CSU Dance Conservatory - When to begin ballet training -- benefits

Ballet offers the same health benefits as other dance forms and styles. Don't let the slow graceful movement of ballet fool you. Ballet requires physical training and strength to make those moves seem effortless. Ballet is a full body workout. As with many other exercise programs, choosing ballet as your form of consistent exercise can help prevent or lessen the risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and degenerative bone loss. Other benefits of a good ballet training program are more flexibility, muscular strength, better posture, balance, and great body awareness.

Formal ballet training is introduced around the age of 7 or 8. Pre-ballet classes are often offered to dancers between the ages of 4 and 6. The classes, though very carefully planned are loosely organized and simple. Children explore movement which is the key to learning. Our program emphasizes the eight elements of movements: Centering, Gravity, Balance, Posture, Gesture, Rhythm, Breathing, Moving in Space and Breathing. These elements are proven to be the foundation not only in dance but in the development in children physically and emotionally as they grow and are ready for formal and more structured instruction. For girls who desire to pursuit a career in classical dance, a rigorous training with a minimum of 7.5 hours per week is absolutely necessary.

3-Week Summer Sessions

Summer classes are an excellent and highly recommended idea for young dancers to continue their training. This way they will not lose the skills they have gained during the year, but will continue to gain in strength, flexibility, coordination, alignment, balance, and confidence.

Summer training is recommended to all dance students. The Conservatory offers a two week summer intensive on ballet technique, pointe, variations, conditioning, jazz, modern, and lyrical. Master Teachers are invited to share their artistry and knowledge with our dancers. This is a perfect time to enhance and enrich your experience without the pressure of schoolwork!

There are also two 3-week evening sessions to provide ongoing training. Register today!