Levels and Placements
At IMDS, we make it our goal that students thrive in their classes and feel challenged in their dancing. We also want to ensure that our space allows for personal growth in their technique, character, and maturity. Therefore, while our levels are designed around specific age groups, final class placement is at the discretion of IMDS staff.
The levels listed below can be used as a general guideline for where your student may be placed – however, please note that students may be moved up/down in level based on their individual ability, maturity, and dance experience. In addition, students may be placed at varying levels depending on their proficiency in that specific style.
If you would like to know your student’s progress in a specific level, or what requirements are needed for advancement, please reach out to us and the instructor will be happy to provide feedback regarding your dancer’s progress.
SCHOOL OF BALLET
Ages 18mo - 3 years old
Students at this age are accompanied by an adult and are typically introduced to sounds, rhythms, patterns, and start to gain independence while participating in a group class.
Ages 3 - 5
Students in this age group are typically new to dance, have not participated in a full year of kindergarten, and are required to be fully potty trained. In these levels, students learn class conduct, beginning vocabulary, and dance moves independently from their guardians. One guardian is required to remain on the studio premises during class. These classes may participate in the Spring Recital while accompanied by their teacher.
Level 1 – Ages 5-7
Students in this age group will be with a class of their peers working towards the basic movements of ballet. At this point, students will begin to put steps together in short combinations, learn small routines, and prepare to perform on stage without an instructor.
Level 2 – Ages 8-10
Students in this age group are more independent and their experience level may vary. This level is great for new students who can pick up more quickly on instructions, as well as students who have been dancing for a few years. Students expand upon concepts learned in Level 1, while also still growing in their fundamentals.
Level 3 – Ages 11-18
Through instructor placement, our novice and intermediate tracks are designed to support the dancer at their level and skill through different pacing and class expectations.
Students in this age group may join as beginners or be continuing their dance education. At Level 3, students should have the ability to follow clear instructions, work independently, and begin to practice outside of class. Students may remain at this level for several years or may push themselves to Level 4 through dedicated personal hard work. Students should expect to complete a minimum of 2 years at an intermediate level before advancing to Level 4.
Novice
This track is ideal for students transitioning out of Ballet 2 who are perfecting their fundamentals or students older than 11 who are new to ballet. This class will break down steps and work on building strength to be able to accommodate a more rigorous ballet class. Students may remain in this class until an instructor feels they are ready to move to Intermediate based on technical ability, attitude and attendance.
Intermediate
This track is ideal for students who have a strong background in ballet and are ready for a more fast-paced class. Students are expected to know all their basic vocabulary and put steps together in complex combinations with minimal instructor demonstration.
Level 4 – Ages 11-18 by Placement
Students who have shown advanced technique and mastery of Level 3 may advance to Level 4 at the invitation of their instructor. Students in Level 4 are expected to practice on their own outside of class, retain combinations and replicate with ease, and be aware of all fundamental skills in their specific style. Students should expect to learn more complex dances that are greater in length and build their endurance. Students at this level should conduct themselves with a mature attitude and be able to learn from instructor critiques. Students should also be aware of their attendance and ensure that minimal classes are missed, or that private instruction/make-up classes are held in order to keep up with the pace of the class.
Pointe
Pointework is an extension of traditional ballet training that requires significant skill and strength. Students who have been dancing for several years and demonstrate the necessary abilities will be placed in a pre-pointe class by their instructor before beginning to dance on pointe. When the instructor feels that they are ready, the student will be invited to purchase pointe shoes and join our intermediate class. Through practice and instructor guidance, students will advance based on skill.
Students who are joining our studio and have already received their pointe shoes at a different studio will be evaluated and placed in either our Intermediate or Advanced pointe program.
SCHOOL OF DANCE
Styles
Our school of dance includes Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern and Hip Hop. We believe in a comprehensive, ballet-based curriculum. All of our specialized styles encourage or require our students to take ballet for technique, vocabulary, and to strengthen their bodies to best be able to meet the requirements of their style.
Depending on instructor availability and student interest, these styles may rotate or be combined and are not always run each semester.
Exploration - Ages 5-8
This level is designed for young students who are interested in exploring a more specialized style of dance. Students are not required to have a ballet background, but are encouraged to take ballet simultaneously in order to grow in the preferred style. This class will be taught at a Level 1 pace and teach basic steps, movements, and combinations.
Novice - Ages 9+
For students ages 9+ or newer to the style - this level is ideal for students who may be interested in taking a beginning class of a specialized style. Students will be learning at the pace and execution of a Level 2-3 class, while focusing on the fundamentals learned in Exploration. Students are encouraged to take a ballet class in addition to the specialized style, as many of the movements will include basic vocabulary and technical body placement that is taught in ballet.
Intermediate – Ages 11+
For students ages 11+ or those with demonstrated proficiency. This level is designed for students who are ready to learn more complex routines. Students should have at least 1 year of ballet experience and 1 year of experience in their chosen style. Students will be learning at the pace and execution of a Level 3 class, while focusing on the fundamentals learned in Novice. These classes may focus on the history of the dance style and teach more involved movements that require students to be receptive to instructor feedback and critique. Students should demonstrate a level of maturity and discipline. Students may remain in this class for several years.
Advanced – Ages 13+ By Placement
For students ages 13+ or those with demonstrated proficiency. This level is designed for advanced students who have mastered the skills learned at the Intermediate Level. Students will find these classes challenging but rewarding and learn complex choreography while honing their technique. Students should have a minimum of 2 years of experience in their chosen style and be enrolled in at least 1 ballet class (with the exception of Hip Hop) to improve on their form and technique.
Company
Advanced students may be invited to audition for our Company class. Our student company is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn choreography, gain performance experience, and learn the intricacies of a career in dance. Students are required to participate in Ballet and at least one other style of dance.
Questions? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help!