BTCA’s Lower Division offers classes for dancers (generally ages 6-12) in Primary A, Primary B, and Levels 1A, 1B and 2A. BTCA follows the ABT® National Training Curriculum philosophy and lesson plans that are designed for optimum physical and emotional fulfillment in this age group. Our instructors will continue to teach these young dancers about posture, musicality, rhythm, and spatial awareness, and move on to providing instruction in the basic feet and arm positions and their terminology. Dancers will also learn elements of the 7 basic classical ballet movements and the first 3 of the body directions, and how to travel around the space using dance steps. The most advanced dancers in this Division will also begin to learn additional arm positions, connecting steps, forms of arabesque and uses of the head in coordination with the body.
Dancers who take (and regularly attend) the suggested number/type of classes per week will receive the training and should gain the strength/ technique/knowledge necessary to be prepared to move up to the next level of training in a timely manner.
Primary A, Primary B: 1 Ballet class
Levels 1A, 1B: 1-2 Ballet classes, PLUS 1 or more Jazz/Contemporary classes
Level 2A: 2 or more Ballet classes, PLUS 1 or more Pre-Pointe classes, PLUS 1 or more Jazz/Contemporary classes