Classes

The academy curriculum emphasizes a strong classical technique combined with a flow of movement that suggests a sense of energy, freedom, and joy. It is a teaching style that assembles the foundation of classical ballet, and readily adapts to meet the demands of any type of movement or dance form, such as modern, contemporary, jazz or drill team.

Students are placed in one of six levels according to age, experience, and ability. They follow a structured sequence of training stages designed to increase their technical skills, stamina, and discipline; in accordance with their age and individual physical development.

The program includes classes in classical ballet technique, pointe work, variations from classical ballet’s repertoire, modern, theatre jazz, tap, and creative movement.

For prices please call the studio at (940) 891-0830

Level 1

Ages 3-4
Class
Topic
Day
Time
Instructor
A
Pre-Ballet, Tap & Tumbling
Mon
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Allison Wehby
B
Pre-Ballet, Tap & Tumbling
Wed
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Allison Wehby
For class prices, please call our studio at (940) 891-0830

Overview

Level 1 is the most introductory class designed for young children ages 3 and 4. Classes are taught as a combination of Pre-Ballet, Tap, and Tumbling. Emphasis is on learning the etiquette of a ballet class and proper classroom comportment. Students in this age group explore the more creative and expressive world of dance through limbering exercises and rhythm and movement games. They are also introduced to the most basic of ballet positions and counting.

Dress Code

Females

Pink Bloch leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, black tap shoes, hair pulled back and secured.

Males

White fitted nylon T-shirt, black men’s tights, black canvas slippers; boys in character class need black character boots.

Students are required to wear a cover-up and street shoes when coming to, and leaving from the Academy. It is inappropriate to wear dance clothes/shoes or costumes as street clothes. This applies to students of all ages.

Level 2

K – 1st Grade
Class
Topic
Day
Time
Instructor
A
Ballet, Tap
Mon
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Michelle Wyre
B
Ballet, Tap
Wed
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Michelle Wyre
For class prices, please call our studio at (940) 891-0830

Overview

Level 2 designed for students ages 5 and 6 and continues the basic dance instruction begun in Level 1. Classes are taught as a combination of Basic Ballet, Tap, and Tumbling. Additional basic ballet positions and steps are added, along with rhythmic motor skills such as skipping and jumping. Emphasis is also given to limbering exercises to expand the child's range of motion and flexibility.

Dress Code

Females

Pink Bloch leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, black tap shoes, hair pulled back and secured.

Males

White fitted nylon T-shirt, black men’s tights, black canvas slippers; boys in character class need black character boots.

Students are required to wear a cover-up and street shoes when coming to, and leaving from the Academy. It is inappropriate to wear dance clothes/shoes or costumes as street clothes. This applies to students of all ages.

Level 3

Grades 2 – 3
Class
Topic
Day
Time
Instructor
A
Ballet, Tap & Jazz
Mon
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Ivy Adams
B
Ballet, Tap & Jazz
Wed
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Ivy Adams
For class prices, please call our studio at (940) 891-0830

Overview

Level 3 is designed for students ages 7 and 8. The classes are taught as a combination of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. Additional basic ballet positions and steps are learned here. The focus of this class is to promote self confidence and expressiveness through rhythmic movements such as waltzing. Joy and expressiveness through dance are explored in greater depth as students begin to experience more fully the dance class experience.

Dress Code

Females

Lavender Bloch leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, black tap & jazz shoes, hair pulled back and secured.

Males

White fitted nylon T-shirt, black men’s tights, black canvas slippers; boys in character class need black character boots.

Students are required to wear a cover-up and street shoes when coming to, and leaving from the Academy. It is inappropriate to wear dance clothes/shoes or costumes as street clothes. This applies to students of all ages.

Level 4

Grades 4 – 7
Class
Topic
Day
Time
Instructor
A
Ballet
Tue/Thur
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Eldar Valiev
B
Pointe
Tues
5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Ashley Odom
C
Theatre Jazz
Thur
5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Reece Domingue
D
Modern
Fri
6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
Reece Domingue
For class prices, please call our studio at (940) 891-0830

Overview

Level 4 is designed for students 9 and older. In this class, students are introduced to the highly specific points of body alignment and control of the musculature required to develop as a classical ballet dancer. The classical ballet vocabulary (steps) is expanded and proper execution is studied and refined. Girls in this level may begin Pre-Pointe, a highly specialized class that prepares them for their future as an advanced pointe dancer. This class is also ideal for a late beginner.

Theatre Jazz is a form of theatrical dancing that combines the songs of Broadway musicals with the movement of classical jazz styles.

Classical ballet was established by the French in the late 1600's and imported to Russia in 1740. It was the marriage between the formalized French school of classical ballet and the much older and established tradition of Russian folk dance that combined to produce the greatest ballet dancers in the world for over three hundred years.

Dress Code

Females

  • Ballet: Burgundy Theatricals leotard, pink convertible tights, pink canvas ballet slippers. Hair must be groomed neatly into a classic ballet bun with no loose hair or bangs.
    *These leotards will be ordered at the end of the summer. Please visit the Danse Boutique for sizing.
  • Modern: Burgundy leotard (the same leotard as Level IV Ballet), modern pants, and modern toe pads.
    *Modern pants and modern toe pads must be a specific style. Please come to the Danse Boutique to purchase both of these items.
  • Theatre Jazz: Black leggings, 1 1⁄2” heeled black character shoes, short black skirt optional.

Males

White fitted nylon T-shirt, black men’s tights, black canvas slippers; boys in character class need black character boots.

Students are required to wear a cover-up and street shoes when coming to, and leaving from the Academy. It is inappropriate to wear dance clothes/shoes or costumes as street clothes. This applies to students of all ages.

Level 5

By Invite Only
Class
Topic
Day
Time
Instructor
A
Ballet
Mon/Wed
4:30 pm – 5:45 pm
Eldar Valiev
B
Pointe
Mon
5:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Eldar Valiev
C
Theatre Jazz
Wed
5:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Ivy Adams
D
Ballet
Fri
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Eldar Valiev
E
Modern
Fri
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Reece Domingue
Note: Students in Level 5 are expected to attend at least 3 days per week.
For class prices, please call our studio at (940) 891-0830

Overview

Level 5 is designed for students with a strong basic technique who are ready to begin learning a more expanded classical ballet vocabulary. In this class, students attend a minimum of three days per week. In this class, students begin learning the larger and more difficult steps that require the maximum amount of strength and control. Artistic expression, which is used hand in hand with the physical technique, is explored here for the first time. Some students in this level are encouraged to apprentice Level 6 one or more days a week. Girls in this level begin pointe work with a highly technical and specific approach geared towards maximum strength and proper execution. This level is for admittance by evaluation only.

Theatre Jazz is a form of theatrical dancing that combines the songs of Broadway musicals with the movement of classical jazz styles.

Classical ballet was established by the French in the late 1600's and imported to Russia in 1740. It was the marriage between the formalized French school of classical ballet and the much older and established tradition of Russian folk dance that combined to produce the greatest ballet dancers in the world for over three hundred years.

Dress Code:

Females

  • Ballet: Black leotard, pink convertible tights, pink canvas ballet slippers. Hair must be groomed neatly into a classic ballet bun with no loose hair or bangs.
    *Black leotards must be a plain tank or camisole-style with a scooped back no lower than the bottom of the shoulder blades—no crossed straps, multi-straps or other embellishments or decorations. Please reference Bloch tank style leotard or Bloch style CL1507 as examples, available in the boutique.
  • Theatre Jazz: Black leggings, 1 1⁄2” heeled black character shoes, short black skirt optional.
  • Modern: Black leotard (the same leotard as Ballet), modern pants, and modern toe pads.
    *Modern pants and modern toe pads must be a specific style. Please come to the Danse Boutique to purchase both of these items.

Males

White fitted nylon T-shirt, black men’s tights, black canvas slippers; boys in character class need black character boots.

Students are required to wear a cover-up and street shoes when coming to, and leaving from the Academy. It is inappropriate to wear dance clothes/shoes or costumes as street clothes. This applies to students of all ages.

Level 6

By Invite Only
Class
Topic
Day
Time
Instructor
A
Ballet
Mon/Wed
6:30 pm – 8 pm
Eldar Valiev
B
Ballet
Tue/Thur
6:15 pm – 7:45 pm
Eldar Valiev
C
Ballet
Sat
11 am – 12:30 pm
Eldar Valiev
D
Pointe
Mon
8 pm – 8:30 pm
Eldar Valiev
E
Pointe
Sat
12:30 pm – 1 pm
Eldar Valiev
F
Variations
Wed
8 pm – 8:45 pm
Eldar Valiev
G
Theatre Jazz
Tue
7:45 pm – 8:30 pm
Ivy Adams
H
Modern
Fri
7:15 pm – 8:15 pm
Reece Domingue
Note: Students in Level 6 are expected to attend at least 6 days per week.
For class prices, please call our studio at (940) 891-0830

Overview

Level 6 is designed for students who approach their dance training seriously. In this class, students attend a minimum of six days per week. Here students will master the full range of classical ballet vocabulary and refine their artistry. The teaching approach in this level, intense and demanding, is geared towards the student with professional aspirations. However, whether a student aspires to a career in ballet or simply enjoys the challenge of mastering this demanding art form, this level will benefit him or her by nurturing self confidence, ease of expression, and a love for ballet that will last a lifetime. Admittance to this level is by evaluation only.

Theatre Jazz is a form of theatrical dancing that combines the songs of Broadway musicals with the movement of classical jazz styles.

Classical ballet was established by the French in the late 1600's and imported to Russia in 1740. It was the marriage between the formalized French school of classical ballet and the much older and established tradition of Russian folk dance that combined to produce the greatest ballet dancers in the world for over three hundred years.

Dress Code:

Females

  • Ballet: Black leotard, pink convertible tights, pink canvas ballet slippers. Hair must be groomed neatly into a classic ballet bun with no loose hair or bangs.
    *Black leotards must be a plain tank or camisole-style with a scooped back no lower than the bottom of the shoulder blades—no crossed straps, multi-straps or other embellishments or decorations. Please reference Bloch tank style leotard or Bloch style CL1507 as examples, available in the boutique.
  • Theatre Jazz: Black leggings, 1 1⁄2” heeled black character shoes, short black skirt optional.
  • Modern: Black leotard (the same leotard as Ballet), modern pants, and modern toe pads.
    *Modern pants and modern toe pads must be a specific style. Please come to the Danse Boutique to purchase both of these items.

Males

White fitted nylon T-shirt, black men’s tights, black canvas slippers; boys in character class need black character boots.

Students are required to wear a cover-up and street shoes when coming to, and leaving from the Academy. It is inappropriate to wear dance clothes/shoes or costumes as street clothes. This applies to students of all ages.

Important Info

Tuition

  • Tuition may be paid by the month or by the semester. If paid monthly, it is due on or before the 1st of each month. If paid by the semester, it is due at the beginning of the semester—August or January (semesters are August– December and January – June).
  • If your tuition payment is not received by the 10th of the month, your account will be assessed a $15 late fee per student unless prior arrangements have been made with the office. Please note, checks returned as insufficient funds will incur a $25 return check fee, payable immediately.
  • Tuition is non-refundable. Absences due to illness or a family emergency may be made up, however there is no tuition adjustment for absences or Academy closures (please arrange make-up classes with your student’s instructor).
  • In the springtime, DBA has a student recital showcase. We encourage all students to participate but it is not mandatory. Additional fees are involved—a one-time recital charge which covers costs involved in the production and a costume fee. We do not sell tickets to the recital; each student may invite as many guests as they would like free of charge. Costumes are ordered at the beginning of the year for each student that chooses to participate and are the student’s to keep.
  • Tuition is based on a yearly rate and is divided evenly among the eleven months of the ballet year. Therefore, tuition is the same each month, regardless of holidays or the number of days in a month.
  • The ballet year is based on a 28-day, 4-week month. Since all calendar months except February exceed 28 days, each of those months may contain extra classes for your student. There is no extra charge for those classes. Instead, these extra classes are traded for school holidays and the last month of the Spring term.
  • DBA holidays generally follow the Denton ISD calendar. When in doubt, call the studio or check our Facebook page. Both will be updated to let you know if classes for the day will be canceled.
  • If you decide to discontinue your student’s enrollment, you must notify the DBA office prior to the date of your student’s last class. If no notice is received, your account will continue to be charged for tuition until we receive formal notice of your student’s withdrawal from the studio.
  • Class participation is only guaranteed as long as tuition payments are current. DBA reserves the right to deny attendance and/or withdraw your student from the Academy if tuition becomes excessively past due. In the event that a student is denied class time all balances must be in full prior to resuming classes unless prior arrangements have been made.
  • Upon withdrawal, you are responsible for any remaining balance on your student’s account. Any outstanding balances must be paid prior to enrollment of the new semester.
For class prices, please call our studio at (940) 891-0830

Dress Code

  • Girls Level I & II: Pink Bloch leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, black tap shoes, hair pulled back and secured.
  • Girls Level III: Lavender Bloch leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, black tap & jazz shoes, hair pulled back and secured.
  • Girls Level IV Ballet: Burgundy Theatricals leotard, pink convertible tights, pink canvas ballet slippers. Hair must be groomed neatly into a classic ballet bun with no loose hair or bangs.
    *These leotards will be ordered at the end of the summer. Please visit the Danse Boutique for sizing.
  • Girls Level V & VI Ballet: Black leotard, pink convertible tights, pink canvas ballet slippers. Hair must be groomed neatly into a classic ballet bun with no loose hair or bangs.
    *Black leotards must be a plain tank or camisole-style with a scooped back no lower than the bottom of the shoulder blades—no crossed straps, multi-straps or other embellishments or decorations. Please reference Bloch tank style leotard or Bloch style CL1507 as examples, available in the boutique.
  • Girls Character: Black character skirt (length approx. 4-5” from the top of the knee cap), 11⁄2” heeled black character shoes.
  • Modern Level IV: Burgundy leotard (the same leotard as Level IV Ballet), modern pants, and modern toe pads.
    *Modern pants and modern toe pads must be a specific style. Please come to the Danse Boutique to purchase both of these items.
  • Modern Level V & VI: Black leotard (the same leotard as Level V & VI Ballet), modern pants, and modern toe pads.
    *Modern pants and modern toe pads must be a specific style. Please come to the Danse Boutique to purchase both of these items.
  • Males: White fitted nylon T-shirt, black men’s tights, black canvas slippers; boys in character class need black character boots.
  • Students are required to wear a cover-up and street shoes when coming to, and leaving from the Academy. It is inappropriate to wear dance clothes/shoes or costumes as street clothes. This applies to students of all ages.
  • All items above may be purchased at our on-site store, “Danse Boutique”. Please note, students not properly groomed and dressed for class in appropriate dance wear per the dress code may be excused from class.

Academy Etiquette

  • Denton Ballet Academy reserves the right to deny attendance and/or withdraw your student from class if at any time behavior becomes a distraction to the other students or teachers. Please help your student be properly prepared to receive instruction prior to the start of their class. The student/teacher relationship is strongest when properly explained and supported by the parent.
  • Students should arrive a minimum of 5 minutes prior to the start of their class. Students should be properly dressed and waiting quietly until their teacher invites them into the classroom. If a student arrives late, they are to wait at the door where the teacher can see them until invited in to the classroom.
  • Have your student take care of their restroom needs before class. Any breaks for this are disruptive to both the student’s learning and other students in the class.
  • Under no circumstances should students hang/lean on the bars, or run in the ballet studio.
  • Students may not leave the classroom without asking the teacher’s permission; upon return, students must wait outside the studio door for the teacher to invite them back into the class at an appropriate time.
  • Bottled water is allowed in the studio. Food and drinks, especially those in paper cups, are not allowed in the studio or any of the common areas. If a snack needs to be consumed, please do so outside.
  • During class, students should raise their hand to speak and avoid talking with other students.
  • It is customary for students to curtsy and thank their teacher at the end of each class.
  • Parents, please feel free to watch your student if you would like. However we ask that you are discreet so as to not distract them from their learning.
  • Absolutely no photos or videos may be taken of students while they are in the studio.
  • On the side of the building there is limited to space to access parking behind the building. Please do not pull up at the side of the building and stop to let your student out, or park, even if for just a few minutes. It blocks other vehicles from entering and exiting the rear lot, and can cause a hazard for vehicles on the street trying to pull in. Vehicles parked here may be towed if the owner cannot be located.
  • Drop Off/Pick Up: Students and their siblings or friends must not be left unattended at the Academy. A parent or other responsible adult must remain with them at all times. For safety reasons, they should not play on the stairs, outside by themselves, or in the Danse Boutique.
  • Students who are old enough to be dropped off (Level IV and up only) should be able to get themselves ready for class quickly, and be prepared to wait quietly until they are called in for class. They are expected to know and follow all of the above rules and guidelines—for those who do not, they will no longer be allowed to be dropped off unless a parent remains with them.
  • If you leave the Academy during your student’s class, please return 5 minutes before class ends to ensure they are picked up on time.
  • Final Note for Parents: The Denton Ballet Academy is an institution of learning. Absences will put your student behind in their training and the teacher cannot stop and help “catch up” the student. This can be frustrating upon the student’s return when their class has learned new steps or techniques that they do not understand or know how to do. Therefore, please help us by ensuring your student is present at every class they are enrolled in, just like at their academic school. Thank you.