Class Descriptions
- Pre-Professional Division
- Creative Movement, Ages 3-5
- Preparatory Ballet, Ages 6-9
- Adult/Teen Ballet, Ages 13 & up
- Jazz, Ages 8 & up
- Tap, Ages 8 & up
- Hip Hop, Ages 8 & up
Pre-Professional Division
Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education offers training for students from beginner through pre-professional levels. The curriculum emphasizes classical ballet technique based upon the Russian tradition of training. Character dance classes are an integral part of the training program. Students are also exposed to other forms of dance, including modern dance, musical theatre and contemporary repertoire to enrich and enhance their dance experience.
Students benefit from the opportunity to extend their study with guest artists, dancers, choreographers, and lecturers through the series of master classes and workshops which are scheduled throughout the school year. Each year TBCDE offers a summer program, Pointe to the Future, which draws students and dance professionals from all over the country for an intensive period of training. Students of TBCDE are given priority in the audition process for Pointe to the Future.
All students of the school have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily life in the professional performing arts world because of the close relationship between TBCDE and its parent organization, Tulsa Ballet. Young dancers are often invited to watch professional company rehearsals and classes - an extraordinary benefit of the company school.
Classes are taught by experienced professional instructors. Ballet classes are conducted with piano accompaniment. Students enrolled in the school receive both a mid-year and year-end evaluation from their primary instructors, assessing the progress of their study and assisting them in setting priorities and goals for the coming year.
The regular program offers classes for students 8 years old through 18. Additional special programs are offered for children 6-8 (preparatory ballet) and adults wishing to begin or continue their training (see below).
Creative Movement, Ages 3-5
Creative Movement is designed for our youngest students (ages 3-5) who are new to TBCDE and/or have no training background in classical ballet. Curriculum will focus on the development of musical and rhythmic awareness, memory and focus for the training process, and understanding of the protocol and etiquette of the ballet studio.
Preparatory Ballet, Ages 6-9
Preparatory Ballet is designed for young students (ages 6-9) who are new to TBCDE and/or have no training background in classical ballet. Curriculum will cover the elementary exercises of classical ballet training, as well as focusing on the development of musical and rhythmic awareness, memory and focus for the training process, and understanding of the protocol and etiquette of the ballet studio.
Adult/Teen Ballet, Ages 13 & up
Adult/Teen Ballet is designed for teenagers and adults who are interested in an open enrollment, on-going ballet training program at the beginning/intermediate level.
Adult/Teen Ballet offers participants a wonderful opportunity to strengthen and tone the body, as well as increase flexibility, musicality, balance and coordination while enjoying the aesthetics of this classical art form. No previous experience is required.
During the 200 5 -200 6 School Year, Adult/Teen Ballet will have several classes available per week . Enrollment is open and tuition is by the class or on a class card system.
Jazz, Ages 8 & up
Jazz classes are designed for students 8 and up, preferably with previous ballet experience. The class will focus on basic jazz technique, terminology and movement quality with an emphasis on proper execution of jazz isolations, rhythms and style. Jazz classes are offered in two age levels.
Tap, Ages 8 & up
Tap classes are designed for students 8 & up. The class will focus on proper tap technique, with an emphasis on footwork and sound. Through this class, students will strive to develop agility, musicality and stylized movement. Tap classes are offered in two age levels.
Hip Hop, Ages 8 & up
This is a fast pace hip-hop dance class that improves flexibility, burns calories, increases stamina, and tones all major muscle groups. The class includes a thorough warm-up, strength elements, hip hop progressions, and choreography. Hip Hop classes are offered in two age levels.