School of the Chicago Festival Ballet
Member National Honor Society for Dance Arts
Classes We Offer
Children's Ballet
Preballet
An introduction to movement, music, and beginning ballet for ages 3-5 year-old. Class is 45 minutes once a week.
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Level A
These classes are beginning ballet lessons, which help the student transition from Pre-Ballet to a structured ballet class. Recommended for ages 6 and up, this class includes stretch, barre and center, learning positions, combinations, and ballet vocabulary. Curriculum requirements 1.5-hour class once a week.
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Level B
Builds on the technique learned in Level A and progresses to more advanced technique and combinations. Full curriculum requirements: 1.5-hour class twice a week.. Offered Friday & Saturday.
Recommended options: Jazz/Hip Hop, Contemporary I
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Level C
Prepares the students for the advanced level classes, building on the technique learned in level B. Includes pre-pointe 3x/week to prepare the students for pointe shoes. Full Curriculum requirements: Ballet technique 3x/week, pre-pointe 3x/week. Total 6 hours a week.
Recommended options: Character, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II
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Advanced Ballet
Levels D & E
Advanced level ballet lessons, which include stretch, technique, and pre-pointe or pointe. Recommended ages 12 and up. Enrollment with instructor approval only.
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Full Curriculum
Level D:
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Ballet technique & Prepointe/Pointe 4x/week, Character 1 hour/week, total 9.5 hours a week. Performance rehearsals (Nutcracker) are 5 hours extra/week.
Recommended options: Character, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II
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Level E
Ballet technique & Pointe 5x/week, Character 1 hour/week,; total 12.5 hours a week. . Total19 hours/week. Performance rehearsals (Nutcracker) are 5 hours extra/week.
Recommended options: Character, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II
Pre-Professional Program
The pre-professional program is designed for intermediate through advanced level students interested in pursuing a career in professional dance. Enrollment by audition or instructor approval only.
​
Level C:
Ballet technique 3x/week, Pre-Pointe 3x/week, Workshop rehearsal 3x/week & Character: Total 8.5 hours a week
Recommended options: Classical Variations, Choreography, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Musical Theatre, Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
​
Pre-Professional D & E students curriculum includes the regular D & E full curriculum classes with workshop & performance rehearsals, and Character. Dancers must also enroll in at least 2 of the following classes: Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Classical Variations, Choreography, Musical Theatre, Partnering, or Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup. This is a total of 2/2.5 hours/week for 2 classes or 6.5 hours for all classes. These extra classes are discounted for pre-professional students.
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Level D:
Ballet technique: 4x/week, Prepointe/Pointe 4x/week; Stretch & Strengthening 30 minutes/week; Workshop rehearsal 4x/week, Performance rehearsal 2x/week & Character: Total 18.5 hours a week.
Level E:
Ballet technique: 5x/week, Pointe 5x/week, Stretch & Strengthening 30 minutes/week, Workshop rehearsal 5x/week, Performance rehearsal 2x/week & Character: Total 22 hours a week.
Special Classes
Whether you’re looking to learn new dance moves, hone in on your existing talent, or work on getting in shape these classes are what you are looking for. The instructors are committed to giving each student attention while also moving the class forward. Our dedicated instructors are ready to answer any questions about our classes - simply contact us or stop by.
Adult/Teen Beginning/Intermediate Ballet
A beginning level ballet class, for adults and teens 16 years of age and older. No dance experience required. 1-hour class once a week Pre-pointe option: add 30 minutes class time
Adult Contemporary/Hip Hop
A beginning level combination class of Contemporary & Hip Hop (Alternating weeks) Recommended for adults 18 and over. 1 hour class once a week.
Ballet for Figure Skaters
Ballet class specifically designed for students who are figure skaters. Intermediate level (ages 9-18) class. 1-hour class once a week
Character
This class is for intermediate to advance level dancers, and teaches the stylized representation of movements and styles from traditional and national folk dances, used to provide divertissements for story ballets. This class focuses on Russian and Spanish character dance. Required for Levels D & E and the Pre-Professional Program.
A one-hour class once a week
Contemporary I
A beginning level Contemporary class, open to students in levels B through E. 1 hour class once a week. Strongly recommended for competition team members.
Contemporary/Jazz II
Combination of Contemporary & Jazz. Contemporary is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Open to levels C, D & E, or ages 10 and up, or with instructor permission. 1 1/2-hour class once a week.
Jazz/Hip Hop
A beginning level jazz & Hip-hop class, for students in levels A & B, or ages 6-9. 1-hour class once a week.
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Level E Intensive/Adult Advanced Ballet
Advanced Ballet class for Level E students or advanced adult students. Includes Pointe/Prepointe. Recommended for level E students, ages 12 and up, or advanced adult students. Instructor permission required.
​
Teen/Preteen Beginning Ballet
A beginning level ballet class, recommended for preteens ages 10-17. No dance experience required. 1-hour class once a week.
​
Competition Team
Students chosen for the competition team are required to attend a summer competition rehearsal class, along with the full curriculum required for their level. We will compete in a minimum of two to three regional competitions. The Mini-team will participate in a minimum of 1 competition. Dancers who are chosen for the team at auditions will be placed in specific dances or teams by the competition instructor. Solo opportunities will also be assigned by the competition director. Attendance at all rehearsals & competitions is mandatory, beginning with the summer term and each dancer is responsible for their registration and costume fees. Information packet will be emailed to dancers chosen for the team.
Competition Team Rehearsal
For dancers selected for the competition team. By audition only. Choreography will be set for the 2024-25 competitions. 1 hour class once a week. Competition team members must enroll in and attend the full curriculum for their level and are required to also enroll in Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II. (discounted rate given for Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II for competition team members) Team dancers who miss regular classes and/or rehearsals may be required to take extra private lessons, at the discretion of the competition director. Students who are assigned solos must make arrangements for weekly private lessons to rehearse. These private lessons are not part of the student’s regular required curriculum, and payment arrangements must be made directly with the instructor for private lesson fees. Private lesson rates are set by each individual instructor.
Mini Competition Team Rehearsal
For dancers selected for the mini-competition team, ages 5-10. By audition only. Choreography will be set for the 2024-25 competitions. 30-minute class once a week. Mini competition team members must also enroll in and attend the full curriculum for their level and must also enroll in Contemporary I. (discounted rate given for Contemporary I for mini-competition team members).
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​
Classes We Offer
Children's Ballet
Preballet
An introduction to movement, music, and beginning ballet for ages 3-5 year-old. Class is 45 minutes once a week.
.
​
Level A
These classes are beginning ballet lessons, which help the student transition from Pre-Ballet to a structured ballet class. Recommended for ages 6 and up, this class includes stretch, barre and center, learning positions, combinations, and ballet vocabulary. Curriculum requirements 1.5-hour class once a week. Students performing in the summer workshop add 1/2 hour extra for rehearsal.
​
Level B
Builds on the technique learned in Level A and progresses to more advanced technique and combinations. Full curriculum requirements: 1.5-hour class twice a week. Students performing in the summer workshop add 1/2 hour extra for rehearsal. Offered Thursday & Saturday.
Recommended options: Jazz/Hip Hop, Contemporary I
Level C
Prepares the students for the advanced level classes, building on the technique learned in level B. Includes pre-pointe 3x/week to prepare the students for pointe shoes. Full Curriculum requirements: Ballet technique 3x/week, pre-pointe 3x/week. Total 6 hours a week. Students performing in the summer workshop add 1/2 hour extra per class for rehearsal (7.5 hours/week).
Recommended options: Classical Variations, Character, Choreography, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Musical Theatre, Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
​
Advanced Ballet
Levels D & E
Advanced level ballet lessons, which include stretch, technique, and pre-pointe or pointe. Recommended ages 12 and up. Enrollment with instructor approval only.
​
Full Curriculum
Level D:
​
Ballet technique & Prepointe/Pointe 4x/week, Character 1 hour/week, Stretch & Strengthening 30 minutes/week; total 11.5 hours a week. Students performing in the Summer Workshop attend 1 hour extra per class for rehearsal. Total15.5 hours/week. Performance rehearsals (Nutcracker) are 3 hours extra/week.
Recommended options: Classical Variations, Choreography, Character, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Musical Theatre, Partnering, Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
​
Level E
Ballet technique & Pointe 5x/week, Character 1 hour/week, Stretch & Strengthening 30 minutes/week; total 14.5 hours a week. Students performing in the Summer Workshop attend 1 hour extra per class for rehearsal. Total19 hours/week. Performance rehearsals (Nutcracker) are 3 hours extra/week. Students may choose to takethe Thursday evening Level E intensive as one of their 5 technique & pointe classes.
Recommended options: Classical Variations, Choreography, Character, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Musical Theatre, Partnering, Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
Pre-Professional Program
The pre-professional program is designed for intermediate through advanced level students interested in pursuing a career in professional dance. Enrollment by audition or instructor approval only.
​
Level C:
Ballet technique 3x/week, Pre-Pointe 3x/week, Workshop rehearsal 3x/week & Character: Total 8.5 hours a week
Recommended options: Classical Variations, Choreography, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Musical Theatre, Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
​
Pre-Professional D & E students curriculum includes the regular D & E full curriculum classes with workshop & performance rehearsals, and Character. Dancers must also enroll in at least 2 of the following classes: Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Classical Variations, Choreography, Musical Theatre, Partnering, or Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup. This is a total of 2/2.5 hours/week for 2 classes or 6.5 hours for all classes. These extra classes are discounted for pre-professional students.
​
Level D:
Ballet technique: 4x/week, Prepointe/Pointe 4x/week; Stretch & Strengthening 30 minutes/week; Workshop rehearsal 4x/week, Performance rehearsal 2x/week & Character: Total 18.5 hours a week.
Level E:
Ballet technique: 5x/week, Pointe 5x/week, Stretch & Strengthening 30 minutes/week, Workshop rehearsal 5x/week, Performance rehearsal 2x/week & Character: Total 22 hours a week.
Special Classes
Whether you’re looking to learn new dance moves, hone in on your existing talent, or work on getting in shape these classes are what you are looking for. The instructors are committed to giving each student attention while also moving the class forward. Our dedicated instructors are ready to answer any questions about our classes - simply contact us or stop by.
Adult/Teen Beginning/Intermediate Ballet
A beginning level ballet class, for adults and teens 16 years of age and older. No dance experience required. 1-hour class once a week Pre-pointe option: add 30 minutes class time
Adult Contemporary/Hip Hop
A beginning level combination class of Contemporary & Hip Hop (Alternating weeks) Recommended for adults 18 and over. 1 hour class once a week.
Ballet for Figure Skaters
Ballet class specifically designed for students who are figure skaters. Intermediate level (ages 9-18) class. 1-hour class once a week
Character
This class is for intermediate to advance level dancers, and teaches the stylized representation of movements and styles from traditional and national folk dances, used to provide divertissements for story ballets. This class focuses on Russian and Spanish character dance. Required for Levels D & E and the Pre-Professional Program.
A one-hour class once a week
Choreography
Students will be introduced to beginning choreography skills. Levels C, D & E, or ages 9-18. Other ages with instructor permission.
Classical Variations
Students will learn variations from classical ballets. Levels C, D & E, or ages 9-18. Other ages with instructor permission. Strongly recommended for competition team members.
Contemporary I
A beginning level Contemporary class, open to students in levels B through E. 1 hour class once a week. Strongly recommended for competition team members.
Contemporary/Jazz II
Combination of Contemporary & Jazz. Contemporary is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Open to levels C, D & E, or ages 10 and up, or with instructor permission. 1 1/2-hour class once a week.
Jazz/Hip Hop
A beginning level jazz & Hip-hop class, for students in levels A & B, or ages 6-9. 1-hour class once a week.
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Level E Intensive/Adult Advanced Ballet
Advanced Ballet class for Level E students or advanced adult students. Includes Pointe/Prepointe. Recommended for level E students, ages 12 and up, or advanced adult students. Instructor permission required.
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Musical Theatre
Students will learn the dance techniques and acting involved for dancing in a musical. Recommenced for ages 10-18, or levels C, D & E. Other ages with instructor permission. Ballet and/or Jazz experience recommended.
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Partnering
This course will give students experience in partnering in ballet. Strongly recommended for all level D & E students. Levels D & E only, or ages 10-18. Other ages with instructor permission.
Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
This course will be 4 weeks of pointe shoe decorating instruction and 4 weeks of instruction in specialty stage makeup. Students will receive pointe shoes to decorate, included in the cost of the class. Decorating supplies will be provided, although students are welcome to bring their own. Decorated shoes will be sold at Nutcracker performances, and the proceeds will benefit our nonprofit, V H Ballet, to support students on scholarships. Shoes for sale can be labeled with the student's name and Nutcracker roles.
​
Teen/Preteen Beginning Ballet
A beginning level ballet class, recommended for preteens ages 10-17. No dance experience required. 1-hour class once a week.
​
Competition Team
Students chosen for the competition team are required to attend a summer competition rehearsal class, along with the full curriculum required for their level. We will compete in a minimum of two to three regional competitions. The Mini-team will participate in a minimum of 1 competition. Dancers who are chosen for the team at auditions will be placed in specific dances or teams by the competition instructor. Solo opportunities will also be assigned by the competition director. Attendance at all rehearsals & competitions is mandatory, beginning with the summer term and each dancer is responsible for their registration and costume fees. Information packet will be emailed to dancers chosen for the team.
Competition Team Rehearsal
For dancers selected for the competition team. By audition only. Choreography will be set for the 2024-25 competitions. 1 hour class once a week. Competition team members must enroll in and attend the full curriculum for their level and are required to also enroll in Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II. (discounted rate given for Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II for competition team members) Team dancers who miss regular classes and/or rehearsals may be required to take extra private lessons, at the discretion of the competition director. Students who are assigned solos must make arrangements for weekly private lessons to rehearse. These private lessons are not part of the student’s regular required curriculum, and payment arrangements must be made directly with the instructor for private lesson fees. Private lesson rates are set by each individual instructor.
Mini Competition Team Rehearsal
For dancers selected for the mini-competition team, ages 5-10. By audition only. Choreography will be set for the 2024-25 competitions. 30-minute class once a week. Mini competition team members must also enroll in and attend the full curriculum for their level and must also enroll in Contemporary I. (discounted rate given for Contemporary I for mini-competition team members).
​
​
​
​
Classes We Offer
Children's Ballet
Preballet
An introduction to movement, music, and beginning ballet for ages 3-5 year-old. Class is 45 minutes once a week.
.
​
Level A
These classes are beginning ballet lessons, which help the student transition from Pre-Ballet to a structured ballet class. Recommended for ages 6 and up, this class includes stretch, barre and center, learning positions, combinations, and ballet vocabulary. Curriculum requirements 1.5-hour class once a week. Students performing in the summer workshop add 1/2 hour extra for rehearsal.
​
Level B
Builds on the technique learned in Level A and progresses to more advanced technique and combinations. Full curriculum requirements: 1.5-hour class twice a week. Students performing in the summer workshop add 1/2 hour extra for rehearsal. Offered Thursday & Saturday.
Recommended options: Jazz/Hip Hop, Contemporary I
Level C
Prepares the students for the advanced level classes, building on the technique learned in level B. Includes pre-pointe 3x/week to prepare the students for pointe shoes. Full Curriculum requirements: Ballet technique 3x/week, pre-pointe 3x/week. Total 6 hours a week. Students performing in the summer workshop add 1/2 hour extra per class for rehearsal (7.5 hours/week).
Recommended options: Classical Variations, Character, Choreography, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Musical Theatre, Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
​
Advanced Ballet
Levels D & E
Advanced level ballet lessons, which include stretch, technique, and pre-pointe or pointe. Recommended ages 12 and up. Enrollment with instructor approval only.
​
Full Curriculum
Level D:
​
Ballet technique & Prepointe/Pointe 4x/week, Character 1 hour/week, Stretch & Strengthening 30 minutes/week; total 11.5 hours a week. Students performing in the Summer Workshop attend 1 hour extra per class for rehearsal. Total15.5 hours/week. Performance rehearsals (Nutcracker) are 3 hours extra/week.
Recommended options: Classical Variations, Choreography, Character, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Musical Theatre, Partnering, Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
​
Level E
Ballet technique & Pointe 5x/week, Character 1 hour/week, Stretch & Strengthening 30 minutes/week; total 14.5 hours a week. Students performing in the Summer Workshop attend 1 hour extra per class for rehearsal. Total19 hours/week. Performance rehearsals (Nutcracker) are 3 hours extra/week. Students may choose to takethe Thursday evening Level E intensive as one of their 5 technique & pointe classes.
Recommended options: Classical Variations, Choreography, Character, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Musical Theatre, Partnering, Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
Pre-Professional Program
The pre-professional program is designed for intermediate through advanced level students interested in pursuing a career in professional dance. Enrollment by audition or instructor approval only.
​
Level C:
Ballet technique 3x/week, Pre-Pointe 3x/week, Workshop rehearsal 3x/week & Character: Total 8.5 hours a week
Recommended options: Classical Variations, Choreography, Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Musical Theatre, Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
​
Pre-Professional D & E students curriculum includes the regular D & E full curriculum classes with workshop & performance rehearsals, and Character. Dancers must also enroll in at least 2 of the following classes: Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II, Classical Variations, Choreography, Musical Theatre, Partnering, or Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup. This is a total of 2/2.5 hours/week for 2 classes or 6.5 hours for all classes. These extra classes are discounted for pre-professional students.
​
Level D:
Ballet technique: 4x/week, Prepointe/Pointe 4x/week; Stretch & Strengthening 30 minutes/week; Workshop rehearsal 4x/week, Performance rehearsal 2x/week & Character: Total 18.5 hours a week.
Level E:
Ballet technique: 5x/week, Pointe 5x/week, Stretch & Strengthening 30 minutes/week, Workshop rehearsal 5x/week, Performance rehearsal 2x/week & Character: Total 22 hours a week.
Special Classes
Whether you’re looking to learn new dance moves, hone in on your existing talent, or work on getting in shape these classes are what you are looking for. The instructors are committed to giving each student attention while also moving the class forward. Our dedicated instructors are ready to answer any questions about our classes - simply contact us or stop by.
Adult/Teen Beginning/Intermediate Ballet
A beginning level ballet class, for adults and teens 16 years of age and older. No dance experience required. 1-hour class once a week Pre-pointe option: add 30 minutes class time
Adult Contemporary/Hip Hop
A beginning level combination class of Contemporary & Hip Hop (Alternating weeks) Recommended for adults 18 and over. 1 hour class once a week.
Ballet for Figure Skaters
Ballet class specifically designed for students who are figure skaters. Intermediate level (ages 9-18) class. 1-hour class once a week
Character
This class is for intermediate to advance level dancers, and teaches the stylized representation of movements and styles from traditional and national folk dances, used to provide divertissements for story ballets. This class focuses on Russian and Spanish character dance. Required for Levels D & E and the Pre-Professional Program.
A one-hour class once a week
Choreography
Students will be introduced to beginning choreography skills. Levels C, D & E, or ages 9-18. Other ages with instructor permission.
Classical Variations
Students will learn variations from classical ballets. Levels C, D & E, or ages 9-18. Other ages with instructor permission. Strongly recommended for competition team members.
Contemporary I
A beginning level Contemporary class, open to students in levels B through E. 1 hour class once a week. Strongly recommended for competition team members.
Contemporary/Jazz II
Combination of Contemporary & Jazz. Contemporary is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Open to levels C, D & E, or ages 10 and up, or with instructor permission. 1 1/2-hour class once a week.
Jazz/Hip Hop
A beginning level jazz & Hip-hop class, for students in levels A & B, or ages 6-9. 1-hour class once a week.
​
Level E Intensive/Adult Advanced Ballet
Advanced Ballet class for Level E students or advanced adult students. Includes Pointe/Prepointe. Recommended for level E students, ages 12 and up, or advanced adult students. Instructor permission required.
​
Musical Theatre
Students will learn the dance techniques and acting involved for dancing in a musical. Recommenced for ages 10-18, or levels C, D & E. Other ages with instructor permission. Ballet and/or Jazz experience recommended.
​
Partnering
This course will give students experience in partnering in ballet. Strongly recommended for all level D & E students. Levels D & E only, or ages 10-18. Other ages with instructor permission.
Pointe Shoe Decorating/Specialty Stage Makeup
This course will be 4 weeks of pointe shoe decorating instruction and 4 weeks of instruction in specialty stage makeup. Students will receive pointe shoes to decorate, included in the cost of the class. Decorating supplies will be provided, although students are welcome to bring their own. Decorated shoes will be sold at Nutcracker performances, and the proceeds will benefit our nonprofit, V H Ballet, to support students on scholarships. Shoes for sale can be labeled with the student's name and Nutcracker roles.
​
Teen/Preteen Beginning Ballet
A beginning level ballet class, recommended for preteens ages 10-17. No dance experience required. 1-hour class once a week.
​
Competition Team
Students chosen for the competition team are required to attend a summer competition rehearsal class, along with the full curriculum required for their level. We will compete in a minimum of two to three regional competitions. The Mini-team will participate in a minimum of 1 competition. Dancers who are chosen for the team at auditions will be placed in specific dances or teams by the competition instructor. Solo opportunities will also be assigned by the competition director. Attendance at all rehearsals & competitions is mandatory, beginning with the summer term and each dancer is responsible for their registration and costume fees. Information packet will be emailed to dancers chosen for the team.
Competition Team Rehearsal
For dancers selected for the competition team. By audition only. Choreography will be set for the 2024-25 competitions. 1 hour class once a week. Competition team members must enroll in and attend the full curriculum for their level and are required to also enroll in Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II. (discounted rate given for Contemporary I or Contemporary/Jazz II for competition team members) Team dancers who miss regular classes and/or rehearsals may be required to take extra private lessons, at the discretion of the competition director. Students who are assigned solos must make arrangements for weekly private lessons to rehearse. These private lessons are not part of the student’s regular required curriculum, and payment arrangements must be made directly with the instructor for private lesson fees. Private lesson rates are set by each individual instructor.
Mini Competition Team Rehearsal
For dancers selected for the mini-competition team, ages 5-10. By audition only. Choreography will be set for the 2024-25 competitions. 30-minute class once a week. Mini competition team members must also enroll in and attend the full curriculum for their level and must also enroll in Contemporary I. (discounted rate given for Contemporary I for mini-competition team members).
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