Toledo Met Ballet Training Division
Primary/Beginner Levels
The Primary/Beginner level classes at Toledo Met are intended for the beginning dancer. In this level, students are introduced to the structure and etiquette of a dance class. Curriculum provides the beginnings of basic ballet placement, port de bras (arm movements), footwork and simple step combinations, terminology and musical awareness. Instruction includes both ballet and tap.
The Primary/Beginner levels are divided by age in order to best meet the developmental needs of beginners. Dancers can expect to spend up to three years developing their skills before advancing to level one ballet.
Creative Movement Independent Option (Ballet/Tap Combo) Ages 3-4
Creative Movement/Zumbini Parent Child Option (Ballet/Tap Combo) Ages 0-4
Primary Ballet, Ages 5-6
Adult Beginner, Ages 10+
Class Length – 45 minutes (Primary); 60 minutes (Beginner)
Weekly Recommendation - One class a week
Dress Code - Girls may wear black or pink leotards, pink or flesh-colored tights, and pink/flesh colored ballet flats. Boys may wear black shorts, white t-shirts, white socks and black ballet shoes.
Level 1 Ballet (ages 7+)
In Level 1, Objectives of this level include the development of flexibility, strength, alignment, turnout, and dance vocabulary. Dancers may spend up to two years in this level.
Class Length – 60 minutes
Weekly Recommendation - One class a week
Dress Code - Girls may wear black leotards, pink or flesh colored tights, and pink ballet flats. Boys may wear black shorts, white t-shirts, white socks and black ballet shoes.
Level 2 Ballet (ages 8+)
Prerequisite – completion of Level 1 ballet or Toledo Met faculty evaluation
Ballet students ages 8 and above continue their ballet education through the further development of technique. Toledo Met faculty follow a specific graded curriculum designed to strengthen technique, stamina, and discipline through practical training and lessons in theory. Level 2 may take a dancer up to four years to master.
Class Length – 75 minutes
Weekly Recommendation - Two classes a week
Dress Code - Girls may wear black leotards, pink or flesh colored tights, and pink ballet flats. Boys may wear black shorts, white t-shirts, white socks and black ballet shoes.
Level 3 Ballet (ages 9+)
Pre-requisite – completion of Level 2 or Toledo Met faculty evaluation
Level 3 is for serious dancers who are considering ballet and dance as their main extracurricular focus. The repertoire of basic steps is expanded, and fundamental steps and variations are studied in more detail. At level 3, Girls and boys may be separated in pre-pointe, pointe and boy’s class to address the specific techniques and physical strength of each individual dancer. Level 3 can take up to three years to complete.
Class Length – 90 minutes
Weekly Recommendation - 2-3 classes a week including junior conditioning/flexibility and contemporary dance.
Dress Code - Girls may wear black leotards, pink or flesh colored tights, and pink ballet flats. Boys may wear black shorts, white t-shirts, white socks and black ballet shoes.
Pre Pointe, ages 9+
Admission to pre-pointe is granted through Toledo Met faculty evaluation
Pointe work begins for students who have mastered Level 3 Ballet technique and demonstrate proper strength and alignment. Pre-pointe classes will always be before or after a level 3 class and last 30 minutes.
Level 4 Ballet (ages 11+)
Prerequisite – admission by Toledo Met audition only
Level 4 begins Toledo Met’s pre-professional ballet training program for students, ages 11-18. Under the direction of Toledo Met faculty, students thrive in an elite atmosphere dedicated to the success of each student, while continuing to learn through the rigorous leveled curriculum. In level 4, Pointe may begin for students who have demonstrated proper strength and alignment.
Class Length – 90 minutes
Weekly Recommendation – 3+ classes a week in addition to one conditioning or Pilates course.
Dress Code - Girls may wear black leotards, pink or flesh colored tights, and pink ballet flats. Boys may wear black shorts, white t-shirts, white socks and black ballet shoes.
Levels 5-7 Ballet
Prerequisite - admission by Toledo Met audition only
Level 5-7 dancers study at the highest levels of ballet technique. Variations become longer, tempos rapidly increase, and theory is polished. Students in levels 5-7 are considered Company dancers and are featured talent in all Toledo Met productions.
Class Length – 300-600 minutes Weekly Recommendation – 5+ classes a week in addition to conditioning courses.
Dress Code - Girls may wear black leotards, pink or flesh-colored tights, and pink ballet flats, and pointe shoes. Boys may wear black shorts, white t-shirts, white socks and black ballet shoes.
Adult Ballet
For those that wish to continue the ballet they studied during their younger years, or those just starting out, this class is for mature dancers who want to exercise doing something they love! Attire for this class is workout gear with ballet shoes or traditional ballet attire of leotard and tights!
