How to Create a Ballet Class Syllabus

Ballet is an art form that requires a great deal of training and dedication. A ballet class syllabus can guide ballet instructors in their teaching to ensure that every dancer masters basic skills before moving on to the next level. A good foundation is essential in proper ballet training.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Meet with other ballet instructors at your ballet school. Talk about what each of you expects of the students at various levels. Discuss your teaching approaches and basic class structure.

2. Create a level one covering basic ballet skills. Include the five basic ballet positions in level one. Students should also be able to hold arms in the correct placement and have proper body alignment. Students also need to be able to perform tendus and some center work.

3. Add on to the syllabus by creating a level two. In this level, students should be able to do degages and ron de jambes at the barre. Work on turns across the floor as well as jetes at this ballet class level.

4. Complete level three of the syllabus by adding more complicated movements. Students should be able to do frappes, fondus and battements at the barre. In the center, students should be able to perform combinations and adagio exercises.

5. Include the hardest skills in level four of your ballet class syllabus. Students at this level should be able to do all barre exercises with proper alignment. Students can master intricate ballet combinations, leaps and turns. More advanced students can go on pointe at the end of this level.