Classes

Over the past 40 years, Canyon Concert Ballet has set the standard for classical and contemporary dance education and performance in Northern Colorado. We offer:

• Young Dancers Program
• Ballet Academy Program
• Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Musical Theater, & Hip Hop Classes
• Teen/Adult Dance Classes
• Professional Training Program

Dress Code/Recommended Dress

Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet:

Whatever they are comfortable in!; Need ballet slippers and tap shoes.

Ballet 1-2

Ballet 3+

Young Dancers Program

Move With Me!

Ages 18 months – 3 years

Move with me! is a program designed especially for wobbly walkers up to age 3 who are not yet ready to be on their own in one of our preschool programs. This one hour, once a week class, designed by an early childhood education specialist, introduces students (along with their parent or caregiver) to movement key to healthy neurological development.  Students and parents should both dress comfortably and prepare to have a great time!

Creative Movement 

Ages 3 & 4

Boisterous boys & whirling girls will get all their wiggles out in this energetic 45-minute class designed for those daring young dancers ready to go it alone for the first time. Our Creative Movement class is a movement experience enhanced by familiar classical music – Classes introduce rhythms, basic steps, and dance terminology.  The high-energy class environment focuses on creativity and self-expression with structured progression in movement and group interaction.  It is a joyful prelude to more formal ballet and contemporary training.  We will require a parent to be present if the student is still in diapers.

Pre-Ballet Levels 1, 2, & 3

Ages 4-7

Pre-Ballet classes offer young dancers a variety of creative movement experiences and introduce students to the art of ballet at an age-appropriate pace.  Children learn basic ballet positions, vocabulary, and studio etiquette while focusing on improving coordination and musicality.  Students may also wish to take a Dance Explorer class for an exciting introduction to tap, hip hop, modern, jazz, flamenco, lyrical, acting, improvisation, and singing presented on a rotating schedule throughout the school year.   Children at this level are placed primarily by age rather than dance experience or ability. Children must meet each class age requirement by September 1st.

• Pre-Ballet 1 – 45-minute class
• Pre-Ballet 2 & 3 – 1-hour class  

Note: Dancers aged 6+ and enrolled in Pre-Ballet 3 are eligible to audition for our Youth Ensemble.

Find Your Style

Ages 5-7

This one-hour class is perfect for the young dancer looking for variety in their dance experiences!  Students will explore a wide variety of genres, including tap rhythms, jazz, modern, ballet, and hip hop elements over the course of each semester.

Ballet Academy Program

From ages 7-10, new students entering The Ballet Academy Program are generally placed into an age-appropriate Level – ages 7/8 in Ballet 1, ages 8/9 in Ballet 2, and ages 9/10 in Ballet 3.  All other classes (or if an experienced dancer wishes to challenge an age-level placement) require an evaluation by one of our Instructors.

Students enrolled in The Ballet Academy often take two or more ballet classes per week. Those in Level 4 may be invited to add a pre-pointe class, and those in Levels 5 and up will advance to pointe, variations and partnering classes. Traditional ballet pedagogy is the foundation of our curriculum, but students are encouraged to include other dance forms such as Modern, Jazz,  and Lyrical in their education.  All classes are conducted in a professional manner, by exceptional teachers who instill discipline, safe work habits, and a respect and passion for all disciplines of dance.

Please Note: Students should expect to stay at a Ballet Level for approximately two years, especially if time off is taken over the Summer.  Advancement to the next level is only upon recommendation of the current Instructor.

Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Musical Theater, & Hip Hop Classes

Modern

Modern dance explores basic movement concepts such as over/under curve, contraction/release of the torso and articulation of the spine. It also emphasizes the use of the floor for centering, grounding oneself in movement, and focuses on the breath (inhale/exhale), which brings quality to one’s movement. Teachers incorporate an eclectic blend of contemporary and post-modern movement into their classes.   Modern classes are strongly suggested for Ballet students and included at a significant discount in some Ballet Bundles.

Jazz

Jazz dance, like jazz music, relies strongly on rhythm. A major element in musical theater and motion pictures, jazz dance is energetic with dancers using different parts of their bodies such as the shoulder, pelvis and head in isolated movements. All jazz students are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in a ballet class. Students will learn a variety of styles from Broadway to contemporary.

Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a fluid dance style that blends ballet and jazz dance.  A contemporary dancer uses movement to express strong emotions such as love, joy and anger, and usually perform to music with lyrics…the lyrics of the chosen song serve as inspiration for movements and expressions. Music may consist of many genres including pop, rock and hip hop.  Movements in contemporary dance are characterized by fluidity and grace, with the dancer flowing seamlessly from one move to another, holding finishing steps as long as possible. Leaps are exceptionally high and soaring, and turns are graceful and continuous.

Tap

Classes focus on the fundamentals of rhythm tap, including solid technique, classic and contemporary tap repertory and improvisation skills.

Musical Theater

Description coming soon.

Hip Hop

Hip-hop has evolved from many dance trends, such as breakin’, poppin’, lockin’, the moonwalk…the list goes on and on. Take hip-hop and dip into the realm of freestyle and develop your own urban style under the guidance of our experienced and fun instructors!

Teen/Adult Dance Classes

Our Adult Open Division offers a wide range of classes to meet the needs of dancers ranging from the complete novice to the busy college student or the returning professional.  Classes are taught by excellent faculty, assuring a fulfilling end to your day as you immerse yourself in the art of dance.   Ages 16+ or instructor permission.

Beginning Ballet

This class will explore ballet fundamentals.

Intermediate Ballet

Dancers should have at least 2+ years of ballet training with knowledge of basic barre and center exercises including adagio, turns, petite and grande allegro.

Advanced Ballet & Advanced Pointe

Dancers should have at least 7+ years of serious ballet training with knowledge of complex barre and center exercises. Ladies should have at least 3 years of pointe experience.  Admission is with permission of the Instructor

Wednesday & Saturday morning Advanced classes offer a drop-in rate with a Class Card purchase,  for those who attend intermittently.  Class Cards do not expire.

Advanced Modern

This class is open to those with significant experience in modern dance and only with the permission of the Instructor.

Jazz

Jazz dance, like jazz music, relies strongly on rhythm. A major element in musical theater and motion pictures, jazz dance is energetic with dancers using different parts of their bodies such as the shoulder, pelvis and head in isolated movements. All jazz students are strongly encouraged to be enrolled in a ballet class. Students will learn a variety of styles from Broadway to contemporary.

Tap

Classes focus on the fundamentals of rhythm tap, including solid technique, classic and contemporary tap repertory and improvisation skills.

Hip Hop

Hip-hop has evolved from many dance trends, such as breakin’, poppin’, lockin’, the moonwalk…the list goes on and on. Take hip-hop and dip into the realm of freestyle and develop your own urban style under the guidance of our experienced and fun instructors!

Modern Dance Technique for Grown Ups:  “Beautiful Movers”*

This class is perfect for you if you have had some experience and technical training and consider yourself at the Intermediate level.  It’s also for you if you are an adult and have been missing the emotional and physical connection that dancing brings to your life. You’ll be “enthusiastically challenged” by IMPACT Dance Company’s Artistic Director, Judy Bejarano  in a relaxed and spirited environment.  Fridays from 9:30am-11:00am, presented through IMPACT Dance Company and held at Canyon Concert Ballet.  For information and registration contact impactdance@comcast.net or call 970-231-0844.  Cost $15/class or $60 for a 5 class punch card.

*This class is hosted at CCB, but not part of our organization’s class schedule.  Please contact the class’s info directly with any questions.  Thank you!

Professional Training Program

About

Canyon Concert Ballet’s Professional Training Program is an opportunity for dancers with the potential and desire to become professional dancers to expand their training.  The program is designed to offer the dancer with extensive training, mentorship and performing experiences that will prepare them for the professional world. This after school program is for dancers that are at a ballet 4 level or higher. By level 7 the dancer may choose between a classical or a contemporary concentration. By the end of the program the dancer will be prepared for company and college auditions. Acceptance into the program is through an application and interview process.

Application & Program Requirements

Applications are due May 31st, 2020 for Fall acceptance and December 15th, 2020 for Spring acceptance. A $15 application fee is due upon submission. Once the application has been reviewed the dancer and parent/guardian will receive their interview date. Acceptance letter to the program will be mailed a week after the interview has taken place.

Application is available here. 

Requirements through the program:

• The dancer must maintain an 80% attendance.
• Behave in a professional manner in class and at CCB events.
• Audition for at least one CCB production.
• Maintain a clean and appropriate social media presence if the dancer has one.

Training & Schedule

Training hours and requirements increase with each level preparing the dancer with the technical, performative and life skills necessary for the professional world.

Weekly sample schedules listed below by level:

Ballet Level 4

• 3 Ballet Classes
• 1 Pointe or
• Pre Pointe
• 1 Modern
• 1 Elective

Ballet Level 5

• 4 Ballet Classes
• 2 Pointe
• 1 Modern
• 1 Elective

Ballet Level 6

• 4 Ballet Classes
• 2 Pointe
• 1 Modern
• 1 Pilates
• 1 Elective

Ballet Level 7:  Classical Concentration

• 5 Ballet Classes
• 2 Pointe/ Variation
• 1 Modern
• 1 Contemporary
• 1 Pilates

Ballet Level 7:  Contemporary Concentration

• 3 Ballet Classes
• 1 Modern
• 1 Jazz
• 1 Contemporary
• 1 Elective

Dress Code

Ladies

• Black leotard
• Pink or True Bare tight
• Pink, brown or bronze canvas and pointe shoe
• Short skirts may be worn only for variation classes and rehearsals
• Hair should be worn in a professional ballet style, away from the face and off the neck

Gentlemen

• White Gabe Shirt
• Black Tights
• White ballet socks
• Black or white canvas ballet shoe
• Dance Belt
• Hair should be neatly groomed

Professional Development

In addition to the weekly classes the dancer will receive:

• Biannual assessments with the School Director and Ballet Coordinator
• Assistance with applications and resume building
• 10% off studio rental
• Yearly In-Studio Variation Performance

For Program questions please contact:

Analia Weber, School Director