Yellowstone Ballet School Class Descriptions

Teddy Bear Ballet - Children ages 3- 4 have fun dancing with their Teddy Bear or doll. They learn to balance, jump, bend and stretch in a loving, non-threatening, environment. Eight-week sessions are offered for those who are not ready for a full semester of classes.

Tippy-Toes Dance -Children ages 4- 5  learn creative dance with with the use of scarves, wands, bells, puppets, hobby horses, ribbons, and tambourines. They have fun while improving their balance, coordination and poise.

Pre-Ballet -Creative Dance- Students ages 5-6 years learn basic ballet technique with hops, skips, jumps, slides gallops and turns. They LOVE to dress up and make up stories and dances. These fun-filled imaginiative classes ingrain the basic foundations of ballet into the child's kinesthetic memory without  intimidation.

Ballet 1A- Students ages 7 years-old and above begin learning fundamentals of clasical ballet. They master basic arm and leg movements, acquire greater coordination, and learn French terms. To round off their hard work the last few minutes of class are devoted to creative dance moves and performance.  Taught by Kathleen Rakela, Associate of Imperial Society of Teahcer of Dancing England and  an ABT® Certified  Teacher, successfully completing the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum

 Ballet 1B, 2, 3 - Students age 8 and above begin serious study mastering barre technique while attending two classes per week. They stretch, bend, spin, jump, leap and slide. They begin to combine movements which requires greater coordination and concentration. Taught by Kathleen Rakela, Associate of Imperial Society of Teahcer of Dancing England and  an ABT® Certified  Teacher, successfully completing the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum

Intermediate Ballet - Students 12 and above take three classes a week.  They are able to focus their attention and apply themselves in complicated steps and combinations.  They acquire performance skills and dance at many company functions. Taught by Kathleen Rakela, Associate of Imperial Society of Teahcer of Dancing England and  an ABT® Certified  Teacher, successfully completing the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum

Advanced Ballet -  Students  age 14 and above concentrate on advanced technique and performance skills. They learn difficult foot work and complicated steps. They perfom solo dances in the Nutcracker and other productions. At least four classes per week are recommended for this level. These students augment their study with private lessons and/or master classes and attend workshops during the summer months. Taught by Kathleen Rakela, Associate of Imperial Society of Teahcer of Dancing England and  an ABT® Certified  Teacher, successfully completing the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

Contemporary Dance -  Let your hair down and dance freestyle  to contemporary music. Taught by Emma Neal.

Recreational Ballet  -  for teens and adults who are interested in dance for health reasons and to augment outher dance forms or sports. Offered in 8 week sessions.

Tap, Broadway/Musical Theatre - Taught by Sarah Skofield formerly of Peters Studio of Dance, Maryland. Children, teens and adults learn  tap technique and Broadway routines.