Ages 4 to pre-professional
Los Gatos Ballet’s year round program runs from August to June and is suitable for students of all abilities, ranging in ages from 4 to pre-professional. Our curriculum is unique in its progressive approach, selecting the best principals of dance training by incorporating Vaganova, French and American School methods. Through our training and performance program, dancers build a strong foundation of anatomy, musicality, technique and artistry. This healthy progression allows our students to develop an advanced level of control and mastery, as they are challenged in their physical, mental, and emotional development.
Preparatory Division
Pre-Ballet 1, 2, 3 (Ages 4-7)
Our Preparatory Division ignites your child’s passion for dance, and is designed to develop their self confidence, focus, creativity, and musicality. Following a structured progression in a warm, supportive environment, pre-ballet classes serve as a precursor to formal ballet instruction.
Primary Division
Levels 1b, 1a, 2b, 2a (Age 7+)
The Primary Division provides young dancers the opportunity to begin or continue their study of the fundamental elements of classical ballet. Our young dancers are introduced to basic ballet positions and vocabulary at the barre and in the center.
Here students practice proper turnout of the legs and alignment of the body, while developing coordination, strength and flexibility. As these foundational movements are understood and improved upon, classes progress to more advanced concepts.
Our artistic staff and faculty carefully guide each student’s progression into the next levels based off of their ability rather than their age.
Elementary Division
Levels 3, 4 (Age 9+)
In the Elementary Division, dancers continue their mastery of classical ballet technique by exploring a wider range of steps that build upon the fundamentals they have previously studied.
An emphasis is placed on coordination between upper and lower body, single leg strength and stability, and further understanding of line. Dedicated preparation for pointe work is introduced in level 4.
Our artistic staff and faculty carefully guide each student’s progression into the next levels based off of their ability rather than their age.
Intermediate Division
Levels 5, 6 (Age 11+)
Intermediate Division students achieve an exciting milestone in their dance journey with promotion to pointe work, when physically and technically ready.
A thorough knowledge of ballet vocabulary is attained during Intermediate study, along with further examination of different styles of movement. Dancers continue to refine their creative and artistic abilities, while growing their technical prowess to support their progression to the Advanced Division. Conditioning is offered to provide cross-training, as well as access to the WellnessLAB.
Our artistic staff and faculty carefully guide each student’s progression into the next levels based off of their ability rather than their age.
Advanced Division
Levels 7, 8 (Age 13+)
In the Advanced Division, students complete their training with classes focused on increasing speed, strength, artistic maturity and precise musicality. A well rounded dancer develops through additional enrichment classes, personal development and cross-training with the Wellness team.
Advanced dancers are mentored through auditions for summer, year round and/or collegiate level academic programs, with many going on to attend distinguished ballet schools and universities.
Our artistic staff and faculty carefully guide each student’s progression into the next levels based off of their ability rather than their age.
Boys Program
The syllabus at Los Gatos Ballet accommodates foundation building and progression for both boys and girls at all levels. However, it is also beneficial to provide boys-only classes with an emphasis on coordination and athleticism.
“Los Gatos Ballet is the most professional ballet studio I have ever trained at. The training, studio, and faculty embody the true essence of what ballet should be, a culture and artform of upliftment, detail, and passion. No matter who you are and your capabilities, their faculty will push you to become the best you can be and you’ll find yourself unlocking potential you never knew existed. I’ve worked so hard and dedicated practically my life to ballet, but then again I have never been so happy to be apart of this studio and this art form. Los Gatos Ballet has taught me what dedication, perseverance, and tenacity is, and how a community and a family can truly make you a better person. For this, I am forever grateful.”
-Brook Chuang