Overview
The Youth Division at the Joffrey Academy of Dance brings high-quality, Joffrey training to students at all levels in a variety of disciplines. Beginning students can discover their passion for dance, while intermediate and advanced students can enhance their training. Students from the Youth Division may have the opportunity to advance to the Pre-Professional Division by audition.
Youth Division ballet classes are geared for ages of approximately 9-17 years old.
Schedules
Fall Semester: September 5, 2017 – January 21, 2018
Youth Division Fall Semester Schedule
Spring Semester: January 22 – June 3, 2018
Youth Division Spring Semester
Placement
The Joffrey Academy Faculty evaluates and places student in the appropriate level based on age and ability. Students are continually evaluated throughout the year and placement is at the discretion of the Joffrey Academy Faculty.
Youth Pre-Pointe and Pointe Placement Class and Registration: Students interested in being approved for Pre-Pointe or Pointe should attend a placement ballet class. Please fill out a Trial Class Form and bring it with you to the placement class. Students wishing to take Pre-Pointe or Pointe must register for 2 Youth ballet classes per week, including the Youth Ballet class immediately preceding the Pre-Pointe or Pointe class.
When enrolling, these classes will appear together as one line item during the registration process. Note that the second ballet class will have to be added separately.
Attire
Ballet
Girls Required: Black leotard, pink tights that cover the feet, pink ballet slippers Recommended: Mirella leotard M207 (either Child or Adult size) or Motionwear style 2516, Canvas split sole ballet slippers
Boys Required: White fitted t-shirt, black shorts and/or black tights, black shoes
Jazz
Girls Required: Solid colored leotard, black jazz pants, black jazz shoes
Boys Required: Solid colored shirt, black jazz pants, black jazz shoes
Classical Modern Duncan / Contemporary
Girls Required: Solid colored leotard, black footless/convertible tights
Boys Required: Solid colored shirt, black shorts
Hip Hop
Girls/Boys Required: comfortable, form fitting clothing, clean sneakers
Classes
Classes
Youth Ballet I
This class is designed for students who want to learn the fundamentals of ballet. Students are introduced to ballet vocabulary as well as musicality, discipline, and class structure.
Youth Ballet II
Students continue to build their ballet vocabulary and technique, and as they build strength and coordination, their musicality and discipline will also deepen.
Youth Ballet III
Students will continue training in the fundamental concepts of ballet technique, vocabulary and studio etiquette. This level builds on the development of technique and coordination, and students will begin to gain musical understanding and graceful expression.
Youth Ballet IV
Students in this class will be using a more extensive ballet vocabulary, as they focus on artistry and gain precision as an advanced dancer.
Youth Pre-Pointe
Students will prepare for pointe in this class with theraband and strengthening exercises on the floor and at the barre. This class will further develop the muscles needed to dance on pointe. Dancing on pointe requires proper spine alignment, turn out from the hips, strong ankle strength, proper foot-pointing technique, and good balance. In Youth Pre-Pointe, students will work on strengthening calf muscles, ankles, and the arches of the feet.
Class is to be taken in flat dance shoes. Pointe shoes should not be purchased prior to class. All students will be recommended to go on pointe on an individual basis when the teacher feels the student is strong enough and ready. At that time, information about pointe shoe purchasing will be discussed with the teacher.
Requirements: Recommended for Youth III and IV students, with teacher approval.
Students need Joffrey teacher approval before enrolling, including students who are currently taking pointe at another studio. Students who are interested in being approved for Pre-Pointe should attend the placement ballet class. Please fill out a Trial Class Form and bring it with you to the placement class. Students wishing to take Pre-Pointe must register for 2 Youth ballet classes per week, including the Youth Ballet class at 9:00 AM on Saturday mornings immediately preceding the Pre-Pointe class.
Youth Pointe
Students will begin to work on pointe in this class. Dancing on pointe requires proper spine alignment, turn out from the hips, strong ankle strength, proper foot-pointing technique, and good balance. In Youth Pointe, students will continue to work on further strengthening calf muscles, ankles, and the arches of the feet. Youth Pointe will include exercises at the barre and in the center to increase strength and practice balance.
All students will be recommended to go on pointe on an individual basis when the teacher feels the student is strong enough and ready. At that time, students will be recommended to a pointe shoe fitting at Allegro Boutique once they receive teacher approval for Pointe class.
Requirements: Recommended for Youth III and IV students, with teacher approval. Youth Pointe requires students to have more experience than Youth Pre-Pointe.
Students need Joffrey teacher approval before enrolling, including students who are currently taking pointe at another studio. Students interested in being approved for Pointe should attend a placement ballet class. Please fill out a Trial Class Form and bring it with you to the placement class. Students wishing to take Pointe must register for 2 Youth ballet classes per week, including the Youth Ballet III/IV class Wednesday at 5:00 PM immediately preceding the Pointe class.
Youth Jazz II
Students will learn and expand upon basic jazz dance techniques in this upbeat class, and will develop artistic creativity, flexibility, coordination and musicality. Taking jazz in addition to ballet will help to create a well-rounded dancer.
Ages: approximately 10-13+ years old.
Youth Jazz III
This class is good for students who would like to supplement their ballet training with an Intermediate level jazz class. Taking jazz in addition to ballet will strengthen the student’s adaptability to other dance forms. Youth Jazz III will help develop their endurance, strength, and musicality through more complex steps.
Ages: approximately 13-16+ year old
Youth Classical Modern Isadora Duncan Technique
Students will explore the origins of modern dance through the technique of Isadora Duncan, which focuses on freedom, flow, and spontaneity, fosters creativity and connection with others and the self, and emphasizes musicality. Appropriate for students interested in exploring modern dance on its own or as complement to other techniques from ballet to contemporary.
Ages: approximately 10-16+ years old.
Youth Contemporary
Using a blend of classical techniques, students incorporate classical ballet form with modern dance and jazz influences. Students will focus on musicality and expression through movement.
Ages: approximately 12-16+ years old
Youth Hip Hop
Students will learn fundamental Hip Hop movement in a high energy class. This class will emphasize musicality, coordination, footwork, improvisation, strength building and style.
Ages: approximately 10-15+ years old
