a 3 day/week commitment with a total of 5.5 hours of technique classes weekly. In addition for all dancers there will be 1 hr of mandatory weekly rehearsals for 3-4 weeks leading up to performances. Technique classes are primarily ballet technique as without a strong ballet background it is difficult to have the physical strength and coordination we deem important to master the other techniques taught at développé.

This level will be capped at 8 dancers/year.

Bi-Annual Parent Meetings

Parents and students will be expected to meet with the school director and/or their primary teacher twice in the school year. Once in January before the start of the new semester and once after the dance year has ended in June. (sign up for meetings will be announced prior to meeting periods) These meetings will be a time to discuss goals, progress, and level placement for the coming semester. This is an extremely important time to be open, honest and candid about where everyone is at in order to minimize frustration and allow all to be working forward with the same ideals and intentions.

Dress Code

Well traditionally ballet based programs have strict dress code policies, at développé we feel strongly that a dancer who feels like they look their best will dance their best. Thus for ballet classes dancers are to wear ballet cut leotards (no skirt attached, or extra embellishments) and tights (for dancers identifying as female) or fitted t-shirts and tights (for dancers identifying as male) that make them feel that way. Tights and shoes need to be of a matching tone to allow for a clean seamless line but can be whatever tone the dancer feels matches their skin and or who they are as a dancer best. Hair should be neatly pulled back and secure (in a bun for dancers identifying as female) and all clothing should be neat, tidy and well fitting to allow teachers to see how their muscles are working. Any jewelry that inhibits movement and/or is distracting for the teacher or dancer should not be worn. For modern classes the same standards should be applied to active wear and cotton socks.

Class and Performances

Consistency in training is of the utmost importance. It allows a dancer to obtain proper muscle development and growth, and to build a strong community within the group, because of this regular absences will not be tolerated. All débuter students are required to attend all scheduled weekly level classes and rehearsals for Nutcracker and the end of the year showcase unless ill or due to other uncontrollable circumstances.

Tuition

Annual tuition for débuter, 3 days/week - $4275 can be paid by semester or monthly

For all débuter students:

Costume fee for Nutcracker and end of the year showcase - $300
Annual registration fee - $50
To secure your dancer's place in the program. a deposit of $300 is required 3 months prior to class start date