Ballet

Little Stars Ballet

Formerly Pre-Primary.

Little Stars Ballet is the next level after First Steps Ballet. Our Little Stars program develops basic dance skills, musical awareness, expression, and creativity while building students’ confidence to perform spontaneously in front of others. Ballet encourages self-discipline and self-expression, helping children develop listening skills, follow instructions, work both individually and in groups, and improve coordination, posture, strength, and flexibility. Additionally, ballet provides a nurturing environment for the growth of artistry and musical appreciation.

Required attire for girls includes pale pink or white tights, a bodysuit (any colour, any sleeve length), a short circular skirt with an elastic waistband, pink ballet slippers without strings, and long hair tied up. Boys should wear a white T-shirt, black stretchy pants, and black ballet slippers without strings.

Age: 4-6 years old

Class Attire:

Girls: : Pale pink or white tights, bodysuit (any colour, any sleeve length), short circular skirt with elastic waistband, pink ballet slippers without strings, long hair tied up.

Boys: White t-shirt, black stretchy pants, black ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Saturdays, 9:35 AM to 10:20 AM

County Fair Mall: Tuesdays, 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM

Pre-Primary Ballet

Formerly Primary.

Pre-Primary Ballet is the next level after Little Stars Ballet. Our Pre-Primary program develops basic dance skills, musical awareness, expression, and creativity while building students’ confidence to perform spontaneously in front of others. Ballet encourages self-discipline and self-expression, helping children develop listening skills, follow instructions, work both individually and in groups, and improve coordination, posture, strength, and flexibility. Additionally, ballet provides a nurturing environment for the growth of artistry and musical appreciation.

Required attire for girls includes pale pink or white tights, a bodysuit (any colour, any sleeve length), a short circular skirt with an elastic waistband, pink ballet slippers without strings, and long hair tied up. Boys should wear a white T-shirt, black stretchy pants, and black ballet slippers without strings.

Age: 4-6 years old

Class Attire:

Girls: : Pale pink or white tights, bodysuit (any colour, any sleeve length), short circular skirt with elastic waistband, pink ballet slippers without strings, long hair tied up.

Boys: White t-shirt, black stretchy pants, black ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Saturdays, 10:25 AM to 11:25 AM

Greenwich (Bishop Hall) : Tuesdays, 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM

Primary Ballet

Formerly Grade 1 RAD.

Primary ballet is the next level after pre-primary. In Primary, students are gradually introduced to more complex ballet steps and combinations such as walking with stretched feet and stretching the feet and legs with correct alignment and turnout. They also begin to jump more with hops, jumps, springs, and leaps, which should be rhythmical and performed with lightness and stretch through the legs and feet. The exercises become longer and more demanding, with more complex floor patterns as children travel with coordination and a good understanding of weight transfer. This level sets the foundation for Grade 1. Ballet encourages self-discipline, self-expression, listening skills, following instructions, working individually and in groups, developing coordination, good posture, strength, and suppleness. It also nurtures artistry and musical appreciation.

Attire for girls includes pale pink or white tights, a bodysuit of any colour and sleeve length, a short circular skirt with an elastic waistband, pink ballet slippers without strings, and long hair tied up. Boys wear a white t-shirt, black stretchy pants, black ballet slippers without strings.

Age: 5-7 years old

Class Attire:

Girls: : Pale pink or white tights, bodysuit (any colour, any sleeve length), short circular skirt with elastic waistband, pink ballet slippers without strings, long hair tied up.

Boys: White t-shirt, black stretchy pants, black ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Saturdays, 10:25 AM to 11:25 AM

Greenwich (Bishop Hall) : Tuesdays, 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM

Grade 1 Ballet

Grade 1 C.D.T.A. (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 1 R.A.D. (Royal Academy of Dance). An introduction to CDTA syllabus with more emphasis on barre work, centre work and across the floor exercises. This is the first level in which ballet exams are offered.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 5-7 years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Saturdays, 12:25 AM to 1:40 PM

Grade 2 Ballet

Grade 2 CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 1 CDTA. This grade introduces many new steps including the balletic polka, arabesque as well as 2 enchantments. There is an opportunity in this grade to take a ballet exam.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 7-12 years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

County Fair Mall: Thursdays, 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM

Grade 3 Ballet

Grade 3 CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 2 CDTA. This grade introduces polka step turning and introduction to pirouettes. This is also the first grade to introduce an exercise just for males or dancers wanting to do the male work. There is an opportunity in this grade to take a ballet exam.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 9-13 years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Monday, 4:00 PM to 4:15 PM

Grade 4 Ballet

The underlying philosophy of Grade 4 is to expand upon the foundations nurtured in the junior syllabus, providing students with a sequential syllabus that will promote a developmentally appropriate and sound technique for ballet, underpinning secure technique including core stability, weight placement, turn out and line, while continuing to nurture the student’s awareness of artistry musicality and dynamics. Grade 4 CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 3 CDTA. This is the first level of the CDTA senior syllabus including pre-pointe work as well as more exercises just for male dancers or dancers wanting to do the male work. Two years at this level and two classes a week are recommended. There is an opportunity in this grade to take a ballet exam.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 10+ years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Mondays, 6:15 PM to 7:30 PM

New Minas : Tuesday, 5:15 PM to 6;30 PM

Grade 5 Ballet

The underlying philosophy of Grade 4 is to expand upon the foundations nurtured in the junior syllabus, providing students with a sequential syllabus that will promote a developmentally appropriate and sound technique for ballet, underpinning secure technique including core stability, weight placement, turn out and line, while continuing to nurture the student’s awareness of artistry musicality and dynamics. Grade 4 CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 3 CDTA. This is the first level of the CDTA senior syllabus including pre-pointe work as well as more exercises just for male dancers or dancers wanting to do the male work. Two years at this level and two classes a week are recommended. There is an opportunity in this grade to take a ballet exam.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 10+ years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Wednesday, 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM

New Minas : Thursday, 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM

Intermediate CDTA Ballet

Intermediate CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) ballet is the next level after grade 5 CDTA. A continuation from Grade 5 with more emphasis on allegro and center work. This grade also includes more pointework for female dancers which is optional as well as more challenging exercises for male dancers. Students who pass the intermediate ballet exam at Cadance Academy also qualify for a Personal Development high school Grade 10 credit. It is highly recommended that students take at least three classes of ballet technique a week to develop the strength and skill required to execute the work both safely and to the standard expected. Two years at this level are often required. There is an opportunity in this grade to take a ballet exam. Dancers have the option to take the ballet exam with pointework or without.

Exams are not compulsory and some students decide not to take the exam, however, we like to offer the option of ballet exams to those students who are keen to focus on perfecting the syllabus. We believe it’s good for students to study towards exams as it encourages them to practice and perfect the steps, and work towards achieving a goal. We see big improvements in students who complete their exam. There is an extra fee to do the exam and there are exam prep classes as well as a mock exam. The real exam is conducted by a CDTA examiner at our studio during the day on a weekday. Once students pass their exam they will receive a mark, an exam feedback form and a CDTA certificate. If a student does all of their CDTA exams up to advanced they will receive the CDTA National Achievement Award.

Age: 14+ years old

Class Attire:

Female: It is at this level that we require female students to wear the regulation CDTA ballet uniform in Lilac. The uniform is a leotard and ballet skirt with ballet pink tights and pink canvas ballet slippers with no strings on them.

Males: White or black fitted t-shirt or leotard, black leggings, black canvas ballet slippers without strings.

If you have any questions about this course or the required attire please feel free to email info@cadanceacademy.ca

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Wednesday, 7:45 PM to 9:00 PM

Open (Master) Ballet

A non-syllabus class for senior level dancers which focuses on the Vaganova inspired technique. Dancers should be at least 14 years old. There is no pointe work in this class.

Age: 13+ years old

Class Attire:

Female: Bodysuit (any color, any sleeve length), skirt, pink ballet tights and slippers without strings, long hair tied up.

Males: Students are required to wear a black or white fitted t-shirt, black tights or black leggings with black socks and black ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Wednesday, 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM

Repertoire/Pointe Variations

This class is for senior dancers with at least 2 years previous pointe experience. Dancers will be partnered to explore and develop pas de deux combinations, practicing both at the barre and in the center.

Students will also begin learning excerpts from various classical pieces, focusing on building confidence, partnering skills, and artistry.

Age: 13+ years old

Class Attire:

Female: Bodysuit (any color, any sleeve length), skirt, pink ballet tights and slippers without strings, long hair tied up, and pointe shoes.

Males: Students are required to wear a black or white fitted t-shirt, black tights or black leggings with black socks and black ballet slippers without strings.

Class Schedule:

New Minas : Tuesdays, 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM

Pre-pointe/Beginner Pointe

This class is for second year Grade 4 CDTA students preparing to go en pointe, for those that are in their first and second year of pointe work, and for those looking to increase their overall strength; specifically in their ankles and calf muscles. Half the class time will be spent working on demi-pointe doing strengthening exercises while the other half of the class will be beginner pointe work exercises. Those without pointe shoes will do these exercises on demi-pointe without the aid of the barre thus increasing strength on demi-pointe. There will be an assessment done in April for pre-pointe students to assess their readiness for pointe work.

Age: 13+ years old