PASADENA
DANCE
THEATRE
Pre-Professional Division
Dancers typically stay in a class level for at least a year, and it is common to stay with a level longer. The levels build specific dance skills in terms of strength, flexibility, stamina, balance, memory, knowledge of dance, musicality, and more that are essential before moving on. When ready for a new level, their teacher and the artistic Director will inform dancers and parents prior to the start of the fall trimester or as needed. Students over the age of eight and new to PDT are required to take a placement class, which can be scheduled at the front desk.
Basic 1 - 3
The basic levels introduce a broad range of technical skills based on the ballet syllabus. There is continued emphasis on proper alignment, posture, and placement based on the individual student’s physique. Dancers develop strength, control and flexibility. Head and Body direction are introduced by the end of the Basic 2 year and will become more integrated into larger movement patterns in Basic 3. Musicality in emphasized, rhythms and musical accents are explored well as the difference between a tango, waltz, mazurka and a polonaise.
The Technique levels focus on greater physical awareness where artistic qualities are emphasized. Training becomes personal. There is a greater awareness of applying corrections as well as an understanding of technically principles and philosophy. Strength, elevation, extension, control are instrumental through adagio, pirouettes, petite allegro and grand allegro. By the Technique 3 level there is exploration through interpretation, different styles and musical sensibility. The partnership between the artistic and athletic aspects of dance performance become much more physically defined.
Tech 1
Monday 5:30pm-7:00pm
Tuesday 5:30pm-7:00pm
Wednesday Pre-Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm
Thursday 5:30pm-7:00pm
Friday Beginning Pointe 4:00pm-5:15pm
Tech 2
Monday 5:30pm-7:00pm
Tuesday 5:30pm-7:00pm
Wednesday Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm
Thursday 5:30pm-7:00pm
Friday Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm
Tech 3
Monday 5:30pm-7:00pm
Tuesday Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm
Wednesday 5:30pm-7:00pm
Thursday Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm
Friday 5:30pm-7:00pm
*Friday Pas de Deux 7:00pm-8:00pm
(*invitation only)
Advanced
The Advanced level develops greater capacity in all areas. Utilizing breath, control, quality of expression and self-confidence. Exercises are more complex, ease of transition in movement, speed, elevation, dexterity, clean line, professional carriage and attitude are emphasized. Students are encouraged to find their own personal voice through musicality and artistic expression.
Monday 5:30pm-7:00pm
Tuesday Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm
Wednesday 5:30pm-7:00pm
Thursday Pointe 5:30pm-7:00pm
Friday 5:30pm-7:00pm
*Friday Pas de Deux 7:00pm-8:00pm
(*invitation only)