text: Curriculum | Lafayette Ballet
  Dance Conservatory's curriculum offers challenging instruction for the serious ballet student. Classes include ADEPT, Creative Movement, Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, Modern, and Conditioning/ strengthening Class.
  ADEPT (Adaptive Dance Education and Therapy Program)
  The ADEPT program is designed to bring the joy of dance to, and develop skills in, children ages 4 and up with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (including, but not limited to: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, and Sensory Processing Disorders). Elements of music and movement are paired with aspects of Pivotal Response Treatment and Social-Emotional Learning in a recreational, inclusive environment.
  Creative Movement: Ages 4-5
  Offers an introduction to music and dance. Children are taught to connect imagery with movement, and begin to develop coordination, listening skills and musicality. Creative Movement classes nurture a love for dance.
  Levels 1, 2: Ages 6-8
  These levels are a bridge between the structured beginning level ballet class (Levels B) and Creative Movement classes. Students are introduced to fundamental elements of ballet, including strengthening exercises to prepare students for future classes.
  Level 3: Approximate age 9
  Provides the basis and foundation upon which all future classes are built. Children learn correct placement of the body, head and arms, and begin the important development of strength and flexibility in legs and abdominals.
  Performing opportunities begin at this level (min. age 8) with Lafayette Ballet Theatre's full length staging of, The Nutcracker Ballet.
  Level 4: Approximate ages 10 -11
  Adds and develops the material taught in Level B-I. Vocabulary and number of steps is increased. Students add strength and speed to their basic technique. This class begins to prepare and strengthen the female student for pointe work introduced in the next level.
  Performing opportunities offered for this level with Lafayette Ballet Theatre's Spring full length classical ballet, as well as annual performances of The Nutcracker.
  Level 5: Approximate ages 11-13
  Introduction and beginning pointe work is offered in Level C-II. This level adds complex floor and barre exercises to further increase strength began in previous level. Adagio and allegro exercises are added to center work. This level concentrates on coordination of the whole body.
  Level 6: Approximate ages 13-16. Maximum age allowed: 18 yrs.
  More difficult steps are emphasized at this level including pirouettes, allegro with beats and pointe work. This level focuses on developing strength, stability, balance, elevation; while encouraging musicality and artistry.
  LBT Advanced Division: Pre-professional and Professional
  All aspects of the student's training are developed, refined, strengthened and reinforced. Pointe work is emphasized and the ability to learn and perform classical ballet repertoire is stressed. Dancers of this level are given the opportunity to perform leading variations in all performances of Lafayette Ballet Theatre; as well as perform with Principal guest artists from International companies.