CECCHETTI CLASSES

At Summit School of the Arts, students will be evaluated at the end of each school year to determine their readiness to progress to the next graded level.  The requirements to progress to a certain level can be found here.  Keep in mind that the elements listed are not a comprehensive list of every skill that they should know going into a new level, it is simply the skills they are evaluated on.  Each skill should be demonstrated confidently and precisely without prompting. It is perfectly acceptable for students to be in a level more than once.  It is important that students are comfortable with the speed of their own progression without comparison to their peers.

Levels 4 and higher will have pre-pointe/pointe incorporated into their classes.  
To be en pointe, students must be at least 12 years old and had at least 3 years of ballet experience prior to starting pointe.  They must also pass a pre-pointe assessment and Cecchetti assessment for level 5 or higher.

Cecchetti classes (also known as syllabus classes) will participate in a progress performance in February to demonstrate the progression of each level in our program.  These classes will not participate in the spring recital.

BALLET TECHNIQUE CLASSES

The value of incorporating ballet into dance training cannot be understated.  Students enrolled in Cecchetti 3 or higher may supplement their training with additional ballet technique classes.  These classes may be taught using methods that differ from the Cecchetti method in order to promote more well-rounded dancers.  Enrollment in these classes offers serious dance students a chance to progress more rapidly and be more confident in their dance technique.

Students who wish to be considered for future pointe work must be enrolled in a Cecchetti class and 1 additional ballet technique class.

Students who wish to continue to dance en pointe must be enrolled in 1 Cecchetti class and 2 additional ballet technique classes.

MODERN/JAZZ COMBINATION CLASSES
This class will be focusing on technical skills that are more geared towards either modern or jazz dance at different times of the year.  Students will get to experience working with different teachers as well as learning improvisational skills in both genres.

Students enrolling in Modern/Jazz 1 do not need to complete a placement exam and are not required o have precious experience (minimum age 7).

Students enrolling in Modern/Jazz 2 must complete a Cecchetti exam even if they are not enrolling in ballet.  This is to determine the technical level of the student (minimum age 9).

Students enrolling in Modern/Jazz 3 must complete a Cecchetti exam for level 5 or higher even if they are not enrolling in ballet (minimum age 12).

MODERN

Modern dance is a form of contemporary theatrical and concert dance employing a special technique for developing the use of the entire body in movements expressive of abstract ideas.  Benefits of modern and contemporary dance include increased ability to retain choreography, improved musicality and timing, improvement in dynamics of performance, increased strength, flexibility and confidence in expressing oneself.

JAZZ

Jazz dance is identifiable by its syncopated rythms and isolated moving body parts.  It reflects American historical events, cultural changes, ethic influenes and the evolution of music and social dances.  The essence of jazz dance is its bond to jazz music.

ACROBATIC ARTS

Acro is the beautiful fusion of classic dance technique and the precision and athleticism of acrobatic elements. Often defined by unique choreography, acro dancers seamlessly blend musicality, emotional expression, line and extension with acrobatic movements in a dance context.

Acro 1-3 is for those who have little to not experience with acro, up to level 3 acro skills.

Acro 4-6 is for those who have passed off all skills prior to level 4.

Students must be enrolled in a ballet or modern/jazz class in order to enroll in acro.

MELODIES IN MOTION

Our Melodies in Motion classes provide an opportunity for young children to experience music, rhythm, and movement in a way that involves the whole child: their desire for language, the body's urge to move, the brain's attention to patterns, the ear's lead in initiating communication, the voice's response to sounds, as well as the eye-hand coordination associated with using props or musical instruments. This program improves listening skills, develops memory, and gives developing children a way to express themselves in a positive way.  This is an instructor-led class and does not require participation by parents, although parents are welcome to observe the class on the screen in waiting room.  





Dance training is different from most many extracurricular activities in that it is not a seasonal sport.  It is a skill that is developed through consistent, committed practice.  For this reason, it is encouraged that students begin as early as possible in the fall, continue through the school year, and be consistent with their training during the summer.  It should be expected that large breaks in training will lead to "set backs" that may require a student to take some time to re-establish certain skills before they can safely jump back into rigorous training.  

To be in The Nutcracker:

• Minimum age 7

• ​Casting is determined by audition

• ​Attendance at rehearsals for your part are mandatory (Friday or Saturday rehearsals possible)

• Performance fee TBD​

• Enrollment requirements at the time of auditions:​

        Age 7-9 must be taking at least 1 ballet class
        Age 10+ must be taking at least 2 ballet classes
        To be considered for a part en pointe, students must be in 3 ballet classes (Cecchetti 5 and higher)

To be in the Summit Legacy Company:

• Full season commitment required

• Middle school or high school students

• Must be enrolled in at least 2 ballet classes (Cecchetti 5 and higher) and at least 1 other style

• Company fees TBD

​To be in the Spring Recital:

• Minimal absences during the second half of the season, following the holidays

• Mandatory attendance at all classes following spring break (except under extreme circumstances)

• Mandatory participation in any dress rehearsals leading up to performance day

• Deadline to drop classes in January 1st

• Recital fee (based on number of classes)

​To progress to a higher level:

• Demonstrate appropriate level of commitment and have minimal absences in current level

• Complete a Cecchetti exam (for ballet or modern) or an acro skills assessment (for acrobatic arts)​

• Complete suggested home-conditioning exercises

​To continue enrollment in desired classes:

• Re-enroll at each enrollment period.  Current enrollment does not automatically carry over.

• Enroll before classes are full

• Be on time to class

• Honor the dress code

• Demonstrate good attitude and work ethic in the classroom

• Make up missed work to avoid slipping behind

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Enrollment to begin in the fall will be open in June and will remain open until Thanksgiving break or until classes are full.  This is the latest we will accept new students into classes that will participate in the recital.  Enrollment in Cecchetti classes will remain open until they are full.  Levels 2 and higher require a placement assessment upon enrollment.