Classical Ballet Program
Ages 7 and up
NSB strives to produce beautiful dancers with technical excellence, exquisite artistry, a healthy body image, and a graceful spirit. Our goal is to do what is best for our students as whole individuals, thus allowing them to thrive.
Advancement through NSB is based on many factors, but a student’s ability to safely execute the required class material is considered above all other factors, including age. Our work is closely connected to each individual’s physical development, and it is not unusual for a student to repeat a level of training.
Placement is left solely to the discernment of the faculty and staff and is final. We do not hold meetings to explain casting or placement. It is mandatory that students be present for all scheduled classes in order to continue within the program they have been placed in. A placement class series is mandatory for any transfer students.
The Classical Program is divided into two groups: Academy and Trainee.
The Academy division is designed for the dancer still looking for outstanding training from master instructors in conjunction with other potential extra-curricular activities, or a variety of other reasons. The classical ballet curriculum is supplemented by carefully structured non-classical classes. These include Lyrical and Jazz, with the option of adding Acro, Tap, and Hip-Hop. These dancers are eligible for our competition and performance team by invitation only.
The Trainee division is for dancers beginning at age 8 who demonstrate an aptitude for classical ballet specifically. The curriculum is based on the principles and fundamentals of classical ballet and is carefully constructed to prepare students for a potential professional career in dance. These students must be willing to dedicate themselves to an intense training regimen and must understand that they are choosing this path as their primary focus. Students who do not maintain the necessary focus and aptitude will be transferred to the Academy program. This program is by audition and invitation only.
Please note that we have a firm no-competition policy with other studios in our vicinity. This means that the Classical Ballet Program (both the Trainee and Academy divisions) is not open to students who are actively performing on a competition team for another studio within 25 miles of North State Ballet. Students competing on other teams within our vicinity are welcome to take classes in our Open/Recreational Program or our Children’s Program if age-eligible.
Class Dress Codes:
Ballet: In an effort to promote both professionalism and equality, each class level within the Classical Program requires a designated color of leotard for girls, which must be ordered through Dance Away in downtown Chico. Just tell them your child’s assigned level and they will set you up with everything you need.
Additionally, female students are expected to come to class in pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and with hair pulled back into a secured ballet bun. Please refrain from wearing any skirts (unless in pointe or variations classes), belts, or jewelry. Dying hair unique, bright colors is not permitted, and students who fail to comply will not be permitted to perform on stage.
Male uniforms can also be purchased away from Dance Away. They must wear a fitted black shirt/leotard, black fitted dance shorts/tights with a dance belt, black socks, and black ballet shoes.
Lyrical/Contemporary: Students may wear a leotard or fitted tank top (any color) to this class as well as black dance shorts, and lyrical shoes.
Jazz: Students may wear a leotard or fitted tank top (any color) with black dance shorts and/or black leggings. Caramel/tan-colored jazz shoes are required.
Hip hop: Tank top/leotard, dance shorts/leggings/loose pants. Light colored supportive sneakers (CLEAN: must be used for class only). No black shoes. No street shoes.
Tap: Leotard/tank top and black dance shorts/leggings. Black lace-up tap shoes.
Acro: Leotard/tank top and black dance shorts/leggings. No loose clothing! Bare feet.
Bra tops are not permitted, and crop tops must reach the belly button when standing upright.