YOUTH PROGRAM

Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Acro and more!
​Ages 8 and up

WBC's Youth Program offers well-rounded dance curriculum in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Acro, and Flexibility/Conditioning. Quality and technique are always emphasized in our fun, motivating classes which incorporate the American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum. We strive to help our dancers build self-esteem, discipline, and creativity. Our experienced and caring teachers create a non-competitive, inspiring environment in which our Youth Students flourish! EVERY STUDENT COUNTS!

Class Descriptions

 BALLET CLASSES (Ages 8 and up)
     Formal training begins in Basics 1 Ballet. Emphasis is placed on correct ballet technique without compromising self-expression and personal development. Classes incorporate the American Ballet Theater Curriculum which focuses on teaching classical ballet safely and correctly. Dancers perform exercises at the barre and in the center which develop balance, flexibility, and strength. By the end of the year, all of the positions of the feet and arms will be learned and barre and center combinations will increase in complexity. Students must attend class two times a week to facilitate development.
     In Basics 2, 3, and 4 Ballet, exercises continue to increase in length to train the dancers' minds as well as their bodies. Through the repetition of correctly performed exercises, the students continue to develop muscle memory. Students must attend class two times a week to facilitate development.
     In our Foundations Levels, the intensity of study continues to increase. Exercises lengthen and more complicated movements are introduced. The study of and use of the arms and different body positions has become more complex. As part of the curriculum, students participate in Pointe Prep. This is for students preparing for, or beginning, pointe work. Students will be evaluated on technique, strength, flexibility, and physical maturity. After individual evaluation by the teacher, some dancers in will make the transition to pointe shoes. Until then, students will participate in the class without pointe shoes. By doing the conditioning and barre exercises, students will work toward building the strength and technique necessary to begin pointe work. Students must attend class two times a week to facilitate development.   

JAZZ CLASSES (Ages 8 and up)
     In our jazz classes, students will enjoy learning a variety of jazz styles including hip hop, broadway, contemporary, lyrical, and funk. Using current popular music, classes will concentrate on correct placement and jazz technique and develop strength, flexibility, and coordination. While being innovative and fun, the music and movement used continues to be tasteful and appropriate for our young dancers.

WASATCH BALLET PERFORMING COMPANIES
     As part of enhancing and rounding out the dancer's study of dance, WBC offers Performing Companies for the Basics 3 through Advanced levels. After auditioning, dancers rehearse weekly to learn choreography of all styles and then perform at various venues throughout the area.
​See our Performing Companies page for more details!

ACRO & TUMBLING FOR DANCERS 
Acrobatics uses strength and flexibility to perform gymnastic-based tricks. In this class, students will improve flexibility, balance, strength, and coordination while learning fun tricks that will help students to grow and shine in all of their dance classes. Dancers will learn the fundamentals of Acro and Tumbling while also conditioning and stretching their bodies. Students will begin with basic stunts such as forward rolls, cartwheels, and beginner balances. More advanced students will continue to add to their repertoire with more advanced tumbling and balances. This class is great for students looking to enhance their agility, flexibility, & strength while having fun!

ABT CURRICULUM

ABOUT THE AMERICAN BALLET THEATER CURRICULUM
​Wasatch Ballet Conservatory is proud to include the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum, a breakthrough 9 level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.
WHY WE LOVE THIS CURRICULUM
We love that this program is built for the development and training of young students; it embraces sound ballet principles and incorporates elements of the French, Italian and Russian schools of training. The curriculum aims to train dance students to use their bodies correctly - to focus on kinetics and coordination, as well as anatomy and proper body alignment. Artistically, the ABT National Training Curriculum strives to provide dance students with a rich knowledge of classical ballet technique and the ability to adapt to all styles and techniques of dance. By incorporating this curriculum into our ballet classes along with our faculties' years of teaching and performing experience, we know your dancer will achieve goals, see real results, and love learning at Wasatch Ballet!