Ages 12 and above by audition

The Pre-Professional Division consists of the three highest levels in our progressive, methodically designed program of ballet training. Advancement in these levels occurs on an individual basis, only when the student has mastered the concepts and curriculum of the Preparatory Division to the best of his/her ability. A student’s work ethic, professionalism and maturity displayed throughout the year also play a role in advancement.

Advanced Ballet  is the culmination of the 6 levels of our Ballet curricula training. It challenges the student’s technical efficiency, speed and versatility. Musicality, interpretative skills and the ability to learn and perform complicated combinations of steps, turns and jumps are all emphasized. Combinations develop in complexity, requiring increased strength and speed, double rotations (pirouettes) are expected and beats (battut) are added to jumps. Students will be required to do exercises en relevé and pointe work is extended.  BIA Youth Company –  this is a requirement for our advanced dancers. Rehearsal times occur outside of technique classes.  Students will have the opportunity to learn and perform classical and contemporary pieces and work with outside choreographers. BIA Youth Company gives students a glimpse of what it would be like to be in a professional company.

Jazz Technique follows the traditional jazz class format, beginning with conditioning warm-up, continuing into percussive isolation techniques. The class material builds strength, balance and extension through rhythmic exercises, floor stretches and across the floor combinations. Jazz technique is important for the ballet dancer as it increases core strength, sharpness and versatility.

Contemporary Technique This expressive dance form offers a chance to develop creativity and versatility as the student finds new and exciting ways to explore movement in space. Students are exposed to improvisational and movement techniques that extend core strength, lightness and fluidity.